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

Residence or Homestay: how to choose your accommodation in Bournemouth

Want independence and a social life with other students? Choose Residence (from £155/week). Prefer full English immersion living with a local family? Choose Homestay (from £190/week). Both are booked at a fixed price, separate from the course.

Comparison for students 18+ booking their English course in Bournemouth with APEX-UK.

Real prices (low and high season)

Residence (shared): from £155/week in low season, £175/week in high season. Homestay (local family, 18+): from £190/week in low season, £230/week in high season. These are fixed weekly prices, added to the course and the one-time £100 enrolment fee.

When to choose Residence

Residence gives you independence, free schedules and a social life with other international students. Ideal if you value your space, want to meet people from many countries and prefer to organise your own meals. Remember you follow the provider house rules (noise, visitors, deposits, check-in/out).

When to choose Homestay

A Homestay with a local family speeds up your English: you practise every day at home, usually have meals included and live British culture closely. The best option if your priority is immersion and feeling supported on arrival. In return, you adapt to the household rhythms and rules.

How to decide in 1 minute

Prioritise Homestay if your goal is to learn English as fast as possible and you want close support on arrival. Prioritise Residence if you value independence, a tighter budget and an international social life. Unsure? Tell APEX-UK: we guide you in your language based on your level, budget and dates.

What to keep in mind

Places (especially in summer, high season) sell out fast and prices rise. Book early. APEX-UK helps you book within the Academic Partner ecosystem and can mediate communication, but accommodation rules are set by the provider, not us.

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