The UK academic calendar is divided into three intake periods: the September (fall) intake, the January (winter) intake, and the May (spring) intake. From these, the September intake is known as the ‘primary’ intake at UK universities while the January intake is considered the ‘secondary’ one. Students who apply for the January intake usually do so as they may have missed the deadlines for September due to personal reasons or because they want to spend a little more time fine-tuning their applications.
Depending on your circumstances, applying for the January intake may be something you should consider, so let’s start by understanding the factors to consider when making your decision.
The January intake is the second intake in the UK academic calendar and provides almost all the same educational opportunities as those provided during the September intake – the only difference may be that some universities may not have the entire course list during the latter intake. When you’re choosing the ideal UK study pathway for your goals, you’ll find yourself browsing through courses, acceptance rates, costs, job opportunities, and even the weather! All of these elements will play differently based on the intake through which you’ll start your programme. Here’s what you have to consider when thinking about which intake to apply for:
The September (primary) intake has the most number of students and begins in the fall, which many students enjoy since the weather is nice and chilly around this time. The second most preferred intake is January, which you’ll start during winter, while the May intake which begins during spring is the least preferred option for students.
UK universities usually split the academic year into two semesters which are further divided into three terms. You’ll get two big breaks between each semester and short ‘reading breaks’ for each term. Here are the key months to keep in mind when selecting your intake:
| Terms | Intake | Duration | Application Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | September intake | September to December | December to July |
| Term 2 | January intake | January to April | September to November |
| Term 3 | May intake | May to August | October to November |
The variety of courses available for the January intake is less compared to the September one, but some universities provide specialised courses which are only available during the January intake. We’ve provided a short list of such universities later on in the blog.
While the acceptance rate usually depends on the course and university you’ve applied for, it’s worth remembering that the January intake often has a higher acceptance rate as there are fewer applicants during that application cycle.
These are the general factors you need to consider when deciding which intake to apply for, but there are also certain other advantages to studying in the UK from the January intake which we’ve outlined below.
Students opt to apply for the January intake due to various reasons like personal circumstances, to take time to improve their IELTS score, or to apply for a special course that is only available during January. In addition to these reasons, there are some major advantages for January intake students.
The January 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 January intake.
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 January intake. There is often less competition and you’ll be able to stand out to secure your spot in your preferred programme. Starting your course in January may also mean that your class sizes are smaller, so you can have a more personalised learning experience in a less competitive environment.
One of the main benefits of the January intake is the potential of lower costs when compared to the September one as you may find more financial aid, discounts, and incentives specifically for students starting from the beginning of the year. You’ll also come across scholarship opportunities open for the January intake such as:
| Scholarship | Value |
|---|---|
| Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Excellence Scholarships and Confetti Excellence Scholarship | 25% or 50% of tuition fees |
| Nottingham Trent University (NTU) International Merit Scholarship | £3,000 |
| Kingston University International Scholarship | £5,000 |
| Robert Gordon University International Student January Scholarship for Master’s students | £4,000 |
| Coventry University Vice-Chancellor Postgraduate Scholarship | £3,000 |
Some universities introduce new or specialised courses during the January intake, which provides students with diverse and flexible study opportunities. For example, Kent University’s January start courses include postgraduate certificates, diplomas, or LLMs in law.
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 December (after entering the January intake), you’re better aligned to the UK’s job market cycle and have increased prospects of finding a job.
Once you’ve considered all the above factors and made your decision about whether to join the January intake, your next step is to start looking at your options for universities.
Most UK universities provide the same study options for the January intake, so you’ll be able to access the same opportunities if you choose to start at this time. If you’re an undergraduate student looking to apply for the January intake, we’ve helped your hunt for universities by narrowing down some of them here along with their average tuition fee per year.
| UK Universities with January Intake | Description | Average Tuition Fee per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | Cardiff Metropolitan University has five academic schools delivering professionally recognised degrees, together with impactful research and innovation, in art and design, business and management, education and public services, sport and health sciences, and technologies and engineering. | £16,000 |
| Swansea University | Swansea University has one of the best student experiences in the UK according to its students, who consistently vote it in the top 10 in the National Student Survey. Swansea also has a low cost of living compared to other major cities in the UK. | £18,600 |
| King’s College London | King’s College London is England’s third oldest university and is ranked in the top 10 UK universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). | £28,260 |
| Loughborough University | Loughborough is widely regarded as the leading university for sport in the UK. It has been named Sports University of the Year several times by The Times Good University Guide and has an unparalleled record of sporting achievement, both in terms of student performance and research in the field of sport and exercise. | £24,000 |
| Northumbria University | Offering degrees in most major subject areas, Northumbria University courses in engineering, computing, sciences, business, law, design, built and natural environment, arts, social sciences, psychology, sport, and health are some of the best in the UK. | £20,000 |
| Royal Holloway, University of London | Royal Holloway offers a distinctive educational experience on a picturesque campus, often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world. Located in Egham, Surrey, just outside London, Royal Holloway provides a serene and supportive learning environment with the advantage of easy access to the vibrant cultural and professional opportunities of the capital. | £28,000 |
| Ulster University | The University of Ulster places a strong focus on employability, with many courses receiving professional accreditation and work placements. | £17,000 |
While the above list will help if you’re an undergraduate student, the next section is for postgraduate students.
If you’re a postgraduate student planning to start studying in the UK from the January intake, you’ll encounter a range of benefits including more time to finalise your research proposals and graduating at a less competitive time in the job market. We’ve outlined a few universities down below with their average tuition fee per year to help you get started on your applications.
| UK Universities with January Intake | Description | Average Tuition Fee per Year |
|---|---|---|
| University for the Creative Arts | University for the Creative Arts courses are 70% practical and aimed at developing your creative skills while improving your business acumen and opportunities for networking and real projects/competitions. | £17,000 |
| University of Aberdeen | Roughly half of University of Aberdeen students study medicine, science or engineering, with arts and social sciences also popular. University of Aberdeen graduates also enjoy some of the highest starting salaries in Scotland. | £27,000 |
| Edinburgh Napier University | Edinburgh Napier is one of Scotland’s top universities for graduate employability, offering work placements with many courses. It has a strong reputation for film education in partnership with the Edinburgh College of Art. | £7,515 |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | Glasgow Caledonian University is known for its excellent links with industry as many courses have accreditation from professional bodies and offer work placements. The university is a major provider of NHS healthcare graduates in Scotland. | £16,000 |
| Royal Agricultural University | The Royal Agricultural University is the oldest agricultural college in the English-speaking world and has four separate schools hosting undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundation courses in agriculture, business, equine, and real estate and land management. | £18,000 |
| University College London (UCL) | University College London (UCL), founded in 1826, is the oldest and largest college of the University of London. Known as ‘London’s Global University,’ it ranks 9th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025. | £31,000 |
| University of Bristol | The University of Bristol has an international reputation for high-quality education and research. It combines academic excellence with an independent, forward-thinking spirit. | £20,000 |
| University of Dundee | The University of Dundee has pioneered innovations as diverse as keyhole surgery and flat screen technology. It’s a university with a social purpose, building on its long-standing values. | £21,000 |
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. We’ve given you the overview for 2025 down below.
Each university’s application deadlines will differ depending on the course you’re applying for. The general dates to look out for when applying for the January 2025 intake are outlined below.
| Process | Date |
|---|---|
| University Application Deadline | August to November 2024 |
| Certificate of Acceptance (CAS) Deadline for Deposit and Documents | December 2024 |
| Latest Date by Which You Will Receive the CAS from the University | December 2024 |
| Enrolment Deadline | February 2025 |
Once you’ve received your CAS and successfully obtained your visa, the next step is to start preparing for your academic year for which you need to be aware of your class start time.
Classes for the January intake generally begin in the middle of January, with your orientation starting from the second week. However, most UK universities provide a little leeway from January to February to account for flight or visa delays. In such circumstances, UK universities will give you an enrolment deadline which is usually in mid-February.
It’s usually advised that students start preparing for the January intake a year ahead of their desired entry date. While the application process can seem like a lot to understand at first, it can be much simpler if you follow our six steps outlined below.
The application period for the January intake is from July to August of the previous year. This means that if you wish to start your programme next January, you should submit your application by August this year. It’s generally recommended to start preparing for your application nine to twelve months before your course start date – we’ve given you the steps to follow and how to divide your year up here.
The beginning of the year – March to April – is the time you should use to research universities. When doing so, make sure you look out for key factors 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 will help you narrow down your choices and shortlist a few universities that you can apply to when the time comes.
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. Spend the middle of your year – May to June – 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.
Before July begins, confirm your application deadlines (each university and course may have different deadlines). Work towards meeting these deadlines by starting your applications early with ample 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 your shortlisted universities.
Once 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 October, after which it’s recommended that you immediately get started on your visa application.
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 and arranging your accommodation. After, think about what to pack – since you’ll be starting in January which is winter in the UK, make sure you pack for the weather!
When you arrive in the UK, one of your first activities will be to get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This permit is used to confirm your identity and right to study while you’re in the UK, so you must 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 about 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 January intake, remember to divide your year up into slots like we’ve shown above. While the deadline to submit your university application is one of the most important ones, keep an eye out for your CAS deadline too.
When planning your university applications for the January intake, one of the most important dates to remember is the CAS deadline. The CAS deadline is the date by which you should deposit your advance tuition fee payment and documents needed for the university to start processing your CAS.
After you’ve made the deposit and submitted your documents, your CAS will be virtually assigned to you by your university, along with an official offer for placement in a course. It’s important to be sure that you meet your CAS deadline, as without a CAS you won’t be able to apply for your UK study visa. If you’re a student planning to start in January 2025, take a look at our next section where we’ve highlighted the documents required for your university and visa applications.
Applying for the January 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:
When submitting your UK Student visa application, ensure you submit the following documents with it:
Submitting your documents correctly is a great way to ensure you submit successful university and visa applications to the UK. Additionally, we’ve also given you a few other tips to keep in mind to submit a successful application for the January intake next.
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 January intake:
It’s possible that unexpected circumstances could cause you to miss the deadline for the January 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.
If you miss the deadlines for the January intake at a UK university, you have the option of applying for the spring intake which usually begins in May. The May intake is usually the least preferred option by students, so you can either take a gap year where you enhance your capabilities in your preferred study area or apply for the September intake.
Multiple intake options at UK universities offer you flexibility when planning your studies. Following the main intake, which takes place every September, each January, 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 January 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.
Almost all UK universities have a January intake, though some universities may not provide all courses for this intake. We’ve outlined some main universities above, including Swansea University and the University of Aberdeen.
While the January intake is the secondary intake in the UK academic calendar, it usually provides some unique benefits for students, including giving them the opportunity to avoid the rush during the September intake and increased employment prospects when they graduate in December.
Usually, the deadline for the January intake is August of the previous year, but some universities allow applications up until November. Research your courses and universities thoroughly so you are aware of the deadlines for your respective applications.
Many countries have a January intake for Indian students. The UK in particular offers this as a secondary option to the primary intake in September – you’ll find most of the same option when applying to start in January as you would in September.
The fall intake in September is the biggest intake in the UK which sees the most number of applications from international students. If you feel like you’ll get lost in that sea of applications or want to spend a little more time perfecting your applications, consider the January intake in UK universities.
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