Intakes in Australia at a glance
Quick read
- Australia's academic year starts in February. The two main intakes are February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2); some universities also run a November or trimester intake.
- February is the biggest intake, with the widest choice of courses and scholarships. July is a strong second option for most master's degrees.
- For February 2027 the window is closing: the University of Sydney's international deadlines are 1 December 2026 for bachelor's and 18 December 2026 for postgraduate coursework.
- You need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before you can apply for the Student visa (subclass 500), so leave at least two to three months after accepting your offer.
- To qualify for the post-study work visa later, your study must add up to at least two academic years (92 CRICOS weeks) in Australia.
Australian universities split the year into two semesters, starting in late February and late July. A few, such as those that teach in trimesters, also take students in November or other points in the year. Most courses Indian students choose, from IT and data science to engineering, business and nursing, are offered in both main intakes.
Because universities issue offers through the year, the real deadline is often set by the visa: you need an offer, a deposit payment and a CoE before you can apply. That is why we suggest working back from your start date by at least eight months.
Types of intakes in Australia
February intake
Main intakeAlso called: Semester 1 intake
- Classes start
- Late February to early March
- Applications open
- From about March to November of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Usually October to December for international students (Sydney: 1 December 2026 for bachelor's, 18 December 2026 for postgraduate coursework)
- Courses available
- All courses, including those that start only once a year such as some health, education and research degrees
Good for: Most students, especially those who have just finished Class 12 or a degree in India in the spring.
July intake
Secondary intakeAlso called: Semester 2 intake
- Classes start
- Mid to late July
- Applications open
- From about October of the previous year to May
- Typical deadlines
- Usually April to June (Sydney: 29 May 2027 for bachelor's and postgraduate coursework)
- Courses available
- Most master's degrees in business, IT, data science, engineering and public health; fewer bachelor's options
Good for: Students who finish their degree in India in May or June, or who need more time for an English test.
November intake
Limited coursesAlso called: Trimester 3 or summer intake
- Classes start
- November
- Applications open
- From about May to September
- Typical deadlines
- Usually August to October
- Courses available
- Selected courses at universities that teach in trimesters, such as Deakin, and some diplomas and pathway programmes
Good for: Students who want to start sooner and whose chosen course runs a trimester start.
Upcoming intakes in Australia from 23 Oct 2026
February 2027
Closing soonClasses start late February to early March 2027
Apply by: Now; many universities close between 1 and 18 December 2026
Apply this month if your documents and English test are ready. After the offer you still need to pay a deposit, get a CoE and apply for the visa.
July 2027
Applications openClasses start mid to late July 2027
Apply by: January to April 2027 is safest; formal deadlines are often in May
A good intake for master's students graduating in India in 2027. Scholarships are fewer than in February but still available.
November 2027
Plan aheadNovember 2027, selected courses only
Apply by: June to September 2027
Check that your exact course offers a trimester 3 start before you plan for it.
February 2028
Plan aheadLate February 2028
Apply by: April to October 2027
The best choice if you still need to take your English test or improve your profile.
Status is worked out from the date this page was updated. Courses can close early once they are full, so treat each date as the latest safe point, not a target.
Not sure which intake you can still make?Tell us your course and marks and our counsellor will check which Australia intakes are realistic for you.
Month-by-month plan for the July 2027 intake
October to November 2026
Shortlist courses and universities, check the 92-week study requirement for post-study work, and book IELTS, PTE or TOEFL.
November 2026 to January 2027
Take your English test and write your statement of purpose and Genuine Student answers.
January to March 2027
Submit applications and scholarship forms. Many university scholarships are assessed with your application.
March to April 2027
Compare offers, accept one and pay the tuition deposit. Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
April to May 2027
Receive your CoE and apply for the Student visa (subclass 500) with proof of funds.
May to June 2027
Get your visa, book accommodation and flights, and complete pre-departure checks.
July 2027
Arrive for orientation week and start classes.
How to choose the right intake
- 01
Course start dates
Most master's run in February and July, but some courses, especially in health and education, start only in February.
- 02
Your results in India
If your final-year results come out in June, July 2027 or February 2028 may be more realistic than February 2027.
- 03
Scholarship rounds
Several university scholarships have more places in the February intake. Check the scholarship page for your intake.
- 04
Visa time
Student visa processing varies through the year. Applying in the quieter months, and well ahead, lowers the risk of missing your start.
- 05
Part-time work and weather
A February start lets you settle in during the warm months; a July start begins in winter. It is minor, but worth knowing.
Application deadlines at universities in Australia
| University | Intake | Deadline | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Sydney (bachelor's) | Semester 1, February 2027 | 1 December 2026 | Check date |
| The University of Sydney (postgraduate coursework) | Semester 1, February 2027 | 18 December 2026 | Check date |
| The University of Sydney (all coursework) | Semester 2, August 2027 | 29 May 2027 | Check date |
| The University of Melbourne (graduate scholarship) | 2027 intakes | No separate application: you are considered when you apply for an eligible master's | Check date |
| UNSW Sydney (Scientia Coursework Scholarship) | 2027 intakes | Separate application with set rounds; check the scholarship page | Check date |
| Deakin University (Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship) | Trimester 1, 2 and 3 | Rounds linked to each trimester; check the scholarship page | Check date |
Courses can close before the published date once they are full, and Medicine, Dentistry and some health courses have earlier deadlines.
Eligibility and documents to keep ready
What you usually need to apply
- Class 12 with good marks for bachelor's, often around 65–85% depending on the university and course.
- A recognised bachelor's degree for master's; many universities accept three-year Indian degrees.
- IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT at the course's level; the visa itself usually needs at least IELTS 6.0, PTE 47 or TOEFL 67.
- A statement of purpose and answers to the Genuine Student questions that explain your choice of course and country.
- Funds for tuition, living costs (A$29,710 a year for the visa) and travel.
- Overseas Student Health Cover for your whole stay.
Documents checklist
- Passport
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (for master's)
- English test score report
- Statement of purpose
- CV and work experience letters, if any
- Financial documents or education loan sanction letter
- Offer letter, deposit receipt and CoE (for the visa)
- OSHC policy (for the visa)
Want us to check your documents?Our counsellor will go through your file before you apply, so a missing paper doesn't cost you an intake.
Intakes in Australia: FAQs
Which intake is best for Australia?
February, because every course runs then and scholarship options are widest. July is a good second choice for most master's degrees.
Can I still apply for February 2027?
Yes, but time is short. Many universities close between early and late December 2026 for international students, and you still need time for the CoE and visa.
Is the July intake harder to get into?
Not usually. Fewer courses are offered, but entry requirements are the same.
When should I apply for the Student visa?
As soon as you have your CoE. You can apply up to 124 days before the course starts.
Does the intake affect post-study work?
No. What matters is that your course and study in Australia add up to at least two academic years (92 weeks) and that you meet the visa rules when you apply.
Do Australian universities have a November intake?
Some do for selected courses, mainly universities that use trimesters. Check the course page before planning around it.
Sources
- University of Sydney: application dates (opens in a new tab)
- University of Melbourne: Melbourne International Graduate Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500) (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: Overseas Student Health Cover (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (opens in a new tab)
- Study Australia: international education settings for 2027 (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 23 Oct 2026. Universities change dates every year, so confirm each deadline on the official page before you apply.