UK Intakes 2025: Everything You Need to Know about September, January, and May Intakes for UK Universities

UK Intakes 2024: Everything You Need to Know about September, January, and May Intakes for UK Universities

Introduction

The UK is a highly popular destination for studying abroad, attracting thousands of international students each year. UK higher education institutions are renowned globally for their academic excellence and research contributions. For students aspiring to pursue degree programs at UK universities, there are three intake options available: Winter, Autumn, and Summer. To make an informed decision about the best intake for your studies, let’s explore the distinctions between these intakes and understand the UK intake system for international students in 2025.

Upcoming intake calendar in the UK?

There are three intakes in the UK:

  • September/October intake (Fall intake)
  • January/February intake (Winter intake)
  • April/May intake (Summer intake)
However, the September/October intake is by far the largest and most popular intake, with most universities offering the majority of their programs during this time. The January/February intake is smaller but still offers a wide range of programs. The April/May intake is the smallest and least common intake and is typically only offered for a limited number of programs.

January/February intake in the UK

The January/February intake, also known as the winter intake, is the second intake of the academic year in the UK. It is a smaller intake than the September intake, but it still offers a wide range of programs at many top universities.

Benefits of the January/February intake

There are several benefits to applying for the January/February intake to study in UK:

  • Less competition: The January/February intake is less competitive than the September intake, so you may have a better chance of being accepted.
  • More time to prepare your application: If you missed the deadline for the September intake, or if you need more time to prepare your application, the January/February intake can be a good option
  • Start your studies sooner: If you are eager to start your studies, the January/February intake allows you to do so sooner.
  • Graduate sooner: If you graduate from the January/February intake, you will be able to start your career sooner.

Popular courses for January intake in the UK

Some of the most popular courses to study in UK for January intake in the UK include:

  • Business and finance
  • Creative arts and media
  • Law
  • Social sciences
  • Life sciences
  • Biomedicine and environment
  • Economics and actuarial science
  • Physics
  • Computing
  • Engineering

September intake in the UK

September intake is the main intake for most universities in the UK. It is the start of the academic year, and the majority of programs are offered during this time. The September intake is also the most competitive intake, as there are more students applying for places.

Benefits of Applying for September Intake

  • More course options: Most universities offer the majority of their programs during the September intake.
  • More funding opportunities: There are more scholarships and bursaries available for students applying for the September intake.
  • More time to prepare: Students have more time to prepare for their studies and apply for visas.
  • More time to find accommodation: Students have more time to find accommodation, which can be difficult to find during the peak season.

Top Universities for September Intake in the UK

  • University of Oxford
  • University of Cambridge
  • Imperial College London
  • UCL (University College London)
  • London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Bristol
  • King's College London
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Warwick
  • University of Leeds

Here are some of the most popular courses for the September intake in the UK:

  • Business and management
  • Engineering
  • Computer science
  • Medicine and Healthcare
  • Law
  • Arts and humanities

May intake in the UK

The May intake in the UK is a less popular time to start courses than September or January, but it can be a good option for students who missed the main intakes or who wish to start their studies during the summer.

Here are some of the benefits of the May intake:

  • More flexibility: The May intake can be a good option for students with other commitments or who wish to take a break before starting their studies.
  • Start your studies in the summer: Starting your studies in the summer can be a great way to make the most of your time in the UK. You can enjoy the warmer weather and have more time to explore your surroundings.

Top universities for May intake

The following universities offer a range of courses for the May intake:
  • Brunel University London
  • Coventry University
  • University of Central Lancashire
  • University of Kent
  • University of Northumbria
  • University of Salford
  • University of South Wales
  • University of Sunderland

Top courses for May intake

The following courses are popular for the May intake:
  • Business
  • Computing
  • Engineering
  • Health and social care
  • Hospitality and tourism
  • Law
  • Media and communications
  • Psychology
  • Social sciences

Which intake to opt for?

The best UK intake to choose as an international student will depend on your circumstances and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
  • Course availability: Not all courses are offered in all intakes. Check with the universities you are interested in to see which intakes offer your preferred course.
  • Academic records and entrance test scores: The September intake is the most competitive, so you may need to have stronger academic records and entrance test scores to be accepted.
  • Acceptance rates: The acceptance rates for the September intake are typically lower than for the other two intakes.
  • Job opportunities: Many employers in the UK recruit graduates in the summer, so if you are planning to work in the UK after graduating, you may want to consider applying for the September intake so that you can start your job search sooner.
  • Readiness to join the program: If you are not yet ready to start your studies, you may want to consider applying for the January/February or April/May intake.

Here is a more detailed comparison of the three intakes:

September intake

  • Pros: Widest range of courses offered, most popular intake for graduate jobs, most students apply, more time to settle in
  • Cons: Most competitive intake, lowest acceptance rates

January intake

  • Pros: Less competitive than September intake, more time to prepare your application, more chance of getting accommodation
  • Cons: Fewer courses offered, less time to settle in before exams

April/May intake

  • Pros: Least competitive intake, most time to prepare your application, most chance of getting accommodation, start your studies in the summer
  • Cons: Fewest courses offered, least time to settle in before exams

Comparing two intakes

Here’s a table outlining the key differences between the September intake and January intake for universities in the UK:

Feature

September intake

January intake

Time of year

Starts in September/October

Starts in January/February

Popularity

Most popular intake

Less popular than September intake

Course availability

Widest range of courses offered

Fewer courses offered compared to September

Competition

More competitive due to higher application volume

Less competitive than September

Application deadlines

Earlier deadlines (typically January)

Later deadlines (sometimes as late as October)

Preparation time

More time to prepare applications (almost a year)

Less time to prepare applications (around 6 months)

Accommodation

Finding accommodation might be more difficult due to higher student influx

Finding accommodation might be easier

Freshers’ week/orientation

Full experience with freshers’ week activities

May have a smaller-scale orientation program

Best time to apply for intakes in the UK

The “best” time to apply for intakes in the UK depends on the specific intake you’re targeting (September or January) and your individual circumstances. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

September Intake (most popular):

  • Ideal application window: Ideally, aim to apply between December and March of the preceding year. This gives you ample time to:
  • Research universities and programs.
  • Prepare strong application materials (personal statement, references, transcripts).
  • Take standardized tests (IELTS/TOEFL) if required.
  • Secure funding (scholarships, loans).
  • Latest acceptable time: Applications for the September intake can be accepted as late as June or July, but deadlines vary by university. Later applications risk missing scholarship deadlines and facing stiffer competition for places, especially in popular programs.

January Intake (less popular):

  • Ideal application window: Applications typically open around September or October of the preceding year. Aim to submit your application by the deadline, which can be as late as December for some universities.
  • Latest acceptable time: Deadlines are usually more flexible than the September intake, but applying well before the deadline is still recommended to allow for processing and secure your spot.

How to apply for UK intakes?

To apply for the UK intakes, you can follow these steps:

Research your options:

  • Choose the universities and courses you are interested in.
  • Check the entry requirements for each course.
  • Make sure you meet the English language requirements.

Prepare your application:

  • Complete the application form for each university.
  • Gather the required supporting documents, such as transcripts, references, and English language test scores.
  • Write a personal statement.

Submit your applications:

  • Submit your applications to each university by the deadline.
  • Pay the application fee (if required).

Wait for a decision:

  • Universities will review your applications and make a decision.
  • You will receive an offer letter if you are accepted.

Accept your offer and apply for a student visa:

  • Accept your offer letter and pay the deposit (if required).
  • Apply for a UK student visa.

Documents required for admission intakes in UK

The following documents are typically required for admission intakes in the UK:
  • Completed application form
  • Academic transcripts
  • English language test scores
  • Personal statement
  • References
  • Proof of financial support

Intakes application deadlines to study in the UK

Here’s a quick table summarizing the key points:

Intake

Ideal application window

Latest acceptable time

September

December – March (previous year)

June – July (can be competitive)

January

September – October (previous year)

December (may vary)

Tips for Choosing a UK Intake

Here are some key tips for choosing a UK intake:
  • Consider your academic goals and career plans. What do you want to study and what do you want to do after you graduate? Some intakes may offer better opportunities for certain fields of study or careers.
  • Research the different intakes. What courses are offered in each intake? What are the deadlines? What are the pros and cons of each intake?
  • Think about your personal circumstances. Are you ready to start your studies right away? Do you need time to prepare your application or save up money?
  • Talk to your guidance counselor or a representative from a UK university. They can help you assess your individual circumstances and choose the best intake for you.

The UK universities provide excellent education, extensive research prospects, and abundant avenues for personal development. If you are considering pursuing higher education in the UK, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with all the necessary details. Additionally, our team of MSM Unify overseas education consultant Professionals can assist you in streamlining the admission process!

UK Intakes 2025: Everything You Need to Know about September, January, and May Intakes for UK Universities

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FAQs

Got questions?
Find answers here

Q. How many intakes in UK?

In the UK, most universities have two intakes per year – one in September/October and another in January.

For most universities in the UK, the general application deadline for the January intake is around October or November of the previous year. However, I would recommend checking the specific deadlines for the universities you are interested in, as they may vary.

Yes, the May intake is available for some universities in the UK. However, it may vary depending on the specific program and university you are interested in.
The application deadline for the September intake in the UK varies depending on the university and program. Generally, it is recommended to start the application process around 12-18 months before the program start date.

The secondary intake occurs in January. While fewer courses are offered in January than in the September intake, this intake provides a chance for students not admitted to the primary information.

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