I have been refused for a visit visa from the Embassy last year and now would like to apply for a student visa. Would my previous refusal have any effect on my fresh visa application?
It depends on the refusal of your previous application. If that was because of using fraudulent documents or attempting to deceive the entry clearance officer, then it might effect your student visa application as well. Otherwise, the Visa officer should not take into consideration that previous refusal while considering your present visa application.