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.

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

Which visa do I need to study English in the UK?

Q: 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.

It depends on your course length: up to 6 months you usually enter as a Standard Visitor (with an ETA if your country needs one); 6 to 11 months requires the Short-term study visa; and over 11 months, the Student visa. APEX-UK guides you, but the official source is always GOV.UK.

For Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking students (18+) who want in-person English courses in Bournemouth.

Quick rule by course length

Course up to 6 months → Standard Visitor. Course 6 to 11 months → Short-term study visa. Course over 11 months → Student visa, which requires a CAS from a licensed school. Your course length decides the route.

What is the ETA and when do I need it?

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital authorisation to enter the UK for tourism or short studies, valid for stays of up to 6 months. It costs £16, is not a visa and does not guarantee entry (Border Force has the final say). If your nationality needs an ETA and your course is under 6 months, this is usually your route.

Which Latin American countries need a visitor visa?

Among others: Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Jamaica and Venezuela. Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay and Costa Rica, among others, do NOT need a visitor visa for short stays (but do need an ETA where applicable). Always check your case on the official GOV.UK checker.

For long courses: the Student visa and the CAS

If you will study English for over 11 months, you need the Student visa. It requires a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) that only licensed schools can issue (all schools APEX-UK works with are British Council-accredited). You must also show funds and English level depending on your case.

Can I work while studying English?

On a student route for general English courses, you generally CANNOT work in the UK. Rules differ for higher-education university programmes. Do not assume work rights: confirm on GOV.UK before you travel.

Important (what APEX-UK does and does not do)

APEX-UK guides you with information based on official sources and supports you in your language, but is NOT an immigration agent and does not process visas or ETAs. Requirements change and the final decision rests with UKVI and Border Force. Always confirm on GOV.UK (gov.uk/check-uk-visa) and, if your case needs it, use authorised advisers.

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