Study Abroad Intakes Explained: When to Apply for January, May and September
An "intake" is the month a course starts. Missing your intake by even a few weeks can mean waiting four to six months for the next one, so it helps to plan backwards from the start date.
Main intakes by country
| Country | Main intakes | Smaller intakes |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | September (Fall), January (Winter) | May (Summer), for some programmes |
| Australia | February and July | November and others, for some courses |
| United Kingdom | September and January | May and others, for some courses |
The September intake (and February in Australia) usually has the widest choice of courses and scholarships. Smaller intakes can be a good option if you are not ready in time, but fewer courses are on offer.
A month-by-month plan
Count backwards from your course start date:
- 10 to 12 months before: shortlist countries and courses; start IELTS or PTE preparation.
- 8 to 10 months before: take your English test; prepare your statement of purpose and documents.
- 6 to 9 months before: apply to universities or colleges. Popular courses fill early.
- 4 to 6 months before: accept your offer, pay the deposit and arrange your funds.
- 3 to 4 months before: apply for your visa. Processing times vary by country and season.
- 1 to 2 months before: book travel and accommodation.
Common mistakes
- Taking the English test too late and missing application deadlines.
- Arranging funds at the last minute. Some countries expect funds to be held for a set period before you apply.
- Applying for the visa in the busiest weeks without allowing for longer processing.
Plan your intake with us
Not sure which intake is realistic for you? Book a free profile check with Literatus Academy. We look at your education, test scores and budget and suggest a timeline for Canada, Australia or the UK.