Unlike other European countries, the UK offers three different intakes for international students. Among the three intakes, September/October (fall) intakes and January/February (winter) intakes are the two most significant ones. Students who have missed the two major intakes can apply for the May intake, which saves them six months' worth of time.

Let us take a detailed look at each intake:

September/October Intake:

The September intake, also known as the fall/autumn intake, is the primary intake for universities offering higher education to international students. Universities and colleges offer their major programs during this intake.

Students applying for admission in this intake get exclusively wide options for study courses. Having said that, there is intense competition to secure their place in universities due to the massive numbers of applicants. However, there is a maximum availability of scholarships and tuition fee waivers in this intake.

Here is a detailed timeline for you to stay updated on things to do during your application process. Take a look!

Timeline and Activities

• April to September: Shortlist the universities that you would like to apply to.
• June to December: Prepare for the GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS tests. (depending on your university's requirements)
• August to December: Start preparing yourself to write a statement of purpose.
• December To July: Applications are open; fill out  and submit your application and send the  documents asked by the university.
• April to July: Wait for an acceptance letter; accept the offer; apply for a scholarship.
• June to August: Apply for a visa along with an offer letter and other documents.
• July to August: Book your flight ticket and plan your journey.
• September/October: Semester begins.

January/February Intake
The January intake, also known as the winter/spring intake, is the secondary intake for universities offering higher education to international students. Universities offer a lesser number of programs in this intake compared to the September intake.

However, the positive part of this intake is that you do not have to lose a lot of time if you missed out on the September intake, as there are fewer applications. This means your chances of getting admission right away are much higher. Universities also offer a handful of scholarships and tuition waivers.

Let us take a look at a detailed timeline for the January/February intake so that you do not miss out on any vital steps and can plan ahead.

Timeline and Activities

• April to June: Shortlist the universities that you want to apply to; Gather information about the requirements of the university to be eligible to apply.
• June to September: Prepare for the IELTS according to the requirement of university.
• August to September: Prepare a Statement of Purpose.
• September to November: Applications are open. Fill out the applications and send the required documents.
• October to November: Check and revert emails; appear in the selection process; accept the offer letter.
• October to December: Apply for a  student visa and also apply for scholarships.
• December to January: Book your flight tickets and plan your journey ahead.
• January/February: Semester begins.

May Intake
The May intake is the shortest summer intake offered by universities to enroll international students in higher education study courses. Admissions in this intake are offered by only a few selected universities.

The May intake offers only a limited number of study programs to students. However, there are very few applicants, which makes it easier for students to get admissions due to less competition.

Let us take a look at a detailed timeline for you to prepare yourself for the May intake.

Timeline and Activities

• August to September: Explore and shortlist your university and college options.
• September to October: Prepare for the GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS. (according to the  requirements of universities)
• October to February: Submit university application forms along with the required documents.
• February to March: Wait for the offer letter; accept the offer.
• March to April: Apply for a visa.
• April: Book your ticket and plan your journey ahead.
• May: Semester Starts