Check out the United Kingdom Border Agency's website. Read the criteria and choose which type of student visa you require. There are several types of student visas, some for primary schools, others for secondary schools and universities.
Fill out the correct application form because applying for a student visa is time-consuming and expensive. Use a black ballpoint pen and block capital letters. Visa application fees in 2011 are 357 pounds if you apply by post within the United Kingdom, 650 pounds if you apply in person within the United Kingdom and 220 pounds if you apply from outside the United Kingdom.
Provide evidence you are eligible to study in the United Kingdom and that you have all the points you need to get a student visa in London. Currently foreign students require 40 points to study in the United Kingdom. You get 30 points for having a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies, which you get for studying a course at an acceptable level with an approved education provider, and 10 points for having enough money to cover your course fees and living costs.
Provide evidence that you have enough money for the duration of your studies in London. Provide a bank statement or a letter confirming you have enough money to cover your course fees and living costs. You must be able to prove the money has been available in your account for 28 days before the date of application. According to the UK Border Agency's website, in addition to your course fees, you need 800 pounds per calendar month to cover living expenses if you live in inner London and 600 pounds per month if you stay in Greater London.
Choose a course that leads to a qualification approved by the UK Border Agency. Qualifying courses are study exchange programs between your home university and a London university, such as spending a semester at a London college, language courses, full-time courses that involve at least 15 hours of day-time study and preparatory courses that prepare you for further study in the United Kingdom.
