Your first day is key to prepare you for your Kaplan academic life, you’ll enjoy customized city tours to help you settle into your new country.
Master academic English to gain access to universities
Our University Preparation Program is designed for ambitious students planning to study at leading institutions in the UK, Canada, the US, or beyond. Strengthen your academic English and master key exam strategies. Whether you're aiming to pass the IELTS, TOEFL, or another language exam, we’ll help you succeed and begin your journey abroad with confidence.
Why choose a University Preparation Program with Kaplan?
Tailored programs to suit your requirements
Do you want to improve your speaking confidence, ace an academic exam or get ready for the professional world? Tailor your program and start your academic adventure.
*Courses are subject to regulatory approval/accreditation
Most popular
Intensive
Perfect your speaking, reading, writing, listening, grammar, while building a big working vocabulary.
Intensive
Want to master every aspect of English? This program sharpens your skills in speaking, reading, writing, listening, grammar, and pronunciation, while also expanding your vocabulary for effective communication in real-world settings.
Key facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
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20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
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8 Lessons of Specialist Skills = 6 hours
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3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
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4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: All Kaplan schools excluding London 30+
Minimum age: 16 Entry level: Elementary to Advanced English
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Semi-Intensive
Build a strong foundation of the English language while also having enough time to explore your chosen city.
Semi Intensive
Build a strong foundation of the English language while also having enough free time to explore your chosen location and have fun with friends! Take part in our social activities, immerse yourself in the city, and make the most of this adventure!
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 27 lessons per week
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20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
-
3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
-
4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: All Kaplan schools excluding London 30+
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: Elementary to Advanced English
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Multi-Destination
Choose to study in a new Kaplan city every three months and turn your language journey into an adventure!
Multi-Destination Year
Students travel the globe to create their own dream Academic Year Abroad by combining two, three or four locations, each destination with a minimum of 12 weeks.
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Destination available: All Kaplan schools excluding London 30+
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: Elementary to Advanced English
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
TOEFL®
Work with expert teachers in targeted lessons to pass the TOEFL® exam and gain access to life in North America.
TOEFL®
Gain access to work or university life in North America with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®). This English language proficiency test is required for access to numerous colleges and institutions across US and Canada. Choose this program and you’ll feel ready to ace the exam, with targeted lessons, practice tests and expert teachers who’ve helped numerous students pass.
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
- 20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
- 8 Lessons of Specialist Skills on TOEFL® = 6 hours
- 3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
- 4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: New York, Boston, Toronto
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
IELTS
Strengthen the 4 language skills needed to ace the IELTS exam—required by institutions across the UK.
IELTS
Strengthen the four key language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—needed for you to ace the IELTS: an important language proficiency exam required by many universities and companies across the UK and Ireland! During this program, you will take part in highly-focused lessons covering each section of the exam, as well as learning test-taking strategies that will have you pass IELTS in record time!
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
-
20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
-
8 Lessons of Specialist Skills on IELTS = 6 hours
-
3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
-
4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: Bournemouth, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Oxford, Dublin, Toronto, Vancouver
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
English for Academic Pathways
Build the language skills you need to succeed academically. That’s how to score top marks!
English for Academic Pathways
Want to be completely prepared for success in an academic setting? This program is ideal if you want to develop essential language skills and test strategies for academic success while preparing to achieve top results in an official English exam.
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
- 20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
- 8 Lessons of Specialist Skills = 6 hours
- 3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
- 4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: Toronto, New York, Vancouver, Boston, Santa Barbara, Cambridge, Bournemouth, Oxford
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Business
Being fluent English is a game-changer, it can double your market value in industries such as tech and business.
Certificate in Business
Being fluent English is a game-changer—it can double your market value in industries such as tech and business, and open doors to international companies and global opportunities. Take your career further with Kaplan’s English for Business program, with targeted modules on workplace communication, networking, and management among others. You will build the confidence and language skills you need to thrive in business and stand out as a globally prepared and career-ready candidate!
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
- 20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
- 8 Lessons of Specialist Skills on Business = 6 hours
- 3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
- 4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Liverpool, London, Dublin
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Media + Technology
Into creativity, social media & AI? This is for you!
Certificate in Media and Technology
In today’s fast-paced digital world, strong communication skills and media literacy are a must. If you are passionate about creative expression, social media, and the future of AI, then this is the program for you.
Step confidently into the future with our structured modules that explore the intersection of technology, digital media, and the modern workplace.
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
-
20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
-
8 Lessons of Specialist Skills on Media and Technology = 6 hours
-
3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
-
4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: New York, Dublin, Toronto, London
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Communication + the Arts
This is the perfect opportunity to kick-start your career in media!
Certificate in Communication and the Arts
Persuasive storytelling forms the foundation of many marketing and media jobs. In this program, you will focus on modules that will show you how you can perfect these skills using the English language. From writing and delivering speeches to analyzing music and designing digital campaigns, this is the perfect opportunity to kick-start your career in media and beyond.
Key Facts
Duration: 6, 9, 11 months
Start Dates: 5 January 2026, 30 March 2026, 22 June 2026, 21 September 2026, 9 November 2026
Timetable: 35 lessons per week
-
20 Lessons of Language Foundation = 15 hours
-
8 Lessons of Specialist Skills on Communications and the Arts = 6 hours
-
3 Sessions of K+ Extra = 2.25 hours
-
4 Language in Action Workshops = 3 hours
Destination available: New York, London, Los Angeles, Toronto
Minimum age: 16
Entry level: B1
Class size: Average 12, maximum 15
Our University Preparation Program destinations
UK, Ireland, Canada or the USA? Regardless of your preference, we’ll help you secure a place at a top international university.
London
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New York
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Toronto
Learn moreWhat do Kaplan students think?
If you are still wondering whether a fully immersive Academic Year Abroad with Kaplan is right for you, listen to what our students have to say. Their stories might inspire your own journey to sucess.
What makes a Kaplan Academic Year Abroad extra special
Tailored orientation
Tailored orientation
Personalized academic advice
Personalized academic advice
Throughout your entire program, our school staff will ensure you meet your professional and academic goals from your first day.
Exclusive graduation ceremony
Exclusive graduation ceremony
At the end of your Academic Year Abroad, you will celebrate your achievements in a very special ceremony.
12 months of post-graduation support
12 months of post-graduation support
We don’t like to say goodbye, so you can continue improving your English with free access to our K+ Online Learning Space for a year after graduation.
Special accommodation packages
Special accommodation packages
Contact us to know more about our flexible options in homestays and student residences .
Frequently asked questions about an Academic Year Abroad
Which universities can Kaplan give me access to?
What if I need a Cambridge Exam or other?
Can I move to a different program during my studies?
Contact our advisors
Get friendly and professional advice about our programs, schools and prices. Find out more or book now. Our consultants speak many different languages and are ready to help you.