UK Tourist/Student Visa

[joshuaratcliffe]

Hi,
My girlfriend is hoping to come from the USA to study in the UK in September. However I believe im right in saying that she cannot apply for a student visa until 3 months before the course starts?
For example; her course will start in September, so she can only apply for a student visa from July onwards.

I was wondering, is it possible for her to arrive in May on a tourist visa, and then change her visa without having to return back to the USA?

Also, will she need medical insurance whilst living in the UK, or is she covered by the NHS for free?

[Sorry if this is posted in the wrong section of the forum, im am new at this and desperate for some clear answers.]
Much appreciated!

[Greenie]

it is not possible to switch from a visitor to tier 4 student from within the UK.

What is the length of the course she will be studying?