When can you start? Planned.
UK universities take students mainly in September and January. Pick your intake and our planner maps every step back to the month you should do it.
UK universities take most students in September, with a strong second intake in January and a smaller spring intake at some universities. The earlier you start, ideally about a year ahead, the more courses, places and scholarships you can reach.
Two main doors, one smaller one.
Most UK courses open in September or January. A few universities add a spring intake for selected programmes.
September
Main intakeThe big one. The widest choice of courses and universities, the most places, and the most scholarships. If you can be ready, this is the intake to aim for.
January
Second intakeA genuine second chance. Many universities and courses open again in January, ideal if you missed September or need a little more time to prepare a strong application.
April / May
LimitedSome universities run a smaller spring intake for selected courses. Fewer options than September or January, so we confirm whether your course offers it.
Plan it backwards.
Pick your target intake. We map every step back from it, with the month to do each one and a flag on anything already due.
This is a planning guide, not a set of fixed deadlines. Exact application and scholarship deadlines vary by university and course, and competitive courses close early. We confirm the real dates for your shortlist.
Deadlines, the honest version.
There is no single UK deadline. Timing depends on the course, and the good places go early.
Most courses fill on a rolling basis
Many universities review applications as they arrive and close once full. Applying early simply means more choice and a faster decision.
Competitive courses close first
Medicine, dentistry, veterinary and Oxbridge have fixed, early deadlines, often the autumn before the intake. Miss them and you wait a year.
Scholarship deadlines are separate
Funding deadlines are usually earlier than course deadlines, and you often need an offer first. Plan funding alongside, not after.
We confirm your real dates
Once we know your shortlist, we give you the exact deadlines that apply to you and build the plan around them.
September or January?
Both are real options. The right one comes down to how ready you are and what your course offers.
September
- You can be application-ready with months to spare.
- You want the widest choice of courses and universities.
- You want the best shot at scholarships and places.
- Your course only runs a September start.
January
- You missed September or need more prep time.
- You want extra months to retake an English test or gather funds.
- Your chosen course confirms a January start.
- You would rather apply well than rush a weak application.
Timing traps.
Most intake heartbreak is about timing, not grades. These are the traps we help you dodge.
Only ever aiming for September
If September is tight, January can get you there months sooner than waiting another full year.
Applying at the last minute
Rolling courses fill before any official deadline. Late often means no place, even with strong grades.
Forgetting scholarship dates
Funding deadlines come earlier than course deadlines. Plan them together or miss the money.
Underestimating the visa stage
Offer, CAS, proof of funds and the visa take weeks. Leave no buffer and the start date slips.
Booking the English test late
If you need a resit, you need time. Sit it early so a low score is not the end of the plan.
Funds not settled in time
The visa needs funds held for a set period. Move money too late and it will not qualify.
Pick an intake with us and we build the dated plan, then keep you ahead of every step.
Build My Plan FreeWe keep you ahead of the calendar.
A plan is only useful if someone keeps you on it. That is our job.
A dated plan
We turn your intake into a clear, month-by-month plan built around your real deadlines.
Honest intake advice
If your target is too tight, we say so, and help you choose the next best intake.
Deadline tracking
We watch the course and scholarship dates for your shortlist so none slips by.
Fast where it counts
Offers, CAS and visa steps moved quickly, so a near intake stays within reach.
One team, every step
From test to travel, the same people who planned it help you do it.
Free, start to finish
All of this planning and support costs you nothing.
Intake questions.
When are UK university intakes?
UK universities take most students in the September intake, with a second January intake for many courses. Some universities also offer a smaller spring intake around April or May. The exact intakes depend on the university and course.
Which intake is best, September or January?
September is the main intake with the most courses, places and scholarships. January is a strong second option if you missed September or need more time to prepare. The right one depends on your readiness, course and funding.
How early should I start applying?
Ideally around twelve months before your intake. Many courses admit on a rolling basis and fill early, competitive courses have fixed early deadlines, and scholarship deadlines are often earlier still.
Can I still apply if an intake is close?
Sometimes, but choices narrow and the visa timeline gets tight. If your target intake is very close, we will tell you honestly and help you fast-track or aim for the next one.
Is there a spring or summer intake?
Some universities offer a smaller intake around April or May for selected courses. It has fewer options than September or January, so we confirm availability for your chosen course.
Does using Mafit cost anything?
No. Our planning, applications and support are free. The only money you spend goes to your university and the UK government.
Know the date? Now do it.
How to Apply
The full application to a UK university, from course choice to your offer.
UK Universities
Search 148 recognised universities and build your shortlist.
The UK Student Visa
CAS, proof of funds and the timeline that decides if you make your intake.
Lock your intake, today.
Book a free consultation. Tell us your target intake and we will build the dated plan and keep you ahead of every deadline.