UK Student Visa: Intakes, IELTS/UKVI & Costs

Planning to study in the UK involves coordinating several moving parts — your university offer, English test, finances, and visa timeline — and getting the sequence right matters as much as getting each piece right individually.

UK intakes and when to start your visa process

UK universities typically run September/October as the main intake, with a smaller January intake at many institutions. Once your university confirms your offer and you’ve paid your deposit, they issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) — usually a few months before your course start date. You cannot apply for your Student visa before you have your CAS, so the realistic visa timeline starts there.

IELTS for UKVI — do you need it?

Most CAS letters will specify whether you need to prove English proficiency, and if so, whether it must be a Secure English Language Test like IELTS for UKVI specifically, or whether your university’s own English test is acceptable. Some universities waive this requirement if your prior education was conducted in English. Check your specific CAS requirement before booking any test — booking the wrong test type is a completely avoidable delay.

The financial requirement — and its strict 28-day rule

You need to show funds covering your remaining tuition fees plus a fixed monthly maintenance amount (higher for courses in London, lower outside it), and — critically — this money must sit in the required account type for a continuous 28-day period, ending no more than 31 days before you apply. If the balance dips below the required amount at any point during that window, even briefly, the 28-day clock restarts. This single rule causes more delays than almost anything else in the UK student visa process, and it’s entirely within your control to plan around.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Paid as part of your online application, the IHS gives you access to the NHS during your stay. It’s calculated based on your course length, so budget for it alongside your tuition and living costs.

Rough cost overview

Beyond tuition, budget for: the visa application fee (£490 approx. for courses over 6 months), the IHS surcharge, IELTS for UKVI if required, and your maintenance funds (which you need to show, though this money travels with you rather than being a separate “cost”).

Putting the sequence together

1. Secure your university offer and pay any deposit
2. Receive your CAS
3. Book and take IELTS for UKVI, if required, well before applying
4. Begin the 28-day fund-holding period once your finances are ready
5. Pay the IHS and submit your online application
6. Complete biometrics at VFS Global Kochi

Planning UK studies for this year’s intake? WhatsApp us once you have your CAS, or read our full UK Student Visa guide.