Latest information: Apply with confidence | Study with confidence | Live with confidence | UK FAQs | US FAQs
Last updated: August 16, 2021
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.
Since COVID-19 vaccinations first became available to the public in early January, millions of Americans have been vaccinated. As of August 7, more than 72% of all adults in the country have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 61% are fully vaccinated.
The US government has authorized 3 safe and highly effective vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson.
The success of the vaccine rollout has led to a drastic decrease in newly confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths, with reports of new cases at their lowest levels since September 2020. Across the country, mask mandates are easing and restrictions are lifting. Many states have already fully re-opened, and others plan to return to business as usual by the end of the summer.
Vaccines are now widely available, and are provided free of charge to all people living in the United States (including international students), regardless of their immigration or health insurance status. Universities can provide guidance on vaccinations for their students, faculty and staff, and in some cases can even administer doses on campus.
Decisions on COVID-19 vaccine requirements for on-campus study have been made by each university. You can see the latest announcements from our US university partners below:
ASU has announced that Fall 2021 instruction will be delivered to students by faculty in person, on campus.
If your visa, travel, or personal circumstances do not allow you to arrive for the start of the semester, the University will make accommodations for a virtual start so you do not have to delay your study plans. When you are physically able to come to ASU, you can transition into on-campus classes the following semester.
Kaplan and ASU admission teams will stay in close contact with you over the next months to support your education journey and we stand ready to make things work in this uncertain and constantly changing time. In the meantime, you can contact us with questions and keep checking ASU’s FAQs for the most up-to-date information.
For the Fall 2021 semester, Pace will return to more normal campus life with in-person classes, activities and events. Other course formats (e.g., online and hybrid) will still be offered for most classes for those who are unable to travel to campus.
Read more details in Pace University’s return to campus FAQs.
International students who are unable to join in person in New York in August 2021, 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 is looking forward to a vibrant re-opening of campus in Fall 2021, that includes classroom learning, at-capacity residence halls, and participation in on-campus events and activities.
The University is prioritizing health and safety so masks will be required in all classrooms, but with the relaxing of social distancing requirements, almost all classes will be able to operate at normal capacity.
Courses will not be delivered in an online mode in Fall 2021, so students will be unable to study remotely if they cannot travel to campus. The Center for Global Education will reach out to international students with updates on their options.
You can find out more about the Fall 2021 semester on the University website.
The University of Connecticut re-opening campus in Fall 2021. This includes a higher number of in-person courses (close to the same levels as Fall 2019) and a return to higher density of students in University residence halls.
UConn has implemented health and safety measures such as distancing and airflow in classrooms and other facilities, and will continue to adjust those measures as it prepares for a larger and denser population returning to campuses.
For international students who are unable to travel to the USA, UConn is offering limited courses fully online so they can begin their program from their home country.
Read more on the University of Connecticut’s plans for the Fall 2021 semester.
Absolutely. We are accepting applications to ASU and the University is making offers of admission for all intakes in 2022.
Yes, you can attend live-hosted virtual experiences, and watch student-guided video tours. Explore all of your options at visit.asu.edu.
Yes, ASU re-opened its campuses at the start of the Fall 2020 semester. The university has created a safe and welcoming environment in which students can live and learn, and has returned to full in-person classes for the Fall 2021 semester. These plans reflect current public health guidance and are subject to change throughout the semester.
You can start most programs remotely if you are unable to get a visa appointment or travel to campus in time for the start of the 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.
You can feel confident in moving forward with the enrollment process knowing that, whatever your circumstances, you will have a spot in class. 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, IELTS Indicator or the Duolingo English Test (DET) from all students applying to start in 2021.
These tests are an alternative proof of English proficiency for international students who are affected by test center closures.
The exam cost is usually $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.
There are GRE and GMAT waivers in place for admission to many master’s programs, including popular degrees like engineering and business, for the 2021-22 academic year.
Additionally, all Arizona State University academic colleges are accepting at-home online tests for the GMAT and GRE. Graduate applicants to ASU master’s degrees that still require GRE or GMAT scores can use this option where necessary.
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.
Yes. If you are unable to travel to the USA in time to start your program and prefer not to study 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 beginning of the semester, you should start your program on an ASU campus with in-person classes.
You can start your studies on campus if you are able to obtain a visa and travel for the start of the semester.
Fall 2021 – classes start on August 19, 2021. You can arrive up to 30 days prior to this date. The last date you can arrive is August 25 for undergraduates or September 3 for graduates.
Spring 2022 – classes start on January 10, 2022. You can arrive up to 30 days prior to this date and no later than 30 days after.
However, we recommend that you arrive in time for orientation, a few days before the start of the semester. Your pre-arrival information will give you the exact date.
Beginning at the start of the Fall semester (August 19, 2021), ASU will return to teaching delivered to students by faculty in person and on campus.
ASU will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 on and near its campuses, and will remain ready to shift to interactive remote learning with live lectures via Zoom, if health conditions or official guidelines require it.
Arizona State University is committed to creating a culture of care that promotes the values of “Live well, be well.” Read about ASU’s health and safety precautions.
ASU continues to follow public health and safety guidelines with daily health checks and random testing, enhanced cleaning, and physical distancing protocols to make ASU a safe environment for the entire community. Employees and students are required to wear face coverings while inside ASU buildings and in outdoor spaces where social distancing isn’t possible.
Vaccinations are free, quick and easy to access for all adults over the age of 16, including international students. Vaccinations are available on campus or through the state of Arizona. Read ASU’s COVID-19 vaccine FAQs.
You are not required to have had a coronavirus vaccine to be on campus at ASU, but it is strongly recommended that you do.
It is possible to get a free vaccine as soon as you arrive at ASU for your studies. Vaccines are available daily on campus via walk in, or by signing up on the My Health Portal.
Find out all you need to know about vaccines at ASU on the dedicated web page.
If you are absolutely unable to travel or get a visa in time for the stat of the semester, you can start your program in your home country with digital learning, and transition to campus for the start of the next semester.
If you can travel to campus, you should do so. But if you can’t get a visa or travel, for most programs you can begin your ASU studies from your home country with digital learning. This means you can stay on track without delaying your education plans. The next semester, 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.
Note that digital learning is not available for:
There are 2 types of instruction when learning remotely:
ASU academic advisors will work with each student to register them for the most appropriate mix of iCourses and ASU Sync courses, based on their individual situation.
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 can’t get to campus for the start of a semester, you must complete the entire semester remotely and come to campus at the start of the following semester.
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. You can also watch this video of our Student Ambassador talking about her digital learning experience.
The tuition price is the same for digital courses, whether students attend 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 again for 2021–22, so students starting this academic year will pay the same rate as those in 2019-20.
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.
No. If you are attending remotely from your home country, you do not need a visa or I-20 before registering for classes. However, we encourage you to get I-20 ready. ASU will begin issuing Spring 2022 I-20s in September.
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 an entire semester remotely, your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility will be delayed. You’ll be eligible for CPT after one academic year of studying a degree program on campus.
Absolutely. We are accepting applications to Pace University and the University is making offers of admission for all intakes in 2022.
Yes, you can schedule a virtual tour and watch campus video tours. Explore all of your options to learn about Pace University and its campuses.
You can also watch Pace University’s virtual admission events, including those for international students.
Yes, Pace University re-opened its New York City and Westchester campuses starting in Fall 2020. Pace is committed to providing students with a safe learning, working, and living environment.
In the 2021-22 academic year, Pace will return to teaching and learning that looks and feels closer to normal. That means in-person classes and activities, and more people on campus.
You can start your program remotely if you are unable to get a visa appointment or travel to campus in time for the start of the 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.
Yes, we encourage you to make your deposit to keep on track with your New York education plans. Pace’s campuses are expected to be open for the remainder of 2021 and into the future. You can feel confident in moving forward knowing that, whatever your individual situation you can join campus in person or start your studies digitally if you cannot travel to the USA, or defer to the next available intake if you prefer.
Yes, Pace University is accepting the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test, IELTS Indicator or the Duolingo English Test (DET) from all students applying for 2021-22 intakes.
These tests are an alternative proof of English proficiency for international students who are affected by test center closures.
The exam cost is usually $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.
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 GMAT and GRE score requirements for admission to its master’s degrees in 2021-22, so graduate applicants do not need to take these tests if they have minimum GPA 3.0 in all previous undergraduate study.
Pace is taking a more holistic approach to admission decisions at this time.
We encourage you to submit your application, even if your previous academic grades are on the borderline of Pace’s GPA requirement of:
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.
Yes. If you are unable to travel to the USA in time to start your program and prefer not to study 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 cancellation policies of Pace University. We will help you review your options to start a program remotely or defer your enrollment before canceling.
If you can arrive in time for the beginning of the semester, you can start your program on campus with in-person learning.
You can start your studies on campus if you are able to obtain a visa and arrive in time for the start of the semester.
Fall 2021 – recommended arrival date for orientation is August 30. Classes start on September 8, 2021. The last date you can arrive is September 29.
Spring 2022 – classes start on January 24, 2022. However, we recommend that you arrive in time for orientation, a few days before the start of the semester. Your pre-arrival information will give you the recommended date.
If you are unable to arrive by those dates, you can study your first semester remotely and join on-campus classes for the following semester.
Yes. All students who plan to come to campus must submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination. If you are an international student, you will be able to upload your record of receiving any World Health Organization-approved vaccine. If you have not been vaccinated in your home country, Pace will help you to get the vaccine upon your arrival in the United States.
Read more details about Pace’s vaccination requirement.
For the 2021-22 academic year, courses will be offered in one of two teaching modes:
Not all classes will have a hybrid mode. In some circumstance, in-person instruction will be required. Your class schedule and modalities will be set before the start of the semester.
Pace University is working to create a safe learning and living environment for the community, taking into account best guidelines and policies from federal, state and local health officials.
Pace expects some health and safety precautions to still be necessary in Fall 2021. The University will follow all public health guidelines while still providing a great college experience for students.
All students coming to campus will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, beginning with the Fall 2021 semester. Read more about Pace University’s health and safety precautions.
All students who will be studying on campus at Pace University are required to have been vaccinated, unless exempt for medical or religious reasons. Any vaccine approved by the World Health Organization will be accepted.
If you have not been vaccinated in your home country, you will be able to receive a free vaccine upon arrival at Pace; walk ins are available at New York City-run vaccination sites.
Find out all you need to know about vaccination at Pace on the University’s FAQs page.
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, earn credits toward your degree and stay on track without delaying your education plans.
When you are able to travel to the USA, you can 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:
Please note – asynchronous and hybrid options are not available for all classes, but students will be assisted in finding a class schedule that enables them to progress in their program.
Take a look at our Pace digital learning FAQs to find out more about remote study options in the 2021-22 academic year.
If you need to start your studies remotely, you will need to continue with remote learning for the full semester. You can first transition to campus for the start of the next 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. They can also tell you about their experiences with remote learning. Just contact us or your agent and we can put you in touch.
No, tuition charges remain unchanged. You’ll study the same program and enjoy the same high quality of teaching and support, whether you take classes in person or remotely.
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 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.
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 January and September 2022 starts.
Yes, you can schedule a Simmons University virtual visit. Online information sessions and campus tours are hosted by current students and admission staff.
Yes – Simmons University accepts the at-home IELTS Indicator or Duolingo English Test. The Duolingo exam cost is usually $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.
Yes, the University will fully re-open campus starting in Fall 2021, including in-classroom learning, at-capacity residence halls, and participation in on-campus activities.
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.
The University is not offering remote teaching or online classes in 2021-22. Simmons will work with each student on a one-on-one basis to discuss their options. If you are unable to travel to campus for the start of the semester, you can defer your admission to the next available intake.
All students who will be studying on campus at Simmons University are required to be vaccinated, unless exempt for medical or religious reasons. Unvaccinated students are not allowed on campus.
If you have not had a vaccine before you arrive at Simmons, Kaplan is offering free off-campus accommodation for 4 weeks while you get a vaccine. You can book an appointment for a free vaccine through the State of Massachusetts once you have arrived in the US.
Find out all you need to know about vaccines and Simmons on the dedicated FAQs page.
Yes, we are accepting applications to the University of Connecticut for Fall 2022, and the University will make offers of admission in Spring 2022. See important dates and deadlines for UConn.
Yes, UConn’s campuses are open for Fall 2021 and plan to stay open into the future. A lot of work has gone into making UConn as safe a place as possible for all students and staff. Rigorous cleaning and hygiene protocols, social distancing, mask-wearing and testing are all in place to help keep the campus running successfully.
The University will be closely monitoring guidance on social distancing, vaccination rates, and other public health indicators over the next few months that could affect levels of in-person experiences.
yes, there are a variety of ways to explore all of UConn’s campuses virtually. Take a look at the University’s Virtual Experiences web section and you can find virtual tours, videos and more to really see what it’s like to be a UConn student.
Yes, UConn is currently accepting the Duolingo English test (DET). The exam cost is usually $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.
You may be able to start your studies remotely if you are unable to get a visa appointment or travel to campus in time for the start of the semester.
Digital learning is offered through fully online asynchronous courses. However, there are limited courses available so some students may need to defer to the next semester if they can’t register for a full schedule of classes.
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.
Yes. If you are unable to travel to the USA in time to start your program or unable to study remotely, we can advise how to defer your offer of admission to the next available intake for your program.
Starting in Fall 2021, all students who will be studying on campus are required to be vaccinated, apart from those with medical (or other recognized) exemptions. This will need to be with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization or FDA. Those who have had a different vaccine will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If you have not already had a vaccine before travelling to the US, you will be able to get one upon arrival at the University. Free vaccines can be booked through University health services on the Storrs campus, or through the State of Connecticut for regional campuses.
Find out all you need to know about the UConn vaccine policy on the dedicated web page.
We hope you’ve found this information useful. If you are unsure of anything relating to your studies or your future plans in the USA, 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.
