Universities in the UK follow an academic calendar that begins in September and ends in July. Between this time, UK universities and colleges, like their counterparts in the USA and Canada, accept students in three intakes.
The Fall/September term is the most popular among international students, with more than 80% applying for admission and beginning their undergraduate or postgraduate studies during this term.
Type of Intake | Starts from |
Fall | September – December/Early January |
Winter | January – April |
Summer | May – August |
UK Intakes 2023: Which Intake to Choose?
There are generally two intakes seasons taken into consideration for the intake in any foreign university. Especially for the intake in the UK, some of the aspiring applicants will prefer the Fall intake as the best suitable and comfortable which offers almost a wide variety of courses during intake in the UK 2023.
This intake generally starts from September to November 2023. Although the winter intake also counts as the Fall intake to keep it clean there is a winter intake also in the UK. Thus some students may prefer Spring intake in the UK 2023 which is better than the winter intake in the UK or Fall Intake in the UK 2023.
Check Your Score Now with a Free Practice Test
See where you stand with our practice tests. Find the right way to improve with our strategy sessions.
The Fall Intake in the UK
In the UK, the September or October intake is referred to as the Fall intake. This is the most significant drive by universities to attract a large number of applications from international students.
Scholars from other countries prefer this intake to pursue a course at the university of their choice because there will be more options. The application period for this intake typically begins in February and lasts until May.
Merits of the Fall Intake in the UK
The Fall intake in the UK is the primary intake. Most universities accept applications for a significant number of courses. The intake window is ideal in that after completing the course, you will be exposed to a wide range of internship and career opportunities and will be able to compete in a highly competitive environment
List of Top UK Universities for Fall Intake 2023
Here is a list of universities offering fall intakes in the UK:
- University of Bradford
- Swansea University
- University of Surrey
- University of Derby
- University of Westminster
- University of Wolverhampton
- Keele University
- University of Leeds
- Kingston University
- London Metropolitan University
- Birmingham City University
- Bucks New University
- University of Central Lancashire
- University of Reading
- University of Hertfordshire
The Winter Intake in the UK 2023
The winter intake in the UK begins in January. It is the second most common type of intake in the United Kingdom. Universities accept applications for only a limited number of courses. Although there are fewer options than in September, some students and applicants prefer this session.
The application period for this intake usually begins in June of the previous year and ends in September.
Merits of the Winter Intake in the UK
This intake provides an additional opportunity for students who missed the application deadline for the primary Fall intake. It is less competitive. It makes it easier for students to plan ahead of time and apply.
Students can catch up on their classes without taking a gap year.
List of Top UK Universities for Winter Intake 2023
Let us now look at the universities in the UK that accept applications for the winter intake:
- University of Brighton
- University of Lincoln
- University of South Wales
- Oxford Brookes University
- Keele University
- Birmingham City University
- City University of London
- University of Greenwich
- University of the Sunderland
- Birkbeck University of London
- Bangor University
- Brunel University
- Edge Hill University
- Kingston University
- Northumbria University
- University of Chester
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Coventry University
- De Montfort University
Meet The Experts to Start Your Global Journey
We help you win. That only game that truly matters, your career.
The Summer Intake in the UK 2023
The April/May session is the least popular session offered by UK universities. This is because most students take their spring break during this time. As a result, studying in the UK becomes significantly less competitive. So, if you want to start your higher education in May, apply to universities by January or February.
Merits of the Summer Intake in the UK
The Summer intake in the UK can offer many benefits for international students. With a start date in April or May, students have the opportunity to avoid the colder months and enjoy the warmer weather. Additionally, this intake allows students to complete their studies earlier, potentially saving them money on living expenses and enabling them to start their careers sooner.
List of Top UK universities for Summer Intake 2023
Here is a list of universities offering summer intakes in the UK:
- University of Bedfordshire
- Coventry University
- Northumbria University
- Salford University
- Ulster University
Steps to Prepare for UK Intakes 2023
In the UK, the process for intakes is fairly consistent across universities & colleges. The process for all intakes typically involves submitting an online application, providing academic transcripts, and taking an English language proficiency test. Given below is a brief step-by-step guide from start to end which will help you prepare in the best possible way. The procedure will be similar for all the intakes.
- Start early and narrow down your choice of 8 to 12 institutions. Make a note of the requirements for applications, deadlines, etc. by visiting university websites.
- Know the different bank loan choices and scholarships available for the applied intake, to help fund your education.
- Download admissions booklets from the university websites to get started. Most brochures are released more than a year before.
- Depending on the course and university, get ready for compulsory standardized examinations like the GMAT, GRE, Digital SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS.
- Enroll in the GMAT or GRE three months before the exam date.
- At least one month before the exam date, register for the TOEFL/IELTS.
- Plan to take the necessary examinations, and allow extra time in case you need to repeat the exam.
- Make a short list of the colleges and be ready to submit your application.
- Consider carefully what makes you stand out among applicants, then develop a list of your qualities and an evaluation of yourself.
- For the needed 2-3 reference letters, get in touch with your lecturers and immediate management at least a month before the deadline for your application.
- Start preparing your essays and SOP. Give yourself a month to properly arrange these documents.
- Apply before the deadline! The deadline for the UK’s September intake in 2023 will fall between the months of February and May. The application deadline for
- January 2024 admission to UK universities will fall between the months of June and September.
- Respond to emails from the college right away. There will also be a good number of them!
- Participate in in-person or video interviews.
- As soon as you receive your admissions letters, make your decision.
- Inform the colleges of your choice according to the deadline.
- To confirm your enrollment, you must submit a non-refundable deposit.
- Start looking for and applying for outside scholarships.
- Once you have received your letter of admission, apply for the student loan.
Prepare the documents for your student visa to the UK. the requirements for a visa. - Get your UK student visa application early. Keep in mind it takes time to process a visa.
- Book airline tickets
- Get a global debit/credit card in place.
- Gather all the documents and their photocopies.
Are You Planning to Study in the UK?
Click Here to Book Your Free 1-On-1 Session with Experts
Documents Required for Admission Intakes in the UK
You have to keep in mind that there are some of the Documents that are considered most important if you are applying to study abroad. Candidates need to arrange some of the supporting documents for the intakes in the UK. Below we have some of the mandatory documents which are required for applying to the top universities of the UK for international candidates:
- Your completed application form
- Application fee
- High school or degree certificates
- CV/resume
- 2-3 SOPs
- At Least 3 LORs
- Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS)
How Do I Apply for UK Intakes in 2023?
- Begin early: If you intend to study in the UK for the September intake in 2023, begin exploring and researching various universities by August of the previous year. Take advantage of this time to learn more about each university and its admissions requirements. Prepare your plans accordingly and begin the application process
- Ace your exams: Begin preparing for English assessment tests such as TOEFL/IELTS and take them by January or February. You will receive the results within a week, allowing you to apply without feeling rushed
- Begin university shortlisting: Your applications to universities where you intend to study. Contact previous professors and request a letter of recommendation. Finally, begin writing 2-3 SOPs with strong content. These steps can be completed between February and May, when the application window for the fall intake opens and closes
- The final steps: Do not disregard any emails/messages you may receive from the universities to which you applied. Attend personal interviews if they are held. Moving forward, inform the universities that are eager to accept you, of your decision!
- Get ready to fly! Finally, get your paperwork and visa in order to fly to the UK. Before leaving for university, organize your international credit/debit cards, gather all necessary documents, and depart with ease!
Deadlines
It is a little difficult to present actual deadlines information for the intakes in the UK for 2023. Because it generally depends on the capability and availability of seats in the universities for a particular program. 1000 plus applications are received by the UK universities in every intake in UK universities for 2023. Mostly during the Fall intake in the UK in 2023.
But here is the overview of intake deadlines:
- The Fall Intake in the UK happens between May to September. Some universities start this in February.
- The Winter Intake in the UK happens between November to January or even up to February.
- The Spring intake in the UK happens between February and March to October.