If you decide to go to a UK university, it is the best decision of your life. Studying higher education in the UK has many advantages, including shorter course lengths, quality education, and more. However, you must follow the admission cycle if you do not want to miss the application deadline.
Intakes refer to the specific dates of the beginning of studies at a particular educational institution. These dates can vary depending on the level of study and the type of program: some universities and colleges start in September, while others may start in January or even later in the year. Prospective students need to be aware of these acceptance dates when applying to the program as they will need to ensure that they can start their studies at the appropriate time. Also, many universities and colleges have different application deadlines for each intake, so it’s important to check those as well.
Suppose you also want to know more and enroll in a UK university. Then you are at the right place as this post explains everything about UK admissions, the admission process, and more valuable information that awaits you.
All set? Let’s get started…
What is covered in this post?
To make it easier for you, we have created a quick guide to everything you need to know about intakes in the UK.
Topics covered
Overview of Intakes in the UK
Universities abroad have multiple intakes, unlike the Indian education system which has only one intake per year. Universities, especially the education system in the United Kingdom, have two or more intakes. Autumn intakes and spring intakes are the two most common intakes in the UK.
Autumn Intake
Autumn intake takes place in the UK between September and December. This is considered to be the highest intake of any UK university. It would also make the competition more difficult, as institutions receive many applications. The main reception in the UK is in September. In the United Kingdom, it is also known as autumn intakes.
Some of the institutes that offer admission in September
- Aston University
- Birmingham City University
- Brunel University
- Bucks New University
- Coventry University
- Kings College London
- The Queen Mary University of London
- The University of Cambridge
- The University of Central Lancashire
- The University of Derby
- The University of Exeter
- The University of Hertfordshire
- The University of Liverpool
Spring intakes
Spring Admissions in the United Kingdom take place in January and February. This is a more secondary intake, not all courses are available. If you miss your primary appointment, you can consider this as an option. If you choose this option, keep the UK weather in mind and plan accordingly.
Not all courses will be available for spring and summer admissions. Therefore, before making a decision, always consult the institutions or contact our consultants. Also, remember that application deadlines for some intakes close a few months before the intake month.
Some of the universities offering intakes in January are:
- Bangor University
- Brunel University
- Coventry University
- Edinburgh Napier University
- Kingston University
- London Metropolitan University
- London South Bank University
- Middlesex University
- Oxford Brookes University
- The Queen Mary University of London
- The University of Bath
- The University of Bedfordshire
- The University of Derby
Summer intakes
This is an optional set offered by some institutions. It happens in May. There is not enough information about admission to universities in May. However, you can also enroll in selected courses for the May intake.
Some of the universities offering intakes in May are:
- BPP University
- Coventry University
- Keele University
- Northumbria University
- Richmond University of London
- Salford University
- Sheffield Hallam University
- The Queen Mary University of London
- The University of Chester
- Ulster University
- West of Scotland University
Bonus: 6 steps to study in September UK Admission 2023
If you are planning to go to study in the UK for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, the first thing you will need is an action plan. Here is the application schedule to give you an idea of what to do and what month to do it!!!
Step 1 – Start Now…!!
- Start at the beginning and by August make a list of 8-12 universities to which you will apply. Visit the university websites and note the application requirements, application deadlines, etc.
- Before September, check out the options for bank loans and scholarships to support your studies.
- Start by downloading admission brochures from university websites. Most brochures are published more than a year in advance.
Step 2 – Crack the Exams: January 2023 to February 2023
- Prepare for required standardized tests such as GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS based on course and university.
- Register for the GMAT/GRE before June-July or three months before the exam date.
- Register for TOEFL/IELTS at least one month before the test date.
- Take the required tests around September and schedule a spare time in case you need to retake the test.
Step 3 – Application period: February 2023 to March 2023
- Make a shortlist of universities and prepare to apply. Think carefully about what makes you unique as a job seeker and outline your strengths and self-worth.
- Connect with professors and immediate supervisors to obtain the required 2-3 letters of recommendation. This should be done before the application deadline (at least 1 month).
- Start writing your SOP and essay.
- Apply before the deadline! The September 2021 intake in the UK will be around February to May.
Step 4 – What’s Next: April 2023 to May 2023
- Don’t put off responding to college emails. Besides, there will be quite a few!
- Appear for face-to-face/video interviews. They are scheduled for around January-March.
- Once you receive your acceptance letters, make your decision as soon as possible.
- Depending on the deadline, notify the university of your decision.
- You will need to pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm your appointment.
Step 5 – Visa and Money Matters: June 2023 to July 2023
- Find and start applying for external scholarships (if applicable).
- Apply for a student loan after you receive your acceptance letter.
- Collect the documents for a student visa to the UK. Check the visa prerequisites.
- Apply for a UK student visa on time. Remember the visa processing time!
Step 6 – Prepare to fly: July 2023 to August 2023
- Book airline tickets.
- Arrange for an international debit/credit card.
- Collect all documents and their photocopies to take with you.
- Check the checklist before you leave!
Epilogue
The UK’s education system offers flexibility in terms of intake dates, with the traditional September intake being the most popular among undergraduate students, while postgraduate students have more options. Alternative intakes such as January are becoming increasingly popular and provide an opportunity for students who missed the traditional intake or changed their minds. Prospective students need to be aware of these intake dates when applying for a program, as they will need to ensure that they can begin their studies at the appropriate time. Additionally, many universities and colleges have different application deadlines for each intake, so it is important to check these as well. Researching the intake dates and deadlines of the programs they are interested in and planning accordingly will help students to ensure they can begin their studies at the appropriate time.
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Also Read:
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- Top Public Universities in the UK
- Cheap Universities in UK
- Top Universities in the UK
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- Study in Scotland
- Study in the UK without IELTS
- Know About UK PR Process & Requirements
- Know About MBA Universities in UK
- Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the UK
- List of UK Scholarships for Indian Students
- Universities in UK for Masters
- Healthcare Management Courses in the UK
Intakes in UK: FAQs
There are two significant intakes – intakes in September/October (autumn) and intakes in January/February (winter). Apart from these two, some universities offer May recruitment with vacancies for a minimal number of courses.
Applications for the fall 2024 intake will begin in September-December of this year. The application window usually opens in February or May.
Most colleges and universities have IELTS scores as eligibility criteria for application. However, there are some universities where you can enter without these scores. Some universities are Swansea University, the University of Bristol, and the University of Birmingham.
Autumn or September intake is the main one in the UK. Therefore, many universities open a huge number of applications for various courses. Moreover, once you complete the course, there will be fierce competition with increased internship and job offers.
No, it’s not. UK universities and colleges do not have admissions in June as such. In the UK there is a summer intake which is also known as April/May.
Yes! The UK certainly has winter consumption, which is the second highest consumption in the UK after autumn consumption. Winter intake is also known as January/February.
Anushree has 4+ years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Senior Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.
