Choosing the right intake for your studies in the UK is a crucial decision that can impact your academic journey, career opportunities, and overall experience. While the September intake is the most popular, the January intake is becoming increasingly common among international students. But which one is the better option for you?
In this guide, we’ll compare both intakes, covering advantages, challenges, deadlines, university options, and career prospects, helping you make an informed decision.
1. Overview of Intakes in the UK
UK universities typically offer two major intakes for international students:
📌 September Intake
- Main intake at almost all universities
- Offers a wider range of courses and scholarship options
- Provides better internship and placement opportunities
- Application deadlines: Between January – June
📌 January Intake
- Offers fewer courses but provides a second chance to apply
- Less competitive admissions due to fewer applicants
- Application deadlines: Between June – November
Some universities also offer a May intake, but it is very limited in terms of course availability.
2. Pros and Cons of September vs. January Intake
✅ September Intake: Pros & Cons
✔ Wider Course Availability – Almost all universities offer courses in this intake.
✔ Better Scholarship Opportunities – Many scholarships are aligned with the main intake.
✔ More Internship & Placement Options – Universities collaborate with industries for career prospects.
✔ More Student Activities – Join clubs, societies, and networking events from the beginning of the academic year.
❌ Highly Competitive – More students apply, making admission tougher.
❌ Early Deadlines – You need to apply early (around January to June).
🔗Guide to UK universities for September intake
✅ January Intake: Pros & Cons
✔ Less Competition – Fewer applicants mean higher chances of acceptance.
✔ Extra Preparation Time – If you missed the September deadline, you get more time to prepare.
✔ Faster Admission Decisions – Processing times are often quicker.
❌ Limited Course Options – Not all universities offer courses in January.
❌ Fewer Internship & Placement Opportunities – Many companies recruit in September.
❌ Shorter Academic Year – You may have to catch up with students from the previous semester.
🔗 UK universities offering January intake
3. Universities Offering September & January Intakes
Here’s a list of top universities offering both intakes, with tuition fees ranging between £12,000 – £22,000 per year.
| University | September Intake | January Intake | Estimated Fees (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Leeds | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | £20,000 – £22,000 |
| University of Glasgow | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | £18,000 – £22,000 |
| University of Strathclyde | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | £16,000 – £20,000 |
| Coventry University | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | £15,000 – £19,000 |
| University of Hertfordshire | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | £14,000 – £18,000 |
| University of West London | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | £12,000 – £16,000 |
🔗 Full list of UK universities offering January and September intakes
Which Intake Should You Choose?
The right intake depends on your academic goals, preparedness, and career plans.
✅ Choose September Intake If:
✔ You want access to a wider range of courses and scholarships
✔ You prefer more internship and placement opportunities
✔ You want to experience the full university lifestyle from the beginning
✅ Choose January Intake If:
✔ You missed the September deadline and don’t want to wait a whole year
✔ You prefer less competition and faster admission decisions
✔ You need more time to prepare for visa applications and funding
🔗Step-by-step guide to applying for UK universities
Final Thoughts
Both January and September intakes have their own advantages. If you’re looking for more options, better internships, and a full student experience, the September intake is the best choice. However, if you missed the September deadline or need extra preparation time, the January intake is a great alternative.
The most important thing is to plan ahead, check university deadlines, and apply on time to secure your place in a UK university. No matter which intake you choose, the UK offers world-class education and career opportunities for international students.
