Jasmine Grover Study Abroad Expert
Study Abroad Expert | Updated On - Dec 10, 2025
The UK continues to be one of the top study destinations for Indian students due to its globally ranked universities, 1-year master’s programs, excellent job opportunities, and 2-year Graduate Route visa (PSW). To apply successfully, Indian students must understand UK intakes, deadlines, and timelines for 2026 admissions.
The UK has three main intakes:
- September/Fall Intake (Largest, widest course availability)
- January/Winter Intake (Second-largest, ideal for students who miss Fall)
- May/Summer Intake (Limited courses at selected universities)
For 2026 admissions, the September intake remains the most competitive due to scholarship availability, higher acceptance rates, and larger course offerings. The top universities in UK, like the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and Coventry University, accept international students in January and September intakes. May/ Summer intake is offered by selected universities like, University of Kent, Brunel University London, & University of Bedfordshire.
Overview of UK Intakes
| Intake | Timeline | Course Availability | Popular Among Indian Students | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September/Fall | Applications: Sep–Dec Previous Year; Deadlines: Jan–Apr 2026 | Highest | ~70% Indian students | UG + PG |
| January/Winter | Applications: Jun–Sep 2025; Deadlines: Oct–Nov 2025 | Moderate | ~20–25% | PG Courses |
| May/Summer | Applications: Oct 2025–Feb 2026; Deadlines: Feb–Mar 2026 | Limited | 5–10% | Selected PG + Short Courses |
Timelines for UK Intakes for International Students
You will have to prepare your application well in advance before applying for admission to UK universities. Below, we have discussed a thorough plan that you can consider for applying to the top universities of the UK
| Preparations Steps | Fall/ September | Winter/ January | Summer/ May |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Course/University | Between August to October of last year | Between January to April of last year | After May month |
| Compare and Apply | By December of last year | June to August of the last year | July to August of last year |
| Check Eligibility | In January of the admission year | August of last year | August to September |
| Apply for a student visa to study in the UK | Between February to April of the year of applying | June to September of last year | January of the application year |
| Appear for the standardized tests | From April of the same year | From August to September of the last year | By January of the application year |
| Prepare required documents | By May to July of the admission year | September to October of the last year | Within February to March of the Winter Application year |
| Apply as per deadlines | August to October | September to November | April to May |
Also Check: UK Student Visa
September Intake in UK (Fall Intake 2026)
Largest intake | Highest course availability | Best for scholarships | Maximum acceptance
Brief highlights of the September intake in UK are given below.
- Course Availability: The widest range of courses, including popular subjects like Engineering, Business, and Arts.
- Student Preference: Approximately 70% of international students, including Indians, apply for this intake due to broader course options and higher acceptance rates.
- Visa Application Timing: Ideal time for visa processing is between May and July, allowing 2-3 months for approval.
UK September Intake Timeline (2026 Entry)
| Month | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Aug–Oct 2025 | Research courses & universities |
| Oct–Dec 2025 | Give IELTS/PTE |
| Jan–Apr 2026 | Apply before university deadlines |
| Apr–Jun 2026 | Receive offer + CAS |
| May–Jul 2026 | Apply for UK Student Visa |
| Jul–Aug 2026 | Arrange accommodation |
Best For
- Students who need time to prepare SOP/LORs
- Students who missed September deadlines
- PG aspirants in business & tech fields
January Intake in UK (Winter Intake 2026)
Second-largest intake | Great for students who missed September. About 20-25% of Indian students apply for January intake in UK, making it less competitive. It is ideal for students who missed the September intake.
UK January Intake Timeline
| Month | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Mar–Jun 2025 | Shortlist universities |
| Jun–Sep 2025 | Submit applications |
| Sep–Nov 2025 | Receive decisions |
| Nov–Dec 2025 | Visa application |
| Jan 2026 | Travel to UK |
Fewer courses than September but still wide options across business, computing, engineering.
Less competition → better chances for Indian students with mid-range profiles.
May Intake in UK (Summer Intake 2026)
Least competitive | Limited courses. Check out a brief description of the May intake in UK given below
- Course Availability: Limited to specialized programs, short courses, and a few Business and STEM programs.
- Student Preference: Only around 5-10% of Indian students opt for this intake due to the limited program options.
- Universities Offering: University of West London, University of Kent, Northumbria University, University of Bedfordshire, Brunel University London
- Visa Application Timing: Applications should be completed by March for timely processing.
UK May 2026 Intake Timeline
| Month | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Aug–Nov 2025 | Research universities |
| Nov 2025 – Feb 2026 | Submit applications |
| Feb–Mar 2026 | Receive CAS |
| April 2026 | Travel to UK |
Application Deadlines for the Main Intakes in UK
For undergraduate (UG) programmes, applications are via UCAS, with equal consideration by mid-January 2026 (except medicine/veterinary, which close earlier). Late applications may be considered if places remain. Still, early submission is advised for competitiveness and visa processing. The Application Deadlines via UCAS – 2026 Entry are:
- Oxbridge / Medicine / Dentistry / Vet Science: 15 Oct 2025
- Main Deadline: 14 Jan 2026
- UCAS Extra: 26 Feb – 1 Jul 2026
- UCAS Clearing: Opens 2 July 2026
Application Deadline for Top Universities in UK
For postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes (e.g., MSc/MA), deadlines vary by course and funding needs. Research (PGR, e.g., PhD) often has rolling deadlines but funding closes early (e.g., January 2026).
| University | General Deadline/Funding | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | Varies by course; funding: 8 January 2026 | MSc by 3 March 2026 for late applications. |
| University of Cambridge | Varies; funding: 2 December 2025 | MPhil: 26 February 2026 |
| Imperial College London | Rolling; rounds close April 2026 | MSc Management: 29 April 2026 (final round). |
| UCL | Varies; opens 20 October 2025 | MSc: rolling, but visa applicants by June 2026. |
| University of Edinburgh | Varies; e.g., MSc Management rounds to 10 June 2026 | Funding by November 2025. |
| University of Manchester | Rolling; funding: November–January 2026 | MSc: stages to 5 July 2026. |
| King’s College London | Varies; e.g., MSc: rounds to July 2026 | MRes: 9 March 2026 (first round). |
| LSE | Rolling; funding: 14 January 2026 | Final: 27 May 2026 for self-funders. |
| University of Bristol | Varies; opens now | Check programme; some close July 2026 for internationals. |
| University of Warwick | Rolling; on-time: 2 August 2026 | Visa applicants by 2 August 2026; MSc: rolling. |
Also check: UK Universities with high Acceptance Rates
Documents Required to Study in UK
Candidates who are applying for admission must have to prepare and arrange some of the supporting documents for the UK university intakes. Below, we have listed some of the mandatory documents which are required for applying to the top universities of the UK for international candidates.
- Completed application form
- Student permit for UK or visa application
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal essay
- Standardized test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of financial availability
- Health insurance (if required).
- CV/ resume.
- Immigration documents
- English proficiency test scores
- GPA, GMAT, or GRE scores
- Work Experience (if applicable)
Also read: How to Apply to UK universities
Plan well in advance to ensure you can navigate your applications and optimize your chances of success: getting admitted to your desired university. September or fall intake in UK is one of the popular intakes that international students apply to study in UK. The universities of the UK offer major courses and their flagship programs in this intake. There are also many internship opportunities available for September UK intake for masters.
FAQs
Ques. How many intakes are there in the UK?
Ans. UK has three main intakes: September (Fall), January (Winter), and May (Summer). The September intake is the largest, offering the widest range of courses, followed by the January intake with select program options. The May intake, available for specific courses, is the least common and has limited availability.
Ques. Which intake is best in the UK?
Ans. The September intake is generally considered the best for international students, including those from India, as it offers the most course options, scholarship opportunities, and a higher number of university seats. This intake is also advantageous for students looking for post-study work visas and internships since it aligns with the primary academic cycle in the UK.
Ques. How many school intakes are there in the UK?
Ans. For primary and secondary schools, the UK usually has one main intake, in September, which marks the start of the academic year. Some schools may offer additional admission cycles, especially for international students, in January or April, though these are less common.
Ques. Is a gap acceptable in the UK?
Ans. Yes, gaps are generally acceptable in the UK, provided the student can explain the reason for the break in studies. Many universities accept gaps of up to two to three years for undergraduate applicants and five years or more for postgraduate applicants. Common acceptable reasons include work experience, internships, travel, or health-related issues.
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