Medical Requirements for UK Student Visa For Indian Students

If you are planning to study in the UK, fulfilling the medical requirements for a UK student visa is a critical part of the application process. These health checks are essential to ensure the safety of both the applicant and the public. The UK has successfully controlled many infectious diseases, though tuberculosis (TB) remains a concern.

TB cases are significantly higher in countries like India, which is why the UK requires certain medical tests for student visa applicants from high-risk regions. In this blog, we will guide you through all the important medical requirements for a UK student visa and explain what you need to know to meet them successfully.

Medical Test Required for a UK Student Visa

The only medical test an Indian student needs to take for a UK student visa is a TB test. A TB test is required if all of the criteria below are met:

1. You are an Indian national (because in India, TB is common)
2. You intend to stay in the UK for 6 months or more
3. You were living in India or any other country listed by the UK as a TB-prone region in the last 6 months.

A medical test is mandatory for Indian nationals. There is no way around it. Anyone with TB is not permitted to enter the UK.

Preparations Needed for the Medical Test

As per the medical requirements stated for a UK student visa, no preparation is needed. However, you must be aware of your medical history. If the doctor asks you for a previous history, you must provide the same. If you had TB in the past, you may have to disclose it.

Medical Requirements for UK Student Visa for Exceptional Cases

The medical requirements for a UK student visa are different for those who fall under the exceptional categories, that is, children and pregnant women. These are explained in detail below:

Children 

Children below the age of 11 do not have to take a TB test. However, they will have to visit an approved clinic with their guardian or parent and complete the health questionnaire. If the clinician decides your child does not have TB, a TB certificate is issued.

Pregnant Women

A pregnant woman has to take a TB test. However, she has the option to choose how to take the test. These options are:

1. Choose to have an X-ray with an extra shield (2nd and 3rd trimester)
2. A  sputum test (However, there can be extra charges and wait times for 8 weeks!)
3. Wait till the delivery and then take the TB test.

Also Read: UK Student Visa Appointment: Step-wise Guide

Tuberculosis Testing 

As part of the UK student visa process, applicants are required to undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test. This typically involves a chest X-ray to detect any signs of TB. In cases where the X-ray results are inconclusive, you may also be asked to provide sputum samples. Failing to complete this medical test will result in the visa application being denied.

It is important to note that only medical certificates from UK Embassy-approved clinics or hospitals are accepted. You can book an appointment at any of these approved centres, which are available in major cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, and Lucknow. Be sure to inform the clinic that the X-ray is being conducted specifically for your UK visa application.

How Many Hours Will It Take For a TB Test?

A chest X-ray for TB testing is a very quick procedure. It will only take 20 minutes to complete. 

However, the time you get the test results can vary. Sputum test results can take up to 12 weeks. Normal chest X-ray results are available within 1 to 2 days.

List of Hospitals for TB Testing In India for UK Visa

As per the medical requirements for a UK student visa, you must take a TB test. You can take the TB test from an authorised medical clinic or hospital in India. Ensure that you are choosing a destination near your location. Here we have listed the popular authorised centres and their contanct details:

S.No	Hospital/Clinic Name	City/State	Address	Contact
1	Elim Visa Medical Centre	Bangalore, Karnataka	60/1 Cunningham Road, Bangalore 560052	080 2286 8700
2	Max Super Speciality Hospital	Bathinda, Punjab	Near District Civil Hospital, Mansa Road, Bathinda 151001	0164 521 2000
3	Apollo Hospitals	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	36/2 Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Kotturpuram, Chennai 600085	044 40401066
4	Indraprastha Apollo Hospital	New Delhi, Delhi	Mathura Rd, New Delhi, Delhi 110076	011 7179 1090
5	Clinical Diagnostic Centre	Mumbai, Maharashtra	Mahila Vikas Mandal, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021	+91 2222 866100

Fees for Medical Test for a UK Student Visa

You have to pay for the TB test in addition to the visa application fee. The fee charged depends on the clinic or hospital. On average, the fee charged is between INR 1800 to INR 2200 per test. The exact fee depends on the clinic or hospital.

TB Test Results 

The status of the UK student visa hangs in the balance when the medical test results are not declared. Based on your results, your visa application can be rejected or approved.

Negative Result

If the test shows no signs of TB, the clinic or hospital will issue a medical certificate. This certificate must be submitted along with your visa application and is valid for six months. Carrying this certificate is essential when travelling to the UK, as failure to present it may delay your entry.

Positive Result

If your chest X-ray is inconclusive, a sputum test may be required. In the case of a TB diagnosis, you will not receive a medical certificate. Instead, you will be referred for treatment and provided with a TB treatment referral letter. After completing the treatment, you can retake the TB test at any embassy-approved clinic or hospital before reapplying for your UK student visa.

Is a TB Test Painful?

The medical requirements for a UK student visa are only a TB test. This test is often a Chest X-ray, and chest X-rays are not painful. An X-ray does not cause any pain to anyone because there is no physical contact, and it is a quick procedure. The radiation is also very low. Hence, you can safely take this test. 

When to Submit TB Test for UK visa?

A tuberculosis test is a mandatory medical test for any Indian student going to the UK for more than 6 months. The tuberculosis test results should be included along with your visa application. You must have the TB test certificate along with your documents to your nearest visa application centre. Thereafter, you are required to submit your biometric information and attend the visa interview process. Those who clear the visa interview and are given the UK student visa.

Next Steps 

The next steps for a UK student Visa application is the submission of biometric information, and attending the visa interview. If your track record is clean, you have no TB, and you clear the interview, a visa is issued.

Biometric Information

Submitting your biometric information is a compulsory step for obtaining a UK student visa. In addition to undergoing TB testing, applicants must provide their fingerprints and facial photograph as part of the visa application process. The UK Embassy will not process any visa applications until biometric information has been submitted.

You can schedule an appointment at a nearby visa application centre to complete this process. The procedure is straightforward, quick, and does not require any additional fees.

Fingerprints

As part of the UK student visa application, your fingerprints are captured using a digital scanner. This process does not involve ink, liquids, or chemicals and meets all relevant UK and international safety standards. All ten fingers must be scanned. Fingerprint enrolment cannot be completed if you have cuts, injuries, or decorations such as henna on your fingers. Once the injury heals or the decoration fades, you can provide your biometric information.

Facial Photograph

Your facial photograph is also taken during the application process. While this is being done, you cannot wear tinted glasses, sunglasses, or anything that covers your eyes or face, and hair should not obscure your face. Head coverings are permitted for religious or medical reasons.

The biometric data, including fingerprints and facial photographs, is stored for ten years from the date of collection. This information is securely maintained in a UK database in compliance with UK legislation, including the Data Protection Act 1998. It may also be shared with foreign governments to assist them and the UK Border Agency in carrying out their official duties.

Attend a Visa Interview 

The last stage of the UK student visa application process is attending a visa interview.  You must dress well and prepare for the interview..Once you have attended the visa interview, your visa application is processed. Thereafter, a decision on your application is made.

Also Read: How to Prepare for a Visa Interview? What are the Common Questions Asked?

Who Does Not Require a Medical Test for a UK Student Visa

You do not need medical requirements to study in the UK if:

• Diplomat accredited to the UK
• If you’re a returning UK resident and have not been away for more than 2 years
• If you have lived for at least 6 months in a country where TB screening is not required by the UK. Plus, you must not have been away from that country for more than 6 months

FAQs

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Hopefully, you are now familiar with the different aspects of the medical requirements for a UK student visa. Are you looking for a solution to clear the visa and loan processing requirements? Then, reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu, to get any assistance or guidance for your pre and post-admission process.

A chest X-ray is taken to test for TB