Do I need to get a visa?
There is no single answer to this. If you are from a country that is on the visa national list, you will need what is known as entry clearance before you travel. If your country is not on the list and you want to come to the UK for more than six months, you will need an entry clearance from your nearest British embassy or high commission before you come to the UK.
There are exceptions to every rule and it may not be compulsory for you to obtain entry clearance.
Also, you can now apply for a visa online in an increasing number of countries. Visit www.ukvisas.gov.uk to check the online application country list, to see whether this applies to you.
Applicants in the United States, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia can also apply online.
Other useful links include the British Council’s Education UK website, the Home Office’s Immigration and Nationality Directorate and Workingintheuk.gov.uk.

How much will it cost me?
The British Council estimates that, as a rough guide, you should allow £7500 (or £800 per month) if you will be living in London and £5500 (or £600 per month) if you will be living outside London.
These figures are based on 2004 prices, and include the cost of accommodation, heating, lighting, food, clothing, books and daily travel for one person for a nine-month academic year. Be warned: If you live in London you can expect to spend a significant proportion (half or more) of your monthly budget on accommodation.

Am I entitled to medical care while I am a student in the UK?
If your course is six months or more you will qualify for NHS treatment from the beginning of your stay. But be warned: You should register with a GP within the first couple of weeks of arriving in the UK, even if you do not feel ill. Waiting lists for some surgeries are long and you may not necessarily be able to register with your closest doctor’s surgery.

Am I entitled to claim unemployment benefits?
No, it is very unlikely that you will be entitled to anything.

Can I work and study?
Students on courses for at least six months will be given a passport sticker that allows them to work part-time during the term (usually as much as 20 hours a week) and full-time during the holidays. However, you will need to be able to prove that you can afford to study and live in the UK without needing to work.

Will I need to pay tax?
Visit the Inland Revenue’s student pages for information about how the tax system applies to international students.

— The Guardian