UK Pathway Scholarships: Kaplan Progression Scholarships 2027–28
For Indonesian students who do not yet meet direct-entry requirements for a UK degree, a pathway programme can be one route to academic and English-language preparation. Pathway and degree costs, however, need to be planned together. That is why a progression scholarship is worth understanding: it is an award that may be given when a student moves from a degree-preparation course to a partner university.
Kaplan International Pathways currently publishes UK progression scholarships for the 2027–28 academic year. The awards are for high-performing students on Foundation Certificate, International Year One, or Pre-Master’s courses who then progress to a degree at a partner university.[1] This article helps you read that information realistically, rather than treating an award list as guaranteed funding.
What is a progression scholarship?
A progression scholarship is financial support from a partner university when a student who has completed a pathway progresses to a degree programme. Kaplan explains that these awards are commonly given as a tuition-fee discount or bursary to students who excel on degree-preparation courses.[1]
It is therefore different from:
- a fee reduction for the pathway programme itself;
- a direct-entry first-year scholarship for students not taking a pathway;
- support for living costs, accommodation, visas, or flights;
- a guarantee of a degree offer.
A pathway still needs to have a progression route that matches the course, academic results, English-language level, and university conditions. A scholarship only becomes relevant after you understand the entire route.
Examples of 2027–28 award values
On Kaplan’s 2027–28 page, award values differ by university and study level. Listed examples include:
- University of Liverpool: £7,500 for undergraduate study and £7,000 for postgraduate study;
- University of Essex: £5,000 per year for undergraduate study and £6,500 for postgraduate study;
- University of Glasgow: £5,000 per year for undergraduate study and £3,000 for postgraduate study;
- University of Birmingham: £5,000 for undergraduate study;
- University of Nottingham: £5,000 for undergraduate study and £3,000 for postgraduate study;
- UWE Bristol: up to a 25% tuition-fee discount per year;
- University of York: £5,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate study.[1]
These are examples from the 2027–28 page, not your final study cost. The words “up to”, “per year”, study level, and award duration matter. A £5,000 award for one year has a different budget impact from £5,000 per year during a degree, and both still need to be compared with tuition and living costs.
Who may be eligible?
Kaplan states that high-performing students on degree-preparation courses are most often eligible for progression scholarships, but criteria can differ between universities. In many cases, assessment relates to academic performance, though other factors may be considered.[1]
More specific details can appear on individual college fees-and-dates pages. For example, University of Nottingham International College lists a High Performers Award for Foundation Certificate and International Year One at undergraduate level, and Pre-Master’s at postgraduate level; the available page lists £5,000 and £3,000 for one year of a degree.[3] Glasgow International College also lists an Academic Excellence Scholarship for top pathway students, with £5,000 per year for Foundation Certificate and £3,000 for Pre-Master’s on its current page.[4]
These examples show why you should not rely only on the phrase “scholarship available”. Read the requirements for the college, pathway course, target degree, academic period, minimum grades, college recommendation, and full award rules.
Do you need a separate application?
According to Kaplan’s FAQ, a separate application is not needed in many cases and awards are made automatically to students who are eligible. If a university requires an application, it will make this clear.[1]
“Usually automatic” does not mean you can be passive. Before starting a pathway, ask in writing:
- Which scholarship applies to my target pathway and degree?
- Will I be assessed automatically or do I need to submit a form?
- Which academic grades, attendance record, or recommendation are required?
- Is the award one-off or available for every degree year?
- Can it be combined with another scholarship?
- Does my eligibility change if I change degree or destination university?
- When will the scholarship outcome be confirmed?
Keep the answers with your offer letter and budget.
How to compare pathways properly
Do not compare scholarships only by the biggest number. Use five layers of comparison.
1. Total study route
Add pathway fees, degree tuition after the award, estimated living costs, visa, insurance, and initial departure expenses. A degree scholarship does not automatically reduce the pathway fee.
2. Academic fit
Make sure your pathway truly leads to your preferred subject and degree. Check progression conditions, not only the university name in a brochure.
3. Award mechanism
Understand whether an award is automatic, competitive, limited in number, or requires a recommendation. Kaplan says scholarship numbers differ by university and that detailed information should be checked in the relevant flyer or conditions.[1]
4. Benefit duration
Identify whether an award is paid once, every year, or only for a particular year. Do not divide a headline amount across a degree without knowing the duration.
5. Backup plan
Build a budget that remains realistic if you do not receive the scholarship. This helps families choose a programme with more controlled financial risk.
Documents and habits that help from the start of a pathway
Progression scholarships are often linked to pathway performance. Start with habits that support strong results:
- understand assessment rubrics, attendance rules, and academic-integrity expectations;
- set module-grade targets and seek academic support early;
- keep transcripts, tutor feedback, and relevant achievement evidence;
- monitor official college and university email regularly;
- do not assume a friend’s scholarship result will apply to a different intake.
Kaplan International College London’s fees-and-dates page also shows that degree-tuition progression scholarships are available to high-performing degree-preparation students, with values that differ by university and pathway course.[2] This reinforces the need to treat the award as part of academic performance and a specific study route, rather than a discount attached automatically to every offer.
Closing note
A UK progression scholarship can make a pathway to a UK degree more affordable, but only when you understand its criteria, duration, and limits. For the 2027–28 cycle, use Kaplan’s list as a research starting point, then verify the latest details with Kaplan and the destination university before accepting an offer or preparing visa financial evidence.
RIM Education can help you compare pathways, target degrees, and the full cost of UK study in a more structured way. Start a consultation at https://rimeducation.com/en/contact-us.
Sources
[1] https://www.kaplanpathways.com/how-to-apply/fees-and-costs/scholarships-for-international-students/uk-progression-scolarships — UK progression scholarships for international students in 2027–28 — Kaplan International Pathways [2] https://www.kaplanpathways.com/where-to-study/kaplan-international-college-london/fees-and-dates — Kaplan International College London fees and dates — Kaplan International Pathways [3] https://www.kaplanpathways.com/where-to-study/university-of-nottingham-international-college/fees-and-dates — University of Nottingham International College fees and dates — Kaplan International Pathways [4] https://www.kaplanpathways.com/where-to-study/glasgow-international-college/fees-and-dates — Glasgow International College fees and dates — Kaplan International Pathways