What type of visa or permit do I need to go to the UK?

It depends on your nationality and the reason for your trip (tourism/visit, study, etc.). To confirm in 60 seconds, use the official British Government visa checker: gov.uk/check-uk-visa (https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa) APEX-UK provides basic guidance based on official sources, but is NOT an immigration agent and does not process visas; for your final application, we will refer you to authorised experts. What is an ETA and what is it for? The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital authorisation that allows you to travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or other permitted reasons, for up to 6 months. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry. Cost: £16. Official links: ETA information (https://www.gov.uk/eta) · Apply for an ETA (https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply) If I am going to study English: what visa do I need? Course ≤ 6 months → Standard Visitor (no visa, ETA or visitor visa depending on nationality) Course 6–11 months → Short-term study visa Course 11 months → Student visa Official links: Standard Visitor (https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor) · Short-term study visa (https://www.gov.uk/visa-to-study-english) · Checker (https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa) Which Latin American countries need a visa to visit the UK? Among others: Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. Official full list (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-visitor-visa-national-list)

How much does an English course in Bournemouth cost?

Packages from £335.50/wk (Standard with housing) or £364/wk (Intensive with housing). One-time £100 enrolment fee. No commissions: you pay the school directly. Homestay available from £370.50/wk (Standard) or £399/wk (Intensive). Reference prices, subject to season and institution. For an exact quote tailored to your profile, contact us via NOVA, our AI assistant, or by filling in our contact form.

Can I work while studying?

With a student visa for English courses, you are generally NOT allowed to work in the United Kingdom. If you are looking for higher education programmes (University), the rules are different.

Important — legal disclaimer APEX-UK

APEX-UK provides basic guidance based on official sources, but is NOT an immigration agent and does not process visas or ETAs. Requirements may change and the final decision is made by UKVI/Border Force. Always confirm on GOV.UK and, if necessary, process with authorised advisors.

What is the difference between APEX-UK and the School?

We are your strategic ally, they are your educational institution. APEX-UK acts as your local support in Bournemouth: we guide you in Spanish/Portuguese and reduce friction on your arrival. Once enrolled, your academic life (schedules, attendance, refunds) is governed exclusively by the Academic Partner's rules.

I am an adult (+18), do I have supervision or a curfew?

No. You are independent, but not alone. By working exclusively with adults (+18), we do not impose surveillance or rules for minors. Our Student Welfare approach is to give you a point of contact and a clear plan to resolve adaptation issues and local guidance.

Who sets the rules in the accommodation?

The accommodation provider or Partner School. We help you book options within the Academic Partner's ecosystem. You must comply with their coexistence rules (noise, visits, deposits, check-in/out times). APEX-UK can mediate in communication if there are problems, but we cannot override the provider's rules.

What should I do in case of a real emergency?

Your priority is your safety: contact official services first. In a medical or security emergency call 999 or go to A&E. APEX-UK does not replace emergency services. Once you are safe, contact us: we will give you practical guidance (translation, location, next steps).

Is APEX-UK right for me? Who it's for (and who it isn't)

APEX-UK is a good fit if you are 18 or older, want in-person immersion in Bournemouth and prefer to go through the whole process supported in your own language, with no surprises. We are NOT the best option if you want a 100% online course, if you are under 18, or if you already master English and the visa process and can book directly with the school yourself (in that case you'd save our service, though you'd pay 5% more for the course than with us). If you want in-person classes and real support in Spanish or Portuguese from start to finish, we're for you.

Updated: June 2026

How much does it cost to study English in Bournemouth (real breakdown)

The programme starts at £180.50/week for the course (5% below the school’s own course price), plus accommodation from £155/week (Residence) or £190/week (Homestay), plus a one-time £100 enrolment fee. Personal spending (food, transport, leisure) varies by lifestyle, but Bournemouth is more affordable than London.

Honest breakdown for Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking students (18+). Programme figures verifiable; the rest, indicative.

What is fixed: your programme

Course from £180.50/week (Standard, 15h) or £209/week (Intensive, 18h), always 5% below the school’s own course price. One-time £100 enrolment fee. Fixed-price accommodation: Residence from £155/week or Homestay from £190/week. We quote these as closed figures, no hidden commissions: you pay the school directly.

Accommodation, your second big cost

After the course, accommodation weighs most. Residence (from £155/wk) tends to be a bit cheaper and gives you independence; Homestay (from £190/wk) often includes meals, cutting your food spend and speeding up your English. In high season both rise (£175 and £230/wk respectively).

The variable spend (food, transport, leisure)

No invented figures here: your personal spend depends on your lifestyle. As an honest benchmark, Bournemouth is considerably cheaper than London for rent, transport and daily life. Cooking (or a Homestay with meals), using local transport and enjoying the beach and free plans cut your monthly cost a lot.

How to stretch your budget

Three levers: 1) the course already costs 5% less with us than booking it yourself; 2) a Homestay with meals lowers your food spend; 3) Bournemouth, versus London, lets you stay longer or step up to a more intensive course for the same money.

Important: get your closed quote

Course and accommodation prices are indicative and vary by season and institution, especially in summer (high season), when places sell out earlier. To know your real cost, ask us for a quote in your language: we close it in under 24 hours, no obligation.

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