How to move to the UK as a student from India
India sends more students to UK universities than almost any other country, so the route is well trodden. If you want to move to the UK as a student from India, you will need an offer from a licensed university, a Student visa, proof of funds held for 28 days, a TB test and a plan for getting your belongings across.
This guide takes you through each step with current 2026 costs in both pounds and rupees, what to pack and what to ship, and the customs rules for Indian food items.
| £558 Student visa (around ₹70,000) |
£776 a year IHS (around ₹97,000) |
4 to 8 weeks sea freight from India |
from £180 one suitcase by sea |
Checked October 2026. Visa fees and funds come from GOV.UK and UKVI guidance. Rupee figures use a rate of around £1 = ₹125 (mid October 2026) and will change. Shipping prices are indicative “from” figures, confirmed when you book.
Step by step: how to move to the UK as a student from India
- Shortlist courses and universities, ideally 12 to 18 months before your start date.
- Apply through UCAS for undergraduate study, or direct to the university for postgraduate study.
- Take an approved English language test such as IELTS for UKVI if your university requires one.
- Accept an unconditional offer and pay any tuition deposit.
- Move your funds into the right account and keep them there for at least 28 consecutive days.
- Book a TB test at an approved clinic in India.
- Receive your CAS from the university.
- Apply for your Student visa online on GOV.UK and pay the fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Attend your biometrics appointment at a VFS Global visa application centre.
- Arrange accommodation, flights and shipping for your belongings.
For a full overview of courses, costs and the Graduate route, read our pillar guide to how to study in the UK.
UK Student visa costs in INR and GBP
| Cost | GBP | Approximate INR |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa application (from 8 April 2026) | £558 | ₹70,000 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge, per year | £776 | ₹97,000 |
| IHS for a typical one year master’s (around 16 months of visa) | £1,164 | ₹1.46 lakh |
| TB test | Paid in India | Check the approved clinic |
| Priority visa service (optional) | Extra fee | Check GOV.UK |
You pay the visa fee and IHS together when you submit your online application. Decisions usually arrive within three weeks of your biometrics appointment.
How much money you need to show
UKVI asks you to show your first year’s tuition (minus any deposit paid) plus living costs for up to nine months.
| Living costs | Per month | Maximum (9 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Studying in London | £1,529 (around ₹1.91 lakh) | £13,761 (around ₹17.2 lakh) |
| Studying outside London | £1,171 (around ₹1.46 lakh) | £10,539 (around ₹13.2 lakh) |
- Funds can be in your own account or your parents’ account, with your birth certificate and a consent letter.
- Education loans from nationalised banks and approved NBFCs are accepted with a sanction letter.
- Fixed deposits are accepted if you can access them.
- Your statement closing date must be within 31 days of your application.
Because of currency movement, keep a buffer above the minimum so a weaker rupee does not take your balance below the threshold during the 28 days.
Documents checklist
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must have a blank page; your eVisa will be linked to it |
| CAS reference number | Issued by your university |
| Proof of funds | Bank statements, loan letter or fixed deposit certificate |
| TB test certificate | From an approved clinic, valid for six months |
| English language evidence | SELT result or as stated on your CAS |
| Academic transcripts | Those listed on your CAS |
| ATAS certificate | Only for certain science and technology subjects |
| Parental consent and birth certificate | If you use your parents’ funds |
UKVI may invite you to a short credibility interview. Prepare with our guide to UK student visa interview questions.
This is general guidance and not legal advice. Always check GOV.UK and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) before you apply, as fees and rules can change at short notice.
Tuition and living costs
Most Indian students choose a one year master’s, which keeps total costs lower than a three year degree.
| Level | Typical annual tuition | Approximate INR |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | £12,000 to £25,000 | ₹15 lakh to ₹31 lakh |
| Postgraduate taught | £14,000 to £35,000 | ₹17.5 lakh to ₹44 lakh |
| MBA | £30,000 or more | ₹37.5 lakh or more |
Many UK cities have large Indian communities, Indian grocers and temples, gurdwaras and mosques, which makes settling in easier. Cities such as Leicester, Birmingham and Manchester are often cheaper than London.
What to pack and what to ship from India
Two 23kg checked bags rarely hold a full year of clothes, bedding and study kit. Fly with the essentials and ship the rest.
| Fly with you | Ship ahead |
|---|---|
| Passport, CAS, offer letter and financial documents | Winter coats, jumpers and thermal layers |
| Laptop, phone and chargers | Bedding, towels and a favourite pillow |
| Prescription medicines with a doctor’s letter | Textbooks and reference books |
| A few days of clothes | Pressure cooker, tawa and kitchen basics |
| Some cash in pounds | Traditional clothes for festivals and events |
UK sockets use three pin plugs, so bring an adapter or two. For a fuller list, read what students should and should not ship to the UK.
Indian food items and UK customs
The UK has strict rules on food from outside the EU. Meat and dairy products are generally banned in personal imports, and that includes ghee, paneer and milk sweets.
| Item | Usually allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry spices and masala blends | Usually yes | Commercially packed and sealed |
| Tea and coffee | Usually yes | Sealed packs |
| Rice, dal and flour | Usually yes, in small personal quantities | Large quantities may be questioned |
| Packaged snacks and namkeen | Usually yes | Avoid any containing meat or dairy |
| Pickles | Vegetable pickles usually yes | Meat or fish pickles are not allowed |
| Ghee, paneer, khoa and milk sweets | No | Dairy products are restricted |
| Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds and plants | Restricted | Often need a certificate or are banned |
Most Indian ingredients are easy to buy in UK supermarkets and Indian grocers, so ship only small favourites. Check “Bringing food into Great Britain” on GOV.UK before you pack.
This is general guidance and not legal advice.
Shipping your belongings from India to the UK
Anglo Pacific’s student shipping service works in reverse through partner agents in India, so your boxes can be collected from your family home and delivered to your halls or flat in the UK.
| Shipment | Sea freight from | Air freight from | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 23kg suitcase | around £180 (₹22,500) | around £320 (₹40,000) | Sea 4 to 8 weeks; air 5 to 10 days |
| Three to five boxes (around 0.5 cubic metres) | around £290 (₹36,000) | Quoted on request | Sea 4 to 8 weeks |
| Small flat contents (around 1 cubic metre) | around £550 (₹69,000) | Quoted on request | Sea 4 to 8 weeks |
Compare that with airline excess fees of £60 to £120 per bag per leg, and more at the check-in desk. Book sea freight 4 to 8 weeks before term.
Customs relief for students
Students on a UK study visa may claim relief from duty and VAT on used personal belongings, usually through a Transfer of Residence (ToR1) application on GOV.UK. Anglo Pacific prepares the customs paperwork with you and confirms whether relief applies when you get your quote. New items, gifts and food may still be charged or checked.
Pros and cons of shipping vs flying with excess bags
| Shipping | Airline excess bags |
|---|---|
| Cheaper for two or more extra bags | Simple for one extra bag |
| Collection from home in India | You carry everything through the airport |
| No per bag weight limit, only around 30kg per box | Strict 23kg or 32kg limits per bag |
| Needs 4 to 8 weeks for sea freight | Arrives with you |
Pack for your first week, ship for your first year, and keep your visa documents in your hand luggage.
Ten tips for Indian students moving to the UK
- Start your funds’ 28 day clock early and keep a buffer for exchange rate changes.
- Book your TB test as soon as you have a CAS date in sight.
- Apply for your visa as soon as you receive your CAS.
- Link your eVisa to the passport you will travel on.
- Use a specialist provider for large transfers; Anglo Pacific partners with Halo Financial. This is general information, not financial advice.
- Ship winter clothes by sea, as UK winters are cold and wet.
- Leave ghee and sweets at home and buy them in the UK.
- Keep a box by box inventory for customs.
- Apply for a 16-25 Railcard after you arrive.
- Plan your return shipment before your visa ends.
Frequently asked questions
1. How much does it cost to move to the UK as a student from India?
Budget £558 (around ₹70,000) for the visa, £776 a year (around ₹97,000) for the IHS, tuition of £12,000 to £35,000 and living costs of £1,171 to £1,529 a month.
2. How much bank balance do I need for a UK Student visa from India?
Your first year’s unpaid tuition plus up to £13,761 for London or £10,539 elsewhere, held for 28 days.
3. Do Indian students need a TB test for the UK?
Yes. You need a TB certificate from an approved clinic in India if you are coming for more than six months.
4. How long does a UK Student visa take from India?
Usually up to three weeks after your biometrics appointment. Priority services may be available for an extra fee.
5. Can I take my family?
Only if you are on a research based postgraduate course such as a PhD, or on a government sponsored course longer than six months.
6. Can I bring Indian spices to the UK?
Yes, commercially packed dry spices are usually allowed. Dairy items such as ghee and paneer are not.
7. Is it cheaper to ship or pay excess baggage from India?
For two or more extra bags, shipping is usually cheaper, from around £180 for a suitcase by sea.
8. How long does sea freight from India to the UK take?
Around 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the port and customs clearance.
9. Do I pay duty on belongings I ship from India?
Students on a study visa may claim relief on used personal belongings. Anglo Pacific confirms this when quoting.
10. Can I ship my things back to India after my course?
Yes. Anglo Pacific runs removals to India and baggage shipping to India from any UK address.
Ready to ship your belongings to the UK?
Get a fixed quote for student shipping from India to your UK halls, see our shipping boxes guide, or request a quote online. Call 020 8965 1234 or book a free video survey through the Anglo Pacific app. For the bigger picture, read study in the UK: everything you need to know.
