September Intake in UK 2025: Top Universities & Deadlines

Now, you must be thinking about how many times you are allowed to apply in the UK, so let’s first understand the total intakes over here.

There are three main intakes for university admissions in the United Kingdom: the September intake (autumn) and the January intake (winter). Some universities also offer a third intake, the May intake (Summer). Here's a detailed breakdown of these intakes:

NOTE: When planning to study in the UK, understanding these intakes and their associated application deadlines can help you make informed decisions about when to apply and begin your academic journey there.

For more information, you can contact our expert overseas education counsellors at any branch of Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC).

Now that we are about to discuss September intake in the UK, coming to the main section, let’s start by exploring what this intake actually is. Well, it is the most common period of the year everywhere. In the United Kingdom, the intake starts in late August or early September and lasts until May or June.

The September intake in the UK is the most advantageous because it allows plenty of time for research and preparation to apply for your courses. In contrast, intakes in January and May are much shorter, necessitating a shorter preparation period.

You might find it surprising, but the UK September intake, often referred to as the Autumn intake, is one of the most popular intakes for UK universities. It offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines.

When considering applying for this intake, you must prepare beforehand and submit your applications between February and May of the preceding year. Below are some reasons why UK Fall intake would be the best choice for you.

• Wide University Acceptance: The September intake in UK is widely recognised and accepted by most universities. This means you can apply to diverse educational institutions, opening up numerous academic paths for your higher education journey.

• Access to Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many scholarships, financial aid programs, and bursaries are readily available during the September intake in UK. Applying during this period increases your chances of securing financial assistance to support your studies here.

• Diverse Study Programs: Universities offer a comprehensive selection of study programs at the beginning of the September intake in UK. This ensures you have a broad spectrum of courses to choose from, aligning with your academic and career aspirations.

• Ample Preparation Time: Opting for the September intake in UK provides you with substantial time to meticulously research courses, plan your relocation, and complete all necessary steps for a seamless transition to studying in the UK.

• Smooth Transition from Previous Education: Students who conclude their high school or bachelor's degree in the spring often prefer the September intake as it allows them to maintain academic momentum without a prolonged gap. This continuity ensures a smooth transition from their previous education.

• Favourable Weather Conditions: Getting admission in September intake in UK means that you will experience relatively pleasant weather over here. This can be especially appealing for those from regions with unfamiliar cold winters. Choosing this intake helps avoid the potential shock of adapting to extreme climate differences.

• Enhanced Peer Interaction: The September intake in UK sees a significant influx of new international students. This provides ample opportunities to meet and interact with peers worldwide, fostering a diverse and enriching academic environment.

Therefore, opting for the UK Fall intake provides numerous benefits, from a wide range of university options and financial aid opportunities to ample preparation time and favourable weather conditions.

Now that you are well aware of stellar reasons to study here, let’s explore the Best September intake universities in the UK. Dive deeper into some of the best universities accepting Fall intake in UK, along with their notable offerings.

Renowned as one of the world's finest universities, the University of Cambridge secures the second spot globally. Founded in 1209 and granted a Royal Charter in 1231, it is the third oldest continuously operating institution.

It offers around 35 undergraduate and 126 postgraduate programs to domestic and international students. The university boasts over 150 academic departments, multiple faculties, and six schools. Cambridge provides cutting-edge facilities and extends various scholarship opportunities to international students, details of which can be found on their official website.

Established in 1096, the University of Oxford is globally's oldest English-speaking university. It comprises 39 semi-autonomous constituent colleges. Oxford excels in research, teaching, and resources within its stunning city backdrop.

Boasting a highly competitive environment, the university has an acceptance rate of 13 - 17%, motivating prospective students to discover their ideal courses and apply promptly.

Founded by Royal Charter in 1907, Imperial College London holds a prominent position in business, engineering, and medicine. Offering over 109 undergraduate programs and 168 postgraduate programs, the institution's independence since 2007 has further elevated its global standing.

Imperial College fosters a diverse academic atmosphere with 59% international student representation from 140 countries. It has an academic reputation of 98.3 and is noted for its exceptional educational outcomes.

Ranked 9th in the QS World University Ranking, UCL champions innovative thinking and houses a vibrant community of students. Hosting over 400 undergraduate programs and 500 postgraduate programs, UCL boasts 30 Nobel Laureates among its alums and is a leader in Research Excellence.

It is situated in the heart of London, and the university's international outlook is enriched by its 18,000 international students from over 150 countries, making it a culturally diverse place for international students.

Consistently within the top 50 globally, the University of Edinburgh ranks 22nd in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. Known for its interdisciplinary culture and entrepreneurial spirit, the university attracts students and scholars worldwide.

With a diverse student body of over 45,000 from 156 countries, Edinburgh has produced 19 Nobel Prize winners and nurtured excellence across various fields.

Aside from the above-mentioned top-ranked universities, there are more institutions for Fall intake in UK, such as the University of Manchester, King's College London, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the University of Bristol, and The University of Warwick.

Thus, top universities for Fall intake in UK offer unparalleled academic environments and a chance to immerse oneself in a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences.

Now that you have learned about world-class universities to apply to at the September intake in the UK, you should also consider whether you are eligible. The requirements mainly encompass some qualifications and documents, which can vary depending on the university and your chosen course.

Head over to the basic criteria that the majority of institutions expect prospective students to fulfil. 

• UCAS Application - If you are applying for undergraduate courses in the UK, you must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) platform to all its institutions. 

• Transcripts - You will be asked to show official transcripts or academic records/marksheets from your secondary or senior secondary school. These will show your performance and achievements throughout your schooling.

• Standardised Test Scores - Some standardised test scores, such as GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education), A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications), or equivalent qualifications, are necessary, but it depends on your chosen course and institution. 

• Letters of Recommendation - Universities also ask for Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from teachers and mentors who can explain your academic abilities, character, and suitability for the chosen course. 

• Essay or Personal Statement - Several universities require you to submit an essay or personal statement for the application as it articulates your motivations, aspirations, academic interests, and relevant experiences. Admissions officers can use it to learn more about your goals, personality, and course suitability.

Therefore, you must understand your desired universities' specific requirements and eligibility criteria. Some additional requirements include proof of English proficiency.

Knowing deadlines is quite important as you can make all your necessary preparations beforehand. Completing your application process along with full documentation before the deadline is paramount.

The deadlines for master's programs in the UK vary depending on the university and program, as the application portal accepts applications online. You should apply at least 3 months before the program's start date to allow for visa processing, financial aid applications, and housing arrangements in the UK.

To apply for bachelor's programs in the UK, use UCAS, a centralised university application portal that allows you to apply for multiple programs simultaneously. Check out the important UK September intake deadline that you should be aware of if you want to apply via UCAS:

• Most medical, dental, and veterinary science programs at Oxford, Cambridge, and other universities require applications by mid-October 2023.

• The deadline for UCAS applications to be treated equally is January 31, 2024.

• Applications received after June 30, 2024, will be forwarded to clearing.

• UCAS applications have a final deadline of September 30, 2024.

• The September intake deadline for adding clearing choices in the United Kingdom is mid-October 2024.

Given their limited time, international students should begin preparing early to apply for the September intake. The admissions timeline for the UK Fall intake in the targeted universities is listed here, and it must be followed each month for a successful application.

Now that you know the benefits of September intake in UK, let's understand some crucial steps to ensure a smooth admission process to apply for the same. Here's a concise breakdown of the necessary actions to take:

Thorough research is key to finding the right course and university for your academic goals. Consider factors like the program's curriculum, faculty, location, and overall reputation of the institution.

Preparing for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT is crucial, especially for international students to get into their desired universities, as these scores often serve as prerequisites for admission. Hence, starting early preparation allows you to retake exams if required.

Your application is your opportunity to showcase your qualifications and interests. Thus, make sure to provide accurate information and ensure all required documents are submitted.

Several different universities have varying application processes. Some might use UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), while others might have their own application portals. You must carefully follow their instructions.

You can easily get university offers if you have followed proper instructions and have a strong academic background. However, if you get offer letters from multiple universities, you must evaluate each offer based on the conditions and your preferences. Conditional offers will require you to fulfil certain requirements before confirming your enrollment.

Some universities might conduct pre-CAS interviews to assess your suitability for the course. You must prepare for these interviews as they can influence your final offer.

Once you've decided on a university, you'll likely need to pay an initial deposit to secure your place in the program. This deposit is often deducted from your total tuition fees.

Alongside the tuition fees, The CAS is a virtual university document that confirms your acceptance and course details. You'll need this to apply for your student visa.

The student visa application process can be complex and time-consuming. Make sure to gather all necessary documents and follow the guidelines provided by the UK government's official visa application website.

Ultimately, you can navigate through the application process for September intake in UK, positioning yourself for a successful academic career by diligently following above mentioned steps.

 To conclude, the September intake in the UK is the best option for continuing your higher studies there. The intake will give you plenty of time to prepare yourself beforehand and adjust to your new university life. But bear in mind that September is the most popular academic year, and that means it will be harder to get into your preferred university. 

After researching the admissions requirements for the universities you wish to attend, you should begin the application process as soon as possible. We hope you found the blog informative. However, If you want more information about studying in UK as an international student, you can contact our expert counsellors at any Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC) branch. 

You can also take free online counselling through our website. Our expert counsellors will provide the best support and guidance regarding selecting an appropriate destination abroad from UK that fits your needs. For more information or any queries, mail us at application02@meridean.org or call us at our toll-free no. 1800-1230-00011. 

1. What is the deadline for the September 2024 intake in the UK universities?

Applications received after June 30, 2024, will be sent into clearing. The final deadline for UCAS applications is September 30, 2024. Additionally, the deadline for adding clearing choices for the September intake in the UK is in mid-October 2024.

2. When should I take the IELTS for the September 2024 intake?

You must schedule the IELTS exam several months before the September 2024 intake begins. Starting preparation around March or April of the previous year would allow sufficient time to attain your desired score.

3. When should I apply for the September intake?

For the September intake, it's advisable to apply between October and November of the year preceding your course start date. Early applications receive priority from the admissions team and allow ample time to arrange your student visa and travel plans.

4. What do you call the September intake?

Fall Intake refers to university admissions for courses starting between September and December. Here are some characteristics of the Fall Intake: Fall Intake runs from September to December. Every university offers courses during the Fall Intake. Furthermore, nearly all courses are available during the Fall Intake.

5. What is the accepted study gap for studying in the UK?

The UK accepts a study gap of up to two years for undergraduates and up to five years for postgraduates. Many students dream of studying in the United Kingdom because of its excellent education and universities. Despite this allure, students frequently worry about their study gap when considering studying there.

6. How long does September intake last?

The September intake spans from September to August the following year. This timeline provides students with ample opportunity to select and apply for a variety of bachelor's, master's degrees and other courses shortly after completing their term.

7. Which university in the UK has the lowest tuition fee?

Teesside University is well-renowned for its affordable tuition fees in the UK. With a total enrollment of approximately 28,000 students, it attracts international students from around 120 countries. The university boasts an 84% satisfaction rate.

8. Is it easy to get a UK work visa?

The difficulty of acquiring a UK work visa varies according to the type of visa and the specific requirements. Certain UK work visas are more difficult to obtain than others, and each has its own set of requirements. Typically, you must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor that meets the minimum skill and salary standards.

9. What if the CAS is rejected?

If your visa application gets turned down, you will need a new CAS number. Hence, if your application is deemed invalid or if you withdraw and reapply, you do not need a new CAS number.

10. Is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) required for a UK study visa?

No, a GIC is not required for a UK study visa. Thus, you must show that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for yourself and any dependents, as outlined in the immigration rules.