Upcoming Intakes in UK in 2025 for Indian Students

The United Kingdom is known globally as one of the best places to gain knowledge. Students manage their academic programmes well in the UK. There was a 54% rise in sponsored study visas granted to Indian students in 2023. It shows that the UK is slowly becoming one of the leading study-abroad destinations.

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This considerable increase shows that British education is highly valued and appreciated. The UK education system has intakes at different times of the year. It means that students can fit their academic year according to their preferences, needs and the desired career path. This article explains intakes in UK in depth to help students find the best way to British higher learning institutions.

Understanding UK Intakes

Universities in the United Kingdom offer multiple intakes per year. Each of them has its own advantages.

These are the three primary intakes in UK:

September/Fall Intake (Primary Intake)

Application Period: 8-12 months prior
Deadline: Application deadlines usually fall between July and August, depending on the university.
Key Advantages:

• Availability of a broad range of courses
• The greatest number of scholarship options
• A lot of avenues for carrying out network activities
• Full orientation/integration programs
• Best time for internship and placement

January/Winter Intake (Secondary Intake)

Application Period: September-November
Deadline: Application deadlines typically fall in last week of November.
Key Features:

• Extra application preparation time
• Reduced competition during admissions
• Intimate learning environment
• Accelerated program options
• Greater accommodation choices
• Flexible beginning of certain speciality classes

May/Summer Intake (Specialized Intake)

Application Period: March-April
Deadline: Application deadlines are generally in the last week of March.
Key Benefits:

• Specialized course offerings
• Low competition
• Enhanced accommodation options
• Focused learning environment
• Short-term programs available

Popular universities for UK intakes

There are many universities in the UK where students can study different programs. These are the popular universities according to intakes in UK.

September/Fall Intake (Main Intake)

This is the primary intake period with the widest range of course offerings and university options:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Manchester
• University of Warwick
• University of Bristol
• University of Leeds
• Coventry University
• University of Surrey
• Lancaster University
• Keele University
• University of Derby

January/Winter Intake

January intake universities in UK offer greater flexibility and smaller class sizes. it is suitable for postgraduate programs:

• University of East Anglia
• University of Leeds
• University of South Wales
• University of Lincoln
• Oxford Brooks University
• University of Sussex
• University of Bradford

May/Spring Intake

May intake universities in UK provide additional flexibility with focused program offerings:

• University of Kent
• Brunel University
• University of Bedfordshire
• Coventry University
• Northumbria University
• Salford University
• Keele University

Popular courses for UK intakes

The courses available for international students are diverse. It ranges from undergraduate to postgraduate courses in all fields. These are popular courses in the UK:

• Business and Management
• Engineering
• Economics and Finance
• Psychology
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• International Relations and Political Science
• Law
• Biotechnology and Life Sciences
• Environmental Science and Sustainability

Timeline for UK Intake 2025 Application Process: When Should You Apply

UK university applications require planning and a sequenced approach to increase your admission chances. The chronological flow of the application is important for students for better management.

Time Period	Key Tasks	Important Considerations
June/July 2025	Research universities and programs Create a shortlist of institutions Review entry requirements Begin preparation for standardized tests	Compare program curricula Check university rankings Review admission requirements Start financial planning
August/September 2025	Register for standardized tests (IELTS/GMAT/GRE) Begin drafting personal statements Contact potential referees Start scholarship research	Book test dates early Allow time for retakes if needed Gather academic transcript Research funding options
October/November 2025	Submit university applications Complete standardized tests Finalize personal statements Submit scholarship applications	Meet early deadlines Submit complete documentation Maintain communication records Follow up on submissions
December 2024/January 2025	Receive and review offers Make decisions on acceptance Begin accommodation search Start visa documentation	Compare offer conditions Check scholarship results Research housing options Prepare financial documents
February/March 2025	Apply for a student visa Arrange accommodation Plan travel arrangements Complete health requirements	Allow time for visa processing Book accommodation early Arrange medical insurance Plan travel logistics
August/September 2025	Arrive in the UK Attend orientation Complete registration Begin academic program	Plan early arrival Attend welcome events Complete enrollment Set up bank accounts

Tips for Applying to UK Intakes

Planning and executing a successful university application in the UK requires several steps. These are some tips when applying for intakes in UK.

• Early Preparation and Planning: Begin your application process at least 12 months before your intended start date. It allows sufficient time to gather and refine all necessary documentation. Early preparation will allow you to strengthen your application through additional certifications or relevant experience.
• Course Availability and Intake Selection: Understanding course availability across different intakes is crucial for academic planning. September offers the most comprehensive range of programs. Research your preferred programs thoroughly and confirm their availability in your chosen intake. Some specialized programs or prestigious universities only accept students during specific intakes. So, it’s better to research well.
• Visa Processing Considerations: International students should allocate at least 3-4 months for uk study visa processing. Begin your visa application as soon as you receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from your university to avoid delays.
• Accommodation Strategy: Many popular universities experience high demand for student housing. Once you receive your admission offer, immediately begin researching and applying for accommodation options. Consider both university-managed and private housing, factoring in location, cost, and amenities.
• Scholarship Applications: Many prestigious scholarships, particularly those offered for September intake, have early application deadlines. Create a comprehensive database of potential UK scholarships, noting their requirements, deadlines, and application procedures. Remember that some scholarship applications may need to be submitted even before your university application.

Which intake to opt for?

Choosing the right intake for your graduate or postgraduate studies in UK is the most important decision a candidate has to make. Even though Indians prefer joining through the September (Fall) intake, weigh up your situation before enrolling for the UK intake 2025​.

• September (Fall) intake provides the largest options for programs. It is correlated with the Indian academic year.
• The January (Winter) intake has become another feasible mode for many graduate courses.
• The other intake is the April (Spring) intake which is less common. But it has its benefits for certain programs especially, Business, Technology and some Master’s programs.

Here is a simple breakdown for you:

Aspect	September (Fall) Intake	January (Winter) Intake	April (Spring) Intake
Program Availability	Widest selection of courses	Good selection, slightly limited	Selected programs only
Competition Level	Highest	Moderate	Generally lower
Application Timeline	Early deadlines (Nov-Jan for next year)	Mid-year deadlines (Sep-Nov)	Rolling deadlines (Jan-Feb)
Career Opportunities	Aligns with major recruitment cycles	Variable depending on the industry	Program-specific opportunities
Best Suited For	Traditional academic progression	Those needing extra preparation time	Specialized programs and fast-track options
Popular Programs	All disciplines	Business, Engineering, Technology	Selected Master’s programs
Visa Processing Time	Peak season (longer processing)	Off-peak (faster processing)

Confused about which UK intake is the best for you? Get in touch with TransGlobal Overseas study in UK consultants to enrol in the most suitable intake.

Documents Required for Admission Intakes in the UK

These are the documents required for admission intakes in UK:

Document	Requirements
Valid Passport	Minimum 6 months validity beyond the course end date Clear scan of information page Previous UK visas (if any)
Statement of Purpose	800-1000 words Program-specific content Clear academic and career goals
Academic Transcripts	All previous degrees Mark sheets/grade cardsDegree certificates Official English translations
Standardized Test Scores	GRE/GMAT (as required) Official score reports Institution codes
English Proficiency Test	IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Minimum scores as per university requirements Original score report
Letters of Recommendation	2-3 lettersAcademic/Professional referees On official letterhead
Application Form	Complete university application Personal detailsAcademic history Program choice
Scholarship Documents	Separate application forms Additional essays/statements Financial documents
Resume/CV	Updated professional experience Academic achievements Extracurricular activities
Student Visa Documents	CAS statement TB test results (if applicable) Biometrics
Financial Documents	Bank statements Sponsorship letters Scholarship proof Financial undertakings

1. What are UCAS Deadlines?

UCAS has set various deadlines to apply for undergraduate courses at various universities in the UK. The majority of due dates are set between October and January. Students should also ensure they check the right dates to enrol in the selected courses and universities.

2. When does MBA Intakes in the UK occur?

MBA intakes in the UK occur in September, January, and April. Some universities also offer rolling admissions, allowing you to apply throughout the year.

3. When do UK Intakes for Bachelors occur?

Undergraduate intakes in the UK occur in September, January, and April. Some universities may also offer November and December intakes who miss the deadlines. You can also refer to our Bachelor’s degree Guide for UK to get better insights.

4. When do intakes in the UK for Masters take place?

Universities offer master’s intakes in the UK in September, January, and April.

5. When do BPP University UK Intakes occur?

BPP University offers intakes for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in September and January. Some programs may have intakes in April.

6. When do PhD Intakes in UK take place?

PhD intakes in the UK occur in October and January. But, some universities may have rolling admissions for students.

7. What is the Cost of Study in UK?

The cost of studying in the UK can vary depending on the university, and course. International students may be charged more fees compared to domestic students. Students can expect the average cost of studying in the United Kingdom up to INR 24 lakhs.