UK frequently asked questions

Travel and living

• What is the process for travelling to the UK?

  If you are due to come to the UK to start your course this year, you can rest assured we’ll be by your side. Study is currently taking place via blended learning, a mixture of face-to-face teaching and online study.

  If you have been fully vaccinated under a programme recognised by the UK government, or are under 18, you do need to test or isolate upon arrival in the UK. Travellers not fully vaccinated will need to take a Covid-19 test before and after they arrive in the UK, but no longer need to isolate unless the test result is positive.

  Please be aware the exact rules will differ slightly depending on which part of the UK you will be arriving in. You can check the relevant rules on the government website for England and the government website for Scotland.

  Please check the travel rules on the government website; if you are at all unsure about what you need to do, feel free to get in touch.

• What if my country is on the UK's travel red list?

  Currently there are no countries on the UK’s travel red list. However, this list is kept under review, and countries may be added to the list, depending on the situation regarding coronavirus.

  If you are travelling from a country on the UK government’s travel red list, you will have to isolate in a quarantine hotel upon arrival in the UK.

• Can I get a Covid-19 vaccine in the UK?

  International students in the UK are included in the national coronavirus vaccination programme.

  Vaccines in the UK are free and available through the NHS. You will get two vaccine doses, starting with a first dose (available straight away) to be followed by a second dose at a later date. You will also be eligible for a third ‘booster’ vaccine dose, when needed.

  The easiest way for international students in the UK to get their vaccine is through their registered GP (local doctor). It is also possible to book a vaccine appointment yourself through a GP or NHS National Booking Service, which is something we can help you with.

  When you arrive in the UK, staff at your College will be able to give you help and support in making sure you get vaccinated.

• What coronavirus restrictions are currently in place in the UK?

  Most coronavirus restrictions have now been lifted across the UK, though some variation remains across the different UK nations.

  In England, coronavirus measures, including social distancing and face masks, have become voluntary in most circumstances. If you test positive for Covid-19, self-isolation is advised but is no longer mandatory.

  In Scotland, more restrictions remain, and face masks are mandatory in places such as in shops and on public transport. You will still need to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid-19.

  Advisory social distancing and mask-wearing policies are still in place in our UK colleges to encourage as heathy and safe a learning environment as possible. Our colleges are asking students who test positive to isolate for the health and safety of the college community.

• Am I able to book accommodation in the UK?

  Yes, we offer all students the chance to book safe and secure accommodation for the duration of their studies with Kaplan.

  If you have already started your course online, you will still be able to book accommodation in the UK to transition to in-person study.

  Learn more on our dedicated FAQ page for UK accommodation.

Teaching and online study

• What is teaching currently like in the UK?

  For current and future intakes, we are offering in-person teaching at our UK colleges. We’re confident that you’ll be joining a rich and rewarding learning environment, with innovative, and now well-established, teaching methods in place to help you on your path to educational success.

  Teaching is taking place with blended learning, using a mix of in-person and digital teaching solutions. Students will have plenty of time in classroom, and will be able to meet teachers and other students, make new friends and enjoy a fulfilling student life.

  Advisory social distancing and mask-wearing policies are still in place in our UK colleges to encourage as heathy and safe a learning environment as possible.

• Can I use alternative to UKVI IELTS as proof of English language?

  We may be able to accept alternative English language tests, so you can still start your studies if you can’t get to a secure test centre.

  You can take a look out our Accepted English Tests guide for further details of which English language tests are accepted for which courses.

  Accepted English language tests may differ for some Pre-Sessional English courses. Please check the university websites for Pre-Sessional courses for the University of Essex and the University of York.

  Contact our helpful advisers for more information, and we can guide you on your application.

• Can I study online, and when do I need to transfer to the UK?

  Yes, you can study online. If you have a CAS issued, you can start your course online from home country while waiting for your visa. We recommend that you travel as soon as you have arranged your accommodation and flights to join in-person learning in the UK.

  Distance learning concessions have been extended until 30 June 2022; therefore all students with a CAS or visa need to transfer to the UK by this deadline.

  If you do not have a CAS, you can continue and complete your studies online for the 2021-22 academic year, which ends by September 2022.