Kaplan: Evolved pathways offer Indian students faster, affordable access to a Go8 university
JNS: Kaplan, a global leader in education, has announced the transformation of The University of Adelaide College into Kaplan International College Adelaide (KIC Adelaide). This strategic development comes in partnership with the newly formed Adelaide University—a Go8 institution created by merging the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
The transformation is designed to meet the growing demand from Indian students for credible, flexible, and affordable pathways into highly ranked international universities. With nearly 50% of Indian applications to the world’s top 200 universities being rejected annually, pathway programs play a critical role in providing access to world-class higher education.
KIC Adelaide introduces innovative offerings such as the Extended Preparation Program (EPP)—a shorter alternative to the traditional foundation program—helping students save both time and money. Alongside the EPP, the college will continue to offer the Foundation Studies Program, Degree Transfer Programs, and Pre-Master’s Programs (including accelerated and extended options), all with integrated English for Academic Purposes (EAP) support. Together, these pathways provide seamless entry into undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Adelaide University.
The college will place greater emphasis on STEM and Allied Health pathways, areas where demand among Indian students is steadily increasing. This is supported by strong progression outcomes, with over 90% of Kaplan pathway students successfully progressing into master’s degrees at Adelaide University, a Go8 institution and Global Top 100 university (debuting at #82 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings).
Australia remains one of the top study destinations for Indian students, offering not only the prestige of its Go8 universities but also strong graduate employability outcomes. The evolved pathway through KIC Adelaide to Adelaide University is recognised for producing career-ready graduates through industry linkages, internships, and employability programs championed at the highest level. Additionally, from 2026 onwards, most of Kaplan’s pathway programs will be exempt from the National Provider Limit (NPL), providing Indian students with greater confidence and certainty in selecting Australia as their study destination.
Speaking about the relaunch, Janee Heffernan, Executive Director of Kaplan International Pathways ANZ, said:
“Indian students are ambitious, globally mobile, and increasingly focused on outcomes. Our relaunch of KIC Adelaide is about removing barriers—whether high rejection rates, rising tuition costs, or limited access to competitive programs. With progression rates of over 90% into master’s degrees at Adelaide University, and with fees frozen for 2026, KIC Adelaide offers Indian families both certainty and value.”
Beyond academic preparation, Kaplan is embedding career readiness from day one. Signature initiatives such as Employability Week and the Kaplan Graduate Success Skills (KGSS) framework help students build practical skills in communication, teamwork, digital literacy, and problem-solving. Activities include workshops, volunteering opportunities, business visits, and job fairs tailored to equip international students with tangible tools for success.
Students will also benefit from a strong support system, including on-campus counsellors, 24/7 wellbeing services, a dual-campus model, and tailored transition programs that help Indian students adapt smoothly to life and study in Adelaide. To further enhance accessibility, Kaplan has introduced launch scholarships, stackable discounts, and up to 10 weeks of free English for eligible students, along with the 2026 fee freeze.
KIC Adelaide will continue working closely with its long-standing partner, Adelaide University, to deliver pathways that uphold the academic rigour of a Go8 institution while creating wider opportunities for Indian students.
