All You Need To Know About Study Abroad Intakes In 2023

Indian students are accustomed to an academic year that starts in June or July and finishes in May or June the following year. Indian universities so only have one "intake" annually. This indicates that students are admitted to programmes in Indian universities once a year. The majority of popular foreign nations have multiple intakes. You can, therefore, always apply for the following intake if you miss the deadline for the current one.

Study Abroad Intakes

There is a significant influx of students each year in universities located abroad. Therefore, universities offer multiple intakes to meet the number of students enrolled each semester. Universities have several intakes to provide students more freedom in selecting the time they want to apply for admission and start their studies

Fall Intake

The fall intake starts in late August or early September and ends in the latter part of December. Fall admissions are available at almost all universities, including prestigious ones like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, etc.

It attracts the most applications since many high school or undergraduate students' academic years end in April, making fall admission a popular choice for many students.

There is greater competition and slim admission prospects since more applicants for the fall intake. Comparatively speaking, the acceptance rate is lower than the spring intake.

Most institutional awards are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. For students applying for the fall intake, the university has additional scholarship funding available.

Summer Intake

The summer intake is a unique situation provided by a few universities to a select group of students for certain courses, primarily diplomas or other summer courses.

There are more opportunities to receive an offer because institutions accepting applications for the summer intake receive fewer applicants.

Spring Intake

January marks the beginning of the spring intake, which finishes at the start of May. You might need to check with your top choice of institutions because some might not offer the spring intake.

Because fewer students choose the spring intake, there is less competition. Since fewer students apply in the spring, the acceptance rate is typically higher than for the fall intake.

Most students who enrol in spring classes plan to work or intern after graduation and need additional time to gather user experience and find a comfortable routine.

Difference Between Fall and Spring Intake 

FactorsFall intakeSpring intake
UniversitiesAlmost all universities offer fall intake.There are a few universities that might not offer spring intake.
Acceptance rateMore students apply in fall thus, the acceptance rate is lower.Acceptance rate is comparatively higher.
Job opportunitiesMore summer internship opportunities.Less on-campus job opportunities.
ScholarshipsMore scholarship funds available.Less funds to administer scholarships.
PreparationIndian students typically graduate in May, which leaves them very little time to get ready.Indian students are given more time to make the necessary preparations in order to enroll in the university of their choosing.

Study Abroad Intake of Most Popular Countries

USA

The majority of international students studying abroad are accommodated in the United States. For international students looking to pursue higher education, the United States is the most popular and popular destination. In US universities, the fall or spring semesters are the most popular admissions times.

Fall Intake

  • November/December of the previous year for top universities (A, A+)
  • Universities with grades of A-, B, B+, or C: February or March of the same year
  • Universities with a C- or D grade: June or July of the same year

Spring Intake

  • Top Universities (A, A+): in the same year, March or April
  • Universities with grades of A-, B, B+, or C: July or August of the same year
  • C- and D-grade institutions: October or November

UK

Every year, two intakes of students can study abroad at UK colleges and universities. Both the first session and the second intake are scheduled to start in January or February. The fall intake, which has the highest level of competitiveness but also offers a wide variety of internship options, is the main intake for the UK.

Fall Intake

  • September through October

Spring Intake

  • January to February for spring intake.

Summer Intake

  • June to August is Summer intake (available for specific programmes only.)

Canada

Studying in Canada lays a fantastic and strong foundation for receiving a top-notch education and gaining access to a wide range of employment options. In Canada, some admission intakes are distributed during brief times of the academic year and are available for two to four months.

Fall Intake

Fall intake is the main intake, and it begins in September.

Winter Intake

  • Winter Intake is the Secondary Intake, and it begins in January. In Canada, January/Winter Intake features numerous courses offered by numerous colleges.

Summer Intake

  • Summer Intake begins in May, and there aren't many courses available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1) What is the intake for abroad studies?

Indian students are accustomed to an academic year that starts in June or July and finishes in May or June the following year. Indian universities so only have one "intake" annually. This indicates that students are admitted to programmes in Indian universities once a year. The majority of popular foreign nations have multiple intakes. You can, therefore, always apply for the following intake if you miss the deadline for the current one.

Q.2) When can I apply for January 2023 intake UK?

According to UCAS, students can begin their UCAS undergraduate application for the January 2023 intake on May 17, 2022.

Q.3) Which intake is best for the USA?

The best time to apply is nine to twelve months before the intake. Typically, US institutions review the applications for 8 to 10 weeks. The optimal intake, though, is typically in the fall. Not all colleges provide a spring or summer intake.