Don't delay your studies: find out how you can apply with confidence this year.
Last updated: July 22, 2020
Our university partners have a strong track record in delivering education solutions and supporting international students, so you can apply to a US university with confidence. Here, we’ve answered some of the questions you might have about your future studies.
Good news! The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has rescinded its decision that required international students to leave the USA if they were taking entirely online courses in Fall 2020. Read more about the reversal of F-1 visa policy changes in the LA Times.
Please see individual university responses below:
At our US university partners in Fall 2020, international students have on-campus hybrid learning options – a mix of in-person and online classes – or can stay in their home country and study remotely, without affecting their visa status when they are able to come to campus.
The university is set to resume on-campus, in-person classes from August 20, while prioritizing health and safety.
Given the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, ASU have taken extra steps to ensure that its entire community is as safe as possible. Classrooms and meeting spaces will be cleaned with high frequency. Testing for COVID-19 will be available to anyone on campus who needs it. And the university is optimizing its campuses for social distancing. Read the full ASU Fall 2020 announcement.
Once you arrive on campus for the fall semester, you should anticipate a schedule that includes a blend of in-person classes and ASU Sync classes (ASU Sync involves synchronous, technology-enhanced and fully interactive remote learning using live lectures via Zoom).
If your visa, travel, or personal circumstances do not allow you to arrive by August 20, you can begin your ASU experience entirely through remote learning. Faculty will hold special office hours that accommodate different time zones. When visa and travel restrictions are lifted and you are able to come to ASU, you can transition into on-campus classes, uninterrupted.
If necessary, you can complete the Fall 2020 semester remotely, and even continue studying remotely in the Spring 2021 semester.
Kaplan and ASU admission teams will stay in close contact with you over the next months to help create the study plans that best enable you to fulfill your ASU dreams! In the meantime, you can contact us with questions and keep checking ASU’s FAQs for Fall 2020 for the most up-to-date information.
Pace University will welcome students and staff back to its New York City and Westchester campuses for the Fall 2020 semester. Learning will be delivered through a mix of in-person, remote, and hybrid formats, to enable the reduction of classroom density to 25%.
Fall semester dates have changed from the planned calendar: classes will now start on August 24, 2020 and end on November 24, 2020. All final exams will happen remotely.
Read more details in Pace University’s return to campus announcement.
Students who are unable to join in person in New York by September 15, due to travel restrictions and visa delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, can begin their Pace program through online learning. This means you do not need to delay your education plans. You can move to on-campus study for the start of the next semester.
Simmons University has announced that all of its teaching and activities will be online for the Fall 2020 semester, and therefore it is not fully opening its campus.
Read more about Simmons University’s Fall 2020 plans .
Simmons, with the help of its technology partner 2U, has developed a virtual campus that will offer hundreds of undergraduate courses with highly interactive online classes, including small group discussions and project-based learning. Watch a video about the Simmons virtual experience:
Absolutely. We are accepting applications to ASU and the University is making offers of admission for the Fall 2020 intake and beyond as normal.
Yes. You can join Arizona State University live-hosted virtual experiences and watch student-guided video tours.
Yes, ASU intends to open campuses for the Fall semester and has made plans to create a safe and welcoming environment in which students can live and learn. Classes start on August 20, 2020.
ASU will be introducing new safety precautions including social distancing protocols, face coverings and cleaning requirements.
You can start your program remotely if you are unable to get a visa appointment or travel to campus in time for the Fall semester.
Check usembassy.gov for the latest updates on visa appointments by embassy or consulate. If you hold an I-20, you may find it hard to get a visa interview when US embassies and consulates first resume visa services.
Application deadlines for some ASU programs have been extended for students who enroll remotely for at least the first part of the Fall semester. See a list of all Fall 2020 application deadlines and program start dates.
You can feel confident in moving forward with the admission process knowing that, whatever your circumstances are in August, you will have a spot in Fall classes. You can study remotely with digital learning if you cannot travel to the USA, or defer to the next available intake if you prefer.
We encourage you to make your deposit and/or confirm your place, to keep on track with your US education plans. Arizona State University will be flexible with your unique situation and is committed to helping you continue your studies.
Yes. Effective March 26, 2020, the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has made an exception to current regulations to allow universities to email I-20 documents to students. Emailed I-20s are suitable to use for visa appointments, when applicable. If an I-20 was previously sent through physical mail, you should continue to use this physical document.
Yes, Arizona State University is accepting the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test or the Duolingo English Test (DET) for all students applying to the Fall 2020 intake.
These tests are an alternative proof of English proficiency for international students who are affected by test center closures. Watch our video about the benefits of Duolingo:
The exam may be taken from any computer that has a camera, audio, and reliable internet. You can start the test here. You can also do a practice test. You will first need to create an account and then register to take the test.
The exam cost is $49 (USD), but Kaplan has purchased a group of tests and will provide agents and applicants with coupon codes so the DET can be taken for free. Please ask your education advisor or Market Manager for further information about this.
A verification email will be sent to you within 2 days of completing the test. This contains a link for you to send your score to Arizona State University.
You can find answers to other common questions about DET on the Duolingo website.
If you are having difficulty getting required application documents, please submit your application to Kaplan anyway. We will review the application and provide guidance on a case-by-case basis.
Note: Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business is temporarily waiving letters of recommendation for graduate degree applications, except for the full-time MBA degree.
Yes. If you are unable to travel to the USA in time to start your program and prefer not to join remotely, we can advise you on how to defer your offer of admission to the next available intake for the program.
Please note, some business master’s programs have only one intake a year, in the Fall.
You are covered by the enrollment deposit and tuition refund policies of Arizona State University. We will help you review your options to start a program remotely or defer your enrollment before cancelling.
If you can arrive in time for the Fall semester, you can start your program on an ASU campus with a mix of in-person and digital classes.
For Fall 2020, you can start your studies on campus if you are able to arrive in time. Classes start on August 20 and the latest arrival date is September 3.
You should anticipate a schedule that includes a blend of in-person classes and ASU Sync classes. ASU Sync is synchronous digital learning, such as joining live lectures via Zoom. ASU Sync will be used alongside in-person classes to enable social distancing: classroom capacity will be reduced to no more than 50% occupancy.
This mix of in-person and digital study is called hybrid learning.
Some labs, clinical experiences and fine arts courses that do not lend themselves to remote instruction will only be available through on-campus, in-person instruction.
No, the tuition price is the same whether classes are delivered in person or through ASU Sync — you’ll take the same program and enjoy the same high quality of teaching and support.
However, ASU is freezing its tuition prices for the 2020–21 academic year, so new students will pay the same rate as those the previous year.
ASU will be following public health and safety guidelines with testing, enhanced cleaning, and social distancing protocols to make ASU a safe environment for the entire community. Employees and students will be required to wear a face mask while inside ASU buildings and in outdoor spaces where social distancing isn’t possible.
All on-campus students will receive a “Community of Care” kit containing face coverings, a thermometer, hand sanitizer and other items for use in maintaining their health and wellness on campus.
Read more about ASU’s health and safety precautions.
If you are unable to travel or get a visa in time for the Fall semester, you can start your program in your home country with digital learning, and transition to campus midway through the semester or in the Spring semester.
With digital learning you can begin your ASU studies from your home country, and stay on track without delaying your education plans. When you are able to travel to the USA, you can transition all your credits and continue the rest of your program on campus with no study gap.
You will study in the same classes with the same professors as on-campus students. Any scholarship you have been awarded is the same for remote learning, too.
Arizona State University’s primary goal is for all students to progress toward their academic goals uninterrupted.
You have a choice of 2 types of instruction when learning remotely:
Please note: you should enroll only in ASU Sync classes (not iCourses) if you intend to transition to campus during the Fall semester. More information about ASU Sync.
When travel restrictions are lifted and you are able to come to ASU, you can transition into on-campus classes, uninterrupted. Please keep in close contact with ASU to inform them of your travel plans, so they can ensure the date on your I-20 matches your arrival date.
If you plan to come to campus during the Fall semester, you should aim to arrive in time for Session B classes starting on October 12. The latest you can arrive is October 28. You should work with your academic advisor to enroll in a specific set of ASU Sync classes that you will attend remotely until your arrival on campus.
If necessary, you can complete the entire Fall semester remotely, and come to campus in January, or even study remotely in the Spring semester too.
We are always happy to connect you with current students so that you can hear directly about their life as an ASU student!
Arizona State University international students are available to talk to you about what you can expect on campus, as well as their own experiences with remote learning. Just contact us and we can put you in touch.
The tuition price is the same for ASU Sync courses, whether students are attending on campus or remotely — you’ll take the same classes and enjoy the same high quality of teaching and support.
However, ASU is freezing its tuition prices for the 2020–21 academic year, so new students will pay the same rate as those the previous year.
By studying remotely you will save money because you will not need US health insurance, nor to pay some of the standard university fees. Additionally, any scholarship awarded to you at admission is still valid for remote learning.
The application process remains the same: complete our online application form, selecting your preferred program. You can submit your application to Kaplan even if you can’t get all your supporting documents ready at this time.
Your education advisor will discuss in-person and remote study options with you.
If you are attending remotely from your home country, you do not need a visa before enrolling.
For degree students starting in Fall 2020, you must request your I-20 before the start of the semester (August 20) so you can register for classes, even if you are beginning your studies remotely.
For Intensive English and ASU-USA Pathways program students, you do not need an I-20 for studying remotely.
Yes. If you begin the Fall semester remotely through ASU Sync, you must request your I-20 by August 20 (the start of the semester) at the latest.
Contact ASU or Kaplan with your travel plans so that your I-20 can be updated with the appropriate date of arrival to campus.
Read ASU’s I-20 updates for the Fall 2020 semester.
No, but we encourage you to get all appropriate vaccines and submit the needed immunization paperwork when facilities are open and available again. This will ensure that your transition to on-campus study is not delayed.
If you study the entire Fall semester remotely and come to campus for the Spring semester, your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility will be delayed. You’ll be eligible for CPT starting Spring 2022, the same as other Spring 2021 start students.
However, if you can transition to campus for Fall Session B in October, your CPT eligibility will not be affected. You’ll be eligible for CPT starting summer of 2021, the same as other Fall 2020 start students.
Absolutely. We are accepting applications to Pace University and the University is making offers of admission for the Fall 2020 intake and beyond as normal.
Yes. You can schedule a virtual tour and watch campus video tours.
You can also watch a virtual presentation for international students by Pace University.
Yes, Pace University plans to re-open its New York City and Westchester campuses for a full Fall 2020 semester. Pace is committed to providing students with a safe learning, working, and living environment. Classes start on August 24, 2020.
Yes, the Fall 2020 semester will begin 2 weeks earlier than planned on Monday, August 24. On-campus courses will end on November 24, two days before the Thanksgiving break. Classes will resume online on November 30, and continue until December 5. Pace also plan to hold classes on some previously scheduled holidays during the Fall semester.
You can start your program remotely if you are unable to get a visa appointment or travel to campus in time for the Fall semester.
Check usembassy.gov for the latest updates on visa appointments by embassy or consulate. If you hold an I-20, you may find it hard to get a visa interview when US embassies and consulates first resume visa services.
Pace University understands that students and parents may be uncertain about the future. To help families make a decision, they have extended the date that enrollment deposits are refundable to August 1.
We encourage you to make your deposit to keep on track with your New York education plans. You can feel confident in moving forward knowing that, whatever the situation in August, you can start your studies digitally if you cannot travel to the USA or defer to the next available intake.
Yes, Pace University is accepting the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test or the Duolingo English Test (DET) for all students applying to the Fall 2020 intake.
These tests are an alternative proof of English proficiency for international students who are affected by test center closures. Watch our video about the benefits of Duolingo:
The exam may be taken from any computer that has a camera, audio, and reliable internet. You can start the test here. You can also do a practice test. You will need to first create an account and then register to take the test.
The exam cost is $49 (USD), but Kaplan has purchased a group of tests and will provide agents and applicants with coupon codes so the DET can be taken for free. Please ask your education advisor or Market Manager for further information about this.
A verification email will be sent to you within 2 days of completing the test. This contains a link for you to send your score to Pace University.
You can find answers to other common questions about DET on the Duolingo website.
If you are having difficulty getting required application documents, please submit your application to Kaplan anyway. We will review the application and provide guidance on a case-by-case basis.
Pace is flexible in allowing alternative proof of financials for your I-20 request, if you are unable to get a bank statement.
Pace University has waived all GMAT and GRE score requirements for admission to its master’s degrees in Fall 2020, so students do not need to take these tests.
Pace is taking a more holistic approach to admission decisions at this time.
Yes. Effective March 26, 2020, the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) has made an exception to current regulations to allow you to receive your I-20 documents electronically. These are suitable to use for visa appointments, when applicable. If an I-20 was previously sent through physical mail, you should continue to use this physical document.
To access your digital I-20, go into your Pace application portal and find your decision letter, then scroll down to find the PDF of the I-20.
We are expecting Pace University to announce later I-20 request deadlines for Fall 2020 students who are starting remotely. We do not yet have exact details, but will publish new deadlines here as soon as they are confirmed.
Yes. If you are unable to travel to the USA in time to start your program and prefer not to join remotely, we can advise how to defer your offer of admission to the next available intake for your program.
You are covered by the enrollment deposit and tuition refund policies of Pace University. We will help you review your options to start a program remotely or defer your enrollment before cancelling.
If you can arrive in time for the Fall semester, you can start your program on campus with a mix of in-person and digital learning.
Pace University plans to reopen both campuses to students, with Fall 2020 classes starting 2 weeks earlier than planned on August 24, 2020. The latest you can arrive is September 15.
If you can’t arrive for August 24, but will be able to get to Pace University before September 15, you will begin your coursework online but switch to an in-person class once on campus.
If you are unable to arrive by Spetember 15, you can study you first semester remotely and join on campus classes in January for the Spring 2021 semester.
In Fall 2020, Pace University will offer a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid learning options to on-campus students. Online and hybrid instruction will be the primary methods, to enable physical distancing in classrooms.
In-person instruction will be prioritized for courses in which virtual learning is harder to achieve, such as performance, laboratory, or clinical experiences.
No, tuition charges remain unchanged. You’ll take the same program and enjoy the same high quality of teaching and support, whether classes are delivered in person, blended, or online.
However, you will save money because you will not need US health insurance, nor to pay any of Pace’s standard institution fees (other than tuition). Additionally, any scholarship awarded to you at admission is still valid for online learning.
Pace University has developed a comprehensive plan, compliant with official public health guidance, to ensure the safety of every member of the community.
Pace will be introducing new safety precautions including social distancing signage, face covering protocols, additional cleaning, and reduced capacity in public spaces. All students, staff, and faculty will be required to complete a mandatory online training and education module prior to the start of the Fall semester.
Read more about Pace University’s health and safety precautions.
If you are unable to travel or get a visa in time for the start of the semester, you can study the first semester in your home country with digital learning, and come to campus for the following semester.
With online learning you can study your first semester with Pace University from your home country, and stay on track without delaying your education plans.
When you are able to travel to the USA, you can transfer all your credits and continue the rest of your program on campus the following semester, with no study gap. Pace University will support international students in their transition to study in New York.
Any scholarship you are awarded at admission is valid for remote learning, too.
Pace will use 2 types of instruction for students learning remotely:
Read Pace University’s information for students who are learning remotely.
Also take a look at our Pace digital learning FAQs to find out more about remote study options in the Fall 2020 semester.
If you need to start your studies remotely in the Fall 2020 semester, you will need to continue with remote learning for the full semester. You can first transition to campus in January 2021 for the start of the Spring semester.
We are always happy to help you speak with a current student by phone or WhatsApp so you can find out what it’s really like to study in the USA.
Pace University Student Ambassadors are ready to talk to you about what you can expect, as well as about their own experiences with remote learning. Just contact us or your agent and we can put you in touch.
No, tuition charges remain unchanged. You’ll take the same program and enjoy the same high quality of teaching and support, whether classes are delivered in person or remotely.
However, you will save money because you will not need US health insurance, nor to pay most of Pace’s standard institution fees.
The application process remains the same: complete our online application form, selecting your preferred program. You can submit your application to Kaplan even if you can’t get all your supporting documents ready at this time.
Your education advisor will discuss in-person and remote study options with you.
No. Students who are attending remotely from their home country do not need their I-20 or visa before enrolling. However, we recommend that you get your I-20 ready to be in the best position when visa appointments open again.
No, but we encourage you to get all appropriate vaccines and submit the needed immunization paperwork when facilities are open and available again. This will ensure that your transition to on-campus study is not delayed.
Absolutely. We are accepting applications to Simmons University and they are making offers of admission for the Fall 2020 intake and beyond, completely as normal.
Yes, you can schedule a Simmons University virtual visit.
Yes – Simmons University accepts the at-home Duolingo English Test (DET). It’s an alternative for international students who are affected by test center closures. Read more information about the Duolingo English Test.
Simmons University has moved all teaching into an online format until at least the end of Fall semester (December 15).
No, Simmons University is not fully opening its campus, and will instead offer a virtual experience to new students.
You’ll find information in the Simmons University online experience FAQ.
Absolutely. You can submit your application to The University of Tulsa and they are making offers of admission for the Fall 2020 intake and beyond, completely as normal.
Yes, you can take a University of Tulsa virtual tour.
Yes – The University of Tulsa accepts the at-home Duolingo English Test (DET). It’s an alternative for international students who are affected by test center closures. Read more information about the Duolingo English Test.
The University of Tulsa has moved all teaching into an online format until the end of Summer semester (August 14).
Check out TU’s support to help students keep learning while classes are virtual.
Yes, campus will open on August 1, 2020 for students to begin returning and classes start on August 24. Read details of TU’s phased plan to open campus.
Most courses will be taught through a hybrid/flexible (HyFlex) method. HyFlex courses will include both in-class and online formats. If the number of enrolled students exceeds the physical distancing capacity of the classroom, the instructor will assign students to alternate days or weeks to attend class in person. Students who are unable to attend class in person will have access to course assignments, readings, in-class recordings and other learning activities on an asynchronous basis.
Read more about TU’s plans for Fall classes.
Absolutely. You can submit your application to Northeastern University and they are making offers of admission for the Fall 2020 intake and beyond, completely as normal.
Yes, you can sign up for a virtual campus visit.
Northeastern University has moved all teaching into an online format until the end of Summer I semester (June 25) and at Northeastern College of Professional Studies until the end of Summer quarter (August 29)
You can find information in Northeastern’s student learning resources.
Yes, Northeastern University is planning a phased return to campus, with the intention of reopening classrooms and facilities to students in the Fall semester. Classes are due to start in early September.
Northeastern have announced NUflex: a combination of in-person learning that allows healthy distancing, combined with remote instruction. Students may opt to take all classes online, begin the semester remotely then come to campus, or come to campus for the start of the semester and take a combination of in-person and online classes.
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.
