General Information
If you are unsure whether you need a visa to study in the UK, please consult your nearest British Embassy or Consulate. You can also find up-to-date information on the UK Government (Home Office) website.
If you require a visa to study in the UK, we strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, as visa processing may take several weeks. Anglo-Continental must receive a deposit of £500 (deductible from your total fees) or full payment of fees before issuing any visa support documents.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you apply for the correct type of visa to allow you to study at Anglo-Continental for the full duration of your course(s). You must also check that all details on your confirmation documents (including your visa letter) issued by Anglo-Continental are correct before submitting your visa application. Anglo-Continental cannot be held liable for any errors that occur during the visa application process.
You are responsible for maintaining the correct immigration status for the entire period of your studies. Failure to do so may result in termination of your course without refund or compensation.
We strongly recommend that you email us a scanned copy of your visa decision confirmation and evidence of your immigration status before travelling to the UK so that we can verify that it permits study for the full length of your course.
Visa Types
Adult and Vacation Courses (age group 16+)
There are two types of visa that you may apply for:
- Short-Term Student: This visa is valid for 6 months or 11 months. For students aged 16 years old and over.
- Short-Term Student (Child): This visa is valid for 6 months. For students under 16 years old.
Young Learners and Teenagers Courses (age group 10-15)
Your child should apply for a Short-Term Student (Child) Visa, which is valid for courses of 6 months or less.
Visitor Visa Routes
Students entering the UK as Standard Visitors (Visitor Visas) are only permitted to study for up to 6 months.
Please note that students under the age of 18 are not permitted to study on a Visitor Visa unless study is not the main purpose of the visit and the course is no longer than 6 weeks.
We strongly urge all students intending to study for more than 30 days to send us a copy of their visa decision and proof of immigration status before travelling to the UK. If you arrive with the incorrect immigration permission, your course may need to be curtailed without refund.
Applying for your Visa
Young Learners and Teenagers Courses
We will issue your son/daughter with a visa letter which confirming course details. This can be used to support the application for a Short-Term Student (Child) Visa.
Adult and Vacation Courses
If you are applying for a Short-Term Student visa, we will issue a visa letter to you which confirming your course details to support your visa application.
PLEASE NOTE: UK visa and immigration requirements may change at any time. You must check the official UK Government website (Home Office) for the latest information before applying.
Non-Visa Nationals
If you are a non-visa national and receive entry clearance at the UK border (rather than applying for a visa in advance), you must ensure that you are granted permission in the correct category that permits study.
If you intend to study as a Short-Term Student, your entry permission must clearly reflect this status. If you are granted entry as a Standard Visitor without permission to study for your full course duration, you may not be permitted to continue your studies.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are being introduced for visitors who do not require a visa for short stays and who do not already hold UK immigration status.
Eligible travellers must obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK where required under UK immigration rules. An ETA does not replace a visa and does not guarantee entry. You must ensure that your immigration permission allows study for the full duration of your course.
Please check the UK Government website for full details and eligibility requirements.
Click here for further details.
Digital Immigration Status (eVisa)
The UK has moved to a fully digital immigration system. Physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being replaced by digital immigration status (known as an eVisa).
If you are granted permission to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months, you will receive a digital immigration status instead of a physical card.
You will need to:
-
Create a UKVI online account (if required)
-
Access and view your immigration status online
-
Use the UKVI “View and Prove” service to generate a share code
- Provide this share code to Anglo-Continental so we can verify your right to study
You will no longer need to collect a Biometric Residence Permit from a Post Office (as of 25 February 2026).
Before travelling, you must ensure that your passport details are correctly linked to your UKVI account and that your digital status is accessible.
Designated Post Office in Bournemouth
The designated Post Office for collection of BiDs (until 25 February 2026) in Bournemouth is as follows:
Winton Post Office 391-393 Wimborne Road, Winton BH9 2AQ.
Opening Times
- Monday 08.30 – 18.00 hours
- Tuesday 08.30 – 18.00 hours
- Wednesday 08.30 – 18.00 hours
- Thursday 08.30 – 18.00 hours
- Friday 08.30 – 18.00 hours
- Saturday 08.30 – 17.30 hours
- Sunday 10.00 – 16.30 hours
Immigration Health Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee paid by most non-UK nationals applying for visas to live, work, or study in the UK for more than six months. The payment grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as a permanent UK resident.
Payment of the surcharge is a mandatory requirement and is paid as part of the immigration application process.
Applicants must ensure they have completed their immigration application and paid the surcharge.