Everything you need to know about Intakes in UK

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Intakes in UK

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There are mainly two intakes in UK,  September/October Intake and January/February Intake and. Some universities in UK also provide April / May intake for a few courses.

January Intake

January intake is the secondary intake. Not as many courses are offered in January intake compared to September intake, but this intake gives an opportunity to the students who have missed the admission in the main intake. It gives students some more time to work on their application. The application deadlines will fall between June and September, and will change from course to course and University to University.

September Intake

The main intake in UK is September intake. It is also called autumn intake in UK. Most Universities in UK offer all the courses in the September intake. The application deadlines for the September intake will fall between February and May of that academic year. However, it will always vary based on course and changes from University to University. Students should check the respective university for the details.

May Intake

  • May UK university intake is not much available. Yet you can find some courses in May intake as well.
  • Universities such as Coventry University, Northumbria University, Southampton Solent University, University of Bedfordshire etc. offer May intake in a few courses for international students.

You have received the answer to your question of how many intakes are there in UK. Now let us discuss each intake in detail with a step by step process.

Intakes in UK

Deadlines of UK intakes

January/February Intake June and September
September Intake February and May

Important UCAS Deadlines

All Undergraduate course applications are managed by the UK-based Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Deadlines of UCAS are given below for the UK intake 2021 and 2022, but these are the key dates to be sure you need to contact your chosen university.

  • 15 October 2023 -it is for all the courses at Cambridge and Oxford and most medicine, dentistry veterinary medicine courses at all other institutions
  • 15 January 2023 - It is for all other undergraduate courses for EU students
  • 30 June 2023 - It is for all other undergraduate courses for international students

Certain UK universities do permit international applications after certain deadlines as well. Check it with your University in case you are late.

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6 Steps to Study in September Intake in UK 2023

If you have plans to go to study in the UK for either undergraduate or postgraduate studies, the first thing you require is an action plan. Here is an application timeline to give you an idea of what to do and in which month to do it!!!

Step 1 - Start Now..!!

  • Begin early and by August, shortlist 8-12 universities that you will apply to. Visit university websites and note application requirements, due dates, etc.
  • By September, be familiar with bank loan options and scholarships to support your studies.
  • Start by downloading admissions brochures from the university websites. Most brochures are out over a year sooner.
  • Do some initial research on different accommodation options

Step 2 - Crack the exams: January 2023 to February 2023

  • Prepare for required standardized tests like GMATGRESATTOEFL, or IELTS – relying upon the course and university.
  • By June-July or three months before the test date, enroll for GMAT/ GRE.
  • Register for TOEFL/IELTS no less than a month prior to the test date.
  • Take the required tests around September and do plan for buffer time in case you need to retake the test.

Step 3 - Its application time: February 2023 to March 2023

  • Shortlist the universities and prepare for your application. Think hard about what makes you unique as an applicant and sketch out your strengths and self-appraisal.
  • Contact your professors and direct managers for the required 2-3 reference letters. At least a month before your application due date.
  • Start drafting your SOP and essays. Give a month’s time to structure these documents appropriately.
  • Apply before the due date! UK September intake 2021 deadline will be around in the months of  February to May.

Step 4 - What next: April 2023 to May 2023

  • Don’t delay replying to college e-mails. Also, there will be quite a few!
  • Appear for personal/video interviews. These are planned for around January to March.
  • Once you get acceptance letters, make your decision as quickly as possible.
  • Depending on the deadline, inform the universities of your decision.
  • You will need to pay a non-refundable deposit to affirm your admission.

Step 5 - Visa and money matters: June 2023 to July 2023

  • Search for and begin applying for external scholarships (if relevant).
  • Apply for the student loan, after you get your acceptance letter.
  • Assemble paperwork for your UK student visa. Check visa prerequisites.
  • Apply for student visa UK  in time. Remember the time taken for visa processing!

Step 6 - Get ready to fly: July 2023 to August 2023

  • Book airline tickets.
  • Organize an International Debit/Credit card.
  • Gather all the documents and their photocopies, to take along.
  • Check out the Pre-departure checklist!

Complete Guide to Study in UK for International students

Universities with September intake in UK

  • Birmingham City University
  • Bucks New University
  • University of Central Lancashire
  • University of Reading
  • University of Hertfordshire
  • University of Surrey
  • University of Derby
  • University of Westminster
  • University of Wolverhampton
  • Keele University
  • University of Leeds
  • Kingston University
  • London Metropolitan University
  • University of Bradford
  • Swansea University

6 Steps to Study in January Intake in UK 2024

Here we have mentioned the step-by-step process for the UK universities with the January intake for postgraduate and undergraduate courses.

Step 1 - Start Now: May 2023 - June 2023

  • The first step to study in UK for January 2024 intake is to choose a course and begin to shortlist the Universities that suit you best.
  • The choosing process is different for everyone and will change from individual to individual as per your academics and future plans. Do thorough research on the courses you want to do, and the courses and universities you are eligible for.
  • The best way to start is to go through the official websites of the Universities in UK and see the course details, have it thoroughly researched before you opt for shortlisting.
  • Be familiar with bank loan options and scholarships to fund your studies.
  • Do not forget to look for the January intake and the application deadlines for the course you want to apply.

Step 2 - Appear for the Exams: July 2023 to August 2023

  • The most important eligibility requirements for the courses and university you choose will be the entrance exams.
  • There will be general aptitude tests like GRE and GMAT, which will be required to get admission to UK universities. Prepare and attempt it.
  • The other essential tests are language proficiency tests Such as IELTS and TOEFL.
  • Keep in mind that these tests will take some preparation time, and the results will also be declared after weeks.
  • In case the results are not desirable, you might want to appear for tests again. All this time should be considered while preparing a timeline for January intake in UK.

Step 3 - Start Applying to Colleges: August 2023 to September 2023

Now would be the time to start preparing the application. Keep an eye on the application deadlines. Different universities and courses will have different deadlines.

  • A month before the deadline, start the documentation process for all the paperwork that is required.
  • Prepare your SOP/Application Essay. Statement of Purpose will be written by you stating your academic background and why you have chosen the University.  
  • You should also start contacting the professors and managers to write letters of recommendation for you in case they are needed
  • Apply to the universities in UK before the due date. The deadline for UK university January intake 2024 will be in the months of June to September

Step 4 -Acceptance Letters and Interviews: September 2023 to October 2023

  • If there is any development in your application with the University, you will receive a mail from their side. You are needed to revert with a confirmation if you are interested in attending the course.
  • If you are willing to attend the course, you should let the university know with a confirmation email as soon as possible. Do not wait for the deadlines to revert.
  • You might also be asked to pay a non-refundable confirmation fee. That too, has its own deadlines and the amount should be paid before that. 

Step 5 - Apply for Visa / Education Loan: October 2023 to November 2023

As soon as you receive the acceptance letter from the University, you should start the process of student loan and UK student Visa. You should apply for the UK student Visa at least three months before the January intake starts. Both the Visa and Loan process will take time, and are one of the most important processes.

 If you wish to, also apply for study abroad scholarships. You will be required to show the monetary funds during the visa process, and any scholarships or grants should be declared then, while applying.

Step 6 - Tickets and Departure: November 2023 to December 2023

You are just one step away from your study in UK journey. Before you book the flights, make sure you have all the documents that will be required.

  • The next step is to look for accommodation. If you are not going to live on the campus facility at the University, you will have to look for student accommodations on your own. Start this process a month before your arrival.
  • Arrange an international credit or debit card.
  • Make a pre-departure checklist to make sure you do not miss out on anything.

How to apply to universities in UK and Tips to Get Accepted

Universities with January intake in UK

  • Bangor University
  • Birmingham City University
  • Brunel University
  • Edge Hill University
  • Kingston University
  • Northumbria University
  • University of Chester
  • University of Greenwich
  • University of Sunderland
  •  Anglia Ruskin University
  •  Birkbeck University of London
  •  City University of London
  •  Coventry University
  •  De Montfort University
  •  Keele University
  •  Oxford Brookes University
  •  University of Brighton
  •  University of Lincoln
  •  University of South Wales

Which UK intake to choose?

It can be quite confusing for you to choose the UK intake that suits you better. To select the UK study intakes consider factors such as

  • Availability of your chosen program,
  • Your academic records,
  • Your Entrance exam scores
  • Acceptance rates of the university
  • Job opportunities available
  • Your readiness to join the university

Most of the international students prefer to take the September intake. However, January and May intakes are also good for some of the courses. If you do not have your scorecards ready, it’s better to skip the quickness and apply for the next intake.

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