According to recent data, 1,057,188 international students from around 210 countries had to move to the USA for their higher education, which is a 12% rise compared to the previous year. The country hosts some of the best universities in the world, offering students tremendous career growth. No matter what career you choose to enter in, the USA universities have an abundance of courses to support your dream career.
Moreover, the country offers three intakes to international students: Spring (January), Summer (May), and Fall (August). The fall intake in the USA is the most popular one. Therefore, in this blog, we will discuss the details of the Fall intake in USA.
Let’s check the details of the Fall Intake in USA 2025.
Fall Intake 2025 Application Deadlines | Between November - May |
---|---|
Starting Date of Classes | August 2025 |
End Date of Classes | July 2025 |
Popular Programs |
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Every year, the USA universities receive the highest number of applications during the Fall intake. Below, you can check the advantages of taking admission into the fall intake in USA.
In the United States, the academic year begins in the fall. Consequently, this is the period when most educational institutions offer their flagship programs. If you are willing to apply for rare courses, then this intake will definitely provide you with the course you want.
Fall admissions give students more financial aid, scholarships, and chances to succeed. Since the number of seats is highest during fall intake, students are more likely to get an offer letter, even from top-notch universities.
It's not the off-season, so finding internships and jobs after acceptance in the fall intake is comparatively simple. Many businesses open the recruiting process during that time, so even students can easily find on-campus jobs.
There is increased competition as more students enrol for the Fall intake and participate in a wider range of extracurricular activities and networking opportunities.
The fall season brings a plethora of exciting social and cultural activities. Enrollment during this time allows students to participate fully in these events and interact with a wide variety of domestic and international students.
Fall students can take advantage of summer programs and prerequisite courses, which can be essential for a successful academic career.
In the USA, international students have an option for the following three intakes, which are mentioned below.
The first is the Fall intake, which starts in August. It is one of the major intakes in USA for international students. Almost all universities in USA accept applications for all programs during this intake.
The Second intake is the Spring intake, which occurs in January. It is the second most popular intake in the USA. Not all universities accept applications during this intake, but various universities do. The application deadline for this intake falls between July and December.
The last one is the Summer intake in May. Students who miss the above two intakes may apply for this intake. Although only a few universities accept applications during this intake, there are higher chances of getting an offer letter due to the limited applications. The application for this intake falls in January to March.
In the US, the application process for the fall intake begins a full year in advance. This implies that you should start planning as early as 2025 if you wish to begin your academic journey in the fall of 2025. It is advised to begin by 2025 to avoid waiting until the last minute, given the scope and complexity of the tasks needed.
Most prestigious US universities offer courses in the fall semester. The following table lists a few of the best US institutions that accept applications for Fall semesters, along with their deadlines.
Universities | Deadlines |
---|---|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | November 1, January 1 |
Harvard University | November 1, January 1 |
Stanford University | January 5 |
University of California Berkeley | November 30 |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | November 1, January 3 |
Brown University | January 5 |
Texas A & M University | March 1 |
University of Minnesota | January 1 |
North Carolina State University | November 1 |
Colorado School of Mines | January 15 |
Cornell university | January 10 |
University of Michigan | April 1 |
Caltech | January 1 |
George Mason University | February 1 |
North Central University | Priority Deadline: November 1 Final Deadline: June 1 |
Northwestern University | November 1, January 3 |
Yale University | November 1, January 2 |
Boston University | January 19, March 15, July 15 |
Mississippi State University | May 1 |
University of South Florida | November 1, March 1 |
Before applying for the Fall intake in the USA, let’s get into the details of the top five universities in USA.
Situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is ranked third in the world. It is among the world's oldest universities for postgraduate education, founded in 1636. Harvard's exceptional track record of producing leaders across several fields sets it apart from other universities worldwide. Over 20,000 individuals are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs yearly. According to a poll, there are about 360,000 Harvard alumni worldwide. Harvard faculty members are dedicated to advancing human knowledge via their teaching and research initiatives.
Stanford University was established in 1891 in California and has 22,19 staff members and 16,424 students. Stanford has evolved throughout the past century. In addition to providing education, Stanford welcomes 150,000 visitors domestically and internationally annually. The university offers the greatest education available for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Financial help is also available for research studies, with Stanford being one of the best colleges in the United States. Higher education is offered in the following fields: business, engineering, law, medicine, and pharmacy.
The University of California was established with the honour and happiness of bettering the future of coming generations. The university's libraries are home to a vast collection of volumes that chronicle Berkeley's history beginning in 1868. With 184 departments and programs and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17.8 to 1, UC Berkeley is one of the best institutions in the United States. The UCB community has given out eight Nobel Prizes, and 23% of the students are first-generation college-goers. The university matches students' areas of interest for professional development in addition to teaching them. They boast that fewer than thirty students are in 71% of their classes.
With its founding in 1746, Princeton University is the fourth-oldest university in the country for higher education. USA's Princeton University is situated in New York. Princeton University provides an extensive array of events, activities, and clubs. The 500 acres of campuses are considered the most beautiful places in New York. It has roughly 180 structures, ten of which are libraries. Students in residential colleges have many options to get involved in extracurricular activities. The university offers a number of well-liked degrees, including Economics, Computer Hardware Engineering, and Public Policy Analysis.
MIT is a well-known university in USA. It was established to address the nation's industrial development and has always been open to new applicants with extraordinary subject matter expertise. Situated in Cambridge, the campus spans 166 acres. The school trains students in multitasking techniques, which open doors to employment and meet administrative needs for many US and international companies. The academic community is involved in teaching students how to work creatively and sensibly for company development. One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Cambridge is MIT, which is situated across the Charles River in a central plaza.
University Name | Courses | Fees |
---|---|---|
Harvard University |
BSC in Bioengineering BSc in Astrophysics BA in History and Science |
$54,032 - $61,768 |
Stanford University |
Bachelor of Public Policy Bachelor of Philosophy Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies |
$60,000-$80,000 (Annual) |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Economics and Data Science Bachelor of Science in Art and Design Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology |
$82,730 |
Brown University |
Bachelor of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies Bachelor of Arts in International and Public Affairs Bachelor of Arts in Business, Entrepreneurship and Organizations |
65,656 to 68,612 USD |
Cornell University |
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Chemical Biology Bachelor of Science in Physics |
$65,204 |
Princeton university |
BSC in Electrical and Computer Engineering BA in Politics BA in Geosciences |
$62,400 |
University of Michigan |
BSc in physics BA in Economics BSc in Engineering (Computer Engineering) |
$62,142 |
Caltech |
Bachelor of Science in Physics Bachelor of Science in Planetary Science Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering |
$60,816 |
Northwestern University |
BA in Creative Writing BA in Integrated science BSc in Learning Science |
$56,000 |
UC Berkeley |
BSc Aerospace Engineering Architecture BSc Data Science |
$32,574 |
Yale University |
BSc In Neuroscience BSc in Computer Science BSc in Electrical Engineering |
$67,250 |
University Name | Courses | Fees |
---|---|---|
Harvard University |
MA Public Administration MA Urban Planning MSc Clinical Service Operations |
$54,032 |
Stanford University |
Masters in Public Policy Master of Arts in History Master of Arts in Applied Physics |
$60,000-$80,000 (Annual) |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Master of Science in Management Studies Master of Science in Art, Culture and Technology Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics - Autonomy |
$82,730 |
Brown University |
Master of Public Affairs Master of Data Science Master in Science Technology Leadership |
65,656 to 68,612 USD |
Cornell University |
Master of Engineering in Engineering Management MEng in operation Research MSc in Food technology |
$29,500 |
Princeton university |
Master in Finance Master in Public Affairs Master in Public Policy |
$62,400 |
University of Michigan |
Master of Engineering in Automotive Engineering Master of Supply Chain Management Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering - Embedded and Mobile Systems |
$55,052 |
Caltech |
Master of Science in Applied Mechanics Master of Science in Materials Science Master of Science in Chemistry |
$63,402 |
Northwestern University |
MSc in Computer Science MSc in Engineering Management MSc in Chemical Engineering |
$56,000 |
UC Berkeley |
MSc Bioprocess Engineering MSc Biostatistics MSc City and Regional Planning |
$15,102 |
Yale University |
Master of Fine Arts in Design MBA Master of Public Health |
$48,300 |
To apply for the September intake in USA, it is essential to know the important dates. This will help you to submit your application on time. So, check the timeline to apply for the Fall intake in USA below.
Month | Description |
---|---|
June - September | Search for the best universities according to your course and prepare all required documents. |
October - January | Make the application at your preferred University. |
February - March | Get your offer letter from the University & apply for I20 |
April | Fill out your visa application form. (Form DS-160) Fill out CGI and pay the SEVIS fee. |
May - July | Appear for the Visa Interview |
July - August | Book your flight tickets to the US |
August | Fly to the US and enjoy your study abroad journey. |
Candidates must fulfil the university's basic requirements to apply for Fall Intake in USA. These requirements are as follows –
To study in USA, you must prove your proficiency in English for the English Taught Program.
To demonstrate their general aptitude for a specific course, students might have to submit the scorecard of the Standardise admission test. The scores help the admission committee evaluate the candidate's profile on a common ground. However, this score is required for certain courses only. Therefore, you are advised to visit the official university website to review the specific criteria for the university you are interested in.
You may check the highest regarded academic test with its required minimum score below.
A valid passport and student visa are prerequisites for international students wishing to enrol in Fall Intake in USA. Aspirants should schedule their studies in advance to receive the visa on time.
During the university application process, students are required to provide some of the essential documents to prove their academic qualifications and personal identity. Some of the most important documents which students must prepare before applying to US universities are:
Mark sheets (9th to 12th if applying for undergrad) (10th & 12th if applying for Masters)
Transcripts
Degree of Bachelor’s (if going for master’s)
GRE or GMAT scores (if required by the University for your course)
English proficiency score (like IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, etc.)
3 LORs (Letters of recommendation)
SOP (Statement of purpose)
Passport
Passport-size photographs
Proof of work experience or internship
Proof of funds
While applying for a US visa, international students must provide some important documents. The list of required documents is given below.
Passport (valid for at least 6 months from the visa date)
Appointment Letter
DS 160 Confirmation
SEVIS Fee Receipt
Passport-size photographs
Application fee payment receipt (CGI)
I20 form
Offer Letter
Academics (Degree, Mark sheets, Transcript)
Resume
GRE/ GMAT/ IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE/ DUOLINGO/ SAT scorecard
Work Exp letter (if any)
Financial Docs ( Proof of funds, Sponsor letter, Tax returns for past 3 years, Loan letter)
To apply to US universities in a timely manner, you need to undergo the following process in sequence:
The first thing to do is search for US universities that offer the courses you need to study that fall within your budget. While selecting a university, instead of looking for an overall ranking of the University, look for the course ranking for which you have to apply. Also, don’t forget to look for the scholarships available for international students at that University.
It is one of the most important steps in the process. Before applying to the university, you must collect all the necessary documents listed below. Also, appear for the English proficiency test and Standardised admission test accepted by the university or as per the course requirement. However, it is important to provide the original degree, whereas if the official degree is awaited, you can apply with a provisional degree certificate.
Apply to the university, and attach all the documents with the application. The university takes around 4 to 12 weeks to assess your profile and give an offer letter. For a smooth process, students must make an application by the end of January.
The Form I-20 is a certificate that proves you have enrolled in a US university as a non-immigrant student. To get an I20 form from the university, students must deposit the initial amount and complete the required documents, i.e., financial documents and an affidavit of support.
After receiving the I-20, students must pay their I-901 SEVIS fee online. The SEVIS fee for the F-1 visa is about 350 USD. Also, fill out the DS 160 form. Students must also fill out the CGI form and pay the visa fee, which is 160 USD.
After paying a visa fee, students can book a visa interview at their nearest Embassy. The students must compulsorily appear for the interview on the scheduled date and time. Make sure you reach out well in advance at the Embassy and are formally dressed. The interview is a very important part of the visa process. It decides whether you will be granted a US student visa or not. Also, it is important to have all the required documents when appearing for an interview.
If you convince the visa officer and your interview goes well, your visa will be approved. As soon as you get visa approval, you must book flight tickets to the US and enjoy your study abroad journey.
Various US universities, as well as other private and public organisations, do offer scholarships to study in USA for international students. Below, you can check some of the best scholarship options to study in Fall intake in USA.
Scholarship Name | Value | Deadlines |
---|---|---|
Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Full Tuition fees, Airfare, Living Stipend, Health Insurance | Varies, Feb-oct 2025 |
Fully-funded Rotary Peace Fellowship | Full Tuition fees, Airfare, Living Stipend, Health Insurance | 15 May 2025 |
Illinois Wesleyan University International Students Scholarship | US$16000-US$30000 per Year | 15 March |
Hubert Humphrey Fellowships | Cover tuition fees, English language training, maintenance allowance, Book allowance | Apr-Sept 2025 |
ICSP Scholarships | Partial Tuition Waiver | 15 Jan-16 Feb |
Take into consideration these helpful pointers to expedite the application process and raise your chances of success:
Research thoroughly and note down the universities offering the program you are interested in. Then, compare the universities and apply accordingly. For example, if you want to study for an MS in Computer Science, then search for the best universities that offer computer science programs based on their rankings and fall within your budget. After noting down the details of each university, select the best 5 according to your preference and then apply to them.
Keep the deadline for each university you plan to apply to. Prepare well and do the application on time instead of waiting for the last moment. For example, if you want to start your master's program in the fall of 2025, then complete this process in the equivalent months of 2025. When you get an acceptance offer, refer to the post-acceptance timeline for additional instructions.
Create a well-organised timetable to help you successfully manage your normal activities and exam preparation. Allocate sufficient time for studying while adhering to a regular schedule. Your academic objectives can be met with the aid of this methodical technique.
While applying to the university, make sure your personal statement is interesting, Well-written, and appropriate for the particular program and university,
Once your application has been submitted, get in touch with the university. This will show the university how interested you are in them and keep you updated on the progress of your application.
One of the biggest advantages of applying in the fall intake is that almost every university accepts applications for every course, therefore, there are more chances of getting an offer during fall intake in USA. Moreover, there are greater chances of scholarships as well as internship opportunities during this intake.
The fall intake in USA typically starts in the month of August.
For a smooth process, students must submit their applications by December/ January. Most universities have an application deadline in February/ March.
The fall intake is considered to be the best intake in the US. Since universities have the highest number of seats available during this intake, the chances of getting an offer letter increase. Also, a wide range of universities and courses are available during this intake.
Since almost all the courses are offered during fall intake, it is considered the best intake for international students.
The two most common intakes to study in US are Fall (August) and Spring (January).
In USA, universities refer to August and September as Fall months in an academic sense.
Generally, there are two types of exams that students need to appear for Studying in US: the English proficiency test and the standardised admission test. To study in US, international students must prove their English language skills by appearing for one of the English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc. Some universities require standardised admission exams like GRE, GMAT, or SAT for specific courses. These exams help the University assess the student’s core knowledge of that subject area.
Some of the best universities in USA for international students for Fall intake include Harvard University, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, Princeton University, and Johns Hopkins University.
The two major intakes in USA for international students are the Spring intake and Fall intake.
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