Latest information: Apply with confidence | Study with confidence | Live with confidence | UK FAQs | US FAQs
Last updated: 3 August 2021
We are here to help you stay on track and progress to your university degree as soon as possible, which is why we’ve answered some frequently asked questions for you.
On this page you can find information about Kaplan’s courses, as well as those delivered by university partners, such as the University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Nottingham and University of York.
For our Summer intakes, we’ll continue to offer as much flexibility in our study options as possible. If you travel to the UK to study, you’ll receive all the support you need to live and study with confidence.
We’re going above and beyond all appropriate guidance from the UK government, and working closely with our partner universities. By putting your wellbeing first, we’ll make sure you enjoy a rich and rewarding study experience in the UK.
For courses starting in July and August, we will be offering a face-to-face study option with blended learning at our colleges in England, with classroom learning available for all students again since 17 May.
If travel restrictions arising from the ongoing pandemic make it difficult for you to study with us in person in Summer, you’ll still be able to join us remotely from your home country with digital learning. This ensures that nobody needs to miss out on a great education.
From the Autumn 2021 intake onwards, we plan to be offering in-person teaching at our UK colleges, with flexible blended learning and all necessary safety precautions in place if required.
We’re confident that you’ll be joining a rich and rewarding learning environment, with innovative, and now well-established, teaching methods in place to help you on your path to educational success.
We are going above and beyond UK government guidance on health and safety. And, because we understand that you may not be able to travel due to coronavirus restrictions, we will continue to offer digital learning for part or all of your course for as long as we can. According to current UKVI guidelines, students who have been issued a CAS but are starting online will need to transfer to the UK by 6 April 2022 to complete their pathway course via blended learning.
With flexible study options and robust learning and wellbeing solutions in place, Kaplan really does allow you to apply with confidence.
If you are due to come to the UK to start your course this year, you can rest assured we’ll be by your side. We are organising socially distanced airport transfers to help you get directly to your UK accommodation safely and securely. Study is currently taking place via blended learning, a mixture of face-to-face teaching and online study.
You will need to present a negative coronavirus test result to enter the UK from abroad. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before departure.
Please note that some countries are on the UK government’s travel ‘red list’. If you have been in or through any of these countries in the previous 10 days before travelling, you will need to isolate for 10 days in a quarantine hotel. We have a wide range of support measures in place to help students arriving from red list countries this Autumn, including £1,000 towards the cost of the quarantine hotel stay (£1,750).
If you are travelling from an ‘amber list’ country, you will also have to isolate for 10 days upon arrival in the UK, in your own private accommodation. Our flexible accommodation policies, including 2 weeks of free accommodation before the start of your contract, will help make sure you can travel, arrive and isolate conveniently and in comfort.
If you’re studying a non-Kaplan taught course, the support offered may differ slightly. See the dedicated section below for more information.
You can see the most up-to-date travel advice on the gov.uk website. If you’re travelling to Scotland, you should check the gov.scot website, as some policies may differ between England and Scotland.
International students in the UK are included in the national coronavirus vaccination programme. Currently, everyone in the UK aged 18 can now get their vaccine.
Vaccines in the UK are free and available through the NHS. You will get two vaccine doses, starting with a first dose (available straight away) to be followed by a second dose at a later date.
The easiest way for international students in the UK to get their vaccine is through their registered GP. It is also possible to book a vaccine appointment yourself through a local GP or NHS National Booking Service. When you arrive in the UK, staff at your College will be able to give you help and support in making sure you get vaccinated.
The government has released advice for international students getting vaccines in the UK: read it here.
For our upcoming intakes, you can choose to start your course in person with blended learning, start remotely with digital learning, or even complete your course entirely online. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be able to keep your studies on track and feel fully ready to start your university degree.
These options will all continue to apply for the Autumn 2021 intake, and beyond.
Don’t put your dreams on hold. Apply to the UK with confidence, and we’ll help you shape your future.
Please note: continuing to complete a course online is available for as long as permitted by UKVI.
Yes — you can still apply now and join us for a blended learning experience in the UK, or online from your home country through digital learning.
You can start your course online and either transfer to face-to-face teaching in the UK when you are able to, or complete your course online if necessary.
Apply in the usual way using the online application form, and our expert staff, combined with our flexible admissions process, will help you on your path to university.
Since 17 May, our UK colleges have been able to welcome all students currently in the UK back to the classroom for in-person teaching. We’re so excited to be teaching face-to-face once more, and giving all of our students the opportunity to learn with their peers in their respective colleges!
We’re going above and beyond government guidance to help make sure our students are studying in safe environments. Teaching is taking place with blended learning, using a mix of in-person and digital teaching solutions. Students have at least 8 hours a week of time in classroom, but it’s very likely that they will have considerably more. Social distancing and mask-wearing is still required to help ensure the health and safety of students and staff. For those students not in the UK, digital learning is continuing, so they’re still able to study alongside their blended learning classmates.
You will have all the support you need from the academic and student services staff at your college, and a range of support services and activities will be held online for those who need them, including for Welcome Week.
At our colleges, there are varied measures and resources in place to support your wellbeing, and for you to turn to while you study. For instance, the Student Assistance Programme is a confidential counselling and support programme, with a helpline and translation service that you can use if you feel the need to.
No matter what you need support with, there will always be someone to talk to at your college.
Blended learning is a teaching method that incorporates elements of digital learning, such as remote, online studying, but also includes face-to-face classes that are delivered in person at our colleges in the UK. This mix, or blend, of digital and in-person learning allows you to experience studying abroad in the UK in as safe a way as possible, while improving your digital skills. Find out more about blended learning.
Digital learning is a method of course delivery that takes place entirely online. It allows you to study your pathway course remotely from wherever you are in the world, using digital tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Find out more about digital learning.
Teaching at our UK colleges is currently being delivered face to face via blended learning, but fully digital options are still available for those who need them.
We understand you may have been affected by school or test centre closures in your country. That’s why we’ve introduced flexible enrolment policies to keep you on track for many of the study options available with Kaplan. Just contact us and we can advise you on what documents you need to provide.
In some cases we may be able to accept alternative English language tests, so you can still start your studies if you can’t get to a secure test centre.
You can take a look out our Accepted English Tests guide for further details of which English language tests are accepted for which courses.
Accepted English language tests may differ for some Pre-Sessional English courses. Please check the university websites for Pre-Sessional courses for the University of Essex and the University of York.
Contact our helpful advisers for more information, and we can guide you on your application.
When you come to the UK, you’ll study with blended learning. Though blended learning will involve remote study from your residence, face-to-face teaching will still be required for a certain number of hours to maximise the opportunities being in the UK provides.
We’re confident that blended learning will enable you to study in person safely and effectively. By coming to the UK, you can take advantage of interactive study in a carefully controlled environment, with the opportunity to meet teachers and other students in person.
In many cases, thanks to flexible enrolment, it is possible to join a course later than its actual start date. If you do start your course later, the teaching and support staff at the college will help make sure you catch up, and don’t miss out on important lessons and course content.
For example, live classes are often recorded for you to access and review when it is convenient to do so. You’ll also have access to small group or individual catch ups with module tutors for your first few weeks as needed. Other measures may include making use of an Applied Learning Week, mock interview preparation and personalised time management sessions. This extra academic support will help you get up to speed.
Support for late-starting students is highly tailored to individual needs. If it is clear that you might need additional support in certain areas, for a longer period, or leading up to a particular exam or test, your tutors can arrange further sessions and other measures to help your academic development. Whenever you start your course, you can be confident that you’ll get the support you need.
The UK has so far had one of the most successful vaccination programmes in the world. Currently, everyone over 18s are eligible to get a vaccine with the NHS, free of charge.
The UK government has a few different effective vaccines in supply, with the most common being the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines. Social groups who are older or have a greater risk from the virus are being prioritised.
The strength of the vaccine rollout has already had a significant impact in the UK, with coronavirus hospital admissions decreasing enormously since the start of 2021.
International students are eligible to receive a vaccine in the UK, and can book through their registered GP or via the NHS booking platform. The government has released advice for international students getting vaccines in the UK: read it here.
You can now start your programme in the UK through blended learning, (a mixture of online and face-to-face learning).
Blended learning is a mix of face-to-face teaching and online classes. It means that you’ll spend some time at the College for in-person lessons, and the rest of your learning will take place remotely using our digital learning solutions. Find out more about blended learning.
At our UK colleges, we’ve implemented social distancing measures to ensure your safety. For example, we’ve reduced class sizes so that there are fewer students studying in person at a given time. We have also organised the timetable so that you are able to learn new concepts via engaging digital materials during your private study time, and then consolidate what you’ve learnt through valuable face-to-face support from tutors and classmates.
All of our UK study centres started issuing CAS for the Autumn 2021 intake on 4 May 2021.
The one exception is the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme, for which CAS for Autumn 2021 are being issued from 7 June 2021.
In order to enrol at your chosen College in person, you’ll need to obtain a CAS. You will need all the usual required documentation. We will only issue you with a CAS if we are certain that the UK Visa Application Centres are open in your country, or will be within 2 weeks of you receiving your CAS. Once you have it, you can apply for your student visa.
You should request your CAS only when you are ready to travel and know your travel dates, to ensure you are in good standing with the terms of your visa.
You should apply for your Student visa as soon as you receive your CAS and it’s possible to do so in your country. You will not be penalised if you are delayed in travelling to the UK due to visa processing times.
If you have any general questions about the Student visa application process, please check our helpful visa advice page. You can also contact us and speak to one of our friendly, expert team members, or simply speak to your Kaplan representative. They’ll be happy to advise you and give you all the information you need.
If you’re due to start a course, you can book your accommodation now if you’re ready to. Alternatively, you can book later if that’s right for you; you don’t need to book accommodation until you’re sure you can join us in the UK.
We can advise you on your best course of action, and we will support you in finding suitable accommodation that’s safe and secure, wherever you’re studying. We’ll either walk you through our own accommodation options or, if this isn’t possible, we’ll refer you to trusted third party accommodation providers that we have worked with for many years.
We’ve introduced new flexible short-term accommodation contracts so you can decide when you want to arrive and how long you want to stay for (from a minimum of 6 full weeks), from May until the end of August 2021. Therefore, if you need to self-isolate you can build this into your stay.
Find out more about booking accommodation on our dedicated FAQs page.
We understand that circumstances may change depending on the situation in your home country. If you experience any difficulties obtaining your visa or travelling to the UK, please contact your Kaplan representative and we will advise on the best way for you to begin your course on time.
For courses taught by Kaplan, you can arrive before the start of your programme if you wish; however this is not compulsory. If you do need to self-isolate then you will be supported throughout this period.
If you’re studying a non-Kaplan taught course, you can find more information here.
If you are coming to this UK this Autumn from a country on the UK government’s ‘red list’, you will need to quarantine for 10 days in a designated hotel before you start your course. Please be aware that under 18s will not be able to stay unaccompanied in a quarantine hotel.
If you’re studying a Kaplan-taught course, we’ll reduce £1,000 from your tuition fees to help cover the cost of the stay at the quarantine hotel (£1,750 in total). You will also benefit from various support measures, including online social activities and a meal package or food delivery voucher, making your isolation period as comfortable and productive as possible. While you’re isolating, we’ll check in on you regularly to make sure you’re happy and healthy, and you’ll even be able to (virtually) meet your tutors before your course starts.
Once you have completed your isolation period in a quarantine hotel, you can also benefit from 2 weeks of free accommodation, if you are booked into accommodation with Kaplan. This will give you a chance to settle into your new surroundings and explore the local area.
If you’re not studying a Kaplan-taught course, you’ll also have excellent isolation support policies to rely on. Students on any of the following courses should check the dedicated section below to find the relevant quarantine measures:
• Courses at the University of York International Pathway College
• International Foundation Programme at the University of Bristol
• Foundation pathways at the University of Birmingham
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate at the University of Nottingham
All of these measures mean that you can travel with confidence this Autumn!
If you are coming to this UK this Autumn from a country on the UK government’s ‘amber list’, you will need to self-isolate in your own accommodation for 10 days. You may be able to shorten this by making use of the government’s test and release scheme.
To help you isolate, you can make the most of 2 weeks of free accommodation if you are booked into Kaplan-arranged accommodation. This is available prior to the start of your contract, enabling you to complete your isolation before your course begins.
You will also benefit from various support measures, including online social activities and either meal packages or a food delivery package, making your isolation period as comfortable and productive as possible. While you’re isolating, we’ll check in on you regularly to make sure you’re happy and healthy, and you’ll even be able to (virtually) meet your tutors before your course starts.
If you’re not studying a Kaplan-taught course, you’ll also have excellent isolation support policies to rely on. Students on any of the following courses should check the dedicated section below to find the relevant isolation support measures:
• Courses at the University of York International Pathway College
• International Foundation Programme at the University of Bristol
• Foundation pathways at the University of Birmingham
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate at the University of Nottingham
All of these measures mean that you can travel with confidence this Autumn!
Aside from the financial and accommodation support, you’ll receive plenty of care and wellbeing support when you arrive in the UK. While you quarantine, we’ll be sure to keep you connected to Kaplan staff and students.
For instance, through our buddy system, you’ll be paired with another student so that you have someone to talk to, who can answer your questions and help you know what to expect. Similarly, you can even remotely meet tour tutors before your course starts, and, with Pathways Preview, you can even have early access to your course materials.
Of course, we’ll check in on you frequently and make sure you’re happy and comfortable while isolating. You’ll be able to join in virtual activities to help you stay active and engaged, and you’ll be supported by our expert staff throughout your time in the UK. And, if you like, you can make use of the Student Assistance Programme, which features a confidential helpline, and is available by phone or via an app. Wherever you’re from, when you arrive in the UK you’ll be well cared for in a safe and secure environment!
If you’re under 18, it’s likely that you won’t be able to travel to the UK to start your course from a country on the UK government’s red list. This is because under 18s are not allowed to stay in a quarantine hotel alone; only if you are accompanied by a parent or guardian who is either a UK or Irish national, or has residence rights in the UK, will you be able to travel from a red list country and quarantine.
However, if you turn 18 later, you will still qualify for the £1,000 towards the cost of your stay in a quarantine hotel when you arrive in the UK, up until 6 April 2022.
All under 18s will still have the option to start their course remotely with digital learning. Over the past year, we have gained a wealth of expertise in delivering our programmes online, so you can be sure to get a great education.
You can start your course digitally from your home country, and join us in-person when you’re able to – we’ll be waiting to welcome you.
You won’t require a CAS in order to start your course online. Before you transfer from digital to blended learning during your pathway course, we’ll be in touch with you to help you prepare the documents you’ll need to get your CAS from us. This is a vital part of your UKVI Student visa application for coming to the UK to study in person.
You should request your CAS only when you are ready to travel and know your travel dates, to ensure you are in good standing with the terms of your visa.
You should apply for your Student visa as soon as you receive your CAS and it’s possible to do so in your country. You will not be penalised if you are delayed in travelling to the UK due to visa processing times.
If you have any general questions about the Student visa application process, please check our helpful visa advice page. You can also contact us and speak to one of our friendly, expert team members, or simply speak to your education agent. They’ll be happy to advise you and give you all the information you need.
Absolutely. If your circumstances allow, we would be delighted to welcome you to begin your course in the UK. Simply speak to your education agent and we give you all the information and guidance you need to prepare for your studies in the UK.
You can transition to blended learning in the UK as soon as it is possible to apply for a visa in your country and travel to the UK. Contact your Kaplan representative and we will give you all the information and help you need to continue your studies in the UK.
If you’re due to start a course online, you don’t need to book accommodation until you’re certain about when you can join us in the UK.
We can advise you on your best way foward, and we will support you in finding suitable accommodation that’s safe and secure, wherever you’re studying. We’ll either walk you through our own accommodation options or, if this isn’t possible, we’ll refer you to trusted third party accommodation providers that we have worked with for many years.
Find out more about booking accommodation on our dedicated FAQs page.
If you’re on a course taught by Kaplan, you can transfer from remote learning to blended learning in the UK at any time throughout your programme. We’ll help you make the transition, so that it’s easy and your studies aren’t affected.
Please note that completing your course fully online will only be possible up to the UKVI deadline of 6 April 2022.
If you’re studying a non-Kaplan taught course, you can navigate to relevant partner websites for more information here.
Yes, you’ll be given a reasonable amount of time off while you make arrangements. You can take part in asynchronous learning activities if your visa application and travel means missing classes. Remember to stay in touch with your college, especially if you’re going to be absent from classes.
If you’re studying a non-Kaplan taught course, you can navigate to relevant partner websites for more information here.
You can complete your entire pathway course online if that better suits your situation (subject to continued approval by UK Visas and Immigration).
Digital learning is method of course delivery that takes place entirely online. It allows you to study your pathway course remotely from wherever you are in the world, using digital tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Currently, digital learning is being used around the world so that students can continue with their education without having to travel. Find out more about digital learning.
You won’t require a CAS in order to start your course online; you’ll only need one if you decide to start online and transfer to face-to-face learning.
If you do decide to transfer to face-to-face learning, you should request your CAS only when you are ready to travel and know your travel dates, to ensure you are in good standing with the terms of your visa.
Yes, wherever you’re joining us from you’ll have access to excellent support from your College Services team whenever you need it. You can contact them online and they’ll be happy to help you.
If you are unable to come to the UK due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions, you will be able to start and even complete your course digitally. The option to finish your course online will continue to be available until the UKVI deadline of 6 April 2022.
The next available intake for the University of Bristol will be in Autumn 2021. For this intake, the University is offering 3 different study modes: fully on-campus teaching with some blended learning elements; hybrid study, with students starting their course online and joining on campus later; and fully online, with students completing their course digitally.
If you need to travel to the UK from a country on the government’s ‘red list‘, you will need to isolate in a quarantine hotel for 10 days, and will be reimbursed the £1,750 cost of the stay. You can see the University’s quarantine policy on its coronavirus web page.
If you choose the hybrid study mode, you will have the option of 4 different dates to transition to the UK: 4 October 2021, 8 November 2021, 24 January 202 or 18 February 2022. You will need to have completed any required quarantine period prior to the course start/transition date.
Regardless of where you are travelling from, if you have booked accommodation through Kaplan you can also make the most of 2 weeks of free accommodation before your contract is due to begin. If you’re travelling from an amber list country, this will enable you to isolate in comfort and without additional cost.
Find the latest information on the University’s own website.
For the September 2021 intake, the University of Nottingham is running in-person teaching in keeping with government guidance. Digital technologies will also be utilised to ensure a well-rounded, practical and flexible delivery of teaching for students. Find out more about teaching in semester one. The University will make sure that students whose situation makes it difficult to travel can also join their course, with remote study options available with digital learning.
If you’re travelling to the UK this Autumn from a ‘red list’ country, the University will fully compensate you for the cost of isolating in a quarantine hotel (£1,750) before the start of your course.
If you are travelling from an ‘amber list’ country, you can make the most of free accommodation for the duration of your quarantine period. If you have booked Kaplan-arranged accommodation, this will be 2 weeks before your contract is due to start. If you are in University-booked accommodation, you can arrive at any time, though the University would encourage arrival after 4 September.
Read more about the University’s quarantine and arrival support policies on their website.
For students who started a course in September 2020, or January 2021, studies are now able to take place on campus once again with blended learning. Lectures will continue to be delivered online, but face-to-face support and learning is also available. Students can still complete their course online if needed.
Find out more about the University of Nottingham’s coronavirus-related policies the University’s website.
For the September 2021 intake, the University of York International Pathway College is expecting to be delivering in-person teaching on campus with blended learning, adhering to all health and safety restrictions. Due to some continuing uncertainty, the University is preparing for two in-person teaching scenarios: one with no social distancing, and one with 1m social distancing in place.
If you are travelling to the University of York International Pathways College from a country on the UK’s ‘red list‘, you will be eligible for the cost of your quarantine hotel to be reimbursed to you by the University. This is worth £1,750 for the mandatory 10 days, plus any additional costs for extra days in isolation if you test positive. The University will also cover the cost of a Travel Test Package, worth up to £210. Read more about arriving at York.
Students already enrolled are continuing to study online for this academic year; however, some bespoke on-campus activities will be available for students in the UK to augment their online studies with some in-person experience.
If travel restrictions are still in place, or you are unable to join your course in person, digital learning options and study flexibility will be in place to ensure nobody misses out on their education.
You can read more on the University’s website.
For students who apply through Kaplan, the first intake for the University of Birmingham foundation pathways will be in September 2021. For the September intake, the University of Birmingham is planning to welcome students for an on-campus study experience. Safety of students and staff will be the University’s top priority.
While teaching is planned to be on-campus, the University understands that some international students may face difficult circumstances and are unable to travel. If you can’t travel, online learning provision will still be in place to ensure that you can start your studies via digital learning from your home country. This flexibility means that you can apply for a foundation pathways programme with confidence.
If you’re travelling to study in Birmingham this Autumn from a country on the UK government’s ‘red list‘, you will need to isolate in a quarantine hotel for 10 days. The University will cover the £1,750 cost of the stay for all self-funded students. For those travelling from an ‘amber list’, students can make the most of 10 days of free accommodation arranged by the University to help them quarantine before they begin their studies.
You can read more on the University of Birmingham’s website.
If you would like to take the UK University Ready programme, you should arrive in the UK in advance of the start of the programme to quarantine in a designated “quarantine” hotel, as required by government rules. You can then join the programme at the specified start date.
In this case, if you have arranged accommodation through Kaplan, the period of the accommodation charge will be reduced by the length of the quarantine duration up to a maximum of 10 days.
For example, if you wish to take a 6-week programme, and arrive early to complete the 10-day quarantine period in a hotel, you will be charged for 6 weeks of accommodation, minus the 10 days spent in quarantine. The same would apply for the 4-week course and the 2-week course.
If you have chosen to use a Supplementary Study option allowed once you have your visa approved* to study the 2 week programme in Nottingham or Brighton, you can only arrive in the UK within 4 weeks of the start of your degree programme, so please check to make sure your arrival date, including the time you are on the UK University Ready programme does not exceed this.
You can see the UK government’s ‘red list’ of countries for international travel on the gov.uk website for the arrivals in England and gov.scot website for the arrivals in Scotland. Please also see guidance to book your quarantine hotel package.
You can arrive early at your accommodation, up to a maximum of 2 weeks early, so that you can complete the period of self-isolation before the start of their programme, if self-isolation is required from where you have travelled from. You will not be charged for the period of self-isolation in Kaplan Accommodation before the commencement of the UK University Ready programme, but you should book this with Kaplan in advance of arrival.
If you have chosen to use a Supplementary Study option allowed once you have your visa approved* to study the 2 week programme in Nottingham or Brighton, you can only arrive in the UK within 4 weeks of the start of your degree programme, so please check to make sure your arrival date, including the time you are on the UK University Ready programme does not exceed this.
You can see the UK government’s guidance on the gov.uk website if you are arriving in England and have not been in a red list country in the last 10 days and on the gov.scot website if you are arriving in Scotland.
We hope you’ve found this information useful. If you are unsure of anything relating to your studies or your future plans with Kaplan Pathways, don’t hesitate to contact us or speak to your Kaplan representative. They’ll be happy to advise you and give you all the information you need.
