International students prefer UK as their study destination as they have many top-ranking universities and colleges and the degree were recognized globally. Universities in UK have intakes throughout the year which vary depending on the courses and admission requirements. In general, there are three intakes in the UK which are also referred to as terms in some institutions.

There are mainly two intakes in UK, January and September. Some UK universities also offer May intake for some of the courses. In this article, you’ll get to know the complete information on the three intakes i.e. fall, winter, and summer/spring, how to apply, the documents required, and lot more.

Before that, find the type of intake and the duration in the table below.

Terms	Intake	Duration	Applications Open
Term 1	September Intake/Fall Intake	September-December	December-July
Term 2	January Intake/Winter Intake	January-April	September-November
Term 3	May Intake/Spring Intake	May-August	October-November

Table of contents

How Many Intakes are there in UK?
UK Intakes and Admission Deadlines
January/February Intake in UK
Merits of the Winter Intake in the UK
January/February Intake Universities in UK 2024
May Intake in UK
Merits of the Summer/Spring Intake in the UK
May Intake Universities in UK
September/October Intake in UK
Merits of the Fall Intake in the UK
September/October Intake Universities in UK
MBA Intakes in UK
PhD Intakes in UK
Intakes for Masters in UK
How to Apply to Universities in UK?
Documents Required for Admission Intakes in UK
Important UCAS Deadlines
FAQs

How Many Intakes are there in UK?

There are three intakes in UK:

September/October intake (Fall intake)
January/February intake (Winter intake)
April/May intake (Summer intake)

UK universities offer three main intakes for students to enroll in their programs, with the majority of courses starting in September/October and January/February. However, some universities also offer a third intake in April/May with limited courses. While September/October intake is the most common one, the January/February intake provides an equal number of courses to choose from. For those who missed the September/October intake, applying for the January/February intake can be a good option, as it provides more time to focus on applications and address any gaps in the profile.

UK Intakes and Admission Deadlines

The following table shows how UK universities and colleges conduct their admission cycles throughout the year. International students can join in any of these three admission intakes to study in UK.

UK INTAKES	NATURE	DURATION	Courses Available
September/October/Fall intake	Primary/Main intake	September–December	90%
January/February/Winter Intake	Secondary intake	January–April	30%
May/Summer/Spring Intake	Least preferred intake	May-August	10%

January/February Intake in UK 2024

The January intake, also known as the winter intake, is the second type of intake. Although it offers fewer courses compared to the September intake, it gives students who missed the primary admission cycles an opportunity to enroll in courses. The application process for the January intake generally opens in June of the previous year and ends by September, but deadlines may vary based on the course and university. The January intake provides students with extra time to work on their applications and make up for missing the September intake. However, it is important to note that the course options may be limited compared to the September intake. This intake is ideal for students seeking a Master's degree and offers a fair chance to enroll in an academic year.

Merits of the Winter Intake in the UK

The winter intake offers an additional opportunity for students who missed the primary Fall intake application deadline.
Students can catch up on their classes without taking a gap year.
Since you start your study much later in the year, you get more time to prepare your application.
The number of applications is relatively lesser than the Fall intake, so it’s comparatively easier to get accepted.

January/February Intake Universities in UK 2024

Below are the list of universities that offer January/February intake universities in UK.

University of Brighton
University of Lincoln
University of South Wales
Oxford Brookes University
Keele University
Birmingham City University
City University of London
University of Greenwich
University of the Sunderland
Birkbeck University of London
Queen Mary University of London
Coventry University
University of Liverpool
University of Exeter
Aston University
Brunel University
Bangor University
Edge Hill University
Kingston University
Northumbria University
University of Chester
Anglia Ruskin University
De Montfort University
University of Essex
The University of Bath
The University of Bedfordshire
The University of Birmingham
The University of Buckingham
Edinburgh Napier University
London Metropolitan University
London South Bank University
Manchester Metropolitan University
Newcastle University
Sheffield Hallam University
Middlesex University
The University of Derby
The University of Northampton

May Intake in UK

The May intake, also known as the Spring intake, is the least preferred admission cycle in the UK as most students prefer to take a spring break. As a result, only a few universities offer it with limited degree options. However, this also means that the competition is less, and applicants have a higher chance of being accepted. It is important to note that not all colleges and universities offer this intake, and applicants should apply early, around January or February, if they plan to start their higher education in May.

Merits of the Summer/Spring Intake in the UK

The Summer intake in the UK is less popular among students due to the April/May start date coinciding with the spring break.
Completing studies earlier can potentially save money on living expenses and help start a career sooner.
Summer break is available during this intake period.
There is minimal competition as fewer students apply for the May intake, resulting in higher acceptance chances.
The smaller number of applications means smaller class sizes and more attention from faculties.

May Intake Universities in UK 2024

Below are the list of universities offering May intake in UK.

University of Kent
Brunel University
University of Bedfordshire
Coventry University
Northumbria University
Salford University
Ulster University
Queen Mary University of London
Keele University
University of Chester
Sheffield Hallam University
West of Scotland University
Richmond University of London
BPP University

September/October Intake in UK

The September or October intake is referred to as the fall intake in the UK. The September intake is the largest intake in UK conducted by universities to attract a large number of international student applications. This intake offers plenty of courses to choose from, as scholars overseas prefer this intake. The application timeline for this intake generally opens in February and lasts until May, but it varies from university to university and the course. This intake is also referred to as the autumn intake in the UK. The academic year in the UK starts in September, which is why this intake has the highest number of admissions. Over 80% of UK aspirants prefer this intake since it offers plenty of undergraduate and post-graduate course options. Since it aligns with the academic schedule worldwide, it is an ideal choice for students.

Merits of the Fall Intake in the UK

The Fall intake is the primary and most popular intake in the UK.
Most universities accept applications for a significant number of courses during this intake.
Fall intake provides enough time for candidates to prepare for applications and most programs are offered during this time.
After completing the course, students have access to a wide range of internship and career opportunities and can compete in a highly competitive environment.
As intakes are starting in September, students have the chance to choose from several universities and course options.
Fall intake offers the most number of scholarships and bursaries, providing an excellent chance to reduce costs.

September/October Intake Universities in UK 2024

Find the below list of universities that offer September intake in UK.

University of Bradford
Swansea University
University of Surrey
University of Derby
University of Westminster
University of Wolverhampton
Keele University
University of Leeds
Kingston University
London Metropolitan University
Queen Mary University of London
Coventry University
University of Liverpool
University of Exeter
Aston University
Brunel University
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
King's College London
Birmingham City University
Bucks New University
University of Central Lancashire
University of Reading
University of Hertfordshire
University of Sussex
University of York
Bournemouth University
Cranfield University
Goldsmiths University of London
City, University of London
University of Essex
Hartpury University
Durham University

MBA Intakes in UK

MBA is highly sought-after by international students seeking education abroad. It is one of the most popular courses offered by UK universities. In the UK, MBA intakes are generally held in April or May each year, although some universities also accept applications during the fall or September intake. The MBA admissions process can take up to four or five rounds, which typically last for 6 to 7 months until September. Check the below list of universities to get admitted for an MBA degree.

London Business School
Imperial College Business School
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
Warwick Business School, University of Warwick
University of Edinburgh Business School
Lancaster University Management School
Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University
The Business School (formerly Cass), CITY, University of London
Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University
School of Business and Management– Queen Mary University of London
School of Management – Anglia Ruskin University
Business School – Coventry University
University of Strathclyde Business School
Leeds University Business School – University of Leeds
Durham University Business School, Durham University
Aston Business School, Aston University
Nottingham University Business School, Nottingham Trent University
Bath School of Management, University of Bath
Brunel Business School, Brunel University London
Exeter Business School, University of Exeter
Adam Smith School of Economics and Finance, University of Glasgow
Booth School of Business, The University of Chicago

Know more about the MBA in UK

PhD Intakes in UK

In the UK, universities offer Ph.D. programs with rolling admissions which means applications are accepted throughout the year. There are no fixed intakes for Ph.D. programs, students can apply during any of the three intakes or according to their chosen university's specific admission dates. This gives students flexibility in choosing when to apply and allows them to apply whenever they are ready. With a wide range of universities offering Ph.D. programs in the UK, students have the opportunity to find a program that suits them.

Intakes for Masters in UK

In the UK, there are three main intakes for university admissions, with January and September being the most popular for Master's programs. Some universities also offer May intakes for Master's applications. Applying in January or September gives you the opportunity to apply to more than 5 universities and keep your options open. Overall, the January and September intakes are the best choices for those seeking a Master's degree since most renowned universities have admissions open during these periods.

How to Apply to Universities in UK?

Step 1: Shortlist Courses and Universities

When shortlisting courses and universities, it's important to consider factors such as the course content, location, university ranking, tuition fees, and available scholarships. It's also important to check the entry requirements for each course and university, as they may vary depending on the level of study and the program you're interested in. Use resources like university websites, rankings, and course finders to help you create a list of potential options.

Step 2: Know Your Deadlines

After shortlisting your universities, make sure to note down the application deadlines for each one. These deadlines can vary depending on the university and program, so it's important to double-check the dates. You should also consider any additional deadlines, such as those for scholarship applications, and plan accordingly. Applying early is recommended as it gives you more time to complete all the necessary steps, including visa applications and accommodation arrangements.

Step 3: Take Entrance Tests

Most UK universities require international students to take an English language proficiency test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. Some universities may also require a standardized test such as the GMAT, GRE, or LNAT, depending on the program. Check the requirements for each university and program carefully to determine which tests you need to take. It's important to prepare for these tests well in advance to achieve a high score.

Step 4: Compile Your Documents

Once you know the deadlines and entry requirements for your chosen universities, start gathering all the required documents. These may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, proof of English language proficiency, and financial documents. Make sure to carefully read the requirements for each university and program and provide all the necessary documentation in a timely manner.

Step 5: Get Started with the Application

After compiling all your documents, you can begin the application process. Some universities require students to apply through the UCAS system, while others accept direct applications. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure to provide all the necessary information, including personal details, academic background, and supporting documents. It's important to submit your application before the deadline and to check your email regularly for updates or requests for further information.

Step 6: Respond to Offers and Acceptance

After submitting your application, you may receive offers from one or more universities. Take the time to carefully consider each offer and its accompanying terms and conditions. You may be asked to pay a deposit to secure your place, so make sure to plan accordingly. Once you have made your decision, notify the universities of your acceptance or rejection before the deadline.

Step 7: Prepare for Arrival in the UK

After accepting an offer, it's important to start preparing for your arrival in the UK. This may include applying for a student visa, arranging accommodation, and purchasing international health insurance. Make sure to also research the local area and university to familiarize yourself with the culture, customs, and expectations.

Documents Required for Admission Intakes in UK

If you are applying for admission to a UK university as an international student, you need to prepare and arrange some mandatory supporting documents. These include:

Completed application form
Application fee
High school or degree certificates/academic transcripts
CV/resume
2-3 SOPs (Statement of Purpose)
At least 3 LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
Student permit for UK or visa application
Immigration documents (passport, national identity proof)
Proof of financial availability
Health insurance (if required)
English proficiency test scores
GPA, GMAT, or GRE scores
Work experience (if applicable)

It is essential to ensure that you have all the necessary documents in place before your departure.

Important UCAS Deadlines

All undergraduate course applications in the UK are managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Some UK universities may allow international applications after the deadlines, but it is best to check directly with the university. It is essential to keep these dates in mind when contacting your preferred university, as most UK universities follow UCAS deadlines for undergraduate admissions. Deadlines for the 2023 intake are as follows:

16 October 2023 - It is for applications to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and for most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science.
31 January 2024 - It is for most undergraduate courses and most conservatoire undergraduate dance, drama, or musical theatre courses.

FAQs

1. How many intakes are available in the UK?

There are three intakes in UK: September, January, and May Intake.

Term 1: September to December
Term 2: January to April
Term 3: April to June

2. Which is the main intake in the UK?

There are mainly two intakes in UK: September/October and January/February. The September intake is also known as the fall intake and the January intake is known as the winter intake.

3. Which intake in the UK is best?

The September intake/fall intake in UK is the most preferred academic slot by international students as it has numerous undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Over 80% of aspirants have chosen the September intake for studies.

4. Is Gap acceptable in UK?

Many UK universities accept international students with two years study gap. Some universities also accept more than two years. Before applying for admission, you need to refer to the university's official website to know the study gap in UK.

5. Is IELTS required for the UK?

Yes. IELTS is required to study in the UK. As IELTS is one of the English language proficiency tests, it is essential to submit the score. To study at a UK university, you need to take IELTS UKVI Academic.

6. Can International Students intern in the UK?

UK is the land of internship opportunities where many top universities provide Internship in UK for International Students along with the course. Hence research well before selecting the course, universities and other internship opportunities too.