What is the UK September Intake?

The September intake is when most students start their studies at the majority of the UK’s universities. Whether they’re undergraduates, postgraduates or doing a foundation program, thousands of students will flock to the UK from around the world to begin their courses.

For the 2025 intake, application deadlines vary, with most undergraduate deadlines falling between October 2024 and January 2025.

This intake is the most popular time to start studying for a degree at a UK university. It has the widest selection of courses, and the most opportunities for financial assistance, and you’ll start with loads of other new students, making it the perfect time to make friends and connections.

While there’s always the possibility of applying late, the best thing to do is to start your application process as early as possible - as in today! You’ll be much more likely to secure a spot and it’ll be a lot less stressful. Plus many scholarships and bursaries are granted during the UK September intake. There’s a reason it’s the most popular time to start.

When is the September intake?

The September intake in the UK generally begins (unsurprisingly) in late September. It’s the start of the academic year for most UK universities. If you want to join this intake, application deadlines vary:

The September intake deadline for undergraduate courses is 29 January of the same year (e.g., 29 January 2025 for September 2025 entry).

The deadline for courses in the medicine, dentistry, and veterinary fields, and all Oxford and Cambridge applications is 15 October of the previous year (e.g., 15 October 2024 for September 2025 entry).

Starting your application as early as possible is always a smart move - it gives you plenty of time to ensure all your paperwork is completed properly. And if you’re unsure about any part of the process, our friendly counsellors are here to help!

Why choose the UK’s September intake?

Starting your studies in September has several benefits:

• Wider course selection: September offers the broadest choice of courses across a huge range of fields, giving you the best chance to study what you want, where you want.
  
  
• More financial support: Most scholarships and bursaries are available for the September intake, which can provide essential financial support if you’re planning to pay your own way through your studies.
  
  
• Internship and work opportunities: Joining at the start of the academic year means numerous opportunities for internships and part-time work, adding valuable practical experience to your studies.
  
  
• Full campus experience: Starting at the same time as the main cohort of students gives you a better chance to fully engage with university life, build connections, and join activities and clubs.

What are the downsides of the UK’s September intake?

While the UK’s September intake is a popular choice with plenty of advantages, there are a few downsides to keep in mind:

• Increased competition for places and housing: Since most applicants start their studies in September, the demand is higher. It can be harder to secure a place on popular courses and you’ll have tougher competition for on-campus accommodation and private rentals.
  
  
• High demand for resources: With so many students starting in September, university resources like libraries, study spaces, and academic advising services can be busier than other intakes, even more so at the beginning of the semester.
  
  
• Busier campus and orientation events: Universities hold loads of welcome events, social gatherings, and club fairs in September to help everyone settle in. These can be a great way to make connections, but the sheer volume can be a bit overwhelming for international students trying to adjust to a new environment.
  
  
• Tougher competition for part-time work: Part-time jobs can be harder to find, both on and off-campus, as lots more people will be looking at the same time. If you’re planning to support yourself with part-time work it might be smart to apply for jobs early, or consider the January or May intakes.

Don’t forget to consider these factors as you plan your application! It’ll help ensure you’re prepared for any challenge and make the most of your university experience in the UK.

When should you start preparing for the September intake?

We highly recommend that you start preparing for the September intake at least one year in advance!

That way you'll have plenty of time to research any courses and universities you’re interested in, prepare your application and the required supporting documents to apply for any scholarships or financial aid you’re eligible for. It will also give you plenty of time to apply for a student visa and prepare any travel documents.

Getting it sorted early on can take a lot of stress out of the process, and you’ll have a better chance of securing a spot at your preferred university.

What if you miss the deadline?

If you have missed the deadline, the most important thing is: don’t panic! Luckily, there are still plenty of options available to you! You can: 

• Apply for Clearing: Most UK universities open up available spaces in their courses to students who don’t yet have an offer via the UCAS Clearing process.
  
  
• Consider another intake: Lots of UK universities also offer January and May intakes. Take a look at our handy course search to find when else you can study your ideal course.
  
  
• Look for another university: Many universities will still have spots available after official deadlines (but this isnot a reliable solution!).
  
  
• Prepare for the next intake: If you can't find any options, use the extra time to prepare your application for the next year’s intake.
  
  
• Book a call with us and get some help: Our British Council-trained counsellors are all experts on the UK’s universities and can help you explore your options. Book a free call today and get ahead with AHZ!

So again, if you’ve missed the deadline, don’t worry, you’re not the first to do so (and you definitely won’t be the last!). You still have plenty of options! 

How can AHZ help?

If you're thinking of applying for the September intake to study in the UK, our specialist advisers can guide you through the process, giving you important advice and support. We’ve been helping students from all around the world deal with this process for years, and we’ve built a fantastic reputation for supporting our students from start to finish.

Our services include:

• Free guidance and application support: Access over 140 UK institutions with the help of our advisors, who support you through every step.
  
  
• Visa application assistance: Our specialist counsellors will streamline the process for you, ensuring all documents are accurate to prevent delays.
  
  
• Accommodation support: From on-campus options to private rentals, we’ll help you secure suitable housing for your studies.