Choosing the right pathway provider is a crucial decision that affects your university experience and career prospects. The four major providers - INTO, Kaplan, Study Group, and NCUK - each offer unique advantages. This comprehensive comparison helps you understand the differences and choose the best option for your goals.
Provider Overview
Quick Comparison
| Provider | Universities | Countries | Founded | Students/Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INTO | 30+ | UK, USA | 2006 | 20,000+ |
| Kaplan | 30+ | UK, USA, Australia | 1938 | 50,000+ |
| Study Group | 50+ | UK, USA, Australia, NZ | 1994 | 35,000+ |
| NCUK | 40+ | UK (delivered globally) | 1987 | 30,000+ |
Progression Rates
| Provider | Claimed Progression Rate |
|---|---|
| INTO | 87-95% |
| Kaplan | 90%+ |
| Study Group | 85-90% |
| NCUK | 93% |
Note: Progression rates are self-reported and may vary by program.
INTO University Partnerships
Overview
INTO is known for integrated university partnerships with purpose-built study centers on campus.
Key Strengths:
- On-campus study centers
- Deep university integration
- Strong support services
- Modern facilities
Partner Universities
United Kingdom:
| University | Ranking (QS) | Programs |
|---|---|---|
| University of Exeter | #153 | All pathways |
| Newcastle University | #110 | All pathways |
| Manchester Met | #590 | Business, Engineering |
| City University London | #328 | Business, Law, Health |
| Queen’s University Belfast | #202 | All pathways |
| University of Gloucestershire | - | Business, Media |
| University of Stirling | #431 | All pathways |
| University of East Anglia | #295 | All pathways |
United States:
| University | State | Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon State University | Oregon | All pathways |
| University of South Florida | Florida | All pathways |
| Colorado State University | Colorado | All pathways |
| George Mason University | Virginia | All pathways |
| Drew University | New Jersey | Liberal Arts |
Costs (2026)
| Program | UK | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year | £18,000-23,000 | $28,000-35,000 |
| International Year One | £19,000-25,000 | $30,000-38,000 |
| Pre-Master’s | £16,000-20,000 | $25,000-30,000 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent campus integration
- Modern purpose-built facilities
- Strong pastoral support
- High progression rates
- University access from day one
Cons:
- Limited to specific partner universities
- Can be more expensive
- Less flexibility to switch universities
- Fewer options in some subject areas
Kaplan International Pathways
Overview
Kaplan is a global education company with extensive experience in pathway programs and test preparation.
Key Strengths:
- Multiple intake dates (flexibility)
- Strong English programs
- Global network
- Career services
Partner Universities
United Kingdom:
| University | Ranking (QS) | Programs |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nottingham | #100 | All pathways |
| University of Liverpool | #176 | All pathways |
| University of Birmingham | #84 | All pathways |
| University of Essex | #459 | All pathways |
| University of Bristol | #55 | Pre-Master’s only |
| University of Brighton | - | All pathways |
| University of York | #167 | Pre-Master’s |
| Nottingham Trent | #601-650 | Business, Computing |
United States:
| University | State | Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Pace University | New York | All pathways |
| Arizona State University | Arizona | All pathways |
| Northeastern University | Massachusetts | All pathways |
| Purdue University | Indiana | Pre-Master’s |
Australia:
| University | State | Programs |
|---|---|---|
| University of Adelaide | SA | All pathways |
| University of Technology Sydney | NSW | All pathways |
| Murdoch University | WA | All pathways |
Costs (2026)
| Program | UK | USA | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year | £16,000-22,000 | $26,000-33,000 | AUD 28,000-38,000 |
| International Year One | £18,000-24,000 | $28,000-36,000 | AUD 30,000-42,000 |
| Pre-Master’s | £14,000-18,000 | $22,000-28,000 | AUD 25,000-32,000 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Multiple start dates (Jan, Apr, Sep)
- Strong reputation for English teaching
- Good career services
- Flexible pathways
- Extensive global network
Cons:
- Some centers not on main campus
- Quality varies between locations
- Can feel like “Kaplan, not university”
- Some prestigious universities only offer Pre-Master’s
Study Group
Overview
Study Group is one of the largest providers with Bellerbys College and International Study Centres worldwide.
Key Strengths:
- Bellerbys College brand (UK)
- Wide university choice
- Long track record
- Multiple locations
Partner Universities
United Kingdom (Bellerbys College): Bellerbys doesn’t tie you to one university. You can apply to any UK university.
International Study Centres:
| University | Ranking (QS) | Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Holloway | #382 | All pathways |
| University of Leeds | #75 | All pathways |
| Lancaster University | #122 | All pathways |
| University of Huddersfield | #701-750 | All pathways |
| Durham University | #187 | Science only |
| Kingston University | - | All pathways |
| University of Sheffield | #105 | Pre-Master’s |
| University of Surrey | #244 | All pathways |
Australia:
| University | State | Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Flinders University | SA | All pathways |
| James Cook University | QLD | All pathways |
| Charles Sturt University | NSW | Selected pathways |
Costs (2026)
| Program | Bellerbys UK | ISC UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | £22,000-28,000 | £17,000-22,000 | AUD 26,000-35,000 |
| Year One | £24,000-30,000 | £18,000-24,000 | AUD 28,000-38,000 |
| Pre-Master’s | £16,000-20,000 | £14,000-18,000 | AUD 22,000-30,000 |
Bellerbys College vs ISCs
| Feature | Bellerbys | ISCs |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Stand-alone colleges | On university campus |
| University choice | Apply anywhere | Specific partner only |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Flexibility | More | Less |
| Academic rigor | Very high | High |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Bellerbys offers flexibility to apply to any UK university
- Long track record (since 1959 for Bellerbys)
- Multiple UK locations
- Strong A-Level preparation option
Cons:
- Bellerbys is expensive
- ISCs vary in quality
- Some locations feel separate from university
- Less integration than INTO
NCUK (Northern Consortium UK)
Overview
NCUK is a consortium of UK universities that develops and quality-assures pathway qualifications delivered worldwide.
Key Strengths:
- Guaranteed university places
- Study in your home country
- Wide university choice
- Strong quality assurance
How NCUK Differs
Unlike INTO, Kaplan, and Study Group, NCUK:
- Doesn’t run study centers (qualifications delivered by partners)
- Offers study in your home country
- Provides access to 40+ UK universities
- Focuses on quality assurance of curriculum
Partner Universities
NCUK qualifications are accepted by:
Guaranteed Partners:
- University of Manchester (Russell Group)
- University of Sheffield (Russell Group)
- University of Leeds (Russell Group)
- University of Bristol
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Birmingham
- University of Bradford
- Leeds Beckett University
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Sheffield Hallam University
- And 30+ more…
Study Centers
NCUK programs are delivered at:
- Study centers in China, India, Nigeria, etc.
- Partner colleges worldwide
- Online (NCUK Online)
Costs (2026)
Costs vary significantly by study center location:
| Location | Foundation Fee |
|---|---|
| China | ¥80,000-150,000 |
| India | INR 600,000-1,000,000 |
| Nigeria | NGN 3,000,000-5,000,000 |
| UK (London) | £16,000-22,000 |
| Online | £10,000-15,000 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Study near home before going abroad
- Lower cost in many countries
- Guaranteed university places
- Apply to multiple universities
- Strong quality standards
- Includes top Russell Group universities
Cons:
- Don’t experience UK until degree
- Quality varies by study center
- Less immersion before university
- Need to research local study center
Direct Comparison
By University Quality
| Provider | Top University | QS Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INTO | University of Exeter | #153 |
| Kaplan | University of Nottingham | #100 |
| Study Group | University of Leeds | #75 |
| NCUK | University of Manchester | #34 |
NCUK provides access to the highest-ranked universities overall.
By Flexibility
| Provider | Can Apply Elsewhere? | Multiple Intakes? |
|---|---|---|
| INTO | Limited | 2-3 per year |
| Kaplan | Some flexibility | 3-4 per year |
| Study Group (Bellerbys) | Yes, anywhere | 3 per year |
| NCUK | Yes, 40+ universities | Varies by center |
By Cost (UK Foundation)
| Provider | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| NCUK (local delivery) | £10,000 | £16,000 |
| Kaplan | £16,000 | £22,000 |
| INTO | £18,000 | £23,000 |
| Study Group (ISC) | £17,000 | £22,000 |
| Study Group (Bellerbys) | £22,000 | £28,000 |
By Campus Experience
| Provider | Integration Level | Facilities Access |
|---|---|---|
| INTO | Excellent | Full university access |
| Kaplan | Good-Excellent | Most campuses |
| Study Group (ISC) | Good | Partner campus |
| Study Group (Bellerbys) | Separate | Own facilities |
| NCUK | N/A (study locally) | Study center only |
How to Choose
Choose INTO if…
- You want full campus integration from day one
- You value modern, purpose-built facilities
- You’re happy with INTO partner universities
- You want strong support services
- You prefer feeling like a “real” university student
Choose Kaplan if…
- You need flexible start dates
- You want strong English preparation
- You’re interested in Nottingham, Liverpool, or Birmingham
- You want access to good US and Australian options
- You value career services
Choose Study Group if…
- Bellerbys: You want flexibility to apply anywhere
- Bellerbys: You can afford the premium cost
- ISCs: You want a specific partner university
- You prefer a proven, long-established provider
- You want A-Level option (Bellerbys)
Choose NCUK if…
- You want to study near home first
- You want access to top Russell Group universities
- Cost is a major concern
- You want to apply to multiple universities
- You prefer the guaranteed place system
Application Tips
For All Providers
- Apply early - Best scholarships go first
- Compare offers - Get quotes from multiple providers
- Check progression rates - Ask for data
- Visit if possible - Or attend virtual open days
- Speak to alumni - Find current/past students
- Read the fine print - Understand progression requirements
Questions to Ask
Before choosing, ask each provider:
- What is your progression rate to university?
- What are the exact progression requirements?
- What happens if I don’t meet requirements?
- What support services do you offer?
- Can I visit the campus/center?
- Are scholarships available?
- What’s included in the fees?
- Where will I live?
Key Takeaways
- NCUK offers highest-ranked universities and study-at-home option
- INTO provides best campus integration
- Kaplan offers most flexibility with start dates
- Study Group (Bellerbys) allows applications to any UK university
- Costs vary significantly - compare total investment
- All are reputable - choice depends on priorities
Next Steps
Ready to explore pathway programs?
- Browse pathway programs in our school directory
- Check your eligibility with our admission calculator
- Compare program costs using our cost calculator
- Get personalized guidance through our contact form
This guide is updated regularly. Last updated: January 2026.
Have questions? Chat with our AI advisor or contact us directly for personalized guidance.
Topics covered
INTO Kaplan Study Group NCUK pathway programs foundation year university preparation comparison
