Study Abroad Intakes — When Classes Start in the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and USA
Intakes by country
| Country | Main intake | Other intakes | Usual application time |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | September/October | January (May for some) | From October of the previous year; popular courses fill early |
| Australia | February/March | July (sometimes November) | 6–9 months before start |
| Canada | September (Fall) | January (Winter), May (Summer) | December–March before Fall |
| Germany | October (winter semester) | April (summer semester) | Usually until 15 July for winter, but many universities set earlier deadlines for international students |
| USA | August/September (Fall) | January (Spring) | December–January before Fall (especially funded PhDs) |
| Finland & Sweden | August/September | January (limited) | December–January of the previous year |
Tips
- For scholarships, choose the main intake — most scholarships are tied to it
- Work backwards from the visa timeline
Related: Application process · Scholarships
Admission, scholarship, test-score and visa rules can change every year — check the latest information on the university, scholarship provider and embassy websites before you apply.
FAQ
Is the January intake worse?
No, but there are fewer courses and scholarships. If your course runs in January and you're not ready in time, it's a good option.
When should I apply for Fall 2027 in the USA?
Usually late 2026 to early 2027; finish GRE/TOEFL or IELTS before that. Each programme's deadline differs.