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The UK is divided into England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These countries have world-class universities that make the UK a topmost choice for study. The educational curricula of these countries are now divided into different intakes or semesters.
Now, when planning to enroll in a course in any of these countries, you should know how many intake types there are and which would be best for your study goals.
The UCAS (The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and the universities in the UK focus mainly on three intake sessions- The September/October intake or Fall Intake, The January/February Intake or Winter Intake, and The May Intake or Summer Intake.
The January/February Intake or Winter Intake in the UK in 2024
The January Intake is also called the winter intake in the UK. It is the second most popular type of intake, and applications open for a certain number of courses. However, the options may not be much when compared with the September intake, some applicants prefer to take admission in this session.
Generally, universities open applications for this intake by June of the previous year, and that ends by September.
Process of Application
There are four steps for applying to The January Intake in the UK-
Apply Early- Planning to apply for the January 2024 intake in the UK? Well, it’s time to get started! Begin your university hunt around August 2023. During this period, dive into researching each university and what they require from applicants. Ensure you’re all set and kickstart that application process when ready. Your academic journey is just around the corner!
Take Language Proficiency Tests-
Here comes step two on your journey to applying to UK universities! You’ve got to tackle those Language Proficiency tests, like IELTS or TOEFL. Aim to take them around April or May. The cool part? You’ll get your results in just a week!
Once you’ve got those scores in hand, you’re ready to move on to the next step. Now, here’s a little secret: Some universities might offer their own English tests, so you can skip the IELTS or TOEFL if you prefer.
Keep in mind not every UK institution requires these language tests, but the majority do ask for one. So, make sure to check the requirements of your chosen university. You’re on your way to an amazing academic adventure!
Shortlist Your Universities-
Once you’ve aced those Language Proficiency tests, it’s time to reach out to your professors and ask for those valuable letters of recommendation. After that, write 2-3 Statement of Purposes (SOPs) that passionately express your intentions for admission.
This phase can be tackled between June and September, which perfectly aligns with the application timeline for the winter intake. So, gear up and make the most of this window to set your academic dreams in motion!
The final steps– Do not leave out the messages and emails reverted by universities you applied to. Sit for personal interviews in each university, whichever is conducted. Finally, notify your decision to the universities that are ready to give you admission.
September/October Intake or Fall Intake in the UK
This is the biggest intake in the UK. The majority of admissions are done in this intake. This intake remains the best for international students as you will get the maximum number of courses and universities to choose from. The application timeline for this intake generally opens in February and ends in May.
Process of Application for Fall Intake in the UK
Be an early bird– If you plan to pursue a course in the Fall Intake or September Intake in the UK in 2024, you must begin your research by the end of August 2023. Use this time to explore as much about your preferred universities and their eligibility requirements. Prepare yourself accordingly and start with the application process.
Get your IELTS/TOEFL test done– Start preparing to crack English Language Proficiency tests like IELTS/TOEFL and take them by January or February. You will get your scores in a week, and then you can proceed to the next steps.
Shortlist your universities to apply– Now, you must contact your professors to get a letter of recommendation. Prepare 2-3 SOPs to present yourself strongly to those universities. You should do this process between February and May as this intake’s opening and closing time.
Get ready to fly to the UK– Now that you have done everything successfully, you can pack your bag to fly to the UK.
To learn more about upcoming intakes in the UK for 2023-2024, click here.
Advantages of Different Intakes
Benefits of Winter Intake
- This intake is a ray of hope for those international students who missed the application deadline in the September or Fall intake.
- This intake is less competitive and makes it easy for international students to plan well and apply.
- Students have the time to catch up with sessions without taking a gap year.
Benefits of Fall Intake
- The September Intake is the primary and the most popular in the UK. Around 80% of applicants apply for this intake.
- Most universities open their applications for this intake.
- The enrollment process of this intake is designed to provide you with enough internship and career choices once you complete the course. This will help you to compete in an extremely competitive job market.
If you plan to apply to UK universities, you must strategically prepare your plan. A mere preparation won’t get you admission to any of the colleges or universities. Whether it’s English language test preparation making your SOP ready, or anything that will help you get admission, you need to know how to prepare for it and get it done in time. You can consult the Craydel team, which can successfully help you get admission to a UK university. For a consultation, you need to fill out our simple form.
