September/Fall Intake in UK 2026: Best Time to Apply & Deadlines

The September intake in the UK is the most popular for international students, offering diverse courses, scholarships, and career opportunities. This guide covers key deadlines, top universities, and application steps to help you secure admission for the 2026 intake.

02 January 2026
September Intake in UK

The September intake in UK, also referred to as the Fall intake UK, is the most popular admission session for international students. Universities in the UK offer a wide range of courses during this period, making it the best time to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. If you are planning to study in the UK, this guide will provide a detailed timeline, university options, deadlines, and application procedures for the UK September intake.

When Does September Intake Start in UK?

The UK September intake typically begins in late September or early October. Universities notify their application process a few months in advance, and students must be ready with all the documents and exam scores for meeting deadlines.

Advantages of September Intake in UK

  1. Wider Course Availability: The majority of universities offer a larger variety of courses compared to other intakes in UK.

  2. More Scholarships and Funding Options: Universities allocate most of their financial aid and scholarships during this intake.
    Also Read: UK Scholarships for Indian Students

  3. Better Internship and Placement Opportunities: Companies actively recruit fresh graduates and interns, increasing job prospects.
    Also Read: UK Part- time jobs for international students

  4. Structured Academic Calendar: Aligns with global education systems, making it easier for international students to adapt.

Must Read: Student Accommodation In UK

Best Time to Apply for September/Fall Intake in UK

The best time to start the application process for the September intake UK is at least a year in advance.

This way student get enough time to prepare themselves for their education with necessary documents, proficiency tests and Visa processes.

September Intake Universities in UK

Most top universities participate in the UK September intake, offering various undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Some of the top universities include:

  • University of Oxford
  • University of Cambridge
  • Imperial College London
  • London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
  • University College London (UCL)
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Manchester
  • King’s College London
  • University of Warwick
  • University of Bristol

When to Apply for September Intake in UK

The application process begins a year in advance. Here is a recommended timeline for UK September intake 2026:

Stage

Timeline

Key Actions

Research Phase

April– August

Explore universities, courses, and eligibility requirements.

Test Preparation

September– December

Prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT as required.

Application Submission

January– March

Submit applications via UCAS or university portals.

Admission Decisions & Scholarships

April– June

Receive admission letters and apply for scholarships.

Visa & Accommodation

July– August

Apply for a UK student visa for September intake and finalize accommodation.

Last Date to Apply for September/Fall Intake in UK

The UK September intake deadline varies depending on the university and course. However, applications typically close between January and May. It is essential to check the specific deadlines for each university to ensure timely submission.

Must Read: Cost of Studying in the UK

UCAS Deadline for September Intake in UK

The UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) deadline is crucial for undergraduate applications. Below are the key deadlines for the September intake:

  • 15 October– Deadline for applications to Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science courses.

  • 31 January– Main UCAS deadline for most undergraduate courses. Applying by this date increases the chances of securing a place at top universities.

  • 30 June– Final UCAS deadline for international students. Applications submitted after this date go into Clearing, where remaining spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • July – August– UCAS Clearing opens for students who haven’t received offers or are applying late.

When Will September Intake Close in UK?

  • Early Deadlines: January – March (for highly competitive courses and universities like Oxford and Cambridge).

  • Regular Deadlines: April – May (for most universities and courses).

  • Late Deadlines: June – July (limited availability for some courses).

Deadline for September/Fall Intake in UK

The September intake UK application deadline differs across institutions. Some universities may accept applications until June or July, but applying early increases the chances of securing admission and scholarships.

Difference Between September and January Intake in UK:

Feature

September Intake UK

January Intake UK

Course Availability

More programs available

Fewer programs available

Competition Level

Higher

Lower

Scholarships

More options available

Limited options

Internship & Placement

Better opportunities

Fewer options

Visa Processing Time

Standard processing

May face delays

Apply for UK Student Visa for September Intake

After receiving the offer letter, students should apply for a UK student visa for September intake at least three months before the course starts. The ideal time to apply for the visa is between June and July to ensure sufficient processing time.

Must Read: Cost Of Living In Uk For International Students

Conclusion

The September intake in UK offers the best opportunity for international students due to the availability of diverse courses, better funding options, and a well-structured academic schedule. Applying early, meeting deadlines, and preparing well in advance will increase your chances of securing admission to your preferred university.

If you are planning to apply for the fall intake in UK, start your preparations now to ensure a smooth and successful admission process!

Complementary Read:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Is there September intake in UK?

A. Yes, the September intake in UK is the primary admission session, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Q. Is September intake called fall intake?

A. Yes, the September intake is also known as the fall intake UK, as it aligns with the autumn academic term.

Q. How long does September intake last?

A. The September intake UK typically lasts from late September or early October until June or July, covering the full academic year.

Q. When should I apply for September intake?

A. It is best to apply between September and January, as most universities have their deadlines within this period.

Q. When should I apply for a visa for September intake in the UK?

A. You should apply for a UK student visa for September intake at least three months before your course starts, ideally between June and July.

Q. What is fall semester in UK?

A. The fall semester in UK refers to the academic term that begins in September and continues until December or January, depending on the university.

Q. Why September Intake in UK IS Preferred?

A. September Intake is the widely chosen choice as a number most of the universities open admission for many courses.

Q. What is the Last Date for September Intake in UK?

A. While many universities close applications by May, some institutions may extend deadlines until July or August. However, applying as early as possible is advisable to avoid last-minute rush and visa processing delays.


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