In India, most universities follow one intake per year, unlike other study abroad destinations such as the US, the UK, Germany, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. When you plan to study abroad, please bear in mind that there will be more than one academic intake available for you. You may want to know how many intakes are offered when these intakes begin and the country-specific academic intakes. So, let’s find the answers together.
Types of academic intakes
Most educational institutions across the globe have two popular intakes, viz., Fall and Spring.
- The Fall intake begins around August and ends in December.
- The Spring intake commences in January and ends in May.
- Although Fall and Spring intakes are the most popular academic intakes for study abroad students, many varsities also offer Summer intake that begins around May and ends in August.
Interesting Fact
You must be wondering why universities offer different academic intakes. Here’s the answer – Since the large study abroad population applies each year, it becomes easier to accommodate the student in two batches instead of one. Also, imagine this – you just missed your intake and will have to wait for one whole year to secure a university seat. These intakes ensure you don’t waste your valuable time. A win-win situation for all!
Which academic intake should you choose?
You have to choose the intake that best suits you depending on the availability of the university seat, coursework, acceptance rates, entrance exams and other parameters. The Fall intake is popular among study abroad students, and hence, you may face stiff competition during the admission process.
Duration of each stage of the admission process
Here is the duration of some of the important stages of the admission process to help you choose the academic intake that best suits you. Also, please remember that these processes will overlap, so plan accordingly.
1. Entrance exams and English proficiency tests – 8 to 10 months
Depending on your course and university, you will have to appear for entrance exams such as GRE, SAT and CAT, and English proficiency exams such as IELTS and TOEFL. If you are planning to study abroad, ensure you prepare for these competitive exams thoroughly before proceeding with the admission process.
2. Admission process – 7 to 9 months
Research the universities, courses and study abroad destinations. Estimate the total cost of education once you shortlist the study program. Draft your SOP, LOR and CV to proceed with the university application process.
3. Visa application process – 2 to 3 months
The time duration will depend on the country that you are travelling to and the prevailing travel conditions. So, stay updated with the latest developments when you study abroad.
Few things to remember
Whichever intake you opt for, it is advised to prepare for the admission process at least 10-12 months before your student program begins. Keep your academic transcripts, SOP, LOR, entrance exam scores, and Engish proficiency test scores ready. If you miss Fall and Spring intakes, check with the respective university if it offers a summer intake for study abroad students.
Country-specific Intakes
Name of the Country |
Intakes |
| The USA | Fall: August to November Spring: January to April Summer: May to July |
| The UK | Autumn: September to November Spring: January to February Summer: June to August |
| Canada | Fall: September to October Spring: January to February Summer: May to July |
| Germany | Fall: September to February Summer: April to August |
| New Zealand | Spring: December to January Summer: May to July |
Pro tip: Connect with your university to understand the university-specific intake to ensure a seamless admission process.
So now that you have the information about the academic intakes, you can begin your study abroad journey. If you are worried about your finances, you can opt for an education loan. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer study abroad loans, which come with a bundle of benefits such as 100% finance, hyper-personalised education loan and quick sanctions. If you have any queries, please remember we are just a call away. All the best!
