To every student planning to study in the UK, it is essential to understand the university takes and their admission process. There are two major intakes in the UK: September and January. Some UK universities have their specific intakes. For most of the UK universities, the September Intake is primary, and the January Intake is Secondary. The September Intake in the UK is also known as Fall and ends in December. The January Intake, on the other hand, is great for students planning to study in a UK university without any academic gap.
Let’s dive in and understand the difference between September and January Intake in UK.
What is the Difference Between September and January Intake in the UK?
Universities in the UK offer admissions in two intakes; September/ Fall and January/ Winter. Yes, there are others as well having different intakes, mostly in April/ May. Here’s a table highlighting the major differences between the September and January intakes in the UK.
| Intakes | September/ Fall | January/ Winter |
| Duration | 3 to 4 Months | 4 to 5 months |
| UCAS Deadline | 31st January | June to September |
| Nature | Primary | Secondary |
| Details | This is the most popular among international students. UK Universities offer admission to major courses and flagship programs in the September intake | This intake is considered as a backup opportunity, especially for those who have missed the primary intake. |
Why is September Intake More Important Than January?
Considering the big difference in the number of admissions in September and January intakes, a lot of students ask why the former is more important for students and universities. The answer is simple;
- September intake marks the beginning of admissions in most UK universities.
- Moreover, the September intake aligns with the academic calendar of Western countries, and Asian as well.
- This ensures smoother transition for international students to apply for admission in the UK.
Top UK Universities like Cambridge, Oxford, ICL, etc. Surely have a low acceptance rate and the admission process is also challenging. These universities too offer admission to major courses in September, considering the above listed factors.
How to Apply for September Intake?
Every aspirant planning to study in the UK via September intake must know all about the university’s admission process, application deadline, eligibility criteria, and other related details. Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply for the UK September intake.
- Make a list of universities offering admission to the course you wish to study. Visit the university or UCAS website. Check the entire admission process, eligibility requirements, and tuition fees.
- Organize all the required documents. Admission to UK universities requires valid score in an English proficiency test, like IELTS, PTE, DUOLINGO, etc. A better score in these tests will surely enhance your admission chances and will smoothen the visa process as well.
- Understand the application deadline. It is crucial that you submit your application before the deadline. The last date to apply for the September intake is mostly 31st January. Applicants must ensure that they are aware of all the admission-related dates.
- After successfully submitting your application, wait for approval. UK universities either offer a Conditional Offer Letter or an Unconditional Offer Letter. In a Conditional Offer Letter, applicants must meet the conditions asked for by the university. It is important to timely draft an email to the university so that your seat is reserved.
- After receiving your Conditional Offer Letter, you can move forward with the visa process, and accommodation booking.
How to Apply for January Intake?
Students planning to apply for the UK January intake can follow the below listed step-by-step guide to successfully complete their application process.
- Start your research about the course and the universities offering it in January intake. You either search on the internet or visit the university’s official website and look for the course and its admission process.
- Appear for the English proficiency tests, like IELTS, DUOLINGO, PTE, or TOEFL. Make sure to secure 70% of above in these tests. A good score in these tests will enhance your overall profile.
- Make a list of all the documents and start working on them. You must have the following documents: Matriculation certificate, Class 12 marksheet and passing certificate, SOP, LOR, essays, and official academic transcripts.
- Fill out the admission form and submit all these documents. Pay the application fee, which is £490 for international students.
- Wait for your offer letter. UK universities usually take 2.5 to 3 weeks to confirm the offer letter. You will either receive a Conditional or Unconditional Offer Letter. Students receiving a conditional letter will have to fulfill all the required conditions before a specific date given by the university.
- After receiving your Conditional Offer Letter from a UK university, you can move forward with the Visa, accommodation, and flight booking processes.
UK September Intake Universities
Here’s a list of the top UK universities offering admission to major courses in September intake.
| Aston University | University of London |
| Brunel University | University of Liverpool |
| Birmingham City University | University of Manchester |
| Coventry University | University of Hertfordshire |
| Kings College London | University of Leeds |
| Kingston University | Oxford University |
| Kings College London | University of Portsmouth |
| University of Birmingham | University of Reading |
| University of Bradford | University of Surrey |
UK January Intake Universities
Here’s a list of the top UK universities offering admission to major courses in January intake.
| Cambridge University | University of Sheffield |
| Imperial College London | University of York |
| University College London | University of Nottingham |
| University of Edinburgh | University of Southampton |
| University of Glasgow | Durham University |
| University of Bristol | Newcastle University |
| University of Bath | University of South Wales |
| Loughborough University | University of Strathclyde |
| Cardiff University | University of Hull |
*Note – The above division of universities in September and January intake is done based on maximum applications received to the university in the given intake. Out of these, some universities offer admission in both intakes.
Affordable Student Accommodation in UK
Once you have successfully received your unconditional offer letter and student visa, it’s time for you to book your accommodation. Student accommodation in the UK fills up fast, so you must book early in order to secure the right property. Below we have listed the top 10 student accommodation in Manchester, Birmingham, and London, the top three UK cities.
Accommodation in Manchester
Here are the top 10 Manchester student accommodations.
- First Street Residence
- River Street Tower Residence
- Vita Student First Street
- Iconinc Manchester City
- IQ Manchester Gardens
- iQ Wilmslow Park
- IQ Kerria House
- Sir Charles Groves House
- 121 Prince Street
- Hollingworth House
Accommodation in Birmingham
Here’s a list of top 10 Birmingham student accommodation.
- Mary Sturge Residence
- Pershore Junction
- Bridge Street Studios
- Vita Student Pebble Mill
- Pebble Mill Residence
- Belgrave View
- Duncan Smith House
- IQ Studios 51
- IQ Penworks House
- The Old Fire Station
Accommodation in London
Here’s a list of the 10 most trusted student accommodation London.
- Chapter Old Street
- Scape Mile End Canalside
- Spitalfields Residence
- Chapter Lewisham
- Chapter Southbank
- Dashwood Studios Residence
- Vita Student Lewisham Exchange
- IQ Will Wyatt Court
- Grand Felda House Residence
- Hackney Wick Park Residence
Conclusion
That’s all about the September and January intakes in the UK. Every student planning to study in a UK university, domestic or international, must know all about these intakes and the universities offering them. The deadline for the UK September intake is generally 31st January, and for the January intake, it is 31st July. Students must visit the university and UCAS website to become familiar with the deadlines and other important dates.
