Every year, thousands of international students apply to study in the United Kingdom, and the September intake is the most preferred and popular option among them. Also known as the Fall Intake, it marks the beginning of the academic year in most UK universities and offers the widest range of courses along with scholarships and job opportunities.
What is the September Intake?
The September intake is the main admission cycle for UK universities. Most programs across different departments are offered during this time, which means students have a wider variety of courses to choose from. While January and May intakes are also available, they offer fewer course options and are usually considered backup options for students who miss the September deadline.
Why is September Intake Preferred?
There are several reasons why international students choose the September intake over others:
It aligns with the UK’s academic calendar.
Almost all universities open admissions during this period.
A wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available.
Students can access better scholarships and financial aid.
Internships and job opportunities are more accessible for those starting in September.
Students have enough time to complete entrance exams and documentation.
Application Process and Timeline
Planning ahead is crucial if you want to apply for the September intake. Ideally, your preparation should begin one year in advance.
Start by shortlisting universities and courses. Check their eligibility criteria, admission requirements, and deadlines. From June to December, register and prepare for English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or other required exams like GMAT or GRE.
By December, you should finalize your course and begin your application through UCAS or the university’s portal. From January to July, submit your application, write your Statement of Purpose (SOP), collect Letters of Recommendation (LOR), and upload academic transcripts.
After submitting your application, universities will begin sending offer letters from April onwards. Once you receive an offer, apply for your student visa and make travel arrangements between June and August.
Top Universities Accepting September Intake
Here are some of the top-ranked UK universities that accept international students in the September intake:
University of Oxford
Popular Courses: PPE, Law, Computer Science, Financial Economics, MBA
University of Cambridge
Popular Courses: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Economics, Machine Learning, MBA
Imperial College London
Popular Courses: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, Finance
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Popular Courses: Economics, Politics, Management, International Relations, Data Science
University of Edinburgh
Popular Courses: Law, Computer Science, Business, Artificial Intelligence, Public Health
Other Universities Offering September Intake
Apart from the above, many other well-known universities in the UK also offer September admission:
King’s College London
University of Nottingham
University of Leeds
University of Glasgow
University of Birmingham
University of Sheffield
University of Warwick
University of Law
University of Bristol
Newcastle University
University of South Wales
University of East London
London Metropolitan University
Buckinghamshire New University
University of Portsmouth
These universities provide a wide variety of programs in fields like business, law, engineering, IT, health, and social sciences.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the September intake, students must meet both academic and English language requirements.
For undergraduate courses, applicants must have completed higher secondary education (12th grade) with the minimum required percentage or GPA.
For postgraduate courses, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Some programs may require relevant work experience.
Proficiency in English is mandatory. Most universities accept scores from IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Some may offer exemptions if your previous education was in English.
How to Apply
Applications for undergraduate programs are submitted through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). It is the centralized platform for applying to most UK universities.
For postgraduate programs, applications are submitted directly through the university’s online portal. Each university sets its own deadline, so it's important to check their website and apply at least three months before the course start date.
What if You Miss the September Intake?
Missing the September intake is not the end of the road. You can:
Apply for the January or May intake (limited course options)
Take time to improve your language scores or academic profile
Apply again in the next September cycle
Use the time wisely to prepare better and increase your chances of admission in the next intake.
Scholarships for September Intake
UK universities offer several scholarships for international students in the September intake. These include:
Merit-based scholarships
Need-based scholarships
Course-specific scholarships
Country-specific scholarships
Some popular scholarship programs include:
Chevening Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships
University-specific grants and bursaries
To apply, students must meet the eligibility criteria and submit documents like academic records, SOPs, and proof of English proficiency. Many universities also offer tuition fee waivers for early applicants.
Final Words
The September intake in the UK is a golden opportunity for international students looking for quality education, global exposure, and career growth. With a wide range of programs, strong university reputation, and scholarship support, it's no surprise that nearly 80% of applicants aim for this intake.
But remember – the competition is tough. Start your preparations early, keep track of deadlines, and apply as soon as possible. With the right plan and timely action, your dream of studying in the UK can become a reality.
