How to apply  Application process UK application process

UK application process

We’ve made applying to a UK university simple. All you need to do is follow the steps below to start your journey to studying abroad in the UK.

How to apply

  1. Complete your application form

    You can add your supporting documents straightaway, or save your application and upload them later. 

  2. Receive a study offer

    We’ll review your application and get back to you quickly with either a conditional or unconditional offer, or to explore your options.

  3. Accept your offer

    Return your offer acceptance form to us and pay your deposit, or send your financial guarantee. 

  4. Get your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

    Now you can apply for a student visa

Start your application today

Apply now

Document checklist

For a complete application, you need to send a few extra documents with your application form. These include:

  • copies of your passport and any previous UK visas  

  • UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate or accepted equivalent  

  • academic transcripts (plus certified translations if the original transcripts are not in English)  

If you’d like some extra support with this process in your home country, we can recommend a trusted local Education Agent.

Support at every step

You don’t need to feel nervous about applying. We are here to help and, no matter your educational background, we will support you in finding a study option that suits you. 

Learn more about support for studying abroad
Kayode, a Glasgow student, posing with his parents on graduation day

“My advisor showed genuine interest in my progress and admission, so I knew that studying with Kaplan would be the right choice — and it was!”

Kayode from Nigeria
University of Glasgow graduate

Additional support

For under-18s

You’ll need a legal guardian while you study in the UK, until you reach 18 years old. When you receive your study offer, we can help arrange this through a trusted service. 

What does a guardian do?  
Your guardian will act as a 24/7 emergency contact for you. They will be in frequent contact with you by phone and email. They will also be a point of contact for your parents and the College, if needed.  

For students with medical conditions or a disability

If you have a medical condition or disability, it’s important to let us know as soon as possible so that we can ensure you get the support you need. This allows us to have measures in place when you start your studies.

You can inform us by completing the Medical Conditions and Disability Disclosure form linked on your offer letter. Anything you tell us will be treated as confidential, and we’ll only share your information with people who need to know.

Important dates 

There are multiple intakes each year, giving you the flexibility to decide when to start your pathway course. We recommend that you apply at least a few months in advance of when you want to start, so that you have enough time to arrange your visa and accommodation.

We also recommend that you enrol on the first day of your intake, or as close to this as possible, to take full advantage of Welcome Week or orientation activities before teaching starts. We do, however, have flexible enrolment periods for students who arrive a little later.

Autumn 2023 intake

DateWhat’s happening?
11 SeptemberStart of enrolment for September 2023 intake at most UK colleges and for digital degree preparation courses (until 2 October)
18 SeptemberStart of enrolment for September 2023 intake at the University of York International Pathway College (until 2 October)
18 SeptemberStart of enrolment for September 2023 intake for the University of Birmingham foundation pathways (until 9 October)
23 OctoberStart of enrolment for October 2023 intake at most UK colleges, and for digital degree preparation courses (until 1 or 13 November)
30 OctoberStart of enrolment for October 2023 intake at the University of York International Pathway College (until 13 November)

Spring 2024 intake

DateWhat’s happening?
2 October (2023)Start of CAS issuing for Spring 2024 intake at all applicable UK study centres
3 JanuaryStart of enrolment for January 2024 intake for Kaplan digital pathway courses (until 22 January)
4 JanuaryStart of enrolment for January 2024 intake for the University of Birmingham foundation pathways (until 15 January)
8 JanuaryStart of enrolment for January 2024 intake at most UK colleges (until 29 January)
8 JanuaryStart of enrolment for January 2024 intake at the University of York International Pathway College (until 22 January)
19 FebruaryStart of enrolment for 1.5-term Foundation courses at the University of York International Pathway College (until 4 March)
19 FebruaryStart of enrolment for mid-Spring 2024 intake for Kaplan digital pathway courses (until 11 March)
26 FebruaryStart of enrolment for mid-Spring 2024 intake at most UK colleges (until 18 March)
22 AprilStart of final Spring enrolment for 2024 at most UK colleges (until 13 May)

Next steps

Student using tablet

Apply now

Student sat on the bed and using a tablet in the accommodation

UK accommodation