CAS, maintenance funds, IELTS requirements, real costs in Rs., Graduate Route post-study work visa, and the honest truth about what changed in 2026.
Updated 19 Sep 2026: HC 584 maintenance increase verified. The UK remains one of the most popular study destinations for Kerala students. World-ranked universities, a two-year post-study work visa, and a clear pathway to permanent residence through the Skilled Worker route make it genuinely attractive.
But Sept 2026 brings critical changes — Home Office HC 584 (3 Sep 2026) increases maintenance to £1,570 London / £1,203 outside London from 30 Nov 2026, and Graduate Route reduces to 18 months from Jan 2027. If your family is using 2025 figures (£1,136 outside London), this guide has the verified Sept 2026 figures.
This is the honest, complete picture. No sugarcoating.
Before you can apply for a UK student visa, you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — a unique reference number issued by your UK university. Without a CAS, there is no visa application.
Most UK universities require proof of English proficiency for international students. The most widely accepted tests:
| Test | Minimum Score (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.0 – 6.5 (varies by university) | Most widely accepted. Russell Group universities often require 6.5-7.0. |
| PTE Academic | 51-65 (varies) | Computer-based, faster results (48 hours) |
| TOEFL iBT | 72-90 (varies) | Accepted by most UK universities |
| OET | Grade B in all sections | For healthcare students specifically |
| Duolingo English Test | 105-120 (varies) | Now accepted by many UK universities — much cheaper option |
Kerala students generally have strong English foundations from school. Most find IELTS 6.0-6.5 achievable with 2-3 months of focused preparation. For nursing courses specifically, check if your university accepts OET — many Kerala nurses find it more manageable than IELTS Academic.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | Issued by your UK university. Mandatory. Apply for visa within 6 months of CAS issue date. |
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for duration of course. At least one blank page. |
| Proof of Funds | Bank statements showing required maintenance funds held for 28 consecutive days (see below) |
| English Language Proof | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/OET results meeting university requirement |
| TB Test Certificate | Mandatory for Indian residents. Must be from a UKVI-approved clinic. Valid for 6 months. |
| Academic Transcripts | Original certificates as listed on your CAS |
| ATAS Certificate | Required for specific sensitive STEM subjects at postgraduate level only |
| Parental Consent | Required if under 18 years of age |
This is where many Kerala families get caught unprepared. You must show you have enough money to cover your first year's tuition fees PLUS living costs for up to 9 months. These funds must be in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply.
Home Office Statement of Changes HC 584 published 3 Sep 2026: Maintenance rises £41/month London (£1,529 → £1,570) and £32/month outside London (£1,171 → £1,203) from 30 Nov 2026. For Kerala families applying after this date, show £14,130 London or £10,827 outside London for 9 months + tuition.
Source: gov.uk HC 584, UKCISA Sept 2026. Funds must still be held 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of application.
The 28-day rule means the money must be continuously in the account for 28 days before your visa application date. If you move money in and out — even briefly — the clock resets. Many Kerala visa rejections happen because families misunderstand this rule.
You also need to show first year tuition fees in addition to maintenance. Example from 30 Nov 2026: tuition £20,000 + maintenance £10,827 (outside London) = £30,827 (~Rs.33 Lakh) for 28 days. London: £20,000 + £14,130 = £34,130 (~Rs.36.5 Lakh). Plan early — 28-day clock resets if money moves out even briefly.
| Item | Cost (£) | Cost (Rs. approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa application fee (from April 2026) | £558 | ~Rs.59,700 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per year | £776/year | ~Rs.83,000/year |
| TB Test (UKVI approved clinic) | £75-100 | ~Rs.8,000-10,700 |
| Biometrics / VFS Global fee | £19.86 | ~Rs.2,125 |
| Tuition fees (undergraduate, per year) | £15,000-25,000 | ~Rs.16-26.7 Lakh/year |
| Tuition fees (postgraduate, per year) | £15,000-35,000 | ~Rs.16-37.4 Lakh/year |
| Living costs (outside London, per year) | £12,000-15,000 | ~Rs.12.8-16 Lakh/year |
| Living costs (London, per year) | £15,000-20,000 | ~Rs.16-21.4 Lakh/year |
| Total Year 1 estimate (outside London PG) | £28,000-52,000 | ~Rs.30-55 Lakh |
UK student visa allows you to work 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. At UK minimum wage of around £12.21/hour (2026), 20 hours per week brings in roughly £975/month (~Rs.1 Lakh) — meaningful contribution to living costs. Many Kerala students work in retail, hospitality, and care sectors.
This is the most important thing for Kerala students to understand — and it is changing.
| Degree Level | Current (2026 graduates) | From 2027 (new entrants) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 2 years post-study work | 18 months post-study work |
| Master's Degree | 2 years post-study work | 18 months post-study work |
| PhD | 3 years post-study work | 3 years (unchanged) |
A student starting in September 2026 and graduating in 2027 will fall under the NEW 18-month rule. A student who started in 2025 and graduates before the cutoff gets the full 2 years. If you are planning to start in 2026 — factor 18 months post-study into your planning, not 2 years.
Student visa (3-4 years) + Graduate Route (1.5 years) + Skilled Worker (5 years) + ILR (1 year to citizenship) = approximately 10-11 years from arrival to British citizenship. This is achievable but requires sustained commitment and planning at every stage.
UK universities are broadly categorised as:
Some universities actively recruit Kerala students with easy admission offers. Before committing Rs.50+ Lakh to a UK degree, verify: Is the university on the UK's recognised bodies list? What are the graduate employment rates? Is the course professionally accredited (nursing by NMC, engineering by IMechE etc.)? A degree from a poorly ranked university with low employment outcomes is not worth Rs.50 Lakh of family money.
| Course Type | Duration | Total Rs. estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year Master's (outside London) | 1 year | Rs.30-45 Lakh total |
| 3-year Bachelor's (outside London) | 3 years | Rs.80-120 Lakh total |
| 3-year Nursing BSc (outside London) | 3 years | Rs.70-100 Lakh total |
| 1-year MBA (outside London) | 1 year | Rs.40-60 Lakh total |
| Note: Part-time work income (~Rs.1 Lakh/month) can offset living costs significantly | ||
The UK is genuinely a strong study destination for Kerala students — especially in healthcare, IT, and engineering where graduate employment is strong and the Skilled Worker pathway to permanent residence is well-established.
The most important things to remember:
Venad Global Consultancy offers career pathway guidance for Kerala students and families planning UK education. First consultation is always free. WhatsApp us directly or see our services.