What Kaplan International offers and who runs it

Kaplan International is a for-profit language school operator owned by Bridgepoint Education. They run physical campuses in multiple countries — including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland — where students take English-language courses. Kaplan is not a government program, a nonprofit, or a free resource. You pay tuition to attend.

The schools themselves are real brick-and-mortar locations with classrooms, teachers, and student services. Kaplan also offers online courses, though the in-person experience is their primary business model. If you are considering Kaplan, you are choosing a private language school, not enrolling in a public education system or a government-funded program.

Kaplan operates under accreditation from bodies like ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training) in the United States and similar organizations in other countries. This means the school meets certain standards for curriculum, instructor qualifications, and student services — but accreditation does not mean the school is free, subsidized, or part of a government benefit.

Key Takeaways

  • Kaplan International is a private, for-profit language school with physical locations in multiple countries; you pay tuition to attend.
  • Courses range from general English to exam preparation (TOEFL, IELTS) and business English, with class sizes and schedules that vary by location.
  • Most Kaplan programs require you to have a student visa if you are studying outside your home country, and visa sponsorship is part of what you pay for.
  • Tuition costs vary significantly by location, course length, and intensity; you should request a detailed quote from the specific campus you are considering.
  • Kaplan offers housing information and can connect you with accommodation, but finding and paying for housing is your responsibility as a student.

Course types and what each one covers

Kaplan offers several course tracks. General English courses focus on everyday communication skills and are available at multiple levels, from beginner to advanced. These typically run for a set number of weeks and meet for a certain number of hours per week — the exact schedule depends on which campus you choose and which program level you enroll in.

Exam preparation courses are designed for students preparing for standardized tests. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are the most common. These courses teach test-specific strategies and practice with actual exam formats. If you need an English test score for university admission or immigration purposes, this is the course type that addresses that goal.

Business English courses teach professional communication, workplace vocabulary, and business writing. These are shorter, more specialized programs aimed at working professionals or students planning careers in English-speaking business environments.

Each course type has different lengths and intensity levels. A four-week intensive program meets more hours per week than a twelve-week standard program, though both may cover similar material. The pace and depth change with intensity.

How student visas and international enrollment work

If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the country where you want to study, you will need a student visa. Kaplan's role in this process is to issue you an official letter of acceptance and enrollment documentation — the paperwork you submit to the immigration authority of the country where you want to study.

Kaplan does not file your visa process for you. You file it with the immigration authority (such as USCIS in the United States, UK Visas and Immigration in the United Kingdom, or the equivalent body in other countries). However, Kaplan's documentation is a required part of that process, and the school can answer questions about what paperwork they will provide and when.

The cost of the visa process itself — the government fee — is separate from Kaplan's tuition. You pay Kaplan for the course and the enrollment letter; you pay the government for the visa. Some students also hire immigration lawyers or visa consultants, which is an additional cost they choose to incur.

Kaplan's enrollment letter typically confirms your course start date, course length, and expected completion date. Immigration authorities use this to verify that you have a genuine reason to be in the country and that you have already arranged your education.

Tuition, payment plans, and what is included

Kaplan's tuition varies by location, course type, and course length. A four-week general English course in one city may cost significantly more or less than the same course in another city. Exam preparation courses often cost more than general English because they are more specialized. There is no single Kaplan price — you must contact the specific campus you are interested in to receive a quote.

Tuition typically covers instruction, course materials, and access to student services such as academic advising and career counseling. It does not cover housing, meals, transportation, or personal expenses. Some campuses offer payment plans that let you pay tuition in installments rather than upfront, but you should confirm this directly with the school.

Kaplan may offer scholarships or discounts for certain students — for example, students enrolling in longer programs or students from specific countries. These are not may provide and vary by location and time of year. If cost is a concern, ask the admissions office whether any scholarships are currently available.

International students should budget for living expenses in addition to tuition. Housing, food, transportation, and personal items in major cities can be substantial. Kaplan can provide estimates for living costs in their specific locations, but you are responsible for funding these expenses yourself.

Housing and student services

Kaplan offers housing information, which means they can help you find accommodation and may have partnerships with landlords or housing providers. However, Kaplan does not provide housing directly — you sign a lease with a landlord or housing provider, and you pay them rent. Kaplan's role is to connect you with options and provide information about neighborhoods and transportation.

Housing options typically include homestays (living with a local family), shared apartments with other students, or independent rental apartments. Homestays are often the most affordable option and provide cultural immersion. Shared student apartments are more independent but may cost more. The availability and cost of each option depend on the city and the current housing market.

Kaplan also provides student services such as orientation programs, academic support, and career counseling. Orientation helps you understand how to navigate the city, register for local services, and connect with other students. Academic support may include tutoring or writing centers. Career counseling can help you think about next steps after your course ends.

How to research and compare Kaplan to other language schools

Before committing to Kaplan, visit the specific campus website for the location you are considering. Each campus has its own admissions contact, pricing, and program details. A Kaplan in London will have different courses, schedules, and costs than a Kaplan in New York or Sydney.

Ask for a detailed quote that breaks down tuition, any fees, and what is included. Request information about class size, teacher qualifications, and the mix of nationalities in the student body. These details matter for your learning experience and are not standardized across all Kaplan locations.

Compare Kaplan to other private language schools in the same city. Look at accreditation status, student reviews, course offerings, and total cost of attendance. Some students prefer smaller, locally-owned schools; others prefer larger chains like Kaplan. There is no objectively "best" choice — it depends on your goals, budget, and learning style.

If you are an international student, confirm what visa sponsorship documentation Kaplan will provide and when. Ask whether the school has experience working with students from your country and whether they can answer questions about visa requirements specific to your situation.

What happens after your course ends

When you complete your Kaplan course, you receive a certificate of completion. This certificate shows that you attended the program and completed the coursework. It is not a degree and does not carry the same weight as a university diploma, but it is a credential you can include on a resume or share with employers.

If you took an exam preparation course (TOEFL or IELTS), your exam score comes from the testing organization, not from Kaplan. Kaplan prepares you for the exam, but the official score is issued by ETS (for TOEFL) or the British Council (for IELTS). You will need to register for and take the actual exam separately, usually during or shortly after your Kaplan course.

If you are an international student on a student visa, your visa status typically ends when your course ends. You may be allowed a grace period to depart the country or to transition to another visa status (such as a work visa), but this depends on the immigration rules of the country where you studied. Kaplan can provide information about this, but you are responsible for understanding and following immigration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kaplan help me get into a university?

Kaplan does not directly place students into universities. However, if you take an exam preparation course and earn a strong TOEFL or IELTS score, that score can be submitted as part of a university process. Kaplan's academic advisors can discuss university pathways with you, but the process process and admission decision are between you and the university.

Can I work while studying at Kaplan?

This depends on your visa status and the country's immigration rules. Some student visas allow part-time work; others do not. You must check the specific rules for the country and visa type you hold. Kaplan can provide general information, but you should verify the rules with the immigration authority or a visa consultant before accepting a job.

What if I need to leave before my course ends?

Kaplan's refund and withdrawal policies vary by location and program. You should review the specific policy for your campus before enrolling. Some programs offer partial refunds if you withdraw early; others do not. Contact the admissions office to understand the policy that applies to your course.

How do I know if Kaplan is accredited?

Kaplan's accreditation status is listed on their website and in their promotional materials. In the United States, look for ACCET accreditation. In other countries, look for the equivalent accrediting body (such as EAQUALS in Europe). Accreditation confirms the school meets certain standards, but you should still research the school's reputation and read student reviews.

What if I do not pass my exam after taking Kaplan's preparation course?

Kaplan cannot may provide you will pass or achieve a specific score. Exam results depend on your effort, prior knowledge, and test-day performance. Some Kaplan locations offer repeat courses at a discount if you do not reach your target score, but this is not universal. Ask about repeat policies when you enroll.