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

IELTS or Cambridge: which English exam should you take?

Choose IELTS if you need the certificate for a visa, a university or migration: its result is valid for 2 years. Choose Cambridge (B2 First or C1 Advanced) if you want a permanent certification proving your level for your CV and career. APEX-UK prepares both in Bournemouth.

Guide for Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking students (18+) unsure between IELTS and Cambridge.

The key difference: validity and purpose

IELTS results expire after 2 years and are mainly used for processes (UKVI visa, university admission, migration). Cambridge certifications (B2 First, C1 Advanced) do not expire: they prove your level for life, ideal for your CV and employment. Purpose decides the exam.

When to choose IELTS

Choose IELTS if you aim to enter a UK university, apply for a visa requiring English (there is a specific IELTS for UKVI for British Government processes) or migrate. It is the most requested exam by institutions and authorities. It tests four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) on a 0-9 band scale.

When to choose Cambridge

Choose Cambridge if you want an internationally recognised, non-expiring credential to stand out on your CV and in hiring. B2 First proves an upper-intermediate level; C1 Advanced, an advanced level. Both are highly valued by employers and many universities.

Not sure about your level?

Before choosing an exam, confirm your current level (A2-C1). At APEX-UK we guide you in your language so you don't pay for an exam you're not ready for: the right course first, then specific preparation for the exam you actually need.

How APEX-UK prepares you

We coordinate in-person preparation for IELTS, Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced (and also Trinity, TOEIC and TOLES) at British Council-accredited schools in Bournemouth. We help you pick the right exam for your real goal (university, visa or employment), without overselling.

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