Latest information: Apply with confidence | Study with confidence | Live with confidence
Last updated: 14 October 2020
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:
You may have seen in the news that confirmed cases of COVID-19 have risen in the UK recently. We want to reassure you that we’re continuously monitoring the situation at all of our colleges and partner universities, as well as the latest government guidance. We’re confident that our social distancing measures, hygiene precautions and blended learning methods mean that all of our students can continue to live and study safely.
We’re ensuring that students who need to self-isolate are fully supported and have everything they need to feel safe, comfortable, and to achieve their study goals. We are also able to adjust our ratio of face-to-face to online teaching where necessary, to help manage the number of students in a college at any given time. If necessary, courses can be temporarily taught entirely online.
Finally, we’re pleased to say that students at our colleges are doing a fantastic job of adhering to social distancing and other guidelines, supporting each other, and helping to make their time in the UK safe and successful.
For our Autumn intakes, we’ve restarted face-to-face learning, and are currently welcoming students in person once more!
For these intakes, we’ve extended the enrolment deadline for our September intake to November at most colleges, so you’ll have a bit more time to join us. We have intakes this Autumn in September, October and November.
We’re taking all the steps necessary to ensure we’re adhering to government health and safety guidelines. Social distancing and other measures are in place at all of our UK colleges, and our blended learning approach (mixing digital with in-person study) will ensure that you’ll have a safe and effective study experience.
We also recognise that, depending on which country you live in, there may be different rules on travel restrictions. We will work with you, taking into account your personal circumstances, to support you and make sure you can begin your studies and follow your path to university.
And remember, if you can’t join us in person, you can still start a course from your home country via digital learning.
For our Spring intakes next year, we’ll continue to offer flexibility in our study options. When you travel to the UK to study, you’ll receive all the support you need to live and study with confidence. You’ll benefit from blended learning at our colleges, with social distancing and other measures in place for as long as required to keep our students and staff safe.
We’ll be following 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.
If travel restrictions, visa centre closures or other challenges arising from the ongoing pandemic make it difficult for you to study with us in person, you’ll still be able to join us remotely with digital learning. This ensures that nobody needs to miss out on a great education.
Get in touch now to apply!
Yes – you can still apply now and join us in person in the UK for a blended learning experience. Alternatively, you can start your course online soon and transfer to face-to-face teaching in the UK when you can.
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.
Yes, and we’re looking forward to seeing you here in person! Unless travel restrictions or other circumstances make it difficult for you to join us, you’ll be able to join us for a blended learning experience in the UK. However, if you can’t make it, you can start your course online.
We’ve put a lot of work into preparing our colleges for face-to-face learning, and we have a range of solutions and innovations in place to make sure you’ll get a fantastic – and safe – study experience. Appropriate social distancing measures are in place, and we are, of course, following all UK government guidance on health and safety.
When you arrive in the UK, we’ll help you arrange a safe transfer from the airport to your accommodation — all of our coaches and private transfer vehicles will adhere to government guidelines on social distancing and hygiene.
At the College, you’ll have a full induction where we’ll explain the new rules to everyone in detail, including information on what to do if you feel unwell.
Further safety measures at our colleges include:
We will also be delivering a blended learning programme: this is a mixture of digital learning solutions and traditional classroom teaching, giving you a truly modern study experience while helping to maintain social distancing.
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.
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 a safe way, while improving your digital skills. Find out more about blended learning.
If your education institution is closed, the good news is we can consider historical academic transcripts and other indicative documents from your school / university if you don’t have your latest full transcript for the current year. This does not currently apply to applicants to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate at the University of Nottingham.
Just contact us if you have any questions, and we can advise you on what to send.
We recognise that it might not be possible to book a UKVI IELTS exam. We can therefore accept the following English language test scores for your UK pathway course:
| Starting in the UK through blended learning | Starting in your home country through digital learning |
|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI | Duolingo |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT | High school English certificate for selected countries* |
| PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic UKVI | IELTS General or Academic (UKVI or non-UKVI) |
| IELTS Indicator | |
| KITE** | |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT or non-SELT | |
| PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic (UKVI or non-UKVI) | |
| TOEFL iBT |
*Excludes the International Foundation Programme at the University of Bristol and all programmes at the University of York International Pathway College. If you’re applying to one of these programmes, you’ll need to use another test from this column.
**Excludes the International Foundation Programme at the University of Bristol. If you’re applying to this programme, you’ll need to use another test from this column.
If you transfer from digital to blended learning during your course, you’ll need to take an English test in the left-hand column for your visa to enrol in the UK.
Students applying to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate at the University of Nottingham will also need to take an English test in the left-hand column, regardless of whether they are starting their course in the UK or remotely.
If you’re applying to an International Year One course and have an English language level equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or higher, you may be able to submit an English test score from the right-hand column, even if you’re starting your course in the UK via blended learning. See here for more details.
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.
Each of our UK colleges will be closely monitoring the local situation, and following guidance and rules from the government, at both the national and local level. This may mean adhering to public health and safety measures, such as limitations on group gatherings or face-to-face lessons, that are applied to regional areas. We have been working closely with our university partners in each area to ensure that preparations are in place in a return to lockdown is required.
The health and safety of students and staff will always be our top priority, as well as that of our university partners, and the plans we have in place ensure that students can live and study safely in any circumstance.
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. 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. These face-to-face contact hours won’t be offered in digital format, unless government guidelines change.
We look forward to seeing you in person when you begin your studies, and our blend of digital and face-to-face teaching will ensure you’re getting the experience that’s right for you.
However, don’t worry if you can’t make it. Our flexible study options for Autumn 2020 and Spring 2021 mean that you can study the way you want. There’s no reason to put your dreams on hold!
Please note: policies for the University of Bristol’s International Foundation Programme, the University of Nottingham’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate, and at the University of York International Pathways College may differ. Please see the information below for more details.
You can start your programme in person; your course in the UK will be a mixture of online and face-to-face learning (known as blended learning) in small groups to ensure you can study safely.
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’ll be implementing social distancing measures to ensure your safety. For example, we’ll reduce class sizes so that there are fewer students studying in person at a given time. We will also organise 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.
We’ve put a lot of work into preparing our colleges for resuming face-to-face learning, and we have a range of solutions and innovations in place to make sure you’ll get a fantastic – and safe – study experience. Appropriate social distancing measures are in place, and we are, of course, following all UK government guidance on health and safety.
We will also be delivering a blended learning programme: this is a mixture of digital learning solutions and traditional classroom teaching, giving you a truly modern study experience while helping to maintain social distancing.
As part of our flexible approach to admissions and teaching, we’ve extended the enrolment period for our September intake this year. This means that you now have until 9 November 2020 to enrol for most courses.
This does not apply to: the International Foundation Programme at the University of Bristol; the Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate at the University of Nottingham; and courses at the University of York International Pathway College. The deadlines for enrolment for these courses have now passed, though you can of course apply for the next available intake.
If you join a September course late, you will be given all the help and support you need to make sure your studies are on track.
If you can’t start in time for the September intake, many courses are also available in our usual October and November intakes. In many cases you have until 30 November to start your course, giving you some extra time!
You can find all available October and November intake courses and further information here.
New students starting a pathway course in Spring 2021 can find enrolment start dates in the table below. Also included are teaching start dates for both new and continuing students.
| College/study centre | First day of enrolment for Spring 2021 |
|---|---|
| University of Bristol (International Foundation Programme) | No Spring intake courses available Teaching commences 11 January for continuing students |
| University of Nottingham (Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate) | 18 January for new students (with teaching starting 25 January) Teaching commences 18 January for continuing students |
| University of York International Pathway College | 11 January for new students Teaching commences 18 January for continuing students |
| All other Kaplan Pathways UK colleges | 11 January (with teaching starting 18 January) Teaching commences 6 January for continuing students |
If you can’t start a course in January, many courses are also available with start dates in March or April. Speak to an adviser to find the right course for you.
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 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.
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 up to 14 days 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 your remote digital learning experience until you can join us for face-to-face teaching at the College.
If you’re studying a non-Kaplan taught course, you can navigate to relevant partner websites for more information here.
You can start your course digitally, and join us in-person as soon as you are able and ready to – we’ll be ready 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 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.
As part of our flexible approach to admissions and teaching, we’ve extended the enrolment period for our September intake this year. This means that you now have until 9 November 2020 to enrol for most courses.
This does not apply to: the International Foundation Programme at the University of Bristol; the Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate at the University of Nottingham; and courses at the University of York International Pathway College. The deadlines for enrolment for these courses have now passed, though you can of course apply for the next available intake.
If you join a September course late, you will be given all the help and support you need to make sure your studies are on track.
If you can’t start in time for the September intake, many courses are also available in our usual October and November intakes. In many cases you have until 30 November to start your course, giving you some extra time!
You can find all available October and November intake courses and further information here.
Absolutely. If your circumstances allow, we would be delighted to welcome you to begin your course in the UK. Simply speak to your Kaplan representative and we give you all the information and guidance you need to prepare for your studies in the UK.
We are confident that you will feel secure with your digital learning course with Kaplan, but understand that you may feel uncertain about how your course will actually work online. Our digital learning solutions webpages contain a lot of useful information about how you will be able to access course materials, and how college staff will be there to support you throughout your studies.
Once you have enrolled online at the start of term, you will have 7 days from the day of your first lesson to decide if digital learning is right for you. If you decide that you are unable to continue with your studies online, you can withdraw from the course within the first 7 days without penalty. You can then choose either to defer your studies to a future intake and join us in person, or you can apply for a full deposit and tuition fee refund.
Please note that the refunds policy for certain courses follow their own terms and conditions, which can be seen below:
You can transition to face-to-face teaching 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.
We’ve put a lot of work into preparing our colleges for resuming face-to-face learning, and we have a range of solutions and innovations in place to make sure you’ll get a fantastic – and safe – study experience. Appropriate social distancing measures are in place, and we are, of course, following all UK government guidance on health and safety.
We will also be delivering a blended learning programme: this is a mixture of digital learning solutions and traditional classroom teaching, giving you a truly modern study experience while helping to maintain social distancing.
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 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.
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.
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.
Alternatively, 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.
We are confident that you will feel secure with your digital learning course with Kaplan, but understand that you may feel uncertain about how your course will actually work online. Our digital learning solutions webpages contain a lot of useful information about how you will be able to access course materials, and how college staff will be there to support you throughout your studies.
Once you have enrolled online at the start of term, you will have 7 days from the day of your first lesson to decide if digital learning is right for you. If you decide that you are unable to continue with your studies online, you can withdraw from the course within the first 7 days without penalty. You can then choose either to defer your studies to a future intake and join us in person, or you can apply for a full deposit and tuition fee refund.
Please note that the option of starting and completing your course entirely online is not always available for non-Kaplan taught courses, which are listed below:
Whether you’re studying from your home country or from your room in the UK, 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.
As part of our flexible approach to admissions and teaching, we’ve extended the enrolment period for our September intake this year. This means that you now have until 9 November 2020 to enrol for most courses.
This does not apply to: the International Foundation Programme at the University of Bristol; the Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate at the University of Nottingham; and courses at the University of York International Pathway College. The deadlines for enrolment for these courses have now passed, though you can of course apply for the next available intake.
If you join a September course late, you will be given all the help and support you need to make sure your studies are on track.
If you can’t start in time for the September intake, many courses are also available in our usual October and November intakes. In many cases you have until 30 November to start your course, giving you some extra time!
You can find all available October and November intake courses and further information here.
The University of Bristol has now finished enrolment for its Autumn 2020 intake.
The University is currently running face-to-face teaching as part of its blended learning approach, making use of small group teaching mixed with online learning sessions. This will help ensure that social distancing guidelines are adhered to, while still offering students an engaging education and study experience. For students unable to travel to Bristol, online study options have been made available.
Find out all you need to know on the University’s own website.
The University of Nottingham has now finished enrolment for its Autumn 2020 intake.
Social distancing is in place at the University, and blended learning is ensuring that students can study on campus safely and effectively.
This includes learning based around small groups, including seminars, workshops, lab classes and tutorials. On average, 8–10 hours per week of these activities are taught face-to-face, while adhering to strict health and safety guidelines. Students have access to lecturing material online including pre-recorded videos, course notes and live sessions.
Students’ engagement will be continuously monitored through regular tutorial meetings with their personal tutor, attendance at face-to-face scheduled sessions, and coursework submissions.
Find out more on the University’s website.
The University of York has now finished enrolment for its Autumn 2020 intake.
The University of York is offering learning solutions based on the most relevant government guidance at the time.
The University is teaching cohorts of students on campus where possible, but with online study for those who need it, until they can join on-campus learning. All teaching spaces across the University are being assessed for their suitability for small group learning that adheres to social distancing guidance.
The University is also planning assessments that can be carried out both on campus and off, enabling students of all study modes to be assessed fairly.
Innovative ways for students to engage with one another, with their teachers and with recreational and extra-curricular activities are all in place for this year’s students, ensuring everyone can benefit from an enriching overall student experience.
Find out more on the University’s website.
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.
