2023 is almost around the corner, and the UK universities are all set to begin their admission intakes for the upcoming sessions. For admission to UK universities, the September 2023 intakes are the major ones, along with the January (Spring) and May (summer) seasons, wherein selected UK universities are open for student admission.
If you have missed your admission opportunity in 2022 intakes in the UK, you can explore various study options and choose the best from the upcoming January, May, and September intakes that will occur in 2023. For students planning to study in the UK from India, these intakes are a great opportunity to seek admission in the foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate courses of your choice. Continue reading to know all things about the upcoming UK intake 2023 and the related application process, deadlines, eligibility criteria, & more to select the best one for yourself and prepare for the same.
September intakes in the UK in 2023:
One of the most important intakes wherein most UK universities and colleges offer admission to international students across the globe. September intakes see competition like no other as every student eyes the best courses and wants to secure admission for the same. You must start your research and preparation for admission as early as possible as the competition during this time remains high, and seats are limited.
UK universities that offer admissions in September intake:
Birmingham City University, Bucks New University, University of Bradford, University of Derby, University of Central Lancashire, University of Reading, University of Hertfordshire, University of Surrey, University of Westminster, University of Wolverhampton, University of Leeds, London Metropolitan University, Swansea University, Keele University, Kingston University
- Application deadline for September intake in 2023: December 2022- June 2023
- Timeline for September intake 2023
- April – September 2022: Research and shortlist universities based on your choice of course and other preferences.
- June – December 2022: Select the standardized test such as IELTS or GRE based on your chosen study course & university. Then prepare, and appear for the same.
- August – December 2022: Prepare application documents such as SOP, LOR, and CV. Document all of these along with your academic transcripts for the admission process
- December 2022 – July 2023: Fill and submit the application form along with the required documents
- April – July 2023: Await the university’s response and accept the offer letter accordingly. At the same time, start your visa application.
- July – August 2023: Prepare for your traveling, including ticket booking and packing for the UK.
January (Spring) Intakes in the UK in 2023: January intakes are the second most preferred intake after September intake. As the name suggests, Jan intakes in the UK occur in January. You can consider appearing in January intakes if you miss the major intake (September). However, know that not many courses will be available to you at that time. If you are opting for this intake, make sure that the university you want to study at is offering your chosen course during this intake.
UK universities that offer admissions in January intake:
Anglia Ruskin University, Bangor University, Birmingham City University, Brunel University, University of Leicester, Edge Hill University, Kingston University, University of Chester, University of Greenwich, Birkbeck University of London, City University of London, Coventry University, De Montfort University, Keele University, Oxford Brookes University, University of Brighton, University of Lincoln, Northumbria University, University of Sunderland, University of South Wales
- Application deadline for January intakes in 2023: July – December 2022
- Timeline for January intake 2023:
- April – June 2022: Research and shortlist universities based on your choice of course and other preferences.
- June – September 2022: Select the standardized test such as IELTS or GRE based on your chosen study course & university. Then prepare, and appear for the same.
- August 2022 – September 2022: Prepare application documents such as SOP, LOR, and CV. Document all of these along with your academic transcripts for the admission process
- September – November 2022: Fill out and submit the application form along with the required documents
- October – December 2022: Await the university’s response and accept the offer letter accordingly. At the same time, start your visa application.
- December 2022- January 2023: Prepare for your traveling, including ticket booking and packing for the UK.
May (Summer) intakes in the UK in 2023: Very few universities participate in the May intake in the UK. Hence not many courses are available for students to choose from. If you have a specific study course and university in mind, do your due research about the intakes and select the one offering you the course of your choice.
UK universities that offer admissions in May intake:
Coventry University, Southampton Solent University, University of Bedfordshire, Northumbria University
- Application deadlines for May intakes in 2023: March 2023
- Timeline for May intake 2023:
- August – September 2022: Research and shortlist universities based on your choice of course and other preferences.
- September – October 2022: Select the standardized test such as IELTS or GRE based on your chosen study course & university. Then prepare, and appear for the same.
- October 2022 – February 2023: Prepare application documents such as SOP, LOR, and CV. Document all of these along with your academic transcripts for the admission process
- February – March 2023: Fill and submit the application form along with the required documents
- March – April 2023: Await the university’s response and accept the offer letter accordingly. At the same time, start your visa application.
- April – May 2023: Prepare for your traveling, including ticket booking and packing for the UK.
Eligibility criteria for UK intakes for 2023:
To study in the UK, you are required to meet specific entry requirements in the form of academics, English language proficiency, and other test scores.
*Remember, the deadlines, eligibility criteria, and documents change with the university, so make sure you confirm with your chosen university before applying.
- Academic requirements:
- For undergraduate programs such as higher national diplomas, foundation degree courses, Diploma of Higher Education, and Undergraduate degree courses, students would need qualifications equivalent to UK A levels.
- For postgraduate programs, such as pre-masters, PG certification courses or diplomas, master’s degrees, MBA, and first or upper-second-class honors, students would need a graduate degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% in core subjects.
- For doctorate programs, students would need a master’s degree with a minimum of 50% in core subjects to qualify for admission.
- Language proficiency requirement: Since UK universities use English as the medium of teaching, students have to provide English proficiency proof through any recognized Language Proficiency Tests such as IELTS, and PTE, along with the academic qualifications specified by each university or college. IELTS is one of the well-accepted tests by most UK universities. However, at a global level, UK institutions are open to other proficiency tests such as PTE. Make sure you get a clear understanding of all the requirements before appearing in.
- For undergraduate degrees, students must have an IELTS score in the range of 5.5-6.0
- For postgraduate courses,
- Pre masters: 5.0-5.5
- PG Certifications or Diploma, MBA and Masters degree courses: IELTS score between 6.5-7.0
- First or upper second class honors: IELTS score of 7.0
- Other test requirements:
- GMAT: For business-related courses, students would need at least a score of 600
- GRE: For graduate, master’s, MBA, and Ph.D. courses, students would need at least a score of 163. However, most UK universities don’t ask for GRE scores.
How to choose a suitable UK intake as a student?
First and foremost, your choice should be based on the study course you want to opt for. Secondly, September intake should be the first preference as almost all UK universities participate in this session. However, your academic records, test scores, and university application deadlines can affect your selection for the intake. But do not miss the chance intentionally, as you may not get similar course options in the subsequent ones.
Here are a few points you need to consider for selecting the best intake for yourself.
- Check the availability of your preferred program in a particular university and college.
- The time required to gather and make the documents ready.
- You must be well prepared (academically, financially, and emotionally) for the intake session you want to appear in.
- If your test scores aren’t up to the mark for September intake, you can wait until next year. But, if you feel your current test scores can get you similar admission opportunities in the subsequent admission intakes (January and May), don’t waste your year waiting for the September intake and go for it.
- Check if there are sufficient job opportunities available during that intake.
- Check the acceptance rate of your chosen university or college.
Documents to be arranged for the UK intakes in 2023:
When applying for UK universities, you would need certain documents to complete your application. Here is the checklist of all the documents that need to be submitted by the candidates. The mode of submission and documents and the number of copies for the same can vary with the university, so confirm with the university’s website or admission panel before starting with the application process.
- Copy of passport or visa
- Proof of your academic qualifications.
- Proof of your finances indicating your ability to bear the study in the UK cost
- Proof of your English language proficiency in the form of test scores
- Letter of recommendation (LOR)
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Updated CV
- Copy of research proposal (for doctorate degrees)
There is no shortage of study options when it comes to studying in UK universities, which is also one of the advantages of studying in the UK. However, what is required from students is a well-timed and well-planned course of action. UK universities hold strong praise among international students, so you are bound to face competition no matter what intake you choose, which means there should be no scope for procrastination or negligence. If you are eyeing top UK universities, start your preparation from today onwards. Seek expert study in the UK consultant help to get you through all the ins and outs of the admission process and bag the best options in line with your career goals.