Intakes in the UK at a glance
Quick read
- The UK has one main intake in September and a smaller one in January; a few universities also start some courses in May.
- Undergraduates apply through UCAS. For September 2027 the main UCAS deadline is 13 January 2027 at 6pm UK time.
- Master's applicants apply direct to each university. Most courses review applications as they arrive, so popular ones fill up well before the official closing date.
- For the January 2027 intake, the window is closing now: most universities want offers accepted and deposits paid by November or early December.
- Allow at least three months between your offer and your flight for the deposit, CAS and Student visa.
An intake is the point in the year when a course starts. In the UK almost every course starts in September, which is why it is called the main intake. January is a real second chance for many master's degrees, especially in business, computing and engineering, but the choice of courses is narrower and scholarships are fewer.
Your intake decides your whole timeline: when to take IELTS or PTE, when to apply, when to pay the deposit and when to apply for the Student visa. Working backwards from the start date is the easiest way to make sure you don't miss a step.
Types of intakes in the UK
September intake
Main intakeAlso called: Autumn or Fall intake
- Classes start
- Mid-September to early October
- Applications open
- UCAS opens in May of the year before and takes submissions from early September; master's applications usually open from September or October, about a year ahead
- Typical deadlines
- UCAS: 15 October for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine courses; 13 January for everything else. Master's: rolling, with many courses closing between March and July
- Courses available
- Almost every undergraduate and postgraduate course
Good for: Most students. It has the widest choice of courses, the most scholarships and the biggest student intake for making friends.
January intake
Secondary intakeAlso called: Winter or Spring intake
- Classes start
- Mid to late January
- Applications open
- Usually from May to October of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Commonly late October to early December for international students, so there is time for the CAS and visa
- Courses available
- Mainly one-year master's in business, management, computing, data science, engineering and some health subjects; a few foundation and top-up degrees
Good for: Students who missed September, are waiting for final results or test scores, or want a few more months to save.
May intake
Limited coursesAlso called: Summer intake
- Classes start
- April or May
- Applications open
- Usually from September of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Often January to March
- Courses available
- A small number of master's courses, foundation programmes and pre-sessional English, mostly at modern universities
Good for: Students who need a specific course that runs in May. Check carefully that your course really has a May start.
Upcoming intakes in the UK from 23 Oct 2026
January 2027
Closing soonClasses start mid to late January 2027
Apply by: Now, by early November 2026 at the latest for most universities
Only apply if your documents and English test are ready. You still need to pay the deposit, receive a CAS and get a visa before Christmas.
May 2027
Applications openClasses start in April or May 2027
Apply by: December 2026 to February 2027
A handful of courses only. Ask us which universities on your list run a May start.
September 2027
Applications openClasses start mid-September to early October 2027
Apply by: UCAS by 13 January 2027 for bachelor's; master's ideally by January to March 2027
The best intake for choice and scholarships. Apply early: many master's courses and scholarships close in the first months of 2027.
January 2028
Plan aheadClasses start in January 2028
Apply by: May to October 2027
A good target if you still need to take IELTS or PTE, or want work experience first.
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 the UK intakes are realistic for you.
Month-by-month plan for the September 2027 intake
September to October 2026
Shortlist 5–8 courses, check entry requirements and book your IELTS, PTE or TOEFL date.
October to December 2026
Take your English test, write your statement of purpose and ask for two references.
By 13 January 2027
Submit your UCAS application (bachelor's). Master's applicants should send most applications by now too.
January to March 2027
Apply for scholarships such as GREAT and university awards; reply to interview or document requests.
March to May 2027
Compare offers and costs, then accept your firm choice and arrange an education loan if you need one.
May to July 2027
Pay the tuition deposit, meet any conditions and receive your CAS from the university.
June to August 2027
Apply for the Student visa (from up to six months before the course starts), book accommodation and flights.
September 2027
Travel, collect your eVisa details, enrol and start classes.
How to choose the right intake
- 01
Course availability
Check that your exact course runs in the intake you want. Many specialised master's and almost all bachelor's degrees start only in September.
- 02
Your documents and scores
If your final marks or English score will arrive late, a later intake is safer than rushing an incomplete application.
- 03
Scholarships
Most UK scholarships, including GREAT Scholarships, are for September starts. January students usually have fewer options.
- 04
Graduate Route timing
A one-year master's from January finishes the following January; check that the dates still let you apply for the Graduate Route before your Student visa expires.
- 05
Money and work experience
A later intake can give you time to save, work or improve your profile. That can help both your application and your budget.
Application deadlines at universities in the UK
| University | Intake | Deadline | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| All universities through UCAS (bachelor's) | September 2027 | 13 January 2027, 6pm UK time | Check date |
| University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, most medicine and dentistry courses | September 2027 | 15 October 2026, 6pm UK time (closed) | Check date |
| University of Leeds | September 2027 (bachelor's) | 13 January 2027 (15 October 2026 for most medicine and dentistry) | Check date |
| University of Leeds | September 2027 (master's) | Set course by course on Course Search; offer conditions usually due six weeks before the start | Check date |
| University of Glasgow (Global Leadership Scholarship) | September 2027 (master's) | Rolling; closing date to be confirmed, usually late August | Check date |
| University of Manchester (Global Futures Scholarship) | September 2027 | Offer holders are emailed the form; ask the International Office for the India deadline | Check date |
| GREAT Scholarships (participating universities) | September 2027 (master's) | Each university sets its own, usually in spring 2027 | Check date |
Master's deadlines in the UK are set course by course and many courses close early when they are full. Use the official link to check the current date for your course.
Eligibility and documents to keep ready
What you usually need to apply
- Class 12 with good marks for bachelor's (many universities ask for 60–80% depending on the course); a recognised bachelor's degree for master's, often 55–60% or higher.
- An English test such as IELTS Academic (often 6.0–6.5) or PTE Academic; some universities accept Class 12 English marks instead.
- A statement of purpose, or a UCAS personal statement for bachelor's.
- Proof that you can pay tuition and living costs, which you will need for the CAS and visa.
- Time for the visa: the Student visa can be applied for up to six months before the course starts.
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for your whole course
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (for master's)
- IELTS, PTE or TOEFL score report
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- Two academic or professional references
- CV, if you have work experience
- Bank statements or education loan sanction letter
- Tuberculosis test certificate from an approved clinic (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 the UK: FAQs
Which is the best intake in the UK for Indian students?
September, because almost every course starts then and most scholarships are linked to it. January is a good second option for master's in business, computing and engineering.
Is it too late to apply for January 2027?
Not always, but it is tight. Many universities close January applications from late October to early December for international students. If your documents and English test are ready, apply this week; otherwise plan for May or September 2027.
What is the UCAS deadline for 2027 entry?
13 January 2027 at 6pm UK time for most courses, and 15 October 2026 for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses.
When should I apply for a September 2027 master's?
Between October 2026 and March 2027. Applying early gives you the best chance at popular courses and scholarships.
Do January students get the Graduate Route?
Yes, if they complete the course and meet the Home Office conditions while their Student visa is still valid. Check the current rules on GOV.UK before you choose a course.
How long does the UK Student visa take?
The standard decision time for applications made outside the UK is about three weeks, but allow longer in July and August when demand peaks.
Sources
- UCAS: 2027 entry deadline (13 January 2027) (opens in a new tab)
- UCAS: when to apply (opens in a new tab)
- University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027–28: applying (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Student visa (opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Graduate visa (opens in a new tab)
- British Council: GREAT Scholarships India (opens in a new tab)
- University of Glasgow: Global Leadership Scholarship (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.