Global gap year

Live and study across London, Cape Town and Paris while earning transferable US university credits, giving students an accredited pathway to a university degree.

Apply now

Download Factsheet

What is the global gap year programme?

A structured nine-month programme delivered in London, Cape Town, and Paris - the world’s top global hubs. Designed as a university pathway, it allows students to build academic credentials while exploring new cities, adapting to different cultures, and gaining independence.

At the end of the programme, students will have earned 30 US college credits from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), an accredited American university. These credits can replace a UK foundation year, count toward Year 1 of a US or Canadian degree, or provide advanced standing at universities in their home country.

This experience ensures students develop the practical skills and global perspective needed to enter university with a recognised and credited advantage.

Earn university credits from a renowned US university

Live & study in the world’s most influential cities - London, Cape Town and Paris

Gain practical and transferable skills through applied learning

Secure a clear pathway into university

How it works

University credits

All academic courses in this programme are delivered through Bayswater’s partnership with Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). As New Jersey’s largest private university, FDU is ranked among America’s Best Colleges by both US News & World Report and Forbes, and recognised internationally for its programmes in business, film, marketing and the liberal arts.

FDU acts as the school of record for the programme. Every course completed is recorded on an official FDU transcript, which is the same credential issued to students on campus in New Jersey. Upon successful completion of the full programme, students earn 30 US Carnegie credits. These are the standard units of academic measurement in American higher education.

young-happy-student-standing-at-campus-and-looking-2026-01-06-10-29-08-utc (1).jpg

9 months

Duration

3 credits

For each micro-credential

Expert-led

Classes

What can you do with 30 US credits?

✔️ UK route: These credits are accepted in place of a foundation year, providing direct entry into Year 1 of a UK university degree.

✔️ US and Canada route: Enter Year 2 of a degree programme at partner universities across the US and Canada, replacing the first year of study.

✔️ Home country route: Students returning to universities in Colombia, Turkey, Thailand, Taiwan, and other countries with credit-based systems may be eligible for advanced entry or a reduced credit load in their final years of study.

We work with university partners across the UK, US, Canada, and France to support your transition. A full list of partner institutions will be published ahead of the September 2026 launch.

Accredited by Fairleigh Dickinson University for academic credits.

How the credit process works

✔️ Step 1 – Once enrolled, students are registered as visiting students with Fairleigh Dickinson University. Each student receives an FDU student ID for use throughout the programme.

✔️ Step 2 – Over the three trimesters, students complete courses from the official FDU course catalogue. Qualified academic staff assess and grade each course to FDU standards.

✔️ Step 3 – Upon successful completion of the programme, students receive an official FDU transcript. This is mailed directly to the home institution or another required destination.

✔️ Step 4 – Students coordinate with their home institution to complete the credit transfer. As policies vary by university, students should confirm credit transferability before joining. The academic team provides supporting documentation for this process.

group-of-cheerful-multicultural-vocational-student-2026-01-06-10-38-38-utc.jpg

Support and outcomes

With 70 years of experience building educational programmes, we provide a secure and enriching environment for students. Participants travel as part of a single, close-knit cohort and live in the same accommodation throughout the year. Support teams in London, Cape Town, and Paris are available at every stage, with a free week at the end of each trimester for rest, exploration, or family visits.

By July, students graduate in Paris with 30 US university credits and an official FDU transcript. They return with practical experience in sustainability and social enterprise, alongside the confidence gained from living in three countries. This experience prepares students for both university and the modern workplace.

The programme launches to agents in September 2026, with the first student cohort beginning in London in September 2027. To register interest or speak with our team, contact us below.