Between 2022 to 2023, over 450,000 new international students (approximately 126,000 of these students being Indian) entered the UK for higher education – the highest number on record. The UK is a popular study abroad destination for students from around the world as it is home to top ranking universities with world class facilities, a lucrative job market, and a rich culture.
With over 100,000 international students applying to the UK each year, it’s important to prepare a strong application that stands out to universities. A good application shows that you have researched your course thoroughly, and that you have taken the time to ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria of the university. If you need more time preparing your application documents or are looking for a less competitive time to apply to the UK when you can stand out, then the May intake is a great option for you.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what the May intake in the UK is, the benefits of applying for it, and top universities offering the May intake for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. We’ll also provide you with a step-by-step application guideline, along with some tips to submit a successful application for the May intake at a UK university.
What’s the May intake at UK universities?
The UK has three application cycles throughout the year, making it easier for you to prepare your applications according to your own timelines and stand out from the competition. The May intake – also known as the Spring/Summer intake – is the third intake in the UK academic calendar.
When you’re choosing the ideal UK intake for your goals, you’ll find yourself browsing through courses, acceptance rates, costs, job opportunities, and even the weather! Here are the key points you must consider when thinking about which intake to apply for:
- Key months
Each of the three intakes in the UK have different application periods, which gives you more options when aligning your personal goals and circumstances with your application. For example, if you’re unable to take the IELTS exam in time for the September intake’s application cycle in the first half of the year, you can apply for the January or May intakes which accept applications towards the end of the year. Here are the key months to keep in mind when selecting your intake:
| Intake | Duration | Application Period |
|---|---|---|
| September intake (Primary intake) | September to December | December to July |
| January intake | January to April | September to November |
| May intake | May to August | October to February |
- Choice of courses
The variety of courses available for the May intake is less compared to the others, but some universities offer niche postgraduate degrees or specialised professional courses only during May. If the course you’re looking at is available in May, you’re likely to face less competition when applying which increases your chances of securing a spot.
- Number of students
As the May intake in the UK is preferred less by students compared to the September and January intakes, the class sizes are often smaller which helps you benefit more from personalised attention from your lecturers.
Selecting which intake to apply for in the UK requires careful consideration of your own personal goals in the UK as well as the time you need to prepare your application. In addition to deciding on your preferred intake when preparing your application, you must also keep in mind the eligibility criteria at UK universities. Let’s take a look at what these look like in the May intake for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Eligibility criteria for the May intake at UK universities
While the specific entry requirements differ based on your course and university, here are the general requirements you have to keep in mind when considering the UK for your higher studies.
| Eligibility Criteria | Undergraduate Students | Postgraduate Students |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study |
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| English Language Test Scores | You’ll generally need one of the following scores:
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You’ll generally need one of the following scores:
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| Work Experience |
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Most UK universities have a combination of entry requirements, making them more accessible for a wider range of students. The general eligibility criteria to the UK will be the same whichever intake you apply for, but there are certain advantages when applying to each one. In the next section, let’s look at the benefits of joining the May intake in the UK.
Benefits of joining the May intake in the UK
The May intake may be less popular than the busy September intake in the UK, but students who choose the former can benefit from several advantages compared to entering in September. Here are a few examples of these advantages:
Less competitive
If you feel like you’ll get lost in the sea of applications that come in for the September intake, it’s worth considering applying later for the May intake. There is often less competition and you have a higher chance of securing your spot in your preferred programme. Starting your course in May also means that your class sizes are smaller, so you can have a more personalised learning experience in a less competitive environment.
More time to prepare
The May intake is perfect if you need more time to write your personal statements and research proposals, engage in pre-university studies, and arrange your transcripts and funds. You may feel too rushed getting all these things in order for your September application – especially if you’ve just finished your previous studies, like high school. In those scenarios, it’s good to take a break, rest and recuperate, and then put your best foot forward for the May intake.
Quicker entry into the job market
Since most UK companies begin their financial year in March/April, many hiring managers start looking for candidates from February/March. This means that when you graduate around March (after entering the May intake), you’re better aligned to the UK’s job market cycle and have increased prospects of finding a job.
Now that we’ve gone through the benefits of the May intake in UK universities, let’s take a look at top UK universities you can consider for May entry as an undergraduate student.
UK universities offering the May intake for undergraduate students
If you’re a prospective undergraduate student in the UK, it’s likely your first entry into higher education, right after you’ve finished your Advanced Level (A/L) examinations. While many students choose to immediately start their bachelor’s after getting their A/L results, if you feel you need a break from studies, would like to get some hands-on experience in an industry you’re interested in, or need some time to think about which course you’d like to do, then you can consider the May intake in the UK.
The May intake is also known for offering many ‘top-up’ courses. If you’ve already started your higher education in India or even another country with a Higher National Diploma (HND), NVQ Level 5, or Foundation degree, then you can join a top-up course in the UK which allows you to build on your previous learnings and graduate with a full degree. In general, here are some UK universities which offer the May intake for undergraduate students:
| UK Universities with the May Intake | Suggested Course | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Coventry University | Accounting and Finance for International Business BSc (Top-up) | £16,800 |
| Northumbria University | BSc (Hons) Business Enterprise and Innovation Management (Top-up) | £19,750 |
| Teesside University | Computer Science, BSc (Hons) | £17,000 |
While the above list will help if you’re an undergraduate student, the next section is for postgraduate students.
UK universities offering the May intake for postgraduate students
Postgraduate degrees in the UK are a great way for you to upskill, climb the career ladder, or build up your research portfolio in your chosen academic interests. However, the application process can sometimes be challenging as UK universities may ask you for a detailed research proposal or multiple reference letters, depending on the course you’re applying for. If you need more time to prepare these important application materials for your postgraduate degree, then the May intake is a good option for you.
Here are some UK universities which offer the May intake for postgraduate students.
| UK Universities with the May Intake | Suggested Course | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ulster University | MSc Computer Science and Technology | £15,450 |
| University of East London | MSc Civil Engineering | £15,960 |
| Canterbury Christ Church University | MA Applied Linguistics | £14,500 |
Once you’ve carefully researched and picked the university that best suits your needs, the next step is to ensure you meet the application deadlines.
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UK May intake 2025 application timeline
It’s crucial to apply for your preferred UK universities before your application deadline as your application is guaranteed to be considered only if you meet the deadline. In general, these are the key months you must note down in your calendar about the May intake in the UK for 2025.
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| University application deadline | February 2025 |
| Latest date by which you will receive the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter | April 2025 |
| Enrolment deadline | End of April, 2025 |
If you’re an undergraduate student, you can check your university application deadlines through the page for your course on your university’s website or through UCAS. If you’re a postgraduate student, this information is usually only available on the course page of your university website. Once you’ve confirmed the deadlines, it’s best to follow the application guideline we’ve provided below.
When should you start preparing for the May intake in UK universities?
The application period for the May intake is from January to February of the same year. This means that if you wish to start your programme next May, you should submit your application by February next year. It’s generally recommended to start preparing for your application about nine months before your course start date, and we’ll be taking a look at the steps you need to follow across this process.
October to November: Start now
The end of the year – October to November – is the time you should use to research universities. When doing so, make sure you look out for key info like courses that match your academic needs, course fees that align with your circumstances, scholarships you are qualified for, and the area in the UK you’ll be living in. This’ll help you narrow down your choices and shortlist a few universities that you can apply for when the time comes.
November to December: Sit for your exams
Once you’ve determined which universities and courses to apply for, you’ll have a clearer idea on which application requirements you need to meet. For example, some courses may look for a certain IELTS score. You can spend time in November and December meeting these application requirements, such as by taking an English proficiency test or exploring opportunities that could help you enhance your CV. Afterwards, gather all the necessary documents required by the universities.
January to February: Begin your university applications
Before January begins, confirm your application deadlines, as each university and course may have different deadlines. Work towards meeting these deadlines by starting your applications early, leaving aside plenty of time for corrections and questions. If you’re applying for an undergraduate programme, you’ll have to apply through UCAS and if you’re a prospective postgraduate student, you’ll have to use the application portal of the universities you are considering.
March to April: Attend your interviews, receive your acceptance letter, and apply for your visa
After you’ve submitted your applications, be on the lookout for an interview call. Not all UK universities will hold interviews, but some specialised programmes or circumstances may require you to sit for one. Once you’re accepted, you’ll receive your Certificate of Acceptance (CAS) letter by around April, after which it’s recommended that you immediately get started on your visa application.
April to May: Prepare to fly and for life in the UK
After you’ve submitted your visa application, it’ll take about three weeks for universities to get back to you. When you receive your visa, the next step is to start preparing for your journey and life in the UK. Start by booking your flights, arranging your accommodation, and packing what you need to take with you to the UK.
May: Arrive in the UK
When you arrive in the UK, one of your first activities will be getting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This permit is used to confirm your identity and right to study while you’re in the UK, so it’s important that you obtain it as soon as you arrive. After you’ve safely secured your BRP, you can settle down and start enjoying life in the UK.
A good way to familiarise yourself with the environment and your university is to attend the orientation sessions that your university will hold. They’ll brief you on how to get around campus and the surrounding areas, key dates to remember with regard to your exams and assignments, and you’ll also meet friends to explore your new town or city with.
When planning your university applications for the May intake, remember to divide your year up into slots. In addition to being organised with your time, it’s also important to plan ahead and organise the documents you’re submitting with your application. Let’s have a look at this process next.
Documents required for the May intake
Applying for the May intake is the same as applying for the primary intake in September – you’ll have to do your research, meet the application requirements, and stick to the deadlines. One of the most important aspects in this process is ensuring you submit all the necessary documents that are required, both by your university for admission and the Home Office to process your visa.
Regardless of whether you’re applying for admission to your UK university or to obtain your visa from the Home Office, the documents you submit with your applications are the most crucial element of them.
When submitting your university application, ensure you submit these documents with it:
- Birth certificate
- Passport or national identity card
- Reference letters
- Evidence of your English proficiency test results
- Copies of your diploma or degree certificates from previous studies
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal, if you’re applying for a postgraduate programme
When submitting your UK Student visa application, ensure you submit the following documents with it:
- A current passport
- Your CAS from your course provider
- Documents to show financial evidence, which can include:
- A letter confirming an educational loan
- Bank documents of current accounts, deposits, savings accounts, pensions, and/or investment accounts
- Letter from your parents or guardian if they’re funding your studies, along with a legal document showing your relationship to them and their financial documents
- A letter from your financial sponsor if you have one which includes their contact details and the amount of money they’ll provide for you
- An ATAS certificate, depending on your chosen study programme
- Proof of guardian consent if you’re under the age of 18
- Proof of your relationship to your guardian if you’re under the age of 18
- Your TB test results
- Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)
Submitting your documents correctly is a great way to ensure you submit successful university and visa applications to the UK. Now let’s take a look at the scholarships you can consider when applying for the May intake in the UK.
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Scholarships for the May intake in the UK
When planning your studies in the UK, you have to think about the costs involved, from your pre-arrival costs to your tuition fees and living expenses. Scholarships are a great way to fund a portion of your full expenses in the UK. Here are some scholarships for the May intake that you can consider applying for:
| Scholarship | Value |
|---|---|
| Coventry University Vice-Chancellor Undergraduate Scholarship | £1,000 |
| Coventry University Vice-Chancellor Postgraduate Scholarship | £3,000 |
| Coventry University Early Payment Discount | £2,000 |
Keeping track of your application deadlines, organising your documents, and meeting the criteria for scholarships are all key parts of your application process. In addition to completing all these steps successfully, we’ve given you some application tips below to keep in mind as well during your application process.
Tips for a successful application to join the May intake at a UK university
Your university applications can seem challenging at first because of how much there is to remember. Keep a checklist of these tips to make this process easier and ensure you’re on track for the May intake.
- Do thorough research into your university and course options
- Prepare all necessary documentation early to avoid last-minute problems
- Reach out to university admissions offices or academic advisors to clear your doubts about the application
- Stay organised by creating a checklist of tasks and deadlines so that you don’t miss out on a single one
It’s possible that unexpected circumstances could cause you to miss the deadline for the May intake, but this doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams of studying in the UK. Next, we’ll be taking a look at what you can do to ensure you can still pursue your degree if you miss your deadline.
What to do if you miss the May intake at a UK university
If you miss the deadlines for the May intake at a UK university, you have the option of applying for the autumn intake which usually begins in September. The September intake is usually the most competitive one, so you can either take a gap year where you enhance your capabilities in your preferred study area or apply for the January intake.
Multiple intake options at UK universities offer you flexibility when planning your studies. Every year in May, universities across the UK offer foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses to international students who need more time to complete pre-university study, apply for funding, or arrange their visas.
Reach out to our experts to get started on your application for the May intake in the UK. We’ll assist you in a range of preparatory steps for your UK study, including applications, finalising your documents, and your visa.
FAQs
Which universities in the UK offer the May intake?
Several UK universities offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses for the May intake. For May 2025, Coventry University, Northumbria University, and Teesside University are offering popular undergraduate programmes while Ulster University, University of East London, and Canterbury Christ Church University are offering popular postgraduate courses.
Can I apply in March for the May intake in the UK?
The application deadline for the May intake in the UK usually falls in February, so it’s best to prepare your applications well in advance of that date. You’ll be able to find the exact application deadlines on the course page of your university website.
Which university in the UK is the cheapest for international students?
The UK has many affordable study options for international students. Among these, Leeds Trinity University, Liverpool Hope University, and Queen Margaret University are some of the cheapest ones for international students.
Does the University of East London have a May intake?
Yes, the University of East London offers a number of postgraduate courses for its May intake. These include courses in computer science and AI, engineering and the built environment, and business and finance.
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