If you are planning to study in the UK, it is important to know about university intakes. Unlike other countries, which offer only one intake, UK universities offer multiple intakes in an academic year. There are three major intakes in the UK; they are January, May, and September intakes for international students. This flexibility helps students to choose the best time to start based on course availability, personal preference, and plans.
If you are planning for an undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degree, choosing the right intake time can help you greatly in your academic experience and even make a difference in your visa processing time and post-study opportunities.
Types of Intakes in the UK
There are primarily three intake initiatives in UK universities:
1. January Intake in the UK
Students who choose the January intake generally need more preparation time or have missed the September one. At this time, there are fewer courses available than at other times. It can still be ideal for postgraduate programs.
Ideal for - Postgraduate students and those applying for niche programs or foundation courses.
January Intake Pros
- Additional preparation time
- Less competition due to fewer applicants
- Easier to find accommodations
Cons of January Intake
- Only limited courses are available
- Shorter-term breaks in the future might affect internships and job opportunities
- Very few scholarship opportunities
2. May Intake
Only a few selected institutions take admission for this time. People trying for business schools and foundation programs can apply during this period.
Ideal for - Business courses, pathway programs, and career changers looking for a quick turnaround.
May Intake Pros
- Few students in the class will provide much better interaction with teachers
- Good entry point for late applicants
- Fast-track studies in certain programs
Cons of May Intake
- Only limited courses are available
- Only a few universities open applications during these periods
- The visa processing time is tighter
3. September Intake
It is the most common intake in the UK. Almost all universities offer a wide range of programs during this period. Most students start their studies at this time.
Ideal for - All students, especially undergraduates looking for a comprehensive academic experience.
September Intake Pros
- Most scholarships and funding are provided
- Admission to all courses is available
- Students will have access to extracurriculars, fresher events, and student networks
Cons of September Intake
- The most competitive time, as there are high number of students
- The application doesn’t open for a long time and has tight deadlines
- Scheduling a visa appointment will be harder due to the high volume
Exact Dates for Each Intake in the UK
| Intake |
Application Deadline |
Course Start Date |
Visa Processing Start |
| January |
August–October |
Mid-January |
October–December |
| May |
January–March |
Early May |
February–April |
| September |
January–June |
Mid-to-late September |
June–August |
Things to Know for Each Intakes in UK
| Criterion |
January |
May |
September |
| Course Availability |
Limited |
Limited |
Wide-range |
| Application Competition |
Low |
Low |
High |
| Visa Flexibility |
Moderate |
Tight |
Challenging |
| Best for |
Postgrads, Gap Year Students |
Short Courses |
All programs |
| Scholarship Access |
Moderate |
Low |
High |
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Intake
You can consider the following factors to choose your intake for the UK:
- Course Availability - Not all the courses are available in every intake. Some of the most in-demand and specialized programs are only available in the September intake. You should check with the university for specific programs and schedules before applying.
- Academic Readiness - Students who need time to prepare or improve their language scores might apply in January or May, as it will suit them better. There is flexibility in this intake, as you get a chance to retake entrance exams or complete prerequisite requirements. They can also get extra preparation time.
- Financial situation - If you need scholarships or funding, September is the right time, as at this time, more scholarships and funding are available. Universities and government bodies align their financial aid cycles with this intake.
- Career goals - September aligns with employer hiring seasons and graduate schemes. So it has better internship or placement alignment than others. Choosing the right intake can boost chances of landing internships and job offers after graduation.
Recommended Intake for International Students
September intake is recommended for international students, and here is a list of why that is the case:
- Access to a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Almost every course that is offered by UK universities is available. Engineering, business, arts, law, or science students have the widest choice of programs to select from.
- The UK immigration system is matched with this period, which helps to reduce confusion and delays. The visa officers are also quite familiar with this timeline and facilitate smoother operations. Visa processing centers are most efficient and structured to handle the volume during this time.
- New students can participate in university life and networking events, as most welcome weeks, student orientations, and fresher activities are planned around it. The students who arrive around this time have opportunities to socialize, make friends, and join student societies.
- All the major scholarships and financial aid are provided. Most government and university-specific scholarships are awarded for courses beginning in September. This increases your chance of receiving financial support.
- UK companies recruit graduates and interns during this specific window that aligns with academic years beginning in September. The students starting in september have a higher chance of having work opportunities.
- More on-campus part-time jobs are available at that time. University cafes, libraries, and student centers often hire part-time staff at the start of the UK academic year. These jobs can help with living costs and work experience.
Application Timeline for UK Intakes
| Stage |
Recommended Timeframe before intake |
| Research & Shortlisting |
9–12 months |
| Entrance Exams (IELTS, etc.) |
8–10 months |
| Application Submission |
6–8 months |
| Visa and CAS Process |
3–4 months |
| Final Preparations |
1–2 months |
Conclusion
Selecting the right intake in the UK for you is about aligning your goals, readiness, and program availability. As September is the recommended top choice for students, January and May also offer unique advantages based on your personal needs.
You should plan ahead, weigh your options, and take informed steps to secure your academic future. For more guidance and support, contact us at AusStudies. Our experts will guide you on choosing the best intake in the UK as per your needs. We also provide end-to-end assistance with UK university admissions, documentation, and visa processing to smoothly acquire a student visa for the UK from Nepal. We promise to make your journey to the UK a lot easier.
FAQs on Intakes in UK for International Students
You can apply to multiple intakes in the same year. As long as you can meet deadlines and eligibility requirements for each. Every new application will involve new application fees and updated documentation.
No, not all universities don’t offer three intakes. September is the main one. January and May are selective. You’ll need to confirm directly with the university and the specific program before planning.
You should preferably apply between January and June of the same year, as applying early gives you the edge on things like scholarships, accommodation, and visa appointments.
The tuition does not vary within the same academic year. But prices can change year to year, so always check the latest updates on the university website.
No, the quality of education remains constant. The programs follow the same curriculum and are delivered by the same faculty all year round.
