Obtain a formal acceptance letter from the school or university in the United Kingdom. Contact the admissions office to ask it to provide an original, signed letter of acceptance that indicates your length of study.
Make sure the school is registered with the Department for Education and Skills' Register of Education and Training Providers. This is now a basic requirement for all students entering the UK.
Complete and submit an online application form on the visa4UK website and pay the fee by credit card to complete the application.
Send in a completed application to The British Embassy Government Account in Chicago, the British Consulate-General in New York or the British Consulate-General in Los Angeles if you are from the United States, if you prefer. Students from other countries must send in an application to the nearest British Consulate for approval.
Wait for approval from the British Consulate.
Obtain the stamp with the visa details on your passport at the airport.