Well-known for having renowned higher-education institutions, the United Kingdom is an ultimate favourite destination for international students. If you’re planning on studying in the UK, then you need to plan your stay prearrival and be fully aware of the university intakes in the country. Applications for admission to a wide range of programmes provided by UK institutions are accepted during these intakes; the UK has three university intakes. Read on to learn more about them.

1. Autumn Intake

Autumn intake, or Fall intake, is the main intake of UK universities. It begins in September and ends in October. Universities offer admission to a wide range of programmes during this intake and receive a large number of applications as well.

2. Winter Intake

The Winter intake is the second preferred intake in the UK. Students who were unable to apply during the Autmun intake can study in the UK during the winter or January intake. In comparison to the fall intake, the winter intake offers fewer course selections. It starts in January and ends in February.

3. Summer Intake

The Summer or Spring intake is the least popular intake, with only a small number of applications. This intake usually begins in April and ends in May. It offers a limited number of university and programme options. 

Which Intake to Choose?

Students who are unable to enrol in September may apply for January admissions. In terms of course volume, some may argue that the September intake is much better than the January intake. Of course it is the most sought after of all the UK intakes, but certain universities also offer outstanding programmes for the January intake. Based on the following criteria, you can determine which intake best suits you: 

• The availability of your preferred course

• The time it will take you to prepare your documentation

• Your academic achievements

• Your scores on the entrance exam

• The university's acceptance rate

• Your financial resources

• Your willingness to attend university

How to Prepare for Intakes in the UK?

1. Start Now

Shortlisting courses and universities based on your academic profile and preferences is the first step in the application process. Students can use AI-Course Finder to shortlist courses and institutions, develop a list of universities where they are most likely to succeed, and organise their application process.

2. Gather Information

The next step is to collect information about admissions requirements, acceptance rates, and deadlines. Learn the exact deadlines for the universities and institutions in the UK to which you intend to apply. 

3. Crack the Exams

Depending on the university and programmes, students must take IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or GRE/GMAT/LNAT/BMAT/MAT as the third step in the application procedure for UK universities. Students may be required to submit SAT or ACT exam scores at various universities. The Duolingo Test is a new addition to English proficiency examinations that allows students to take the exam from the comfort of their own homes and is accepted all over the world.

4. Organize the Documents

Arrange the necessary documents for your application before the due date and start your application process. 

What Are the Required Documents for Admission Intakes in the UK?

Candidates applying for universities in the UK must prepare and arrange various supporting documents. Below are some of the most common and required documents for international candidates applying to the best universities in the UK:

• Academic transcripts

• Financial stability evidence

• Evidence of proficiency in the English language

• A correctly completed application form

• Recommendation letters

• UK student visa

• Statement of purpose

• CV/resume

• Scorecard of needed examinations such as GMAT or GRE

That’s all folks! We’re guessing that now you have a pretty good understanding of the UK university intake process. Now, start planning what you’ll do after arriving in the UK as an international student.