Second, make sure the institution you want to study at is an approved education provider.

Third, work out how much money you need to cover your course fees and monthly living costs. 

Fourth, get a visa letter or a confirmation of acceptance for studies from your approved education provider and gather all the documents you used to get your visa letter.

• Note: From February 2010 the UK Border Agency will only accept a confirmation of acceptance for studies and will no longer accept visa letters.

Fifth, get all the documents and proof you need to prove the availability of your money.

Sixth, complete the student visa application form and either submit it in person or send it with the required fee and other required documents/proof.

Finally, arrange to give your biometric details at one of the UKBA's seven enrolment centres.

Overseas students

The application process for overseas students is identical to steps 1 to 5 above. 

At step 6, however, you should check with your local visa issuing post (also known as 'entry clearance post') to find out what the application requirements are in your country of residence.  Go to the UK Border Agency's visa services website to locate your nearest visa issuing post.

Then, take or send your form(s), visa fee and proof and documents to the visa issuing post. 

You must also arrange to give your biometrics, which are usually taken at the visa issuing post.

** Additional Information & Advice **

You can obtain further information about immigration law on FindLaw. 

As discussed in a previous blog entry, the UK government introduced new rules for student visas earlier this year - so instead of researching online, you may prefer to speak with a solicitor who specialises in immigration law.

You can be matched with a solicitor for free via solicitor matching services, which can also help you to understand the best course of action for your situation and whether you are ready to hire a solicitor.