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Kaplan
United Kingdom
Students Satisfaction
89%
Overview
Kaplan International Pathways offers a direct and supported route to university education for international students. They provide specialised pathway programmes such as Foundation, International Year One, and Pre-Master's, which are designed to enhance students' academic skills, English language proficiency, and subject knowledge.
With a core focus on academic and English language development, Kaplan provides students with the skills and confidence required to transition to their chosen undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
The wide range of partnerships with leading universities worldwide provides a truly immersive student experience.
Extended Overview
Kaplan provides a uniquely international experience with their higher education pathways. They are a worldwide leader in international education, and their mission is to empower students from across the globe to navigate their path to higher education.
They understand it can be hard to transition into a new academic system and culture. That's why their pathways are built to support students in everything from academic foundations, language proficiency, and cultural adaptability, to help them be successful in university and lifelong globally.
Their pathways are not simply academic programmes, they are holistic experiences that prepare students academically, socially and professionally, and give them the skills, confidence and networks they need to thrive in a globalised academic landscape.
Students will be taught by professional educators specialising in teaching international students, benefit from smaller class sizes, and receive personalised support across the full pathway - from application to graduation.
Kaplan is focused on removing barriers to international education for students from all backgrounds and creating a rich and diverse global community.
Mission Statement
At Kaplan, they are working to help students globally understand their potential through an international education. They truly believe in the power of education to change the universe for the better.
They are devoted to making education accessible to students from different backgrounds, eliminating barriers and enabling you.
They are dedicated to supporting students at every point in their journey, intending to help build their future and develop them into genuine global citizens.
History
Kaplan's long history in education began in 1938, when Stanley Kaplan founded the company with one simple, yet powerful, vision to help people reach their educational goals.
In 2005, Kaplan opened its first university pathway college in Nottingham Trent University, UK, carrying forward Stanley's legacy. This was the first stage of establishing Kaplan International Colleges, which grew quickly with the subsequent opening of colleges at Russell Group universities like the University of Glasgow and the University of Liverpool, just two years later.
In the years that have followed, Kaplan International Pathways has evolved into a globally recognised path-making innovator and leader in higher education, developing and expanding international university partnerships and pathways to also satisfy the evolving needs of international students across the world.
Our journey is one of continued dedication to quality, focused on student success, and bringing the life-changing benefits of international education to students around the world.
- Founded 1938: Rooted in Stanley Kaplan's original vision for educational access.
- Pathway Pioneer: First university pathway college opened in 2005.
- Rapid Expansion: Quick growth to include partnerships with top-tier universities.
- Legacy of Innovation: Continuously adapting to support international student success.
Campus Facilities
Since Kaplan operates through its partner university campuses in various countries, its campus facilities vary from university to university. However, the following are some of the general facilities across all universities:
- Modern classrooms: Almost all Kaplan partner universities have the latest interactive learning technology.
- Learning resource centres: Most universities have libraries, study spaces, and IT facilities for independent and group work.
- Student common areas: The university provides comfortable spaces for relaxation, socialising, and meeting fellow students.
- Access to University amenities: Depending on the partnership model, students often have access to their host university's extensive facilities, including libraries, sports centres, student unions, and health services.
- Dedicated student support offices: The host university's on-site teams offer academic advice, well-being support, and administrative assistance.
- State-of-the-art learning: Almost all universities have dynamic classrooms and advanced learning resources.
- Supportive study environments: Every host university offers dedicated spaces for individual and collaborative learning.
- Social and recreational hubs: Every host university has common areas for community building and relaxation.
- Integrated University experience: They also enable potential access to a wide range of university facilities.
Student Life
Students who enrol through Kaplan International Pathways can study in various countries, especially the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. But here is an average student's life in the UK.
Student Life through Kaplan in the UK - A World of Experience Awaits:
Your academic experience in the UK with Kaplan is not just about textbooks and lecture theatres. It will be an experience that shapes you with personal, social, and cultural aspects as part of your life.
The UK is a dynamic and welcoming place for international students with great food, culture and events, and fantastic travel opportunities.
Food and culinary exploration - A Taste of the UK and Beyond:
- Forget the stereotypes: British food is a lot more varied and tastier than you think. As an international student, you will be able to experience traditional British food alongside an exciting mix of global cuisine.
- Classic British food: You must try Fish and Chips, a proper Full English Breakfast (bacon, eggs, sausage, beans!), and a Sunday Roast. If you are in the south, try a delicious Cream Tea (scones, jam, and clotted cream).
- Global flavors: The UK is a multicultural society, and you can really see this with the food. Every imaginable style of cuisine is available to you from around the world. For example, the UK has amazing Indian food (curry), amazing Italian food (pizza, pasta), and a large range of Middle Eastern and kebab options. You will also find a range of East Asian and Southeast Asian dishes. And the major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham offer a variety of dining options.
- Student budget eating: Cooking at home is usually the cheapest way to eat, and you will find supermarkets stocked with fresh produce and a lot of international ingredients. Many student neighbourhoods will have cheap takeaways and casual eateries.
- Pub culture: The pub, not just a place to drink, can be a local place within your new home where you can enjoy classic pub cuisine, socialise with friends and experience a quintessential aspect of British culture.
Sport and culture - Dive into the UK's Passion:
- The UK is a sports-mad country with a vast cultural background. You will find many ways to participate not just if you like to play sports, but also if you simply like to watch.
- Football fever: Football (soccer) can be considered the national sport, and the Premier League is known around the world. Nothing compares to watching your club play live.
- You can sit in the fan zone and feel the noise shake the stands, and the atmosphere of the game is infectious. If you don't manage to get tickets, the experience of watching it live in a pub with friends is also an amazing way to engage in the full atmosphere.
- Rugby and cricket: Rugby and cricket are also very popular. The Six Nations Championship in rugby is a big annual event, and cricket (which was invented in England) has a loyal following, particularly during the summer and in tournaments like The Hundred.
- University sports: Almost all students, particularly those at university campuses, will have access to a broad range of university sports clubs and facilities.
- It's a great way to stay fit, try new sports and meet new friends. However, Football and badminton are common, but even some more niche sports are available.
- Cultural institutions: You can immerse yourself in culture at world-class museums and art galleries (many free!), historic castles, ancient cathedrals and vibrant theatre. The West End in London is renowned for its musicals and plays.
UK's Top Music Festivals: Experience the Sound of Summer
- The UK is world-famous for its music festivals, offering everything from huge rock festivals to more eclectic arts and folk festivals. Summer is the prime festival season.
- Glastonbury festival: The king of UK festivals, a 5-day festival of contemporary performing arts. Tickets are notoriously hard to get, but totally worth it for the experience.
- Reading and Leeds festival: The twin festivals that take place simultaneously, well known for their rock, indie and alternative line-ups.
- Wireless festival: London's most prominent urban music festival, featuring some of the best hip hop and grime performers.
- Latitude festival: A more chilled, relaxed, and family-friendly festival in Suffolk that combines music with arts, comedy, and literature.
- Download festival: The one-stop destination for rock and heavy metal lovers.
- Creamfields: Among the world's top electronic dance music festivals.
- Boomtown fair: A fantastic immersive experience through eclectic genres of music and exciting theatrical productions.
Safety and well-being: Your Safety is the Top Priority
- The UK is generally a very safe country, although consider the usual travel advisories for popular destinations and make sure you have awareness and precautions in place.
- Emergency services: Remember it's 999 for all emergency services, Police, Fire, Ambulance (emergency only!). Call 101 for police non-emergencies.
- Personal safety: Be aware, as usual, of your surroundings, especially at night. Stay in well-lit areas, travel with a friend whenever possible and use licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing apps.
- Protect Your Belongings: Keep valuables safe and out of sight. Be aware of pick-pockets in crowded tourist spots.
Transportation
Since Kaplan operates through its partner university campuses in different countries (especially the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand), understanding local transportation is key to a smooth experience when studying with Kaplan International Pathways.
Kaplan study centres are generally well-located and have good access to public transportation networks.
- Public transport: Most locations offer convenient access to buses, trains, or subway systems, making it easy to commute to your classes and explore the city.
- Airport transfers: Kaplan often provides information or assists with arranging airport transfers upon arrival to ensure a stress-free journey to your accommodation.
- Walkable campuses/areas: Many of Kaplan's study centres or partner university campuses are designed to be pedestrian-friendly, with facilities within walking distance.
- Local guidance: During orientation, you will receive practical advice on navigating local transport, purchasing tickets, and understanding routes.
Housing and Accommodation
Kaplan provides fantastic-value accommodation packages to every student on its pathway courses. The accommodation offers comfortable, quality housing in convenient places and is aimed at providing an excellent student experience.
So, if you are trying to study in the UK, you will have:
- Housing in excellent central places.
- Choice of room types, including self-contained studios and shared bathrooms.
- Amenities include silent study lounges, social areas, and TV/game rooms.
- No hidden costs (all bills included in rent).
- All bedroom furniture will be provided, including beds, desks, chairs, and storage.
- Common social areas with entertainment amenities.
- Accommodation price includes all bills.
- Under-18 accommodation with 24/7 security cameras and staff on-site.
Extracurricular Activities
Kaplan's students are fortunate to have access to all the facilities and programmes available from the very first day they start their studies at the universities.
Kaplan also aims to support the students' experiences through a variety of different extracurricular activities:
- Social and cultural activities: Constantly taking place on events such as movie nights, pizza evenings, festivals and celebrations based on local culture and the international food festival.
- Cultural exploration: Activities that allow students to get to know their new surroundings and heritage.
- Excursions and day trips: Opportunities to visit popular sights/attractions and natural sites renowned for their natural beauty.
- Sports and fitness: Where agreed access to university sports centres; and access to sports facilities / clubs in the local area.
- Volunteering: Opportunities to engage with the local community and contribute to the causes of importance.
- Holistic development: Activities that promote personal growth and social development.
- Community engagement: Engage with peers and the local community through shared interests.
- Skill development: Engage in new hobbies and discover new interests and help develop skills and potential.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Kaplan International Pathways has partnership over 60+ universities globally, and in the UK alone there are:
- Bournemouth University
- City St George's, University of London
- Cranfield University
- Nottingham Trent University
- Queen Mary University of London
- TEDI - London
- University of Birmingham
- University of Brighton
- University of Bristol
- University of Essex
- University of Glasgow
- University of Liverpool
- University of Nottingham
- University of Westminster
- University of York
- IWE Bristol
Fees and Scholarships
Career Services
Skills development:
- Academic Skills Enhancement (for university success)
- English Language Proficiency Improvement
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Communication Skills
- Teamwork Skills
- Academic Writing Workshops
- Presentation Skills Training
- Digital Literacy/Technological Capabilities
- Reflective Learning (e.g., KapPACK e-Portfolio)
- Professional Presence Development (online)
- Developing Self-Awareness (quizzes and activities for skills/interests)
Career guidance and advice:
- University Degree Alignment with Career Goals
- Career Exploration Activities (quizzes, interest assessments)
- Goal Setting and Planning for Future Career
- Guidance on Post-Study Work Opportunities (general advice for destination country)
- Networking Event Guidance
- Advice on Joining Professional Organizations
- University Career Service Referral (to partner universities' dedicated teams)
- Guidance on Building a Professional Network
- One-to-one Career Coaching Calls (for Virtual Internships)
Job and internship opportunities:
- Integrated Virtual Internships (as part of pathway course)
- Part-time Job Application Resources/Guidance
- Volunteering Opportunities Guidance
- Real-world Assessments/Projects (similar to workplace tasks)
- Access to University Work Placements (for degree students)
- Access to University Summer Internships (for degree students)
Other potential services:
- Digital Badges (for mastered skills)
- Certificate of Completion (for Virtual Internships)
- Pathways Extra (study courses leading to professional qualifications)
Frequently asked questions
Kaplan International Pathways is a leading provider of university preparation programmes for international students. They offer pathway courses – primarily Foundation, International Year One, and Pre-Master's – designed to bridge the gap between students' existing qualifications and the academic and English language requirements of leading universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.