Study in UK: Timeline for September 2023 Intake

Overseas students wishing to apply for higher education in the UK should note that there are generally three available intakes - Fall or September intake, Winter or January intake, and Summer or May intake. The majority of foreign nationals like to get themselves enrolled for the September intake as during that time almost all the institutions in the country are open for admission and offer a wide variety of academic programmes which one can choose from. Also, students are offered the maximum scholarships and other financial assistance for the September intake.

The article explains the step-by-step procedure that prospective applicants should follow before applying for a university/college in the UK.

• Prepare for required standardised tests like GMAT, GRE, UKCAT, TOEFL or IELTS - depending on the course and university.
  • Three months before the test date, register for GMAT/ register for GRE.
  • Register for TOEFL/ IELTS at least a month before the test date.
  • Take the required tests around April or May 2022 for the September 2023 intake. Plan for buffer time in case you need to retake the test. Check test-taking and re-exam processes and guidelines.
  • While you are preparing for tests, make sure that you start your preliminary work on resume, SOP, letters of recommendation, etc.
• Start early and by August 2022, shortlist 8-12 universities that you will apply to. Visit university websites and note application requirements, deadlines etc. You should also be prepared with complete information on your finances/ scholarships/ loans.
• Start working on the UCAS admission form (for UG courses) and individual college applications (for PG courses).
• Do some initial research on various accommodation options.

• Shortlist the colleges and prepare for your application. Think hard about what makes you unique as an applicant and sketch out your strengths and self-assessment.

• Contact your professors and direct managers for the required 2-3 reference letters. At least a month before your application deadline. Check the deadline timetable!
• Begin drafting your SOP and essays. Give a month’s time to structure these documents properly.
• Apply before the deadline!

• Do not delay replying to college e-mails.
• Appear for personal/video interviews. These are scheduled around January to March 2023.
• Once you get acceptance letters, make your decision as soon as possible.
• Depending on the deadline, notify the universities of your decision.
• You would need to pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm your admission.

• Search for and begin applying for external scholarships (if applicable).
• Apply for a student loan, after you get your acceptance letter.
• Gather paperwork for your student visa.
• Apply for your student visa in time. Keep in mind the time taken for visa processing!

• Book airline tickets.
• Arrange for an International Debit/Credit card.
• Collect all the documents and their photocopies, to take along.
• Check out the UK Student Visa checklist.

The table given below will provide you a brief overview of the UK September intake 2023. Students must note that these dates provide you with a broad picture. For exact dates, you must check university websites.

Students, who wish to pursue undergraduate course from the UK, need to apply through UCAS. The following table provides you UCAS deadlines for September 2023 intake: