Fall Intake in the UK
*T&C Apply. Subject to restrictions under the Income Tax Act,
1961 and Budget 2025.
The September intake, or Fall intake in the UK, is the UK’s biggest admission season and a favourite among international students. Most universities roll out their full range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses during this time, making it the prime window to apply. Classes usually kick off in late September or early October, but the prep starts much earlier, so be ready with your documents, test scores, and a strong application well before deadlines hit!
Why Choose the Fall Intake in the UK?
Widest Range of Courses: Almost all UK universities offer the maximum number of courses in the September intake.
More University Options: All top universities in the UK open applications for this intake.
Better Chances for Scholarships: Many scholarships and bursaries are offered during this session.
Smooth Transition: Fall aligns with the global academic year, making it easier to plan.
Active Campus Life: Clubs, societies, and networking events are in full swing during the fall semester.
Greater Job Opportunities: More on-campus and off-campus job opportunities become available when the academic year begins.
When to Start Preparing for the Fall 2026 Intake in the UK
- Start 12–16 months in advance (around June–September 2025) to begin researching universities, courses, and eligibility criteria.
- August–October 2025: Register for and take English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) and any required entrance exams (GMAT/GRE).
- September–November 2025: Work on your Statement of Purpose (SOP), collect Letters of Recommendation, and prepare transcripts and other documents.
- October 2025 – January 2026: Submit applications and fees through UCAS or direct university portals.
- January–March 2026: Receive admission offers, confirm your selection, and apply for scholarships.
- March–May 2026: Arrange finances, apply for your student visa, and secure accommodation.
- July–September 2026: Finalise your travel plans, attend pre-departure sessions, and prepare to begin your studies in the UK!
For the Spring 2026 (January) intake, start your journey by April–May 2025 to meet all deadlines comfortably, including tests, applications, and visa processes.
Fall 2026 Intake Timeline for the UK
| Month | Step | Details/Actions |
|---|---|---|
| July–August 2025 | Research & Planning | Shortlist universities and programmes; review eligibility and course requirements. |
| September–October 2025 | Standardised Testing | Take English tests like IELTS/TOEFL and other required exams like GRE/GMAT. |
| October–November 2025 | Document Preparation | Prepare SOPs, get Letters of Recommendation, and arrange academic transcripts. |
| November–December 2025 | UCAS Application | Apply to undergraduate courses via UCAS (deadline: 15 January 2026). |
| December 2025–January 2026 | Postgraduate Applications | Submit applications for postgraduate courses (deadlines vary by university). |
| February–April 2026 | Interviews & Assessments | Attend interviews or take additional entrance assessments if required. |
How to Apply for the Fall Intake
Step 1: Research Your Options
Look for UK universities and courses that match your interests. Compare programmes based on location, tuition fees, rankings, and scholarships available.
Step 2: Check Entry Requirements
Go through the admission criteria for your chosen course. This includes academic qualifications, English language tests like IELTS/TOEFL, and any course-specific requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents like academic transcripts, English test scores, SOP/personal statement, letters of recommendation, and any relevant test scores (GRE/GMAT if applicable).
Step 4: Submit Applications
Apply online via the university’s official portal or through platforms like UCAS (for undergraduate courses) or UKPASS (for postgraduate courses).
Step 5: Wait for Offers
Once submitted, universities will review your application. If selected, you’ll receive a conditional or unconditional offer letter.
Step 6: Accept the Offer
If you decide to accept the offer, confirm your admission by paying the deposit (if required) and submitting the acceptance form.
Step 7: Apply for Your Visa
Apply for a UK Student Visa (Tier 4) online through the UK Government’s visa portal. Make sure you have your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and financial documents ready.
Deadline for the Fall Intake in the UK
If you're planning to apply for the UK September (Fall) intake in 2025, it’s important to stay on top of application deadlines. For most undergraduate courses submitted via UCAS, the application deadline is 15 January 2025, with admission decisions typically released by May 2025. However, if you're applying to Oxford, Cambridge, or for highly competitive programmes like medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science, you must apply much earlier, by 15 October 2024, with decisions announced around January 2025. For postgraduate programmes, deadlines vary across universities, but they generally fall between January and July 2025. Once you apply, you can expect a decision within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the university and course.
