Upcoming Intakes in UK for Indian Students 2025-2026: Timeline, Universities, Courses & Requirements

Are you an aspiring Indian student planning to study in UK but not sure which intake to choose? There are three major intakes in UK: Fall (September/October), Winter (January/February), and Spring (April/May). Among these intakes, Fall is the most preferred intake by Indian students, followed by winter and spring intakes.

Did you know? ​As of 2024, approximately 98,890 Indian students were enrolled in higher education institutions across the United Kingdom.

The UK, Great Britain, is the most preferred study abroad destination for Indian students. The UK is known for its high-quality education, multicultural environment, networking opportunities, and top-ranked universities. UK universities are renowned for meeting the diverse academic needs of students through their three main intakes.

In this article, you will find a comprehensive guide on the timeline, universities, pros, and cons of each intake, along with eligibility criteria, scholarships, and part-time job opportunities. By the end of the article, you can decide which intake you can opt for.

Table of Contents

• What are the Intakes in UK 2025-2026?
• Timeline for UK Admission Intakes 2025-2026
• September/Fall Intake in UK 2025: Primary Intake
• September/Fall Intake Timeline 2025
• Top-Ranked Universities for Fall/September Intake in UK 2025
• What are the Pros & Cons for Fall/September Intake in UK?
• January/Winter Intake in UK 2026: Secondary Intake
• January/Winter Intake Timeline 2026
• Top-Ranked Universities for Winter/January Intake in UK 2026
• What are the Pros & Cons for Winter/January Intake in UK?
• Spring/Summer/May intake in UK 2026: Less Competitive Intake
• Spring/Summer/May Intake Timeline 2026
• Top-Ranked Universities for Spring/Summer/May Intake in UK 2026
• What are the Pros & Cons for Spring/Summer/May Intake in UK?
• Eligibility Requirements to Study in UK
• Popular Scholarships to study in UK universities
• How do International Students Manage Tuition Fees and Living Costs during Semesters?
• Which Intake is right for you?
• Other Popular Country Intakes
• Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Intakes in UK 2025-2026?

UK universities and colleges typically offer three main intakes for international students: Fall intake (September/October), Winter intake (January/February), and Spring intake (April/May).

1. Fall Intake (September/October) - This is the primary intake in which universities offer a wide range of courses. It starts in September/October and ends in December.

2. Winter Intake (January/February) - This is the secondary intake in which universities offer comparatively fewer programs than the fall intake. It starts in January or February and ends in April or May.

3. Spring Intake (April/May) - This is the least competitive intake during which universities offer fewer courses, like specialized or vocational programs. It starts in April/May and ends in August.

An overview of the timeline for each intake is given below.

Timeline for UK Admission Intakes 2025-2026

According to UCAS, prospective students are advised to begin preparing their applications six months before their preferred intake. The table shows the optimum duration and deadline to apply for each UK admission intake.

Timeline for UK Intakes 2025 - 2026
UK Intakes	Program Duration & Semester Breaks (Varies)	Application Deadline
Fall Intake	September 2025 – December 2025 (Summer Break: June 2026 to September 2026)	Undergraduate (via UCAS): 31 January 2025 Postgraduate: December 2024 – July 2025
Winter Intake	January 2026 – April 2026 (Easter Break: Late March to mid-April 2026)	June – November 2025
Spring Intake	May 2026 – August 2026 (Semester Break: Late August or early September 2026, before the next term begins)	October 2025 – February 2026

 

September/Fall Intake in UK 2025: Primary Intake

The fall/autumn intake in UK is the most preferred choice among Indian students. Many students prefer the fall semester because universities and colleges in UK offer more application slots for highly popular courses compared to the winter and spring intakes.

The fall/september intake is the best intake in UK to study undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, doctoral, and co-op programs. This academic session offers scholarships, research, and internship opportunities, aligns well with the hiring season and job market, and also allows ample time to adapt to the academic and social environment.

The fall intake period usually begins in September and coincides with the start of the academic year, which aligns with the global academic calendar. The application deadline for the Fall/September intake in UK 2025 typically spans from December 2024 to July 2025.

September/Fall Intake Timeline 2025

Here’s the timeline for the students planning to study in UK fall intake.

 

1. August – October 2024

Research and Shortlist Universities: Begin researching how UK suits you best for the fall intake a year in advance. Shortlist universities and programs (9–8 months ahead) based on QS World University Rankings. Download brochures/viewbooks for 2025 to review program requirements and application checklists.

2. November 2024 – January 2025

Prepare for Applications: Start the application prep 7–6 months before intake. Take required exams (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo, GRE/GMAT) with buffer time for retakes. Gather academic transcripts (grades 10, 11, 12), SOP, LORs, resume, and application essays.

3. January – March 2025

Submit Applications: Begin submitting applications before deadlines. Upload documents or supplemental applications on the university application portal, pay application fees, and complete any required personal or video interviews.

4. March – May 2025

Track Decisions and Apply for Visa: Monitor email for admission updates. Expect admission decisions within 2-8 weeks of applying. Students applied via UCAS can refer their website. After acceptance, apply for government, non-government, or university scholarships, financial aid, loans, and UK student visa.

5. May – July 2025

Make Necessary Arrangements: Pay tuition fees or non-refundable deposits via Visa, MasterCard, or other payment modes. Book flights, arrange housing, and do the residential application for on-campus accommodation. Prepare essentials: SIM card, international debit/credit card.

6. August – September 2025

Start Your Semester: Arrive in the UK, attend orientation programs, explore the culture, and start your first semester of the fall intake at your dream university!

Top-Ranked Universities for Fall/September Intake in UK 2025

Here is the list of top universities in UK, along with the popular programs, tuition, and application fees.

Top-Ranked Universities to Apply for September Intake in UK
Universities	QS Ranking 2025	Popular Programs	Tuition Fee & Application Fee	On-Campus Accommodation
Imperial College London	2	Engineering Medicine Data Science Economics Finance Computing	Tuition Fee: Approx £40,000/year (INR 4,570,324 per year) Application Fee: Taught Master's: £80 (~₹8,500)	Yes
University of Oxford	3	Philosophy Politics and Economics (PPE) Law Medicine Computer Science	Tuition Fee: £35,260–£59,260/year (₹37,00,000–₹62,00,000) Application Fee: £75 for most taught courses (INR 7,500)	Yes
University of Cambridge	5	Biological Sciences Law Engineering Computer Science	Tuition Fee: £24,789–£74,000 per year (₹26 Lakh – ₹77.7 Lakh per year) Application Fee: £60 for UG (₹6,000), £50 for PG (₹5,000)	Yes
University College London (UCL)	9	Finance Management Business Analytics Computer Science Civil Engineering Chemical Engineering Data Science	Tuition Fee: £30,500 per year (₹32,02,500 per year) Application Fee: £60 for postgraduate programs (INR 6,300)	Yes
University of Edinburgh	27	Psychology Social Sciences Public Health Business and Economics Computer Science	Tuition Fee: £16,500 to £28,950 per year (₹17.3 lakhs to ₹30.4 lakhs per year) Application Fee: GBP 28.50 (INR 3 K)	Yes

 

What are the Pros & Cons for Fall/September Intake in UK?

The fall intake in UK offers a wide range of programs and universities with a high acceptance rate. However, it also has challenges like higher competition and tight deadlines. Check the following pros and cons below:

Pros:

• Wider Program Choice: Most universities and colleges offer a range of UG, PG, diploma, PhD, and co-op programs during the fall intake.
• Higher Acceptance Rates: Universities in UK have higher acceptance rates for the September intake compared to the winter intake, giving students a better chance of admission.
• Summer Break: Students enjoy a longer summer break between semesters, allowing for rest, travel, or exploring internship or job opportunities.
• Comfortable Weather: Starting in the Fall season means arriving in mild and pleasant weather before the harsh winter sets in.
• Timely Graduation: Starting with the main intake ensures students can graduate on time without delays.

Cons: 

• High Competition: Higher demand leads to more competition for preferred programs and admission, especially for top-ranking universities.
• Limited Availability: Some programs and courses may have limited spots due to high demand.
• Crowded Campus: Campuses may get overcrowded, resulting in busier classrooms, libraries, and other facilities.
• Strict Deadline: The rigorous deadlines and increased workload for preparing applications (essays, recommendations, standardized tests) can be challenging for some students.
• Higher Costs: Finding suitable on-campus or nearby housing can become difficult, often resulting in higher costs or less ideal options.

January/Winter Intake in UK 2026: Secondary Intake

Winter intake in UK, also known as the January intake, is the second-largest admission period. Winter intake opens up undergraduate and postgraduate courses for international students, typically fewer than the primary fall intake. 

The winter semester is popular as it presents unique advantages for Indian students, such as more time to prepare for studying abroad and the opportunity to apply as part of a smaller cohort.

The Winter intake in UK starts in January/February 2026 and ends in April 2026. The deadline to apply for the winter intake at universities typically starts in June 2025 and ends in November 2025.

This Winter/January intake is ideal for students who want more time to make financial arrangements, to get more scores in competitive exams like IELTS, and to avoid a gap year. If you miss the fall intake, you can always catch up with the winter intake. 

Below, we have discussed the timeline, popular universities, January intake advantages, and its disadvantages.

January/Winter Intake Timeline 2026

To apply for the winter intake, it is ideal to start the process a year before or at least 8 months before. The below points delineate the time-critical steps necessary for the university applications.

1. May to June 2025

Research Programs Early (8 Months Before): Shortlist the programs and universities based on your academic preferences. Note down the eligibility criteria and admissions requirements for each university.

2. July to September 2025

Prepare Tests & Documents (6–7 Months Before): After shortlisting the university, you should prepare for the standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, SAT, or GMAT. You should also start collecting documents like Academic Transcripts, LOR, and SOP. Start applying to the filtered universities.

3. September to October 2025

Complete Application Submission (4–5 Months Before): Submit the application along with the documents before the stipulated deadline. The earlier the submission, the more the chances of getting into your dream university. Keep checking your application status and respond to queries.

4. October to November 2025

Accept Offer & Visa (3–4 Months Before): Once your admission is granted, respond to your acceptance to the university before the stipulated deadline. Pay the deposit amount and confirm the seat in your dream university. By that time, apply for a visa and attend the visa interview.

5. November to December 2025

Pre-Departure Preparations (2–3 Months Before): Once you have the visa approval, book flight tickets. Make a pre-departure checklist and start gathering the necessary things. Try to connect with the students and alumni of the university and join the community.

6. December 2025 to January 2026

Arrive and Begin Your Journey (1–2 Months Before): Arrive in the country and get accustomed to the climate and students. Start your student journey!!

Top-Ranked Universities for Winter/January Intake in UK 2026

Below we have listed the popular universities in UK that offer January intake, along with the popular programs, tuition fees, and accommodation details.

Top-Ranked Universities to Apply for January Intake in UK
Universities	QS Ranking 2025	Popular Programs	Tuition Fee & Application Fee	On-Campus Accommodation
University of Manchester	=34	Engineering Arts and Humanities Social Sciences Business and Economics Medical and Health	Tuition Fee: £20,000 – £40,000 per year (₹21.2 lakh – ₹42.4 lakh) Application Fee: £60 (₹6,419)	Yes
University of Bristol	54	Law Medicine Engineering	Tuition Fee: £20,000 – £38,000 per year (₹21 lakh – ₹39.9 lakh) Application Fee: £60 (₹6,419)	Yes
University of Warwick	=69	Business and Management Economics Accounting and Finance History Communication and Media Studies	Tuition Fee: £21, 220 – £33,520 per year (₹22.3 lakh – ₹35 lakh) Application Fee: £75 (₹8419)	Yes
University of Glasgow	78	Accountancy & Finance Dentistry Drama Education Nursing Sports Science Veterinary Medicine	Tuition Fee: £21,600 – £30,240 per year (₹20 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh) Application Fee: £25 (₹2806)	Yes
University of Leeds	=82	Geoscience Food science and technology Arts and Humanities Agricultural science Social Science Civil Engineering Economics and Business	Tuition Fee: £17,900 – £33,000 per year (₹19 lakh – ₹34.7 lakh) Application Fee: No	Yes

 

Also Read: Cost of studying in UK

What are the Pros & Cons for Winter/January Intake in UK?

Like two sides of a coin, January intake presents both opportunities and challenges. Let's see them in detail.

Pros:

• More Time to Prepare: The Jan intake provides you with enough time to prepare for standardized/English Proficiency tests, compared to the fall intake.
• Learn from experience: Starting in January intake allows you to learn from the experiences of the preceding Fall intake students.
• Less Competition: The Winter intake receives fewer applicants compared to the Fall intake, often resulting in less competition and higher acceptance rates.
• More Departmental Attention: With a smaller cohort, January intake students may receive more focused attention from faculty and staff.
• Smaller Class Size: A smaller class size in the January intake can lead to more personalized learning experiences.
• Seamless Transition: Students starting in the January intake experience a smoother academic transition, helping to avoid study gaps.

Cons:

• Limited Program Choice: Program availability can be limited for the January intake, so verify whether your desired course is offered.
• Fewer Internship Opportunities: Fewer internship and job opportunities will be available as they often align with the primary Fall schedule.
• Navigating the Weather Conditions: As an Indian student, starting in January requires you to adapt to the challenging winter weather.
• Smaller Network Opportunities: A smaller January cohort might have fewer initial networking opportunities compared to the larger Fall intake.
• Shifted Academic Calendar: Starting in January poses a potentially different academic calendar or course structure.
• Accelerated Study Paths: January intake students might need accelerated study paths, like summer classes, to graduate alongside Fall peers.

Spring/Summer/May intake in UK 2026: Less Competitive Intake

The spring/summer intake in UK is the smaller intake as it falls at the end of the academic year. The spring/summer semester has a smaller number of applicants compared to fall and winter intakes, since only few universities offer specialised courses.

Indian students usually opt for the spring/may intake if they missed the first two intakes and don’t want to wait till the next year. The spring/may intake is chosen for its focus on specialised, vocational, and short-term courses. Additionally, summer intake has some significant advantages such as shorter wait time, smaller class size, and less competition.

The spring/ summer intake in UK commences in April/May and lasts till August. Welcoming a smaller cohort of students, this intake offers slow-paced campus life along with tons of opportunities to explore the local events during the warmer months. The summer/may intake is ideal for students who prefer a straightforward admission process that offers their desired course.

Spring/Summer/May Intake Timeline 2026

Students applying for the spring/summer intake should start at least 8-12 months before the commencement of the semester. Let's take a look at the major timelines and the necessary action you must take:

1. April – August 2025

Research & Shortlist Universities: Do thorough research on your desired course availability, preferred universities, along with their application deadlines, admission requirements, and academic qualifications.

2. September – November 2025

Prepare Documents: Appear for the necessary standardized tests and get your scorecards ready along with all the documents required for the UK student visa. 

3. November 2025 – January 2026

Apply to Universities: Prepare an application for your shortlisted institutes and submit the same. 

4. February – March 2026

Check your admission status: Look out for a response from the academic institutes you applied to and confirm your admission if you get shortlisted.

5. April – May 2026

Apply for Student Visa: Start the application process for UK student visa, scholarship, or education loan.

6. May 2026

Book a Ticket: Plan your travel and accommodation, and reach UK before the commencement of the summer semester.

Top-Ranked Universities for Spring/Summer/May Intake in UK 2026

Now that you are familiar with the May intake timelines, it is time to explore the top universities for spring/summer/may intake in UK, along with their popular programs, tuition fees, and application fees.

Top-Ranked Universities to Apply for May Intake in UK
Universities	QS Ranking 2025	Popular Programs	Tuition Fee & Application Fee	On-Campus Accommodation
University of Glasgow	78	Accountancy & Finance Dentistry Drama Education Nursing Sports Science Veterinary Medicine	Tuition Fee: £21,600 – £30,240 per year (₹20 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh) Application Fee: £25 (₹2806)	Yes
University of Birmingham	=80	Aeronautical Engineering Computer Science Business Life science	Tuition Fee: £22,850 – £50,360 per year (₹20.1 lakh – ₹37.1 lakh) Application Fee: £60 (₹6,360)	Yes
University of Southampton	=80	Engineering Computer Science Oceanography Medicine	Tuition Fee: £18,000 – £30,000 per year (₹19.1 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh) Application Fee: £60 (₹6,360)	Yes
University of Leeds	=82	Geoscience Food science and technology Arts and Humanities Agricultural science Social Science Civil Engineering Economics and Business	Tuition Fee: £17,900 – £33,000 per year (₹19 lakh – ₹34.7 lakh) Application Fee: No	Yes

 

What are the Pros & Cons for Spring/Summer/May Intake in UK?

The spring/summer/may intake has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. It could be your ideal intake if it meets your academic needs. Let's have a detailed look:

Pros:

• Less Competition: Only a few students apply for the spring/may intake, making it less competitive than other intakes.
• Shorter Wait Time: Universities process applications much quicker with only a few applicants to assess.
• Smaller Class Size: An ideal environment for more personalised learning due to a smaller class size.
• Availability of Specialised Courses: Specialised courses, postgraduate programs, vocational diplomas, and short-term courses are available.
• Pleasant Weather: The warm and pleasant weather during the summer intake is ideal for Indian students.

Cons:

• Less Programs: Universities only offer a selected set of programs during the spring/summer/may intake.
• Fewer Scholarship Availability: Spring/summer/may intake has lesser scholarship opportunities as compared to other intakes.
• Limited Job/Internship Opportunities: Companies have a lower recruitment rate during the summer/may intake, leading to less job opportunities for students.
• Lower Housing Availability: On-campus housing might be limited during the summer semester.
• Slow Social Life: With fewer students, the scope for social events, club activities, and networking opportunities could be low.

Eligibility Requirements to Study in UK

Here are the eligibility requirements to study in UK based on academic qualification, English language proficiency (ELP) requirements, and other requirements.

1. Academic Requirements

• Secondary School/Diploma/Bachelor Certificates: You should submit the high school, diploma, or bachelor's scorecard. Ensure your scores meet the benchmarks set by the international admission specialists of the UK universities.
• Subject Prerequisites: You are expected to complete five academic subjects that align with your chosen course. For eg, if you choose STEM programs, it requires advanced mathematics, physics, and Chemistry.
• GPA: The Admission Committee requires a grade point average between 2.5 - 3 out of 4 or equivalent percentage of marks. Make sure you convert your scores to the standard GPA format expected by the universities.
• Standardized Test Scores/Competitive Test Scores: You are required to submit the scores of standardized tests like ACT/SAT/GRE/GMAT. Refer to the universities for the specific tests to be taken.
• Work Experience Certificate: Applicants should provide a relevant work experience certificate for postgraduate programs like MBA and a few other professional degrees.
• Doctoral Admission Requirements: A minimum of 75% or equivalent GPA in your previous degree is required. You are also expected to submit the relevant work experience certificate and other research papers.

2. Language Proficiency Requirements

• IELTS Academic: The minimum IELTS band requirement to study in UK is 6.0 to 7.0.
• PTE Academic: The minimum PTE score requirement is 43 or above for most programs.
• TOEFL iBT: The minimum TOEFL iBT scores for Bachelor programs are 80-100, and for Master programs are 100 or higher.
• Duolingo: The minimum Duolingo test score required for UK university admissions is 105-120.
• Other Accepted Tests: Non-native English speakers can also provide the test scores of the Cambridge English Qualification (like C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)

3. Other Documents Required

• Bank Statement
• Education Loan approval document
• Scholarship grant letters
• Valid Passport
• Medical certificates
• Insurance certificates
• UK Study visa
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Letter of Motivation
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Academic transcripts in English. If it is in another language, provide certified English translations of the transcripts.
• Resume/CV
• Portfolios for arts and design courses
• Application fee receipt
• Conduct certificate
• Qualify Criminal Record Review Act (CRRA)
• Proof of Citizenship
• Certificates for extra-curricular activities
• Passport-size photographs

Popular Scholarships to study in UK universities

The following are the popular scholarships in UK available for international students planning to pursue their studies in the upcoming intakes. 

Fall intake scholarships:

 1. Scholarship Name: Chevening Scholarship
Eligible Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, return airfare, visa, and other allowances
Application Deadline: November 2024
Who can Avail: Students applying for a one-year master’s degree

2. Scholarship Name: GREAT Scholarships
Eligible Amount: Up to £10,000 towards tuition fees
Application Deadline: Late Jan 2025
Who can Avail: Students from eligible countries with excellent academic records for one-year taught postgraduate courses

3. Scholarship Name: Commonwealth Scholarships
Eligible Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, travel costs
Application Deadline: December 2024
Who can Avail: Citizens of Commonwealth countries pursuing master’s or PhD degrees in the UK

4. Scholarship Name: British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
Eligible Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, travel, visa, health coverage
Application Deadline: May 2025
Who can Avail: Women from eligible countries pursuing postgraduate studies in STEM fields

5. Scholarship Name: Sidney Perry Foundation Grants
Eligible Amount: Variable grants based on need
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Who can Avail: Students in financial need, including international students, pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the UK

Winter intake scholarships:

1. Scholarship Name: Chevening Scholarship
Eligible Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, return airfare, visa, and other allowances
Application Deadline: November 2025
Who can Avail: Students applying for a one-year master’s degree

2. Scholarship Name: Felix Scholarship
Eligible Amount: Full tuition, £18,300 living grant, return airfare
Application Deadline: End of January 2025
Who can Avail: Citizens of India or other low-income countries with an offer from Oxford, Reading, or London universities

3. Scholarship Name: Commonwealth Scholarships
Eligible Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, travel costs
Application Deadline: December 2025
Who can Avail: Citizens of Commonwealth countries pursuing master’s or PhD degrees in the UK

4. Scholarship Name: Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships
Eligible Amount: Full tuition, living expenses
Application Deadline: December 2025 – January 2026
Who can Avail: Graduates from developing and emerging economies with leadership potential; for study at the University of Oxford

5. Scholarship Name: Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
Eligible Amount: Varies; includes travel grant of £700
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Who can Avail: Indian citizens in early to mid-career stages in arts, heritage conservation, or humanities

Spring/Summer intake scholarships:

1. Scholarship Name: Chevening Scholarship
Eligible Amount: Full tuition, living stipend, return airfare, visa, and other allowances
Application Deadline: November 2025
Who can Avail: Students applying for a one-year master’s degree

Scholarship Name: GREAT Scholarships
Eligible Amount: Up to £10,000 towards tuition fees
Application Deadline: Late Jan 2025
Who can Avail: Students from eligible countries with excellent academic records for one-year taught postgraduate courses

How do International Students Manage Tuition Fees and Living Costs during Semesters?

International students can manage their tuition fees and living costs by taking up part-time jobs and paid internships, other than scholarships. According to UKCISA, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and they can work full-time during semester breaks/drops. As per Glassdoor, you can earn up to £20,179 per year. Check the following part-time jobs in UK.

• Retail Assistant
• Library Assistant
• Research Assistant
• Translator
• Customer Service Representative
• Industrial Placement

Read More: Cost of living in UK

Which Intake is right for you?

Choosing the right intakes in UK depends upon factors like academic goals, the course of your choice, acceptance rate, personal preferences, and many more. 

Here we have provided a few recommendations for intakes based on the questions you might have.

Find your Ideal Intake in UK
Your Academic Needs	Recommended Intake	Why?
I want a large number of program options to choose from.	Primarily Fall	Fall intake offers the highest number of courses as it's the primary intake.
I need more scholarships and funding options.	Consider Fall	Since Fall is the main admission cycle, the funding pool is significantly larger compared to winter and spring intakes.
What if my academic transcripts get delayed?	Check Winter	Winter is the next popular intake that allows you to avoid a gap year. So if you've missed the fall intake due to transcript delay, you can catch up with the winter intake.
I'm looking for a short-term or a language course.	Choose Spring/Summer	Universities typically offer short-term and language courses during the spring/summer intake.
I prefer a smaller student batch.	Consider Winter or Spring/Summer	Winter and Spring/Summer semesters have a smaller batch size compared to the Fall semester.
What if I still haven't decided on my exact major?	Consider Fall	Fall intake offers a wide range of programs to choose from. Hence, Fall is the ideal choice for you to explore and select the program best suited to your interests.
Which intake is the easiest to get into?	Try Spring/Summer	The spring/summer intake is the least competitive intake with fewer applicants, making it the easiest intake to get into among the three intakes.
Which intake is suitable for university exchange programs?	Fall or Winter	Both fall and winter are suitable for exchange programs. However, fall is best suited for full academic year exchanges, while winter is suited for single-semester exchanges.
Which intake is best if I have a low GPA?	Choose Winter	Try applying for winter intake as it gives you more preparation time to strengthen other factors such as test scores, SOPs, LORs, and work experience. Winter has relatively lower competition, giving you a better chance for admission.
I'm an Indian student, can I survive the harsh weather in Canada?	Try Fall or Summer	As Indian students are used to hot and warm weather conditions, they may find winter extremely cold. Hence, fall or summer would be a better choice.
Which US intake is best suited to gain CPT?	Fall or Winter	Enrolling in the Fall or Winter semester allows you to complete a full academic year, thus making you eligible for CPT.
As a freshman, which Canadian intake is the ideal choice for me?	Fall	Fall is the ideal intake for a freshman, as it offers a plethora of programs in an array of fields.
Which intake has a buzzing campus life and more opportunities to socialise?	Fall or Winter	Fall and Winter, being the first two intakes, have the maximum number of applicants among the three. Hence, you have more opportunities to socialise and make new friends during fall.
I want to work part-time immediately after my arrival. Which intake is the best option?	Primarily Fall	Fall is the main intake with ample part-time job opportunities for international students.
I am a physically challenged person willing to study in Canada. I am worried about my accommodation. Which intake can I choose?	Fall or Winter	Fall intake is generally the most advantageous intake for the physically challenged persons. This is the time when the disability service office or the accessibility service will be open. You can contact them and explain your disability and the support you need in terms of accommodation and campus accessibility.

Other Popular Country Intakes

• Intakes in USA
• Intakes in Canada
• Intakes in Australia
• Intakes in Germany
• Intakes in Ireland
• Intakes in New Zealand

If you need expert guidance on deciding a suitable intake to study in UK, you can contact our study abroad counsellors. They will clear all your doubts and guide you through the entire process from choosing the right university till you land in your dream country!!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many intakes does UK have?

The UK has a tri-semester system: Fall/September intake, Winter/January intake, Spring/Summer/May intake.

2. When should I apply for the intake in UK?

Students can start the application process for any UK intake 6 months before the intake period. The earlier you start the process, the higher the chances of getting admitted into the university.

3. How long does it take to get a student visa for UK?

The time required to obtain a UK student visa is typically within 3 weeks. It usually takes time to submit the documents, clear the visa interview, and get the UK visa.

4. Can international students work in UK while studying?

Yes, International students are allowed to work 20 hours per week in the UK while studying. 

5. How much gap is acceptable to study in UK?

The gap year accepted in UK is up to 2 years for undergraduate programs and up to 5 years for postgraduate programs.

6. What things should I pack to study in UK?

The things that you should pack are:

• Clothes
• Thermal wears
• Boots
• Sweaters
• Umbrella
• Passport / Visa
• Toiletaries & Personal Care
• Medicines
• National Identity Proof
• Electronics (Phone/Charger/Laptop/Earphones/Power bank)
• Books
• Cash and credit cards.

7. What should I do if the university has deferred my intake?

If the university has deferred your admission, it means you still have a chance to get admitted to the university for the next intake. You need to wait, follow up with the university, and strengthen your profile in the meantime. 

8. What is the procedure to open a bank account after arriving in UK?

To open a bank account upon your arrival in UK, you need to follow the steps below.

• ​Choose UK, Indian, or Digital banks
• ​Select account type (current/savings/other)
• Gather required documents such as proof of identity, UK address, immigration, letter of introduction (if reqd.)
• Apply online via website or mobile app, or in person by visiting branch
• Verify your identity and get approval
• ​Receive a debit card and account details​

9. Can I carry an Indian SIM card to study in UK?

Yes, you can carry your Indian SIM card to UK. However, you need to enable international roaming with your network provider. Alternatively, you can also opt for SIMs from local network providers like BT, Sky, TalkTalk, and Virgin Media.

10. Which is the best city to study in UK in terms of low expense?

Bournemouth is the best city to study in UK in terms of low expense. Some of the other affordable cities for international students in the UK include Cardiff, Leicester, Lincoln, Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

11. Which is the best intake to study master's in UK?

The September intake is considered the best intake to study master's in the UK. This intake is the most popular intake with a wide range of courses, scholarships, and internship opportunities.

12. How to apply for university via UCAS?

To apply to a UK university via UCAS, begin by registering on the UCAS website and setting up your application. Then, select your courses, write a personal statement, and pay the application fee. You can also find information about deadlines and entry requirements on the UCAS site.