Universities abroad admit students at different points in the year, called intakes. Choosing the right one can decide how many courses you can apply to, how much scholarship money is left, and how relaxed or rushed your visa process feels.
The main intakes
- September/October (Autumn): the main intake in the UK, Ireland, Canada and most of Europe. The widest choice of courses and the most scholarships.
- January/February: a secondary intake in the UK, Canada and Ireland, and the main intake (February/March) for Australia. Fewer courses, but a good option if you need more time.
- May/July: smaller intakes offered by some universities for selected courses.
How to decide
Choose the main intake if your marks and English test are ready and you want the widest choice. Choose a later intake if you are still waiting for results, need to improve your English score, or need more time to arrange funds. A few months of extra preparation is better than a rushed application.
When to start
As a rule of thumb, begin 9–12 months before your intake. That gives time for:
- Profile check and shortlisting (month 1)
- English test and documents (months 1–3)
- Applications and offers (months 3–6)
- Deposit, loan and visa (months 6–9)
- Travel and accommodation (final months)
Watch the deadlines
Popular courses can close early when they fill up, and scholarship deadlines often fall well before course deadlines. Check each university’s page and apply early.
Want a personal timeline for your intake? Talk to a counsellor for free.