An International Year One (IYO) course is a type of degree preparation course that allows you to fast-track to Year 2 of a UK bachelor’s degree.
Not sure why you should study an International Year One? Read on and we’ll explain all the benefits, what type of student suits an IYO course, and where one can lead you — including prestigious Russell Group universities. You can also explore your IYO options, including innovative online courses!
So, what are the benefits of an IYO?
Save time and money
You can still complete your degree in three years
Smaller class sizes
Compared to Year 1 of a standard bachelor’s degree
Just for international students
Expert teaching and support tailored for your needs
If you want to study a degree in the UK but don’t meet the entry requirements, an IYO is a great option. It differs from a Foundation Certificate, another common undergraduate degree preparation course, because it combines academic and English preparation with content similar to the first year of an undergraduate degree.
That means that once you pass your IYO at the required level, with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to the second year of your chosen undergraduate degree, rather than starting at Year 1. With an IYO, you can still finish your degree in the standard three years, saving you time and money!
You can study your International Year One online or in person at one of our International Colleges. Whichever you choose, you’ll benefit from expert teaching and support designed just for international students, with smaller class sizes and more contact with your teachers compared to Year 1 of a standard UK bachelor’s degree.
Who suits an International Year One course?
An IYO is right for lots of different students!
For example, if you finished high school with high grades you could be a great fit for an IYO.
An IYO is also ideal for students who have the academic grades to enter a UK degree directly, but would benefit from additional English language preparation, or would just like the extra support, smaller class sizes and time to adjust to UK higher education that an IYO provides.
The Kaplan difference
Ok, so now you know why you should study an IYO — but why should you study one with Kaplan?
Firstly, whether you study with us in person or online, you’ll enjoy our expert support, from the moment you apply, right through to when you progress to your degree. Our dedicated Education Advisors will advise you on your course options and guide you through the application process, while our Student Services teams are on hand throughout your course to provide academic and welfare support whenever you need it.
This comprehensive support is just part of the reason why in 2024, 99% of students who passed their International Year One course received an unconditional offer from their chosen university!
You’ll also benefit from career preparation from day one of your course thanks to our five promises, with employability skills embedded into both online and in-person learning. This includes practical skills like networking and creating a great CV, but also “soft” skills like resilience and adaptability which are among the top skills employers look for, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, 2025.
There is also a real sense of community at our International Colleges. Not only will they help you to settle into life in the UK, but they hold regular social events, so you can make friends at your university before you even start your degree. If you study online with our Digital Pathways, you’ll be invited to join lots of fun online activities alongside your studies!
“The teachers and staff at the International College are incredibly supportive, always ready to help, and there are so many fun events throughout the year!”
Ashfia from Bangladesh, studies International Year One in Life Sciences at the University of Essex International College.
Study an IYO with Kaplan
Through Kaplan, you can progress to one of more than 240 degrees at nine top UK universities, including three members of the prestigious Russell Group:
In fact, the International Year One in Business at Kaplan International College London, with progression to Queen Mary University of London, is currently the only IYO in the UK that offers progression to a London-based Russell Group university.
As well as on-campus degree preparation, we have flexible online IYO options that make a great education accessible even if you’re not ready to travel: through us, you can study a digital IYO in Business completely remotely, from anywhere in the world! Then, when you successfully pass the course, you’ll move to the UK to study your degree on campus. This allows you to save even more money, as you won’t need to pay for travel or accommodation for your degree preparation studies.
The digital IYO in Business currently offers progression to Nottingham Trent University and the University of York, with more progression universities coming soon!
Want to know more? You can contact us to discuss your IYO options with one of our friendly Education Advisors, or browse available progression universities below.
