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Last month with 2025 prices! Book before September 30! Contact an advisor

University Preparation

Get the English grades you need while exploring a new country with an Academic Year Abroad.

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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.

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Why choose a University Preparation Program with Kaplan?

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Achieve the fastest English progression in the language learning industry, helping you meet university language requirements quickly and confidently for your academic future.

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Earn official certificates from top U.S. universities—such as Georgetown University and Dartmouth College—by enrolling in the US College Preparation Course.

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Apply for free to up to five Kaplan university partners, saving time and money while accessing a broad range of academic programs and institutions.

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Experience life on campus with guided visits to leading global universities, giving you real-world insights and inspiration for your future academic path.

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Receive expert, one-on-one tuition to support your university application process, from personal statement writing to interview preparation and program selection guidance.

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Take a free IELTS or TOEFL® exam, with an easy registration process included, and gain valuable tips from expert guest speakers on making strong applications.

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

All Programs
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Language & Culture
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University Preparation
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Professional Preparation
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Most popular

Intensive

Perfect your speaking, reading, writing, listening, grammar, while building a big working vocabulary.

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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

  • 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: All Kaplan schools excluding London 30+

Minimum age: 16 Entry level: Elementary to Advanced English

Class size: Average 12, maximum 15

Teacher leading a casual discussion in a diverse classroom group setting with engaged students sitting in a circle on the floor

Semi-Intensive

Build a strong foundation of the English language while also having enough time to explore your chosen city. 

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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

  • 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

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Multi-Destination

Choose to study in a new Kaplan city every three months and turn your language journey into an adventure!

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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

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TOEFL®

Work with expert teachers in targeted lessons to pass the TOEFL® exam and gain access to life in North America. 

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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

Female college student taking test at desk in classroom

IELTS

Strengthen the 4 language skills needed to ace the IELTS exam—required by institutions across the UK. 

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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

Happy college students studying together

English for Academic Pathways

Build the language skills you need to succeed academically. That’s how to score top marks! 

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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.

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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

Diverse group of college students studying IT together at table in school library and using laptop with code lines on screen

Media + Technology

Into creativity, social media & AI? This is for you!

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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

Sits by the table with laptops. Young business people in formal clothes working in the office

Communication + the Arts

This is the perfect opportunity to kick-start your career in media!

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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.

New York

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Toronto skyline

Toronto

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What 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

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.

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 .

Stand out in a competitive global job market

Perfecting your English for professional settings will set you apart in today’s international workplace. Explore our Academic Year Abroad Professional Programs and gain confidence to succeed globally.

Go to Professional Programs

Frequently asked questions about an Academic Year Abroad

What is University Placement Service (UPS)?

Our University Placement Service (UPS) allows you to benefit from our extensive network of partner universities and colleges. Combined with our wealth of experience, we help you gain entry to graduate and undergraduate programs in the USA, UK, Canada and Ireland.

Many of the world’s most prestigious universities are in English-speaking countries across the world. A degree from one of these institutions demonstrate your ability to thrive in a new environment and will open doors to a promising career at home and abroad.

We’ll help you find the perfect undergraduate, graduate, or vocational program, and guide you through the application process.

You will benefit from our extensive network of more than 250+ colleges and university partners.

Which universities can Kaplan give me access to?

Our extensive network in each of the Kaplan countries will give you access to 250+ colleges and university partners, such as Dartmouth College, Georgetown and Northwestern with Kaplan’s U.S. College Prep Certificate programs and more.

What if I need a Cambridge Exam or other?

Yes! Our University Preparation Program is designed to support students preparing for a wide range of English language exams, including Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL, and more. Simply contact us to discuss your goals, and we’ll recommend the Kaplan school that best fits your needs. Every year, we successfully help students prepare for these exams, so you can feel confident that you're in expert hands.

Can I move to a different program during my studies?

Yes. Embarking on a different program is possible with a bespoke package; details and pricing are available upon request.

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.
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