How far in advance can you come over on a student visa?

[sp3ctre]

My GF is hoping to come over from South Africa on a student visa. Her course starts in September and she will be staying with me. How far in advance of the course can she apply to travel to the UK?

I have looked in the notes on the uk visa site but cant find any reference to this.

Thanks in advance

Jim

[Nowty]

I seem to remember some guidance to ECO's (which I cannot find anymore) of 3 months unless the student was already on the course.

[sp3ctre]

I seem to remember some guidance to ECO's (which I cannot find anymore) of 3 months unless the student was already on the course.

Thanks for the reply. If it is 3 months, that's great. If we are looking at a course start date of 1st Sept and coming as early as possible (1st June), when would be the ideal time be to apply for the visa? She hasn't got the offer through from the Uni yet so we have to wait for that, but I'm guessing the sooner the better?

Thanks again,

Jim