Applying for a UK Student visa as an Indonesian national involves several requirements that are specific to the UKVI system — most importantly, the need for IELTS UKVI Academic (not standard IELTS Academic) for the visa itself. This guide walks through the complete process, from the English test to biometrics at VFS Global Jakarta.
The Critical IELTS Point First
Many Indonesian students have valid IELTS Academic scores — from university applications, LPDP, or earlier study. If your score is standard IELTS Academic (taken at a British Council or IDP centre in the normal way), it cannot be used for the UK Student visa.
| Purpose | Test Required |
|---|---|
| University admission | IELTS Academic (standard) |
| UK Student visa | IELTS UKVI Academic — a Secure English Language Test (SELT) |
Indonesia is not on the UK's majority English-speaking country exemption list. Indonesian students need a SELT for the student visa, and IELTS UKVI Academic is the most commonly used SELT.
The efficient solution: Take IELTS UKVI Academic from the outset — the content and scoring are identical to standard IELTS Academic. It satisfies both your university's admission requirement AND your visa's SELT requirement. One test, one score, both purposes covered.
Where to take IELTS UKVI Academic in Indonesia:
- British Council Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Bali, Medan, Yogyakarta, Makassar)
- IDP Indonesia (same cities)
- Register at britishcouncil.id or ielts.idp.com — look for "IELTS UKVI Academic" specifically when booking
UK Student Visa Requirements for Indonesian Students
1. IELTS UKVI Score
The UK Home Office sets minimum English levels in CEFR terms:
| Study Level | CEFR | IELTS UKVI Minimum | Per-Skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree (bachelor's, master's, PhD) | B2 | 5.5 overall | No skill below 5.5 |
| Foundation | B2 | 5.5 | No skill below 5.5 |
Your university's admission requirement is always higher than the visa floor (typically 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate at Russell Group universities). If you meet your university's requirement, you exceed the visa minimum. Aim for your university's requirement.
2. CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
The CAS is a 14-digit reference number your UK university issues through the UKVI system after you accept a formal offer. You cannot apply for the visa without it.
When universities issue CAS: Typically 6–12 weeks before the programme start date. Universities cannot issue CAS more than 6 months before the programme start date (this also means you cannot apply for the visa more than 6 months in advance).
3. Financial Evidence
You must show you can cover:
| Cost | Amount Required |
|---|---|
| First-year tuition | As stated on your CAS |
| Living costs — London | £1,334/month × up to 9 months = £12,006 |
| Living costs — outside London | £1,023/month × up to 9 months = £9,207 |
The 28-day rule: Funds must have been in your bank account for a continuous 28-day period ending within 31 days of your visa application date. A recently deposited lump sum without history in the account will be questioned.
Acceptable financial evidence:
- Official bank statement(s) showing the 28-day continuous balance
- Official letter from bank confirming balance held
- Scholarship award letter (LPDP or Chevening letter replaces financial evidence entirely)
- Loan letter from official financial institution
Currency: IDR amounts on Indonesian bank statements are accepted — conversion at the date of the statement. Ensure the converted amount meets the GBP requirement at prevailing rates.
4. IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
The IHS is paid upfront as part of the online visa application — it is not optional.
| Rate | Amount |
|---|---|
| IHS per year of visa (standard) | £776/year |
| Example: 1-year master's + buffer | ~£1,000–1,200 total |
| Example: 3-year PhD | ~£2,500–3,000 total |
IHS gives you access to NHS services in the UK during your stay — you use the NHS like a UK resident without paying per visit.
5. Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Indonesian nationals are required to complete a tuberculosis test for UK visa applications longer than 6 months (which includes all student visas). This must be done at a UKVI-approved clinic in Indonesia — not a general hospital.
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Find an approved clinic | Check the current list at gov.uk/tb-test-visa — approved clinics are in Jakarta (multiple) and other major cities |
| Book the test | Appointments are needed; walk-in not always available |
| Processing | Approximately 2–3 days for results |
| Certificate validity | 6 months |
Book the TB test early — it must be submitted with your visa application, and the certificate is only valid for 6 months. If your visa application is delayed and the certificate expires, you will need to retest.
The Application Process Step by Step
Step 1: Receive Your CAS
Wait for the 14-digit CAS reference from your UK university. The CAS also contains your course start date, tuition fee, and sponsor details.
Step 2: Complete the TB Test
Book and complete your TB test at an approved clinic in Indonesia. Receive your certificate (typically a chest X-ray report with radiologist sign-off confirming no evidence of active TB).
Step 3: Complete the Online Visa Application
Go to gov.uk/student-visa:
- Create a UK Visas and Immigration account
- Fill in the online application form (your personal details, CAS reference, financial details, travel history)
- Upload supporting documents (or bring to VFS appointment)
- Pay the visa fee (£490) and IHS online
Step 4: Book Biometrics at VFS Global Jakarta
After completing the online payment, book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global UK Visa Application Centre in Jakarta (or Surabaya — check current VFS locations).
VFS Global handles UK visa applications for Indonesia — they:
- Take your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)
- Collect your documents (passport + supporting documents)
- Forward everything to UK Home Affairs for processing
VFS appointment: Book at vfsglobal.com/gbr/id — Jakarta is the main centre.
Documents to bring to VFS:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport (original) | Submitted to VFS — you will not have it for the processing period |
| IELTS UKVI Academic TRF | Original Test Report Form — photocopies not accepted |
| CAS reference number | Your university provides this |
| Financial evidence | Original bank statements and/or scholarship letter |
| TB test certificate | Original |
| Passport photos | Per VFS specification |
| Application print-out | Confirmation of completed online application |
Step 5: Receive Passport and Visa Decision
Processing time from VFS biometrics: typically 3–8 weeks. Priority processing (additional fee) reduces to approximately 5 business days. Do not book non-refundable flights before receiving your visa decision.
Timeline for Indonesian Students Applying to UK
| Milestone | Timing Before Course Start |
|---|---|
| Sit IELTS UKVI Academic | 4–6 months before |
| Receive UK university offer | 3–6 months before |
| Receive CAS from university | 6–8 weeks before |
| Complete TB test | 6–8 weeks before (certificate valid 6 months) |
| Submit online application + biometrics at VFS | 4–8 weeks before |
| Receive visa decision | 3–8 weeks after biometrics |
| Travel to UK | Up to 1 week before course start |
Bringing Dependants
Indonesian students on Subclass 500... wait, this is a UK article. Indonesian students on UK Student visa may bring dependants (spouse/civil partner and children under 18) if they are:
- Studying at postgraduate level (master's or PhD)
- Sponsored by a Chevening, British Council, or FCDO scholarship, or are a government-sponsored student
Dependants need their own visa application, and you need to show additional financial evidence (approximately £680/month per dependant beyond London living costs calculation).
Graduate Route Visa — Post-Study Work in the UK
After completing your UK degree at a licensed Student Sponsor:
| Qualification | Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's or master's | 2 years |
| PhD | 3 years |
Apply from within the UK before your student visa expires — no job offer needed. Full working rights in any sector. This is particularly valuable for Indonesian students who want to gain UK work experience before returning home, as it provides 2–3 years to build professional networks and experience.
Prepare for IELTS UKVI with Gabble — IELTS UKVI Academic uses exactly the same format and scoring as standard IELTS Academic. Practice Speaking and Writing with instant band scores so you reach the university admission threshold (typically 6.5–7.0) that also clears the UK visa's SELT requirement — and the Chevening minimum of 6.5 (no band below 6.0) if you're applying for that scholarship simultaneously.