UK Intakes – Are you thinking about studying in the United Kingdom? It’s well-known for its great universities and courses, making it a top choice for students from all over the world. The UK has a strong history of great education, offering lots of different study options, scholarships, and chances to experience new cultures.
Known for leading the way in research, having excellent teachers, and a network of successful former students all over the world, studying in the UK means you’ll get a top-notch education and great job opportunities in Europe and beyond.
The mix of different cultures in the UK helps you grow personally and understand the world better, making it a perfect place if you’re looking to learn a lot and meet people from different places. The UK has three main times when you can start studying—September, January, and May—so you can pick what fits best for your plans. Let’s look at the UK Intakes.
What is UCAS?
UCAS stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. It’s the online system you use if you want to apply to college in the UK. It lets you send off one application to several universities at once. Could you make sure to look up the application deadlines for each course on UCAS’s website?
September/Fall Intake in the UK
One of the popular UK Intakes is the September or Fall intake, from September to December, and is the busiest time for UK universities. Applications start coming in as early as December of the previous year and go on until July. Since this is the main period for starting university, schools open up about 90% of their courses to new students.
This means you have lots of options to choose from whether you want to start an undergraduate or a graduate program. This intake is perfect if you’re ready to jump into your studies in the UK.
Merits of the September Intake in the UK
- Wide Course Options: You can choose from a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses from all major disciplines.
- Scholarship Opportunities: During this intake, you have the availability of the largest number of scholarships and financial aid options, providing you a good financial support.
- Career Growth: Most of the internship and career opportunities align with the traditional hiring seasons in many industries, hence increasing your job prospects upon graduation.
- Global Alignment: This intake goes hand in hand with the academic schedules of most countries, hence makes the transition easy for international students.
Demerits of the September Intake in the UK
- High Competition: Since this is the most popular intake, there’s a high number of applicants, making admission processes highly competitive.
- Accommodation Crunch: Since there is a huge number of incoming students, it creates a high demand for housing, making finding suitable accommodation challenging.
- Rushed Preparation for International Students: If you come from a different academic calendar where you don’t have much gap from the end of your previous course, you may find the timing challenging, with less time to settle before the academic year starts.
Famous Universities and Key Dates for the Fall Intake
| University Name | Location | Tuition (INR/year)
(1GBP-105.76) |
| University of Manchester Study Center | Oxford | 20,26,000 |
| King’s College London | London | 29,34,000 |
| University of Bristol | Bristol | 26,91,000 |
| University of Leeds | Leeds | 25,85,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh | 30,00,000 |
| Event | Date |
| Applications Open | December |
| Application Deadline | July |
| Courses Begin | September |
Find more details about the september intake in the UK here
January/Winter Intake: A Strategic Second Chance
The January or Winter intake goes on from January to April and is a secondary intake for the universities in UK. This intake offers about 30% of courses and opens its applications from September to November.
It’s an excellent opportunity for students who missed the primary fall intake deadline, as it provides additional time to work of the applications and have relatively less competition for acceptance.
Merits of the January Intake in the UK
- Second Chance: If you missed the Fall intake, this intake offers you another opportunity to apply without waiting for a whole year.
- Extra Prep Time: You can have more time to gather and submit application materials, ensuring a well-prepared entry.
- Lesser Competition: Since fewer students apply during this intake, the chances of your application being accepted are higher than in the Fall intake.
Demerits of the January/winter Intake in the UK
- Limited Course Options: Only about 30% of courses are available for you to apply during this intake in the UK, offering fewer choices, especially in niche fields.
- Disruption of Academic Year: Starting mid-academic year can be less ideal for if you prefer a traditional September start, as you will be losing around 4-5 months of the previous year if your previous couse ended in the previous mid-year
- Shorter On-Campus Experience: You may experience a short on-campus time if their courses end earlier in the year.
Leading Universities for January/Winter Intake in the UK
| University Name | Location | Tuition (INR/year)
(1GBP-105.76) |
| Queen Mary University | London | 23,70,000 |
| Coventry University | Coventry | 19,50,000 |
| Brunel University | London | 19,50,000 |
| University of Essex | Colchester, Southend, Lougheed | 20,78,000 |
| Kingston University | London | 15,47,000 |
| Event | Date |
| Applications Begin | September |
| Application Deadline | November |
| Courses Begin | January |
Find more details about the January intake in the UK here
May/Spring Intake in the UK
Another popular UK intakes is May/Spring Intake in UK. Extending from May to August, the May or Spring intake is the least preferred among the three but offers unique benefits. This intake offers approximately 10% of the actual number of courses. its application period ranges from October to November.
It’s advantageous to apply during this intake due to its timing, since it coincides with the spring break, which means less competition and higher acceptance chances.
Merits of the May Intake in the UK
- Rapid Start: This intake allows you to begin your studies immediately after application, which is ideal if you are ready to start without delay.
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Fewer applicants result in higher chances of acceptance, which is beneficial for those looking for a sure entry.
- Enjoy Summer Break: You can enjoy a summer break shortly after starting your studies, offering a refreshing break early in your academic journey.
Demerits of the May Intake in the UK
- Limited Course Selection: In this intake about 10% of courses offered hence your options for courses are significantly reduced during this intake
- Less Campus Activity: You’ll find fewer students and activities during this term, which means you’ll experience a quieter campus life. this might not appeal to you if you seek a bustling university experience.
Popular Universities and Critical Timelines for the Spring Intake
| University Name | Location | Tuition (INR/year)
(1GBP-105.76) |
| University of Hertfordshire | Hertfordshire | 13,70,000 |
| University of Glasgow | Glasgow | 1745000 |
| Coventry University | Coventry | 16,43,000 |
| Robert Gordon University | Scotland | 16,65,000 |
| Edinburgh Napier University | Merchiston, Craiglockhart and Sighthill | 17,16,000 |
| Event | Date |
| Application Process Opens | October |
| Application Deadline | November |
| Classes Commence | May |
Find more details about the May/spring intake in the UK here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for multiple intakes in the UK in the same academic year?
A1: Yes, you can apply for the September, January, and May intakes within the same academic year, depending on your readiness and the courses available. This flexibility allows you to choose the best time to start your studies based on your personal circumstances.
Q2: Are there differences in tuition fees among the September, January, and May intakes?
A2: Generally, tuition fees remain consistent across different intakes for the same program at a university. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the specific university for any variations or scholarship opportunities that might be available during different intakes.
Q3: Is it easier to secure accommodation for one intake over the other UK intakes?
A3: Finding accommodation can be more challenging in September due to the higher number of students starting their courses. The January and May intakes might offer more accommodation options due to fewer students commencing their studies.
Q4: How does the choice of different intakes in the UK affect internship and job opportunities post-graduation?
A4: Starting in September might align better with traditional recruitment cycles for internships and graduate jobs, which typically peak around summer. However, graduates from the January and May intakes can also find ample opportunities, especially with companies that have rolling recruitment policies throughout the year.
Q5: What should I do if I miss the UCAS deadline for the September intake?
A5: If you miss the UCAS deadline for the September intake, consider applying for the next available intake—either January or May. Many universities also offer direct application options that might have deadlines different from those set by UCAS, providing additional opportunities to enrol.
Each intake has its distinct advantages and challenges, so consider your options carefully and plan ahead to maximise your educational experience in the UK. If you have more questions or need further advice, feel free to reach out to Securemyscholarship where our expert counsellors will guide you through the entire process of studying abroad from choosing the right course/university to getting your admission offer letter and visa.
