The United Kingdom is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education and diverse cultural experiences. Every year around 4-5 lakh students apply to UK universities for higher education. Hence it is very important to have a thorough understanding of all the intakes an especially the ones with lesser competition.
While the September and January intakes are the most popular, the May intake in the UK, also known as the summer intake, provides a unique opportunity for students who missed earlier deadlines or prefer a mid-year start. This article explores everything you need to know about the May intake, including universities, courses, deadlines, and application processes.
What is the May/Summer Intake in the UK?
Basically, UK Universities offer 3 intakes during the course of a year.
The May intake in UK universities is a less common but equally valuable admission cycle. It is also called Summer intake as it allows students to begin their studies in the spring or early summer, offering flexibility for those who missed the September or January intakes in UK. This intake is particularly beneficial for students who want to avoid the intense competition of the primary intakes.
UK University Intakes and Application Timelines
|
Intake |
Duration |
Application Period |
|
September Intake (Primary Intake) |
September to December |
December to July |
|
January Intake |
January to April |
September to November |
|
May Intake |
May to August |
October to February |
Why Choose the May Intake in the UK?
There are various advantages of choosing May Intake as your choice of admission.
- Flexibility: The May intake provides an alternative for students who need more time to prepare their applications or meet entry requirements.
- Less number of applications: This cycle offers is applied by fewer applicants making the admission process less competitive and increasing your chances of securing a spot.
- Smaller Class Sizes: Classes during the May intake are often smaller, allowing for more personalized attention from faculty.
- Diverse Course Options: While the range of courses is narrower compared to the September intake in UK, there are still plenty of options, including popular programs like MBA, MSc, and undergraduate degrees.
General Eligibility Criteria for May Intake at UK Universities
Admission requirements vary depending on the university and course, but the following are the general criteria students need to fulfill for studying in the UK.
|
Criteria |
Undergraduate Students |
Postgraduate Students |
|
Academic Qualifications |
- Advanced Level (A/L) qualifications in any subject area |
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognized higher education institution |
|
English Language Proficiency |
- Required scores: |
- Required scores: |
|
Work Experience |
NA |
- Work experience is often considered for postgraduate programs and is mandatory for certain courses, such as MBA programs |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
- Required for most universities |
- A well-written SOP highlighting research interests, professional experience, and how the course aligns with career aspirations |
|
Visa Requirements |
- Must obtain a UK Student Visa (Tier 4) and meet the necessary financial and documentation requirements |
- Student visa requirements include CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the university and a valid financial statement |
For those who frequently ask Is the May Intake Available in the UK? here are some lists of courses that which are open for international students.
|
Name of the Institute |
Available Course Options |
|
Coventry University |
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Accountancy |
|
University of Bedfordshire |
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Film Production |
|
University of Greenwich |
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Midwifery |
|
University of Chester |
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering |
|
University of Roehampton London |
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management |
When to Apply for the May Intake in the UK?
The application process for the May intake in UK universities typically begins in the preceding year. For the 2025 intakes in UK, applications open in October 2024 and close by February 2025. There might be slight change in the deadlines of each university. You need to check the university websites and common application portals for specific start and end dates.
May Intake Application Deadline in the UK lies between January to February. The application deadline for MAY intake in UK, varies with institutions and courses. But all the institutions usually have their deadlines between January and February 2025.
Key Deadlines for May/Summer 2025 Intake in UK Universities
|
Event |
Deadline |
|
University application deadline |
February 2025 |
|
Latest date to receive Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter |
April 2025 |
|
Enrolment deadline |
End of April 2025 |
List of May Intake Universities in the UK
Here is a list of May intake universities in the UK:
- University of Greenwich
- Coventry University
- University of Hertfordshire
- Northumbria University
- University of Sunderland
- University of West London
- Birmingham City University
These universities offer a range of programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
How to plan for May Intake in the UK:
To plan for your may Intake in UK, follow these timelines:
The application period for the May intake runs from January to February, meaning you should submit your application by February of the previous year. It's best to start preparing at least nine months in advance. Here’s a simple timeline to follow:
- October – November: Begin your university research, shortlist courses, check tuition fees, scholarships, and locations.
Also Read: UK Scholarships for Indian Students
- November – December: Take required exams like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL and gather necessary documents.
- January – February: Begin your university applications (via UCAS for undergraduate programs or university portals for postgraduate programs).
- March – April: Attend interviews (if required), receive your CAS letter, and apply for your student visa.
- April – May: Book flights, arrange accommodation, and prepare for your move.
Also Read: Student Accommodation In UK | Cost Of Living In Uk For International Students
- May: Arrive in the UK, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), and attend university orientation sessions.
If you are wondering when Do May Intake Classes Start in the UK? Its in April- May 2025.
Must Read: UK Part- time jobs for international students | Cost of Studying in the UK
May Intake in UK Universities 2025 Requirements
To apply for the May intake in UK universities 2025, you will need:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Updated CV/Resume
- Valid passport and visa documents
Please note that May intake in Uk is called by various names such as Summer Intake in the UK or April Intake in the UK. All these names refer to the same entry. For students who are worries Is Summer Intake Good in the UK? It allows you to start your education without waiting for the next academic year.
Conclusion:
The May/Summer intake in the UK It's a great choice for people looking for flexibility and are in the middle of the year. Thankfully in UK there are many universities which offer great programs for the may intake. Be it MBA May intake UK or an undergraduate May intake UK There are many other options that UK can Offer you. Begin early with your application process and book your place to pursue a rewarding academic journey in the UK.
Complementary Read:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Is may in take available in UK?
A. Yes, the May intake is available in the UK, but fewer universities and courses offer admissions compared to the September and January intakes. It is ideal for students looking for flexible admission options.
Q. Is May intake good for the UK?
A. Yes, the May intake is a great option for students who missed the September or January intakes. It offers a variety of courses, faster admissions, and less competition for spots.
Q. What is the deadline for May intake in the UK?
A. The application deadline for the May intake is typically February of the same year, but deadlines may vary by university and course.
Q. When do May intake classes start in the UK?
A. May intake classes in the UK typically begin in early to mid-May and run until August.
Q. When to apply for May intake in the UK?
A. You should apply between October and February, with most university deadlines falling in February. It's best to start preparing at least nine months in advance.
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