Intakes in UK: Winter, Spring and Fall for Indian Students in 2025

The UK is one of the most sought-after destinations for higher studies among international students. You must be amazed to know that more than 1.1 lakh Indian students have already moved to the United Kingdom for their higher studies. Oh yes, you can be one of them! Needless to say, India is one of the biggest sources of international students moving to the UK every year. If you plan to Study in UK, you should know about the intakes in UK. 

How Many Intakes Are There In UK? 

Normally, there are 3 UK intakes popular among Indian and international students for studying undergraduate (Bachelor’s) and graduate (Master’s) programmes. They are:

• January or February intake, also called Winter intake 
• April or May intake, often called Spring intake
• September or October UK intake, called the Spring intake

Of the 3 UK intakes, the January and September intakes are the most common sessions for international students. Although one of the important intakes in UK is the May intake, which is also known for short-term programmes with a limited number of colleges/universities participating in it.  

A Brief About Three Intakes in UK for Indian Students

When you have decided to move to the United Kingdom for your higher studies, understanding the intakes in UK is one of the most crucial things for making an informed choice about your successful academic journey. As discussed above, the UK intakes are of 3 types, where most UG and PG students choose to get admitted to their dream universities. Here is a quick snapshot to help you choose the right intake in UK based on your readiness and preferences. 

Check Available Intakes in UK!

Things To Remember

It is essential to know that the availability of the UG and PG courses may vary depending on the college or University you choose, and some programmes may only have 1 intake in a year. Thus, you should check with the university or your course availability for each UK intake. There is also a third intake called the Summer intake in the UK, which starts in June and ends in August, and is available for specific programs. However, the other two intakes in the UK are more popular than the third one. 

UK Intakes: Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of each intake in UK for Indian students planning to move to the United Kingdom for their higher studies. 

Overall, international students should consider their academic objectives carefully. They should also see their conditions, and the availability of the programs (UG or PG), whichever they are applying for, when deciding on the ideal intakes in UK for their further studies. 

Top Five Universities in the UK Accept Admission On January Intake

Many top colleges and Universities in the United Kingdom call for admission in January every year, which is often called the winter intake. If you want to explore the Jan intake universities in UK, then this table will help you out. Also, highlighted the UK and world rank of the particular university. Let’s explore!

Top Five Universities in the UK Accept Admission On September Intake

These top universities in the United Kingdom typically open applications in September–October every year. September intake is called autumn or fall intake in UK, with deadlines ranging from January to June, depending on the UG or PG programme and level you choose. If you don’t find your favourite January intake universities in uk, you can try one of these universities that offer admission in the fall or autumn intake. Let’s have a look!

Top Five Universities in the UK Accepting Admission for May Intake 

Many top Universities in the UK offer admission in May every year. This intake is often called the Spring intake in UK. Spring or summer intake, which is also called May intake, is the third most preferred intake in the UK’s universities for international students. Let’s see some of the top May intake universities in UK at a glance.  

Which Intake in the United Kingdom Should You Choose?

This is an important question when you move to the UK for your higher studies. Which intake in the UK should you choose as an international student? Here is a quick guide to help you decide which are the best intakes in UK for you.

Requirements for admission for the UK intakes

Regardless of the UK intakes you choose, the following are some of the important documents required for admission to any university in the United Kingdom.

• Academic scorecards
• Valid passport
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendation
• English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PET, or other)
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Work experience is desirable (not mandatory)
• Portfolio is desirable for art/design courses (not mandatory)

Timeline of Application 2025 - 2026

Summing It Up

You need to understand the intakes in UK first, which intake is better for you, and whether you get your course in that intake or not. Also, it is essential to plan your higher education journey at least five to six months before the session starts. Each intake in the United Kingdom has its pros and cons that we have discussed here. This blog will help you select the best intake in the UK for your programme. If we compare each intake with others, it can be said, the September intake remains the best intake for most international students because of its comprehensive programme selection as well as resources.

If you are not sure about which intake in the UK would be best for your programme, or have questions about selecting the University, course, or other about your study abroad journey, feel free to talk to us. With the help of Education Vibes, one of the leading and most trusted study abroad consultants, more than 98 per cent of Indian students were able to choose the best intakes in the UK and presented their full and correct application for visas. Now, it’s your turn!

Start your academic journey in the UK with Education Vibes today! Look no more!