The academic year in the UK begins in September, and UK universities welcome thousands of undergraduate students — both local and international — to start their higher education with the September intake in the UK. You also have the opportunity to begin your studies in the UK with the January or May intake, depending on the availability of courses and your preferences.
Choosing the best-fit intake to start your studies is important as the intake can factor in the courses you study, employment opportunities you can access, and your overall student experience on campus. Let’s have a closer look at intakes in the UK, exploring why you should consider each intake, the universities you can apply to, and application timelines for each to start planning for your studies in the UK.
There are three main intakes in UK universities, each corresponding to the three terms of an academic year in the UK. The terms are commonly referred to as autumn term, spring term, and summer term with a few universities adopting unique names. For example, the three academic terms in the University of Oxford are called Michaelmas, Hilary, and Trinity.
Most universities in the UK use the term structure for their academic schedule and some universities in the UK follow the semester system which is commonly used in the USA. According to the semester system, the academic year is divided into two instead of three terms:
Also called the autumn term
Starts in September and ends in February next year
Also called the spring term
Starts in February and ends in June
While the breakdown of the academic year can differ by university, the student intakes in all UK universities remain the same with three intakes across the year in September, January, and May. Here’s an overview of the UK intakes and their timelines.
| Term | Duration | Relevant UK Intake | Applications Open | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 - Autumn Term | September to December | September Intake | A year before | Between January and June |
| Term 2 - Spring Term | January to April | January Intake | September to December previous year | Between January to February |
| Term 3 - Summer Term | May to August | May Intake | October to November previous year | February |
In addition to these intakes in the UK, there’s also a less common intake in June. This intake is generally for students following specialised language or subject-specific preparation courses ahead of the academic year starting in September.
Up next, we’ll go over a list of universities admitting students in each of the intakes — this can help you identify the intake or intakes you should consider, based on your university preferences.
All top universities in the UK open applications for all their programmes during the September intake in the UK, with fewer universities accepting applications during January and May intakes for select programmes. Here’s a list of universities accepting applications in each intake in the UK.
| September Intake | January Intake | May Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham City University Buckingham New University Coventry University Imperial College London King’s College London Lancaster University London Metropolitan University Northumbria University Queen Mary University of London Ravensbourne University London Regent’s University London Swansea University University College London (UCL) University of Aberdeen University of Birmingham University of Bradford University of Bristol University of Cambridge University of East London University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Glasgow University of Gloucestershire University of Law University of Leeds University of Manchester University of Nottingham University of Oxford University of Portsmouth University of Sheffield University of Southampton University of South Wales University of St Andrews University of Strathclyde University of Warwick University of Westminster |
Aston University Bangor University Brunel University Coventry University Edinburgh Napier University Heriot-Watt University Kingston University Loughborough University Northumbria University Nottingham Trent University Oxford Brookes University Queen Mary University of London Royal Holloway, University of London Swansea University Ulster University University of Aberdeen University of Bradford University of Derby University of Dundee University of Essex University of Exeter University of Glasgow University of Huddersfield University of Leicester University of Liverpool University of St Andrews University of Strathclyde University of Sussex |
Brunel University Coventry University London Metropolitan University Northumbria University Queen Mary University of London Ulster University University of Derby University of East London University of Greenwich University of Kent University of West London University of Westminster |
As an international student, you have the opportunity to explore a range of degree programmes available in each intake in the UK, with the September intake offering the highest number of course options. Let’s have a closer look at all three, exploring what each UK intake has to offer.
Also known as the autumn (or fall) intake, the September intake in UK universities is the biggest intake with thousands of students applying to undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The UK universities start accepting applications as early as September the previous year, giving you ample time to research courses, get your finances ready, and compile a well thought-out application.
September intake in the UK is ideal for undergraduates as most UK universities open applications for a range of programmes designed for freshers starting their higher education.
Wide range of courses: All universities in the UK open applications for all of their undergraduate courses and some of the postgraduate courses, so there is an extensive amount of courses you can choose from, depending on your preference and eligibility.
Continuing studies: As the September intake in the UK aligns with the end of secondary school education in the UK and many countries across the world, high school seniors (or Class 12 students) have the opportunity to transition to higher studies without taking a break from academics.
Many opportunities for financial support: Most scholarships offered by universities and third-party institutions are open for students who apply for the September intake.
Campus experience: With your life at university starting from the beginning of the academic year, you get the chance to take part in all on-campus activities starting from the orientation to various extracurricular activities like film screenings, sports championships, and field trips.
Mild weather: The autumn weather in the UK is pleasant and easy to get used to, especially for international students from tropical climates.
Campus activities and community: The start of the academic year can sometimes be packed with activity and people, so if you prefer a less busy start to your student life, the September intake may not work for you.
Costs for housing: As the demand for housing is high because of many new students looking for accommodation, the costs can sometimes be inflated. It’s best to start looking for housing alongside your application process to access accommodation at lower rates.
Demand for part-time work opportunities: As both home and international students start looking for part-time work opportunities on- and off-campus, it may be challenging for you to find part-time work in proximity to campus and your accommodation.
August – October 2025: Research universities, preferred courses, eligibility criteria, and scholarship opportunities. Note the financial investment and start putting your funds together.
November – December 2025: Sit for standardised tests (IELTS, UCAT, etc.) based on the entry requirements of your preferred programmes.
December 2025 – January 2026: Collate the documentation you need for your application (transcripts, reference letters, etc.) and start outlining your application.
February 2026: Apply for scholarships and financial aid.
March 2026: Compile your letter of intent or statement of purpose (SOP), and portfolios if required.
April – June 2026: Proofread your documents and revise your essays. Finalise your application and submit before the university or UCAS deadline. Pay the required fee.
June – July 2026: Prepare for interviews if applicable. Track the progress of your application.
August 2026: Once you receive an offer or multiple offers, evaluate the universities factoring in your course preferences, living expenses, and scholarship availability. Accept your offer and pay a deposit if required by the university to confirm your acceptance. Confirm your accommodation.
September 2026: Apply for Student visa from GOV.uk. Plan your trip to the UK and prepare for your arrival.
If you missed the September intake for a personal reason or if you didn’t receive a university offer you wanted to accept, there are a few steps you can take:
Apply through UCAS Clearing: Universities fill the remaining spots in their courses with UCAS Clearing, generally starting from July and running until October. If you see courses and universities you’d like to apply to, you have the chance to do so during this time.
Prepare for the next intake: The universities will start accepting applications for the January intake from September, and you can apply to a course you prefer.
The applications for the January intake open before the final deadlines for the September intake and after most offer letters have gone out. Let’s have a look at how the January intake provides you with different opportunities to apply to the UK university of your choice.
The second intake for the UK’s academic year is in January, offered to students who may have opted out of the September intake. Also called winter or spring, January intake is the most preferred intake after September.
Many universities in the UK offer a January intake that opens applications for specialised undergraduate courses and a range of postgraduate courses. This intake is ideal for students applying to specific courses and also for students who may have missed or opted out of the previous intake in September.
Limited course options: The number of course options available during the January intake is lower than the September intake, as universities offer a select few programmes.
Adapting to the local climate: With the January intake, you will be starting your life in the UK during the winter. UK winters can be harsh, so it could be challenging for international students from tropical countries to adapt to.
Small window of time to prepare: As the application window for the January intake opens in September, there is limited time to consider course options and finetune applications — specifically for students who missed or opted out of the September intake.
June – July 2025: Research universities, preferred courses, eligibility criteria, and scholarship opportunities. Start putting your funds together.
August – September 2025: Sit for standardised tests (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) based on the entry requirements of your preferred programmes. Start compiling your application.
September – October 2025: Complete your application with your SOP, letters of recommendation, and portfolios if required. Submit your application before the deadline.
November 2025: Apply to scholarships if you are eligible.
November – December 2025: Once you receive an offer or multiple offers, evaluate the universities factoring in your course preferences, living expenses, and scholarship availability. Accept your offer and pay a deposit if required by the university to confirm your acceptance. Confirm your accommodation.
December 2025: Apply for your Student visa from GOV.uk. Plan your trip to the UK and prepare for your arrival.
January 2026: Begin your life in the UK and start your studies.
If you missed the January intake, you still have a chance to apply — here are a few steps you can take:
Apply through UCAS Clearing: You have the chance to apply through Clearing until the end of June, even after the deadlines in January through February.
Prepare for the next intake: As the universities will start accepting applications for the next September intake in a few months’ time, you can use this time to explore new course options or work on strengthening your application.
Next, we’ll explore the May intake, the least chosen intake among the three intakes in the UK.
Also known as the spring or summer intake, the May intake is the smallest in the UK for university entry. It admits a small batch of students for a limited number of courses including master’s and doctorate programmes and less commonly, a few undergraduate courses.
If you prefer to start your studies in the UK when the campus is less busy, the May intake would be a fit for you. Additionally, if you are a graduate student planning to start your doctoral studies, aiming for the May intake would give you time to prepare your research proposals and apply for grants after you graduate from your bachelor’s or master’s programme.
October – November 2025: Research universities, preferred courses, eligibility criteria, and scholarship opportunities. Note the financial investment and start putting your funds together.
November – December 2025: Sit for standardised tests (IELTS, GMAT, etc.) based on the entry requirements of your preferred programmes.
December 2025: Collate the documentation you need for your application (transcripts, reference letters, etc.) and start outlining your application. Apply for scholarships and financial aid.
January – February 2026: Complete your application with your SOP, letters of recommendation, and portfolios if required. Submit your application before the deadline. Pay the required fee.
February – March 2026: Prepare for interviews if applicable. Track the progress of your application.
March 2026: Once you receive an offer or multiple offers, evaluate the universities factoring in your course preferences, living expenses, and scholarship availability. Accept your offer and pay a deposit if required by the university to confirm your acceptance.
April 2026: Confirm your accommodation and apply for Student visa from GOV.uk. Plan your trip.
May 2026: Arrive in the UK and start settling into your new life.
If you missed the May intake deadlines or if you didn’t receive an offer you wanted to accept, here are the steps you can take next:
Apply for the September intake: The deadlines for the September intake might be still open in February through June after you receive decisions from May intake universities you applied to. You can apply to programmes available through UCAS Clearing.
Prepare for the next intake: If your preferred programmes are not available in UCAS Clearing, you have the chance to apply during the January intake with applications opening in September.
Take a gap year: With a gap year, you can spend time strengthening your capabilities and gaining professional experience with an internship. This can help you compile a strong application when you are applying the next time.
As we’ve covered all three intakes in the UK in detail, let’s find out how you can decide on the best-fit intake for you to start your higher education in the UK.
Identifying the UK intake for your university entry early on helps you set timelines for yourself as you research universities and plan your application. Let’s have a look at a few factors you should consider when choosing an intake to apply to your preferred universities in the UK.
While you have the chance to apply with expected scores of relevant subjects/degrees, you need to have received your final exam results before you start your studies in the UK. Make sure you choose an intake based on when these results are officially released.
It’s best to know the intake that opens applications for your preferred programme as UK universities may offer different courses in each intake.
Proficiency tests like IELTS or GMAT have specific exam schedules and the test dates need to align with your application deadlines, well in advance to sit for retakes if required. You also need to make sure that your test results will be valid when you apply for a specific intake.
Gathering transcripts, acquiring recommendation letters, and compiling personal statements take time, so when you plan your application timeline for a specific intake, the documentation process needs to be considered.
Securing proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses is essential as you plan your life in the UK. Consider the time it may take for you to plan your finances and obtain necessary documentation when you aim to apply in a specific UK intake.
The UK's weather can vary significantly between seasons. Consider how well you can adapt to cold winters or warm summers when choosing your intake as certain intakes will mean you arrive in certain seasons.
UK visa processing times can vary, so allow ample time for the application, interview (if applicable), and potential delays. An estimate of this time duration needs to be considered when planning ahead for your timeline for a specific intake.
Noting down the answers to the above questions can help you make a calculated decision about the UK intake you are aiming for. If you need further support to plan your timelines for a specific entry, you can reach out to an expert for free counselling.
Your timeline for research, planning, and compiling your application has to be aligned with the UCAS deadlines, especially if you are applying through UCAS to start your higher studies in the UK in September 2025. Here are the key dates you need to keep in mind for both 2025 and 2026 university entry.
UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – is an independent organisation providing admission services for higher education in the UK. It helps you host, process, and track your university applications while applying to one or more universities in the UK. As you start your university search and application process, it’s important to keep track of the UCAS deadlines — especially if it’s your first time applying through UCAS.
Most of the UK university application deadlines for 2025 entry close by February 2025, but you still have the opportunity to apply until October 2025 through UCAS Clearing. Here’s the timeline you need to follow if you are planning to start your studies in the UK in September 2025.
Up to this date, you can apply to all five of your university choices.
You can apply to an extra choice of university up to this date if you haven’t received any offer from a university or you are not accepting any offers you received.
Clearing opens, and you have the chance to apply to the universities offering programmes that still have open slots.
UCAS Clearing closes at the end of October, and UK universities accept applications until the end of Clearing or until the offered programmes are filled. If you are planning to start your studies in the UK with the September 2025 intake, it’s best to get your applications in before seats fill up.
If you are planning to start your studies in the UK in 2026 with the September intake, here’s the timeline you should keep in mind.
UCAS displays the available UK universities and programmes for 2026 entry.
You have the opportunity to start your applications, choosing up to five universities to apply for. Note that you can’t submit your applications to UCAS until 2nd September 2025.
Conservatoires (schools specialising in performing arts) start accepting applications for 2026 entry. You can send your application and pay the required fees.
You can submit your undergraduate applications to five universities at once. Make sure you fill all sections on the application, add your references, and pay the application fee.
Conservatoire music application window closes. Note that the applications for dance, drama, and musical theatre courses may have a different deadline.
The window closes for applications to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and for most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science. While you can send in your application after this date, universities and colleges cannot guarantee they’ll give it equal consideration.
The equal consideration date for most undergraduate courses and most conservatoire undergraduate dance, drama, or musical theatre courses is reached. You can send in applications after the date, but providers cannot guarantee they’ll give it equal consideration.
Extra opens, giving you the chance to add another university choice if you’ve used all five choices without receiving or accepting an offer.
The application window closes for applications with all five university choices. Applications received after this deadline are automatically entered into Clearing.
Extra closes.
Clearing opens with available programmes listed on UCAS.
UCAS Clearing offers the opportunity for you to apply to UK universities until the end of October 2026. If you are applying through UCAS Clearing and need support with the process, you can reach out to our experts for free counselling.
UK universities offer three main intakes to apply to your preferred programme for your higher studies in the UK. Identifying which intake works best for your plans can help you get started with your application process with a definite timeline in mind, allowing you to take time with your application, fine-tune it, and submit on time. If you need support identifying the UK intake for your programme preferences or getting started with your application, experts are ready to help.
Three. The main intakes are September (Autumn/fall) and January (Winter), with some universities offering May (Spring/summer) intakes for specific courses.
The best intake for you depends on your preferences, course availability, and how long your application process may take. However, September intake in the UK is the most common choice for international students.
You can start your application process around August or September 2025 to meet the initial application deadlines in October or November 2026.
September – October 2025: Start your application process
January – June 2026: Submit your application.
The following universities offer courses during the May intake:
|
Brunel University Coventry University London Metropolitan University Northumbria University Queen Mary University of London Ulster University |
University of Derby University of East London University of Greenwich University of Kent University of West London University of Westminster |
Yes. Although rare in the UK, the June intake generally admits students following specialised language or subject-specific preparation courses ahead of the academic year starting in September.
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