This is the pathway route into the University of Nottingham for students whose grades or English don't yet meet direct entry. UNIC is run with Kaplan International Pathways and teaches on the university's own campus, so students use its libraries, sports centre and societies from day one. Pass at the required level and you progress to a Nottingham degree.
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
Official website: kaplanpathways.com
University of Nottingham
Kaplan International Pathways
Foundation and pre-master's pathways
£20,000 – £25,000
International students, foundation and pre-master's pathways
£12,000 – £15,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on kaplanpathways.com before you apply.
International Foundation Year (Business)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 50
International Foundation Year (Engineering)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 50
International Foundation Year (Science)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 50
Pre-Master's Programme (Business)
Pre-MastersDuration
6-9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 60
Guaranteed progression to Nottingham when you meet the published grades.
Classes held on the university's campus.
Small groups and extra English support in the first months.
Most students progress to a University of Nottingham degree and graduate with the same award as direct entrants.
Nottingham graduates can use the two-year Graduate Route visa.
Boots, Experian and Capital One all have large offices in Nottingham.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The university's main campus, University Park, has a lake, woodland and a mix of old and new buildings. Trams and frequent buses connect its sites with the city centre.
Nottingham is a large student city with live music venues, Sherwood Forest to the north and rents well below London. Trains reach London St Pancras in under two hours.
CAS from University of Nottingham
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
UNIC takes applications all year. Apply at least three months before your start date so the CAS and visa can be arranged.
Foundation and pre-master's programmes start in September and January, with some shorter courses at other points in the year.
The Student route visa. Your CAS comes from University of Nottingham after you meet your offer conditions and pay the deposit; the online application needs proof of funds, your English result and the health surcharge.
The foundation years in business, engineering and science and the business pre-master's are the busiest routes. Foundation entry usually needs good secondary school grades and IELTS 5.0; pre-master's needs a bachelor's degree and IELTS 5.5.
Kaplan has offered pathway scholarships for strong applicants. Ask UNIC which awards are open when you apply.
