With London as the best city for international students in 2024 according to QS World University Rankings, the UK has always had a reputation for being one of the most top-notch study destinations across the globe.
If you are interested in pursuing education in this country, you probably know about the UK winter, autumn, and summer intakes. Then, what are the differences and the best time to apply? Let’s find out in this article!
Fall intake in the UK: From September to December
The admission for universities in the UK is typically in the Fall/Autumn season, widely regarded as the main intake period. Therefore, Fall intake has also come to be known as the semester with the most crazy-good advantages from universities and other institutions in the UK, which in turn built up an intense competition.
During this timeframe, to attract more students from all over the world, universities across the UK offer many scholarships and financial aid this semester. They also open admissions and receive a substantial volume of applications for a wide array of their main programs such as businesses, information technology, design, fashion, etc.
Furthermore, many companies typically have hiring cycles that align with the September enrollment period. As a result, if you are seeking an internship or a job after graduation, opting for the autumn enrollment period will provide you with a plethora of choices to choose from.
All high-ranked universities offer study abroad programs for international students during the Fall intake such as University of Cambridge, University of Oxford or University of Manchester.
Winter/Spring Intake in the UK: From January to April
Unlike the main intake in September, this semester is less common, and not all courses may be available during this period. However, some universities offer admissions for specific programs during the Winter/Spring term, providing an alternative entry point for students. As a secondary intake, there will be less availability of scholarships and financial aids offered so make sure that everything is in your plan!
It would be beneficial to contemplate enrolling in this period as it is not the primary admission season, resulting in less competition and a more manageable process. Opting for the January semester over the September one allows for extra time to finalize your study abroad application, go over your IELTS scores, and compose your essays.
Some popular universities for the January intake include City University of London, Kingston University and Aston University.
Summer Intake in the UK: From May to August
Some UK institutions offer an extra intake from May to August, but the number of students entering in May is minimal. This intake has less competition, giving students a better chance of being accepted into the university. However, the range of programs available during this time is limited and most of the courses are already filled. This is compounded by the fact that it falls during spring break, resulting in a relatively quiet campus and a lack of engaging events from the school or clubs.
You can refer to a few universities that have Summer intake, for example Coventry University, Queen’s University Belfast, Birmingham City University, West of Scotland University and Cranfield University.
