Kaplan International College London (KICL) (伦敦卡普兰国际学院) | International Student Guide: 2026 Programs, Entry Requirements, Costs and Application Support — Ranking, Fees, Admission
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Kaplan International College London (KICL) is a pathway college located in the London Bridge area, right in the heart of the city. For students researching their options, this Kaplan International College London (KICL) international student guide brings together the key facts about programmes, entry requirements, costs and the application process. The college, known in Chinese as 伦敦卡普兰国际学院, has been preparing international students for UK university degrees since 2008. It offers foundation certificates, International Year One courses, and pre-master’s and pre-doctoral preparation programmes that lead to undergraduate or postgraduate study at partner universities. UNILINK is suitable for providing application information and support based on your background, and this guide is designed to help you understand what KIC London offers before you take the next step.
The college building sits beside the Thames, with views over the river, and its central position means students are close to transport links, cultural venues and professional networks. In the 2022–23 academic year, new students came from 101 different nationalities, creating a genuinely international learning environment. Recent student survey data from July 2026 shows strong satisfaction: 92% of students agreed that staff care about helping them succeed, 89% were satisfied with their overall experience, and 87% would recommend the college as a good place to study. The same proportion felt the college prepared them well for university-level work and helped them develop useful career knowledge and skills.
UNILINK provides application information and support based on the applicant’s background; this includes helping you understand entry requirements and preparing your submission, but does not constitute an admission or visa promise. If you submit an enquiry, a team member will contact you within one business day.
About Kaplan International College London
KIC London is part of Kaplan International Pathways, which operates pathway colleges in partnership with multiple UK universities. The college itself is not a degree-awarding institution; its role is to deliver preparation courses that equip international students with the academic skills, subject knowledge and English language competence needed to progress to undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at partner institutions.
The registered company, KAPLAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE LONDON LIMITED, was incorporated on 13 March 2008 and is classified under SIC code 85421 for first-degree level higher education. Its registered office is at Palace House, 3 Cathedral Street, London, SE1 9DE. The company remains active, and its most recent filed accounts cover the period to 31 December 2024.
Students who successfully complete their pathway programme and meet the required progression criteria receive an unconditional offer from a partner university. According to data published by the college, 93% of students who passed their course and reached the required level received an unconditional offer from a partner institution. Progression is not automatic; it depends on meeting the academic and language conditions set by the receiving university, and all outcomes are confirmed through official offer documentation.
Programmes and Pathways
KIC London offers several distinct preparation routes, each designed for students at different stages of their academic journey.
Foundation Certificate programmes prepare students for entry into the first year of a bachelor’s degree at a partner university. Subject streams include Art and Design; Business, Law and Social Sciences; and Science and Engineering. The Art and Design Foundation Certificate leads specifically to programmes at NTU London and the University of Westminster.
International Year One courses are designed for students who need additional academic and language support before joining the second year of an undergraduate degree. The Business International Year One is currently offered at the college.
Pre-Master’s programmes prepare students for postgraduate study. The curriculum is structured around three core components: academic skills modules, subject-specific modules, and academic English. The standard academic entry requirement for the pre-master’s programme is an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification.
Pre-Doctoral preparation is also available for students aiming to progress to doctoral-level research.
Each programme combines subject teaching with academic English and study skills development. The college does not set application deadlines and accepts enrolments throughout the year, which gives students flexibility in planning their start date.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and by the partner university a student intends to progress to. As a general principle, applicants need to demonstrate a level of prior academic achievement appropriate to the course they are applying for, along with English language proficiency.
For the pre-master’s programme, the published academic requirement is an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. For foundation and International Year One courses, the college assesses applicants based on their secondary school qualifications from their home country.
English language requirements are set according to the level and subject of the chosen programme. Students who do not yet meet the language threshold may need to take additional English preparation before starting their main pathway course.
Because requirements differ between subject streams and progression partners, applicants should check the specific conditions for their chosen route before submitting an application. UNILINK can help clarify what documents and qualifications are needed based on your individual background.
Costs and Fees
Tuition fees at KIC London depend on the programme and the academic year of entry. The figures below are drawn from published information for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 academic years and are presented as starting points; exact fees may vary depending on the specific course and any additional components selected.
For the Art and Design Foundation Certificate, fees start from approximately £21,030 for 2025–26 entry and from around £21,660 for 2026–27 entry.
For the Business, Law and Social Sciences Foundation Certificate, fees start from approximately £22,760 for 2025–26 and from around £23,440 for 2026–27.
For the Science and Engineering Foundation Certificate, fees start from approximately £24,270 for 2025–26 and from around £25,000 for 2026–27.
For the Business International Year One, fees start from approximately £18,290 for 2025–26 and from around £18,990 for 2026–27.
These figures cover tuition only. Students should budget separately for accommodation, living costs, study materials and any additional English language support they may need. There is no application fee when applying directly to KIC London.
Application and Decision Timeline
Applying to KIC London is a relatively straightforward process. The college states that it makes admission decisions within two working days of receiving a complete application. There is no charge for submitting an application directly to the college, and with no fixed application deadlines, students can apply throughout the year for available intake dates.
A complete application typically includes academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, a copy of the applicant’s passport, and any other documents specified for the chosen programme. Missing or incomplete documentation may delay the decision.
Once an offer is made, students need to confirm their place and arrange payment of fees according to the schedule provided in their offer letter. After completing the pathway programme, progression to a partner university depends on meeting the academic and language conditions set by that university. All progression outcomes are confirmed through the partner university’s official offer documentation.
For help preparing your application and understanding what documents you need, you can read our application guide or explore how pathway programmes compare in our pathway comparison. If you need support with document preparation, our document service guide explains what to expect, and our follow-up commitment outlines how we support applicants after submission. You can also learn more about how UNILINK works on our about page.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between a Foundation Certificate and International Year One at KIC London?
A Foundation Certificate prepares students for entry into the first year of an undergraduate degree, while an International Year One leads into the second year of a bachelor’s programme. The Foundation Certificate is typically suited to students who have completed secondary school but whose qualifications do not yet meet direct entry requirements for a UK university. International Year One is designed for those who need additional academic and language support but have a slightly stronger academic starting point. Both routes include subject modules and academic English, and progression to a partner university depends on meeting the required grades and language scores set by that institution.
Q2: Which universities can I progress to after studying at KIC London?
KIC London has partnerships with multiple UK universities, though the specific progression options depend on the programme you choose. The Art and Design Foundation Certificate, for example, leads to NTU London and the University of Westminster. For other subject streams, the college works with a range of partner institutions. The exact list of progression partners for each programme should be checked on the college’s current official pages, as partnerships may change between academic years.
Q3: Does KIC London have application deadlines?
No, the college does not set fixed application deadlines and accepts applications throughout the year. This means students can apply when they are ready and aim for the next available intake. However, it is sensible to apply well in advance of your intended start date to allow time for document preparation, any additional English testing, and the visa application process. Admission decisions are typically made within two working days of receiving a complete application.
Q4: Is there an application fee for KIC London?
Applying directly to KIC London does not involve a fee. Students submit their application along with supporting documents such as academic transcripts and proof of English proficiency, and the college processes these without charging an application charge. Other costs, such as tuition fees and living expenses, are separate and should be budgeted for independently.
Q5: What English language level do I need to enter a KIC London programme?
The English language requirement varies depending on the programme and the progression partner. Each course sets its own threshold, and students who do not yet meet the required level may need to complete additional English language preparation before starting their main pathway programme. Because requirements differ between subject streams and receiving universities, applicants should verify the specific language conditions for their chosen route before applying.
Q6: How long does it take to get a decision on my application?
The college states that it makes admission decisions within two working days of receiving a complete application. This timeline applies when all required documents have been submitted. Incomplete applications may take longer, as the college will need to request missing information before a decision can be made.
信息来源
Last updated: July 2026. Programmes, fees and entry requirements are subject to the institution’s current official pages and offer documentation.