Study in the UK: Timeline for September 2023 Intake

Timeline for September Intake to Study in UK: Every September, during the September intake, a new academic year begins in the UK. Thousands of international students and aspirants start undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at more than 130 UK universities, and they have the option to select from more than 6,000 courses in a range of disciplines. With more than 30,000 students enrolled in various universities throughout the country, there has been a significant increase in the number of Indian students seeking admission to UK universities in recent years. 

Since the timeline for September intake to study in the UK coincides with the academic calendar throughout the world, the fall intake 2023 is appropriate for most aspirants. You may simply apply between December and March and arrive in the UK in time. The universities go all out to welcome you to the UK because this is the main intake.

The UK September intake 2023 deadlines, when to apply, the timeframe for applying to UK universities, and other details must all be known if you intend to study in the UK during the fall intake. Hence, if you are reading this article to study in UK in September intake, then buckle up your seat to get yourself ready to start your dream course.

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Overview of the Timeline for September Intake to Study in UK 

In the UK and several other countries, the academic year that is most frequently used is the September intake system. Usually, the intake starts in late August or early September and lasts until May or June. Students must submit their applications if they wish to study abroad in the UK.

The September intake in UK is the ideal option since it allows you plenty of time to research and prepare for your courses. Other intakes, such as those in January and May, are substantially shorter and may not provide you adequate time to prepare.

Here is the timeline to complete the application process for international students to know when to apply for the September intake in UK 2023: 

Note: Academic institutions offering courses during the September intake in UK will define their application deadlines and admission requirements for international students. Therefore, check the individual admission processes and requirements before applying to any university.

How Many Intakes are There in the UK?

In the UK, there are two major intakes: January/February and September. The following are the admission months for universities in the UK:

Timeline for September Intake to Study in UK

UK universities offer admissions to international students via different intakes each year. The first session begins in January/February and the second session begins in September/October. Check out the timeline for UK September 2023 Intake here:

Note: Applicants are advised to start preparing for admission as early as possible and submit all the required documents at the university before the deadline dates.

Step-by-Step Timeline for UK September (Fall) 2023 Intake

Refer to the step-by-step process for applying to the UK universities and know about the UK September intake 2023 deadline:

April - September 2022: Shortlist Universities

Once you have finalised the programme of study, start browsing through the courses and specialisations offered by various universities. Shortlist a few universities that cater to your academic needs and plan your application as follows:

• Check the admission requirements and eligibility criteria for the programme and university.

• Find suitable scholarships offered by the shortlisted universities.

• Check other details like international recognition of the course, post-study work permit in the country, and scope of studies such as employment opportunities and flexibility to work while studying in the country.

• Find out the exam requirements of the universities to which you wish to apply and start the process.

June - December 2022: Take Standardised Tests

Once you are sure about the university and course you want to apply to, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Take standardised qualifying exams such as SAT or ACT for bachelor's and GRE or GMAT for master's, based on the exam requirements stated by your shortlisted university and course.

• Prepare and appear for the standardised English proficiency tests such as IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo, as per university requirements.

• Ensure to prepare thoroughly for the tests to score well on the first attempt and save time.

• In case you are unable to score well on the first attempt, retake the test within the same period.

August - December 2022: Prepare Application Documents

Some mandatory documents must be submitted along with the application form, which includes but is not limited to:

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Standardised exam report

• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

• Copy of biographical page of passport

• Academic transcripts

• Proof of funds

• Student CV/ academic resume

• Research proposal, recordings, etc.

Note: As the submission of an application is a 30-45-minute-long process, it is suggested to keep the aforementioned documents handy before starting to fill out the application form.

December 2022 - July 2023: Fill Out Application Forms

All international applications are accepted online. As an international student, you must start filling out the application forms as early as possible so that there is enough time to apply for visa filing and travel preparation. The guidelines to submit the application form is as follows:

• Create an account on the official website of the university or UCAS, access the application form for specific courses and fill out the complete application form.

• Pay the application fee, upload all the supporting documents, and submit the form.

• Ensure to complete the application a few weeks before the deadline of the respective university.

Note: The ideal time to start submitting your application is in December. Generally, the final deadline for international application submission is July. So, it is suggested to complete the forms by April.

April - July 2023: Apply for Visa and Arrange Funds

Once the application is accepted by the university, you will be sent an offer letter from the university via email. Accept the offer letter and apply for a student visa. The steps are as follows:

• Before applying for a UK student visa, ensure to receive a valid offer letter from the university.

• Thoroughly check and accept the terms and conditions mentioned in the offer letter before accepting it.

• Keep checking the registered email ID for any updates related to the admission process.

• Start arranging the funds for tuition and living expenses. You can also apply for an education loan and check for university, course, or country-specific scholarships for international students during this period to receive financial aid.

July - August 2023: Plan Your Travel

• Once all documents are prepared you can book your tickets and plan your journey.

• You must also book campus accommodation or residential stay before arrival.

• Make sure to go through the travel guidelines and follow the instructions to ensure hassle-free travel and visit to the UK.

Note: The travel guidelines are strict due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Students planning for the 2023 intake must go through the updated information on country-specific vaccine requirements and follow the guidelines accordingly.

Check out the detailed video on the when to apply for September intake in UK 2023:

September Intake in UK 2023 Deadline

International students who want to apply for undergraduate admissions in UK universities are required to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Some of the postgraduate programmes in the UK may also be applied via the UCAS portal.

While deadlines for the majority of programmes vary with different courses and universities, UCAS deadlines are generally fixed. Refer to the important UCAS dates for UK September Intake 2023 deadline for international students:

While the application process usually begins 8 to 16 months before the commencement of the session, the closing deadlines to apply might differ. Therefore, it is recommended to confirm the application process and dates and apply well before the deadline.

Important UCAS Timeline for September Intake to Study in UK 

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK (UCAS) accepts international applications for undergraduate programmes. The UCAS deadlines for the September intake to study in the UK in 2023 are indicated here, however, these are the important dates to note when contacting your favourite university.

Note: Please keep in mind that after certain deadlines, some UK universities will accept international applications. Check with your university if you have missed the deadline.

Why is the Fall Intake Popular to Study in the UK?

Out of the two intakes, the Fall or the September Intake is the preferred one for international students in the UK. More than 80% of the students apply for admission in the September Intake in the UK universities as the largest number of students are enrolled in this term. Another reason for this is that more courses are offered this term.

Meanwhile, it is also important to note that because this intake is more popular, thousands of applications are received by universities from all over the world thereby increasing the competition. Hence, all international aspirants should prepare well in time and apply as soon as possible.

Popular Universities and Courses Available During September Intake in UK

The preparatory timeline for admissions to UK universities during the September intake usually begins around April, making it the right time to shortlist a few universities offering international courses. Listed below are some of the popular universities offering various graduate and undergraduate degrees in the September 2023 Intakes in UK:

List of UK Institutes Offering Undergraduate Admissions in September 2023 Intake

Check out the list of some of the popular universities offering highly renowned undergraduate courses along with annual fees for international students in the UK during the September intakes each year:

List of UK Institutes Offering Graduate Admissions in September 2023 Intake

Given below is the list of some popular universities and graduate courses offered by them along with annual fees for international admissions in the UK in September 2023:

Do’s and Don’ts for September Intake to Study in UK

Now that we have gained much-needed information and knowledge about the timeline for the September intake to study in UK, here are some do’s and don’ts that international aspirants must keep in mind for a successful application process:

Do’s 

• Begin your investigation as soon as possible. Be sure the university and course you choose are a good fit for your interests and professional aspirations.

• Begin preparing for your application as soon as possible. You will need time to gather all of the necessary documentation and write your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR).

• Customise your personal statement as per the university to which you are applying.

• Check your application to ensure that all of your information is correct.

• If you have any questions regarding the admissions process, please contact the institution or you can also write to our experts at abroad@collegedekho.com.

• Apply as soon as possible!

Don’ts

• Apply to a limited number of universities. After careful analysis, make a list of universities. When in doubt, always seek an expert.

• Personal statements and other materials should not be plagiarised. Check that all of the information in your application is correct.

• Do not let yourself get discouraged from applying for scholarships. It can help you save a lot of money.

• Try not to get too worked up about the deadlines. To keep ahead of your schedule, make a to-do list every day.

• Do not underestimate the significance of the English language. Your English proficiency exam results are extremely valuable to your entire profile.

How to Apply for UK Student Visa? 

If you live outside the UK, you may apply for a UK Student Visa as early as six months before your studies begin. Before submitting your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre in your country, you must start the online application on the UK Government website.

Your chosen university will send you a reference number known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS letter after they have offered you a seat on the programme. This number must be entered during your online registration. Depending on your country of residency, you will receive instructions on how to continue when you apply online.

UK Student Visa Processing Time

If you apply for a student visa for the UK September intake, you will get a verdict on your Student Visa application in around 3 weeks. If you apply from within the UK (switch to Student Visa), it will take around 8 weeks to receive a decision.

Document Checklist

The following documents are required when applying for a UK Student Visa:

• Your valid passport

• A CAS letter from your university for your course

• Proof you have enough financial funds to support yourself 

• ATAS certificate if applicable

• Criminal record certificate

• Proof of English Language proficiency scores

• Tuberculosis test results

• For students under 18:

  • Proof of parental consent

  • Proof of your relationship to your parent or legal guardian

• Any additional documents required during the application process

If you want to start your higher education in the UK, the September intake is the best option. It provides you with plenty of time to prepare for your classes and adjust to university life. However, keep in mind that the September intake timetable for studying in the UK is fairly lengthy and challenging, so getting into your first-choice university and reaching the UK September Intake 2023 deadline for application might be difficult if not begun on time. As a result, you must examine the admission requirements for your desired colleges and courses and begin your application process as soon as possible.

If you seek advanced guidance or counselling services for applying to a foreign university, write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com. Our experts will revert to you with the latest information and guidelines for the admission process.