Studying abroad is a big decision to make, and it’s important that you have all the information you want before you start your journey with us. Our FAQs are divided into categories, and should provide you will answers to all your queries.
If you cannot find an answer to your question, please contact a student advisor.
Kaplan International students learn through the communicative method of teaching. This means that classroom time is spent on using real-life, practical situations to focus on the four key language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Classroom activities reflect real situations, and are structured so students communicate as much as possible.
Students are tested every 5 weeks and move up to the next level depending on how well they do on the exam.*
Read more about our exclusive K+ English language learning system.
*In Australia testing is every 5 weeks
Each school has a Director of Studies, an Academic Manager and a team of teachers. You will also have a teacher or tutor assigned to your course and class to answer questions throughout your studies.
All of our schools have beginner to upper intermediate classes, and we also have basic elementary courses in some of our UK and Ireland schools. Please contact us or download a brochure for the special beginner start dates.
You can study for a minimum of 1 week with us and the maximum depends only on your visa. You can choose the length of your study program according to your needs and what you wish to achieve.
Courses start on Mondays. If the Monday is a public holiday, the course will start on Tuesday.
Most courses are offered year-round, though there are some with a limited number of start dates. Contact us for course availability on your desired date.
Yes, most courses are offered year-round, though there are some with a limited number of start dates. Contact us for course availability on your desired date.
Yes, all Kaplan International Language schools are accredited or approved to operate by government or government-recognized organizations. See a full list of Kaplan International accreditors.
You will receive a Certificate of Attendance at the end of your course, which will show your language level, the dates on which you have studied and your attendance.
On your first day of class, you will take an English test on your grammar, writing, listening and speaking skills. Your class level will be based on your test results. If you want an idea of your English level right now, you can take our free online English test.
Every student learns at different speeds, however, on average, a student needs 10 weeks to move from one level to the next.
We offer exam preparation courses such as IELTS, TOEFL® or Cambridge exams (FCE, CAE and CPE), which you can take at your school. We also offer preparation for SAT, GMAT® or GRE® in some U.S. schools. Please note that the exam fee is not included in the tuition price and needs to be paid separately.
For most of our programs you must be at least 16 years old. However, there are summer programs for younger students. For more details please contact us, or you can read about our Programs for Juniors.
In order to have the widest choice of course and accommodation, we recommend you book as far in advance as possible. If you book fewer than 4 weeks in advance you might incur a late booking fee. For the USA we recommend that you book at least 2 months in advance to allow enough time for visa processing.
Yes. The more weeks you study with us, the bigger your discount will be. The tuition discount is already included in the price list.
During the course, you will be given an Individual Student Record to assess your progress on a daily basis. Your teacher will record your class work, spoken participation in class, homework and scores on the level tests, which take place every 10 weeks and are followed by a one-on-one with your teacher.* Projects, student portfolios and formal examinations such as IELTS, TOEFL® and Cambridge examinations also form an important part of your overall assessment.
*In Australia testing takes place every 5 weeks.
When you arrive at your accommodation, you will receive a package with all the information you need for your English course. On your first day, you must bring in your Kaplan International documents, your passport, proof of insurance and a pen. Your information package will tell you what time you need to be at school.
On Day One, all students take an English placement test, meet the school staff and get an introduction to the school, facilities, courses and the local area. You will receive an individual timetable later in the day and your classes begin on the following day. If you have questions feel free to ask! The school staff is there to help.
This depends on your school and the time of year – many of the schools run classes both in the morning and afternoon. Once we have set your lesson schedule, we will try to keep it the same.
Yes, if your visa allows and there is availability at your school. You should also pay your course fees in advance.
This depends on your visa and the availability at a school.
Australia – Yes you can. If you change before your arrival, you will need new confirmation documents, which you must show upon your arrival to the country. After your arrival, you can also change your course.
Canada – Yes, unless you are taking a Work and Study course, which requires a work permit.
USA – Once your I20 has been issued, you cannot change your course. After arrival, you can extend your course or change to another program.
UK, Ireland & New Zealand – Yes you can, before your arrival. You will need new confirmation documents, which must show upon your arrival to the country.
Tourist Visa, USA – You cannot change your course.
Tourist Visa, UK – You cannot study in the UK on a tourist visa.
Personal breaks will depend on your visa regulations, and you must give the school at least one month’s notice if you want to take days off.
The long term English and University Preparation Programs (Academic Year or Academic Semester, Foundation Certificate, Pre-Master’s or CHEBM) have set holiday dates which must be followed.
All schools are closed on public holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day, though they differ depending on the country.
During the course, you will be given an Individual Student Record to assess your progress on a daily basis. Your teacher will record your class work, spoken participation in class, homework and scores on the level tests, which take place every 10 weeks and are followed by a one-on-one with your teacher.* Projects, student portfolios and formal examinations such as IELTS, TOEFL® and Cambridge examinations also form an important part of your overall assessment.
*In Australia testing takes place every 5 weeks.
We teach our courses purely in English. However we will find a translator for any serious issues if necessary.
On average there are 12 students in a class, with a maximum of 16.
We offer evening classes with our Intensive English program in Sydney, Australia.
It depends on the course. For instance:
Vacation English: 20 lessons of general English
General English: 20 lessons of general English + 7 sessions of Supplementary Structured Study
Intensive English: Same as General English + 8 Elective lessons
Business English: Same as General English + 8 English for Business lessons
Yes of course! Teachers encourage you to speak in all classes. The schools have an English-only policy, and outside the school you will speak English with your host family, new friends, and around town.
Yes, we offer one-to-one lessons in all our schools.
A standard lesson is 45 minutes.
Elective options on the Intensive English course will depend upon your school and English level, but may include Vocabulary, Current Affairs, Local Culture or English for Business.
English for Business electives include subjects such as Communication in the Workplace, Participation in Meetings, Writing Skills in Business Situations and Interview Techniques.
Structured Study is additional lesson time in which students can customize their own study program. There is a choice between many study options including online and offline language activities, study clubs, talks, lectures and project work. Structured Study also includes guidance and monitoring from our teachers.