Are you looking to study abroad? If so, there are a few things you need to do in order to prepare. First, you need to research your preferred universities and enhance your application. Then, you need to familiarize yourself with the study abroad intakes of your chosen university in the respective country. Keep in mind that there are a large number of students who apply to universities abroad every year, so the institutions offer more than one intake every year. By being aware of the study abroad intake information, you can better prepare yourself for the application process. Universities also offer multiple intakes throughout the year in order to give students more flexibility when it comes to deciding on a particular study abroad intake.
Let’s dive right in…
Different types of study abroad intake programs for international students
Many universities and colleges have two main intake periods - Fall and Spring. The Fall semester typically starts in September and ends in December, while the Spring semester begins in January and ends in May. Some schools also offer a minor intake during the Summer months, which usually starts in April.
If you have read this blog till now, you may be confused about what intake to apply for. It is always prudent to know if the particular intake has your desired course, and if it aligns with your needs. It is never too early to start thinking about your study abroad journey and begin the application process. We recommend you start your applications at least 10-12 months before the date of commencement of your program. This will give you plenty of time to fill out all the necessary paperwork and collect the required documents. If you want to apply for the fall semester, you can start the application process by May so everything is set by August.
| Basis | Fall Intake | Spring Intake |
| University | Available at all universities | May or may not be available. Depends from university to university |
| Acceptance | As a popular intake, the competition could get tricky | Since there is a limited intake, the competition may not be heavy. |
Fall Intake
The fall intake for universities usually commences in late August or September and concludes around late December. Many students prefer the fall intake because the academic year of many high-school or undergraduate students is completed in April. More students apply during the fall intake, which means there is higher competition and minimal chances of getting in. The acceptance rate for those applying in the fall is lower than for those applying in the spring. Institutional scholarships are mostly given on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are more scholarship funds available from the university for students who apply during the fall intake.
Spring Intake
The spring intake for universities usually begins in January and ends by the beginning of May. However, keep in mind that there are a few universities that may not offer the Spring intake option. If you're unsure, it's best to inquire with your preferred university directly. One positive aspect of applying for the Spring intake is that competition is less fierce. This is because not as many students prefer to opt for it. Consequently, the acceptance rate tends to be higher than the Fall intake. There are several reasons why universities have less funding available for scholarships during the spring semester. One reason is that many students who go for the spring intake already have an internship or job lined up after graduation, and thus don't need as much financial assistance. Additionally, since these students will be starting their studies in the middle of the academic year, there are fewer on-campus opportunities available to them.
Summer Intake
The summer intake at universities is a great opportunity for students to get ahead in their studies. Summer courses are typically shorter and more intensive than regular courses, so students can learn a lot in a short amount of time. Plus, with fewer students applying to summer programs, there are greater chances of getting accepted into the program of your choice. Applying for the Summer intake 2023 may be beneficial for these students because they will face less competition in admission.
Popular countries and their Intakes
What are the differences between fall and spring intake at an American university to an Australian or a Canadian university? It can be confusing to decide which country's intake is ideal for you, but knowing the key differences can help make your decision.
United States of America
The USA is a top destination for international students seeking higher education. With world-renowned universities and colleges, the US offers a wealth of opportunities for students from all over the globe. Fall and Spring are the most popular times to study in the US, with many schools offering a range of courses and programs to choose from. Top universities set their deadline as eight to twelve months before the commencement of programs.
United Kingdom
There are a number of colleges and universities in the UK that offer students the opportunity to study abroad. The first intake begins in January/ February, while the second intake begins in September/ October. However, the most popular time to study abroad in the UK is during the Fall intake, as this offers students the highest degree of competition as well as a wide array of internship opportunities.
Canada
If you're looking for world-class education and an opportunity to jumpstart your career, Canada is the place for you. With multiple intakes throughout the academic year and ample job opportunities, studying in Canada provides a solid foundation for your future success. So don't wait – apply now and start building your bright future today!
Australia
There are four main intakes for university study in Australia: February, July, September and November. The most popular intakes are in February and July when all universities offer their major courses and scholarships. However, the September and November intakes can be less competitive as not all universities offer their full range of programs to international students.
New Zealand
New Zealand is emerging to be a top destination for studying abroad, offering an excellent education system with internationally accredited qualifications and ample research opportunities. New Zealand usually has two study abroad intakes per year in January and July, though some Universities also offer multiple intakes in September and November. If you want to study in New Zealand, make sure to apply at least three months before the start of the semester. Many universities have a January intake, so you'll need to submit your application by November. Students interested in attending the July intake should submit their applications by May.
Though there are many intakes available to you as an international student, not every course would be available to you at such intakes. At AECC Global Philippines, we will assist you with the whole process of selecting the right intake, applying for the appropriate courses as well as the immigration paperwork.
