Planning to study in a UK university to further your career? It’s just the right time. UK universities offer multiple intakes in January, May, and September. Each intake has application submission deadlines and different available courses.
You can choose from various universities that rank at the top of the list. But with so many universities to choose from, it can be confusing and stressful.
Major Intake in UK 2026
The UK universities and the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS) offer 2 intakes – September & January. Both of these intakes attract thousands of international students annually.
Some colleges also offer May intake courses in the UK that also attract students who missed out on Major intakes.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Upcoming UK Intakes | Time Frame | |
|---|---|---|
| January Intake or Winter Intake | January to April | June to September |
| May Intake or Summer Intake | May to August | January to March |
| September Intake or Fall Intake | September to December | February to May |
Winter/January Intake in the UK 2026
The January/Winter Intake 2026, is the secondary intake in the year. The January intake is for those students who missed the September intake.
However, fewer courses and universities are typically available during the January intake in UK. As the January intake gets less international student applications, they provide a more personalized onboarding experience.
List of universities for January intakes in UK 2026:
| January Intake Universities | Campus |
| Canterbury Christ Church University | Canterbury, England |
| Bournemouth University | Poole, England |
| Elizabeth School of London | London, England |
| Global Banking School (GBS) | London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | Glasgow, London |
| London Metropolitan University | London, England |
| Middlesex University London | Hendon, North London |
| QA Higher Education | London, England |
| Regent College London | London, Holborn, Wembley, and Harrow |
| University of Wales Trinity Saint David | London, England, Birmingham |
| University of East London | London, England |
| University of Hull | Hull, England |
| University of Greenwich | London and Medway |
| Ulster University | London and Birmingham |
| University of Glasgow | Glasgow, Scotland |
| University of Wolverhampton | Wolverhampton, England |
| University of Sunderland | Sunderland, UK |
| Coventry University | London, England |
| University of Nottingham | Nottingham, England |
Summer/May Intake in UK 2026
The May/Summer intake in UK is the least preferred enrolment method for international students. However, the May intake in UK 2026 works well because it presents an excellent opportunity for students who want more flexibility.
The May intake course in the UK allows students to start their studies in the middle of the year. But with this flexibility also comes a limitation. Only a handful of universities offer courses and degree options during Summer/May intake.
Here’s a list of universities that offer Summer/May intake:
| May Intake Universities | Campus |
| Canterbury Christ Church University | Canterbury, England |
| Bournemouth University | Poole, England |
| Elizabeth School of London | London, England |
| Global Banking School (GBS) | London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | Glasgow, London |
| London Metropolitan University | London, England |
| Middlesex University London | Hendon, North London |
| QA Higher Education | London, England |
| Regent College London | London, Holborn, Wembley, and Harrow |
| University of Wales Trinity Saint David | London, England, Birmingham |
| University of East London | London, England |
| University of Hull | Hull, England |
| University of Greenwich | London and Medway |
| Ulster University | London and Birmingham |
| University of Glasgow | Glasgow, Scotland |
| University of Wolverhampton | Wolverhampton, England |
| University of Sunderland | Sunderland, UK |
| Coventry University | London, England |
| University of Nottingham | Nottingham, England |
Fall/September Intake in UK 2026
The September or the Fall Intake in the UK is the most preferred enrolment choice for international students. As the Fall intake falls right around the traditional academic year, it attracts more applications from international students.
The September intake in UK 2026 is ideal for students as colleges offer several programs and degrees. Here’s a list of universities that are available for Fall intake:
| September Intake Universities | Campus |
| Canterbury Christ Church University | Canterbury, England |
| Bournemouth University | Poole, England |
| Elizabeth School of London | London, England |
| Global Banking School (GBS) | London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | Glasgow, London |
| London Metropolitan University | London, England |
| Middlesex University London | Hendon, North London |
| QA Higher Education | London, England |
| Regent College London | London, Holborn, Wembley, and Harrow |
| University of Wales Trinity Saint David | London, England, Birmingham |
| University of East London | London, England |
| University of Hull | Hull, England |
| University of Greenwich | London and Medway |
| Ulster University | London and Birmingham |
| University of Glasgow | Glasgow, Scotland |
| University of Wolverhampton | Wolverhampton, England |
| University of Sunderland | Sunderland, UK |
| Coventry University | London, England |
| University of Nottingham | Nottingham, England |
How to Apply for Major Intakes in UK in 2026?
It can be hard for international students to apply for major intakes without proper information. Here are the steps students should follow:
- Shortlist Courses
The first step is research. Research the official website for universities and programs that match your academic needs.
- Understand your Entry Route
There are 2 ways to enroll in your dream university:
- Standard Entry – Standard entry works for students that have qualifications (A-levels) or any other similar requirement. All you need to do is visit the university website to find out about specific entry requirements.
- Non-Standard Entry – This method is for students who do not have a conventional academic profile (A-levels).
- Review Entry Requirements
Each university has specific entry requirements (academic qualifications, English language tests, and other tests).
- Finalize Application Documents
Based on the university requirements, collect all the necessary documents (academic transcripts, LOR, statement of purpose, and proof of English language proficiency).
- Submit Application
Fill up the application carefully, submit it before the deadline. Each university has different deadlines, so make sure you submit the application before the deadline.
- Funding & Scholarship Programs
If you’re in need of funding & scholarship programs, then you should apply for that as well before the deadline.
- Attend Interview
Some courses & universities may require you to take an interview. Once your interview is complete, wait for the university to notify you of their decision.
- Visa Application
Once you get accepted into the university, apply for a student visa. If you’re facing issues, you can contact MYiO officers for support.
Frequently Asked Questions for UK Intake
- How many intakes happen in the UK?
There are 3 intakes that happen in the UK – September, January, and May intake.
- Term 1 – September to December
- Term 2 – January to April
- Term 3 – April to June
- When can I apply for the fall intake in UK in 2026?
The first application for the intake in 2026 is between January to April.
- Which intake in the UK is the best?
The September intake/fall intake in the UK is the most preferred academic slot by international students as most colleges offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses. More than 80% of aspirants prefer the September intake.
- Is IELTS required for getting admission in the UK?
Yes. IELTS is required to study in the UK. IELTS is one of the most used English language proficiency tests. Each university demands a different IELTS score to get enrolled.
- Can international students do internships in the UK?
Yes. Some of the top universities in the UK provide internships in the UK for international students along with the course. You should research this before you make a final decision.
