Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Sep 6, 2025
Fall intake in USA starts in late August or early September every year and continues till December or January. It is the major intake in USA and is preferred by the majority of international students including Indians due to availability of most courses and scholarships. Moreover, the class size is typically large in Fall intake, which means the admissions are less competitive compared to Spring or winter intake.
The fall intake in USA offers more opportunities for students, which also includes part-time and internship programs. Indian students who have recently graduated from bachelor’s degree are highly encouraged to apply for the Fall semesters to study in USA as it perfectly aligns with the academic calendar of Indian universities. This will allow you to prepare at least 1 year in advance and avoid delays in test preparation and visa processing.
Top Universities for Fall Intake in USA
Indian students seeking admissions to undergraduate programs may by the following deadlines for Fall semesters in USA:
| Universities | Fall Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Stanford University | November 1, 2025 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Early Action [Nov 1, 2025] | Regular Action [Jan 1, 2026] |
| California Institute of Technology | Early Action [Nov 1, 2025] | Regular Decision [Jan 3, 2026] |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Early Action [Nov 1, 2025] | Regular Decision [Jan 2, 2026] |
| University of California, Berkeley | November 30, 2025 |
| University of Michigan Ann Arbor | February 1, 2026 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Early Action [Nov 1, 2025] | Regular Decision [Jan 6, 2026] |
| University of Texas at Austin | Early Action [Oct 15, 2025] | Regular Decision [Dec 6, 2026] |
| Purdue University | Early Action [Nov 1, 2025] | Regular Decision [Jan 15, 2026] |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Priority Deadline [Mar 1, 2026] | Standard Deadline [Apr 5, 2026] |
Fall Intake in USA for Popular Courses
Given below are the popular courses that are offered in fall intakes with specific deadlines across top universities in USA:
Fall Intake in USA for MS Computer Science
The applications for MS in computer science in USA are typically accepted between Early December to mid-February. Check out the deadlines for MS in computer science across top universities in USA:
| University | Fall Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Stanford University | December 3, 2025 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Early Deadline [Nov 20, 2025] | Final Deadline [Dec 11, 2025] |
| University of California, Berkeley | December 9, 2025 |
| University of Washington | February 16, 2026 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | February 15, 2026 |
| University of Texas at Austin | December 15, 2025 |
| Cornell University | February 1, 2026 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | December 15, 2025 |
| University of Southern California | December 15, 2025 |
| Harvard University | December 1, 2025 |
| University of Pennsylvania | December 20, 2025 |
| Columbia University | Priority Deadline [Jan 15, 2026] | Final Deadline [Feb 15, 2026] |
| University of California, Los Angeles | December 15, 2025 |
| Purdue University | May 15, 2026 |
Fall Intake in USA for MBA
Applications for MBA in USA are accepted fall, winter and spring Intakes in 3 rounds. Those applying for the first round are admitted in fall intake. Some universities may have multiple rounds for Fall intake. Check out the upcoming deadlines for MBA program across popular business schools in USA:
| University | Fall Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Stanford University | September 10, 2025 |
| Harvard University | September 4, 2025 |
| University of Pennsylvania | September 4, 2025 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | September 30, 2025 |
| Northwestern University | September 11, 2025 |
| University of Chicago | September 19, 2025 |
| Columbia University | September 10, 2025 |
| University of California, Berkeley | September 12, 2025 |
| University of Michigan | September 9, 2025 |
| New York University | Round 1 [Sept 30, 2025] | Round 2 [Oct 16, 2025] |
| University of Texas at Austin | October 15, 2025 |
Fall Intake in USA for MS/Eng Engineering
The timeline for a Master of Engineering in USA is typically the same as an MS in computer science. Most universities accept applications for MS/MEng between early December to mid January. Meanwhile, some universities may accept applications until May to June.
| University | Fall Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | December 1 - December 15, 2025 |
| Stanford University | December 1, 2025 - April 15, 2025 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | October 16, 2025 |
| University of California, Berkeley | January 6, 2026 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | May 1, 2025 |
| University of Michigan Ann Arbor | January 15, 2026 |
| Purdue University | Round 1 [Jan 16, 2026] | Round 2 [Mar 16, 2026] | Final Round [Jun 1, 2026] |
| University of Texas at Austin | December 1 - December 15, 2025 |
| Cornell University | January 15 - February 1, 2025 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Priority Deadline [Dec 15, 2025] | Final Deadline [Jan 20, 2025] |
| University of Southern California | December 15, 2025 |
| Harvard University | December 1, 2025 |
| University of Washington | December 15, 2025 |
Timeline for Standardized Tests for Fall Intake in USA
Given below is the complete timeline for different exams to study in USA for Indian students:
| Test | Test Dates | Registration Deadline | Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRE | July to December | 2 business days or 2-3 weeks before test date | 8-10 days after test |
| GMAT | July to August | 24 hours before the test or 6 months before test date | 7 business days or 20 days on peak season |
| TOEFL | 2 to 3 months before program start | At 4 months desired test date | 4-8 days after test |
| IELTS | August to October | At least 72 or 3 days before the test date | 1 to 2 days if given through computer 12-13 days after the Deadline |
| SAT | October to December | 2 to 3 months before test date | 3-4 weeks after test |
| ACT | September to December | August to November | 10 days after test |
Recommended Test Prep Timeline:
Check out the summarize timeline to for Test score preparation before applying for admissions in Fall intake in the USA:
| Task | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Research and Prepare for Standardized Test to Take | 12 months before admissions |
| Appear in the GRE/GMAT or TOEFL/IELTS Test as per the course requirements | At least 6 to 9 months before applying for admissions |
| Arrival of Test Scores | 6 months before the applying for admissions |
| Retake test (if required) | At least to 3-6 months before application deadline |
| Finalize your test score and apply for admissions in desired university | 2 to 3 months before program commencement |
Timeline for Fall Intake Admissions in USA
Following is the complete timeline to apply for admissions in the fall semesters in USA:
| Admissions Timeline | Task |
|---|---|
| June to July | Research universities and programs |
| July to September | Decide the test which you wish to take as per course requirements |
| September to October | Prepare and register for exams to study in USA |
| September to January | Submit applications |
| December | Apply for financial aid or scholarships |
| December to March | Receive admission decisions |
| April to May | Confirm your admissions and prepare for arrival in USA |
| August to September | Fall intake begins |
Applying for fall intake in USA is an ideal choice for Indian students if they wish to receive scholarships, pursue part-time or internships. Majority of the top courses such as MBA, MS in computer science, master of engineering etc are available in this intake. In fact, some universities only offer computer and engineering courses in the fall intake only.
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