The first thing a foreign student does is research the application process to enroll in one of the top universities in the UK. The Winter Intake (January) and the Fall Intake (September) are the two main intakes used for admissions in the UK.
Each intake has advantages and disadvantages of its own; the September intake is much more competitive but provides more careful placements. The January intake is ideal for students who want to study in the UK without a break.
UK Admission Intake
The two most popular UK intakes are:
September Intake
In the UK, September intake is the primary intake. Autumn intake is another name for it in the UK. All courses are offered in the September intake at most UK universities. Between February and May of that academic year, the application deadlines for the September intake will take place.
But it will always change depending on the course and varies from university to university. For information, students should check with their respective universities.
January Intake
The secondary intake occurs in January. While fewer courses are offered in the January intake than in the September intake, this intake provides a chance for students who were not admitted to the primary information.
Students are given as much time to work on their applications. The application deadlines, which vary from course to course and university to university, will occur between June and September.
Deadline for UK Intakes
Intake |
Duration |
January |
June & September |
September |
February & May |
Difference: September & January Intake
Intake |
September |
January |
Duration |
December/Early January |
April |
Nature |
Main Intake |
Secondary Intake |
Advantage |
|
|
Disadvantage |
|
|
Steps: Study in September Intake
Visit the college website
- Make a list of universities to which you want to apply by early August.
- Examine all application requirements and connect with bank loans and scholarships.
- Obtain admission brochures from each university.
- Look for various types of living arrangements.
Appear for exams
- Start preparing for standardized tests such as the GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS, depending on the course and university.
- Enroll in the GMAT/ GRE by June-July or three months before the test date.
- Sign up for the TOEFL/IELTS at least one month before the test date.
- Take the necessary tests in September, and leave enough time in case you need to retake the test.
Draft your application
- Prepare your application by shortlisting the universities.
- Consider what distinguishes you as an applicant, and outline your strong points and self-evaluation.
- For the required 2-3 reference letters, consult your professors and direct managers.
- At least one month before the application deadline.
- Begin writing your SOP and essays. Allow a month to structure these documents properly.
- Apply by the deadline.
Receive acceptance letter
- Once you've received your acceptance letter, make your decision.
- Confirm the deadlines and contact the universities before making a final decision.
Apply for student loan
- Look for and apply for external scholarships (if relevant).
- After receiving your acceptance letter, apply for a student loan.
- Prepare your documentation for your UK student visa. Check the visa requirements.
- Apply for a student visa to the United Kingdom as soon as possible.
Arrange your tickets
- Purchase airline tickets.
- Make arrangements for an international debit/credit card.
- Collect all documents and photocopies to bring with you.
- Check out our pre-trip checklist.
Steps: Study in January Intake
Search for universities
- Begin picking the best universities in May and June.
- Examine the tuition fees, course curriculum, work permit rules, and all other relevant information.
- Search for the January intake and keep track of application deadlines.
- In addition, conduct preliminary research on student housing.
Appear for exams
- The entrance tests will be the most crucial eligibility criteria for the programs and universities you select.
- General aptitude tests, such as the GRE and GMAT, will be necessary to gain admission to UK universities. Prepare for it, then try it.
- Language proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL and IELTS, are among the other crucial exams.
- Remember that these exams require some preparation time, and the results will be released after a few weeks.
- You might want to retake the tests if the results are unsatisfactory. When creating a schedule for the UK intake in January, all of this time should be considered.
Prepare your documents
- Gather all the required documents, including the SOP, LOR, articles, and official educational transcripts, excluding the language requirements.
- From June to September, the application deadline for the January intake is released.
Wait for the offer letter
- Inform the university if you plan to enroll in the course as soon as you receive the confirmation email from the college.
- Please email your response. There may be non-refundable confirmation fees that need to be paid.
Apply for visa & tickets
- Start applying for student loans and UK visas.
- Apply well before the January intake start date as these typically take several months to process.
- Get your plane tickets, complete the pre-departure checklist, and gather all the necessary paperwork.
September Intake Universities
- Birmingham City University
- The University of Central Lancashire
- University of Reading
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Derby
- University of Westminster
- University of Wolverhampton
- University of Leeds
- Kingston University
- London Metropolitan University
- University of Bradford
January Intake Universities
- Birmingham City University
- Brunel University
- Kingston University
- University of Chester
- The University of Greenwich
- Coventry University
- De Montfort University
- Oxford Brookes University
- University of Brighton
- University of Lincoln
- University of South Wales