Every country has its own student visa, with different fees, proof of funds, English rules and post-study work options. Indian students often apply to two or three countries at once, so it helps to compare the visas side by side. This hub compares student visas for the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Germany for 2027 intakes, using the current official rates and rules, with links to our detailed guide for each, checked on 29 October 2026.
- GOV.UK lists the UK Student visa fee at 558 pounds
- The US F-1 visa fee is 185 dollars plus the 350 dollar SEVIS fee
- Canada charges 150 Canadian dollars plus 85 for biometrics and needs 23,448 dollars for living costs
- Australia's Student visa fee is 2,500 Australian dollars from 1 July 2026
- Germany's national visa costs 75 euros.
What Is a Student Visa and When Do You Need One?
A student visa is permission from a country's government to enter and stay there for full-time study. Indian students need one for degree courses in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Germany. You usually apply after a university accepts you, using the acceptance document that country requires, such as a CAS, I-20 or CoE.
Short courses sometimes use visitor visas instead, but for a full bachelor's or master's degree you need the proper student visa. Applying on the wrong visa can lead to refusal or problems at the border.
How Do Student Visas Compare Across the Top 5 Countries?
The UK and Germany have the lowest visa fees, but the UK adds a yearly health surcharge. The USA charges a visa fee plus a SEVIS fee. Canada and Australia ask you to show large living-cost funds. Post-study work ranges from 18 months in the UK for applications from 2027 to up to three years in Canada.
| Country (current rates for 2027 intakes) | Visa fee | Living funds to show | Post-study work |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (Student visa) | 558 pounds plus 776 pounds a year health surcharge | 1,529 pounds a month in London, 1,171 elsewhere, up to 9 months | Graduate visa: 2 years if applied by 31 Dec 2026, 18 months from 2027 |
| USA (F-1) | 185 dollars plus 350 dollar SEVIS fee | Amount on your I-20, set by your university | OPT 12 months, plus 24 months for STEM |
| Canada (study permit) | 150 Canadian dollars plus 85 biometrics | 23,448 Canadian dollars plus tuition and travel | PGWP up to 3 years |
| Australia (subclass 500) | 2,500 Australian dollars (from 1 July 2026) | 29,710 Australian dollars a year (guides quoting Home Affairs) | Temporary Graduate visa, usually 2 to 3 years |
| Germany (national visa) | 75 euros | Blocked account of 11,904 euros a year | 18-month permit to look for work |
Fees and funds change often, so check each official site before you apply. Also budget for tuition, flights, health insurance and the cost of documents such as translations and medical tests.
How Does the UK Student Visa Work?
You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a licensed university, proof of funds held for 28 days, and English at the required level. GOV.UK lists the fee at 558 pounds, plus the immigration health surcharge. You can apply up to six months before your course starts if you are outside the UK.
How Does the US F-1 Student Visa Work?
You need an I-20 from a SEVP-certified school, then you pay the 350 dollar SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 form, pay the 185 dollar visa fee and attend an interview. Student visas can be issued up to 365 days before your program starts, but you can enter the US only 30 days before.
Since June 2025 the US State Department has carried out expanded online-presence vetting of student visa applicants, so keep your social media accounts consistent with your application. Our F-1 guides cover documents, interview questions and the latest rules.
US F-1 Visa Interview 2026: Vetting Rules to ExpectRead →How Does the Canada Study Permit Work?
You need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, usually a Provincial Attestation Letter, and proof of 23,448 Canadian dollars for living costs plus tuition and travel. Master's and doctoral students are exempt from the attestation letter from 1 January 2026. The fee is 150 Canadian dollars plus biometrics.
How Does the Australia Student Visa Work?
You need a Confirmation of Enrolment, Overseas Student Health Cover for your whole stay, proof of funds and a Genuine Student statement. The visa fee is 2,500 Australian dollars from 1 July 2026. From 2 October 2026, most applicants must apply from outside Australia, according to Home Affairs.
How Does the Germany Student Visa Work?
Indian students need an admission letter, an APS certificate, proof of funds, usually through a blocked account, and health insurance before applying for a national visa for study. The visa fee is 75 euros. After arrival you register your address and apply for a residence permit at the local foreigners' office.
Which Documents Do Most Student Visas Need?
Most countries ask for a valid passport, an acceptance document from your university, proof of funds for tuition and living costs, proof of English, academic records and visa fee payment. Many also ask for a statement of purpose, health insurance, a medical or TB test, biometrics and, for the USA, an interview.
- Passport valid for your whole stay
- University acceptance: CAS (UK), I-20 (USA), letter of acceptance and PAL (Canada), CoE (Australia), admission letter and APS (Germany)
- Proof of funds in the required form
- English test result where needed
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Health insurance or surcharge payment
- Medical or TB test where required
How Long Do Student Visas Take to Process?
Times vary by country and season. GOV.UK says a UK Student visa decision usually takes about three weeks from outside the UK. For the USA, the wait for an interview appointment is often the longest step. Canada, Australia and Germany publish their own processing times, which change through the year.
Apply as soon as you have your acceptance document and funds, especially for September intakes, when demand peaks. Check the official processing-time pages for Canada and Australia, and the appointment availability for the USA and Germany, before you book flights.
How Many Hours Can You Work on a Student Visa?
Work rules differ by country. UK degree students can usually work 20 hours a week in term. US F-1 students can mainly work on campus. Canada allows 24 hours a week off campus in term. Australia allows 48 hours a fortnight. Germany allows 140 full or 280 half days a year.
| Country (current rules, 2027 intakes) | Work during studies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Usually up to 20 hours a week in term for degree-level study | UKCISA |
| USA | Mainly on-campus work during studies; CPT and OPT for training | USCIS and SEVP |
| Canada | Up to 24 hours a week off campus in term | IRCC |
| Australia | Up to 48 hours a fortnight in term | Home Affairs |
| Germany | 140 full days or 280 half days a year; up to 20 hours a week in semester | German universities |
When Should You Apply for a Student Visa?
Apply as soon as you have your acceptance document and funds ready. GOV.UK allows UK applications up to six months before your course. US student visas can be issued up to 365 days before your start date. For Canada, Australia and Germany, apply once you hold your acceptance and supporting documents.
Plan backwards from your course start date and leave time for funds evidence, which some countries need held for a set period, and for medical tests or APS verification. Starting early also gives you time to respond if officers ask for more documents.
Can Your Family Come With You on a Student Visa?
It depends on the country and your course. GOV.UK says most UK taught master's students starting from January 2024 cannot bring dependants, while PhD and research students can. Canada, Australia, the USA and Germany have their own rules, usually requiring extra funds for each family member. Check before you choose a course.
What Is the Difference Between a Study Visa and a Study Permit?
Some countries use two separate documents. In Canada, the study permit lets you study, while a visitor visa or electronic travel authorisation lets you enter. In Germany, the national visa lets you enter, and you then apply for a residence permit for study after arrival. In the UK you receive an eVisa.
Keep every document valid for your whole course. If your course runs longer than planned, extend your permit or visa before it expires, because studying or working on an expired document can affect future applications.
What About Student Visas for Ireland and New Zealand?
Ireland and New Zealand are popular alternatives with their own student visa rules, proof of funds and post-study work options. Both ask for an offer from a recognised institution, funds for living costs and tuition, and health insurance. Our detailed guides explain the current requirements for each country.
How Do You Choose Which Student Visa to Apply For?
Choose the country first, based on your course, budget and career plan, and then follow that country's visa process. Compare total cost, including visa fees, funds and health cover, the post-study work you need, and how quickly you must apply. Do not choose a country only because its visa looks easier.
Many Indian students apply to universities in two countries and decide after offers arrive. That works, but start the visa paperwork early, because funds evidence often has to be held for weeks or months before you apply, and appointment slots fill up in peak season.
What Mistakes Cause Student Visa Refusals?
Common reasons across countries are weak or unexplained funds, a study plan that does not match your background, doubts that you will follow visa rules or leave when required, missing documents and inconsistent details. Large deposits shortly before applying, generic statements and different answers in forms and interviews are frequent problems.
Keep copies of every document you submit and every receipt you pay. If a visa is refused, you will usually be told the main reasons, and you can reapply with stronger evidence. Declare any earlier refusal honestly on later applications to any country, because hiding one is treated far more seriously than the refusal itself.
Prepare one consistent story about why you chose your course, country and university, how you will pay, and what you will do afterwards. Keep every document consistent with your application forms, and apply early so you can respond if officers ask for more information.
Why Canadian Study Permits Get Refused and How to Avoid ItRead →New Zealand Student Visa 2026: Funds, Work Rights, Post-StudyRead →Which Student Visa Guide Should You Read Next?
Once you have chosen a country, read our detailed guide for it: the UK study guide, the F-1 visa and interview guides for the USA, the Canada study visa and proof of funds guides, the Australia proof of funds guide and the Germany student visa guide. Each covers documents, fees and common mistakes in more depth.
Rules change often, so treat this guide as a starting point and check each official site before you apply. Keep copies of everything you submit, and never use false documents, because misrepresentation can lead to long bans.