A Friendly Guide to Choosing the Best Time to Start Your Higher Education Journey
Thinking about starting university in the UK — but not sure when? You’re not alone.
At UAPP, we connect with students from all walks of life who are excited about university but unsure about the best intake to apply for. Whether you’re finishing school, changing careers, or returning to education after a break, understanding your options can make the process feel a lot less overwhelming — and a lot more empowering.
This guide will help you explore the different UK university intakes, understand when to apply, and figure out which one fits your life, goals, and circumstances best.
What Are UK University Intakes?
In the UK, universities typically offer multiple intakes throughout the year — most commonly in:
- September/October (Autumn)
- January/February (Winter)
- May/June (Spring/Summer)
Each intake has its own vibe, deadlines, course availability, and advantages. Choosing the right one depends on where you are now and where you want to go next.
September/October Intake (Main Intake)
This is the traditional and most popular intake in the UK.
- Courses Available: Nearly all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
- Best for: School leavers, gap year returnees, and international students planning ahead
- Application Deadline: Usually UCAS deadline is in January, but direct and international applications may be open into summer
Pros:
- Full campus experience with more students and events
- More course options and wider funding opportunities
- Syncs with most academic calendars worldwide
Consider if:
- You're applying through UCAS and need time to gather documents
- You want maximum choice and flexibility
- You're planning well in advance (ideal for international visas and funding prep)
January/February Intake (Winter)
- A great alternative for students who missed the autumn intake or need more time to prepare.
- Courses Available: Mostly postgraduate, foundation, and some undergraduate top-up courses
- Best for: Career changers, mature students, international applicants waiting for visas or funding
- Application Deadline: Typically, 1–3 months before course start
Pros:
- More time to prepare your application, finances, or visa
- Smaller class sizes for more personal support
- Rolling admissions — faster decision-making
Consider if:
- You’ve recently decided to study and missed the main cycle
- You want a smoother start with fewer students on campus
- You’re doing a shorter or flexible course
May/June Intake (Spring/Summer)
Often overlooked, but ideal for specific pathways like top-up degrees or foundation courses.
- Courses Available: Limited, but includes business, computing, and health-related courses at select universities
- Best for: Students who want a quicker path into postgraduate study or job markets
- Application Deadline: Varies — often 1–2 months before the course begins
Pros:
- Can be a smart route for accelerated learning
- Shorter wait between application and start date
- Ideal if you're ready now and don’t want to wait for autumn
Consider if:
- You’re doing a top-up, professional, or blended course
- You missed earlier intakes and don’t want to lose momentum
- Your visa/funding status is already sorted
Which Student Intake Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick way to think about it:
Your Situation | Best Intake |
Just finished school | September/October |
Missed deadline | January/February |
Working full-time and switching careers | January or May |
Need more prep time for visa or finances | January |
Want the full student experience | September |
Ready to go ASAP | May/June |
Still not sure? That’s what we’re here for. UAPP’s team can help you find universities with open intakes right now, match your goals to eligible academic courses, and even guide you through student finance, visa options, and application documents.
Ready to explore your next intake options? Book a free call with a UAPP advisor today!