Study Abroad Intakes
In recent years, many Indian students have been stepping out of their comfort zones and choosing to study abroad to enhance their careers. Unlike the single admission cycle typical in India, foreign universities, including those in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand offer multiple admission opportunities throughout the academic year.
It implies that if you miss one chance to study abroad, you don’t have to wait an entire year for the next opportunity. For instance, if you miss the spring intake, you can prepare yourself better and apply for the January intake. These intakes provide flexibility to students across the world and offer them a range of benefits that will be discussed in the following sections of this blog.Â
So, read this informative blog to learn about the top intakes to study abroad in 2023-2024. Also, explore the key factors to consider when choosing the right intake for your study abroad journey, and achieve your career goals.
Types of study abroad intakes
Every year, numerous students from different parts of the world flock to international universities for higher studies. To accommodate a large influx of students, universities offer different intakes dispersed throughout the year at regular and systematic intervals.
Most universities around the world offer two major intakes during an academic year – Spring and Fall. However, many other universities offer summer intakes as well. The following table gives a brief overview of the intakes and their commencement period.
| Intakes | Commencement period |
| Fall | Starts in August and concludes in December |
| Spring | Starts in January and concludes in May |
| Summer | Starts in May and concludes in August |
Now, let’s discuss every intake in detail and understand the key differences between all these intake seasons.
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Fall intake to study abroad
The fall intake is the primary intake for most international universities. It typically commences in September and concludes around the end of December, however, some universities may begin the intake in August itself.
The fall intake is highly competitive as a large number of students from different parts of the world compete to secure admission to prestigious universities. The advantage of fall intake is that students get an opportunity to explore a wide range of courses across diverse disciplines. Also, during the fall intake, there is no dearth of scholarships and internship opportunities.
| Country | Top universities offering fall intake | Fall intake key details |
| Fall Intake in the USA |
|
– You need to start planning and preparing for this intake by April of the preceding yearÂ
-To target the USA Fall Intake of 2024, you must initiate your preparations as early as April 2023 – Fall intake deadlines for most universities are often in December – Universities typically process applications in 8-12 weeks |
| Fall Intake in the UK |
|
– You can start planning for this intake in July/August of the previous year
– If you are applying for September UK intake 2024, you must start preparing in July / August 2023 – Most postgraduate programs will accept applications until the end of December 2023, while graduate programs by accept applications until 15 January 2024 |
| Fall Intake in Canada |
|
– Begin preparing for the fall intake in Canada at least one year in advance
 – If you are aiming for the Canada fall intake 2024, it is prudent to start your research by July/August 2023 – The deadlines for Canadian fall intake universities are usually in December or early January |
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Spring intake to study abroad
The spring intake for most universities usually starts in January and concludes in May. Spring intake is also referred to as the Winter intake in the UK and Canada due to the chilly weather conditions during this intake season.
This intake is also known as the secondary intake season as it gives students another opportunity to secure admission to international institutions after the fall intake season. As compared to the fall intake, fewer international universities and colleges open admissions to international students. Also, scholarships and internships are fewer.Â
Nonetheless, the competition is also less as compared to the fall intake. Therefore, students who have missed the fall intake have a good chance to secure admission to a reputed university during the spring intake.
| Country | Top universities offering spring intake | Spring intake key details |
| Spring Intake in the USA |
|
– You need to start planning and preparing for this intake by February or March of the preceding yearÂ
-To target the USA Spring Intake of 2024, you must initiate your preparations as early as February/ March 2023 – Spring intake deadlines for most universities are often in July or August |
| Winter Intake in the UK |
|
– You can start planning for this intake in April/ June of the previous year
– If you are applying for the winter Intake in the UK in 2024, you must start preparing in April / June 2023 – Most programs will accept applications from September until November |
| Winter Intake in Canada |
|
– Begin preparing for the winter intake in Canada at least one year in advance
 – If you are aiming for the winter Canada Intake 2024, it is prudent to start your research by April/ May 2023 – The deadlines for Canadian winter intake universities are usually in August or September |
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Summer intake to study abroadÂ
As compared to fall and spring intakes, very few universities open admissions for the summer intake. So, this is when you can expect the least competition, but limited program options as well. During the summer intake, usually, short courses, diploma programs, language courses, etc. are available.
This intake is best for students interested in specific courses offered during the summer intake only, and for those who missed admission to foreign universities during the fall and spring intake seasons.
| Country | Top universities offering summer intake | Summer intake key details |
| Summer Intake in the USA |
|
-To target the summer intake in USA 2024, you must initiate your preparations between April to August 2023
– Summer intake deadlines for most universities will be between November 2023 and January 2024 – By February or March 2024, you can expect universities’ admission decisions |
| Summer Intake in the UK |
|
– You can start planning for this intake in August/ September of the previous year
– If you are applying for Summer Intake in the UK in 2024, you must start preparing by August/ September 2023 – Between February to March 2024, you can expect to receive responses from universities you have applied to |
| Summer Intake in Canada |
|
– If you are aiming for the Canada Summer Intake 2024, it is prudent to start your research by August/ September 2023
– The deadlines for Canadian summer intake universities will usually be in January or February 2024 |
How to ace upcoming study abroad intakes ?
Embarking on a study-abroad journey is an exciting and transformative experience. But, it requires careful planning and preparation.Â
To ensure a smooth and successful experience, consider the essential steps listed below. With meticulous attention to these factors, you can ace the upcoming intakes and make your international education dreams a reality.
- Research universities and programs at least a year in advance to understand their admission requirements.
- Prepare for standardized entrance tests like the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS, and aim for high scores.
- Craft a compelling SOP (Statement of Purpose) or an application essay, gather recommendation letters, and ensure your academic transcripts are in order.
- Explore scholarships, grants, and other funding options to mitigate the financial burden of studying abroad.
- Be vigilant about application deadlines and ensure a timely submission.
- Understand the visa application process, gather the required documents, and submit the application on time.
- Seek guidance from expert education consultants or mentors at best study abroad consultants, MSM Unify, to get valuable insights and advice.
Best study abroad intakes
Generally speaking, the fall intake is preferred the most, and the summer intake is preferred the least by international students. Consequently, the fall intake is the best option for most students.
During the fall intake, you can explore a broad range of courses offered by numerous prestigious universities across the globe, several scholarships, and internships. However, during this intake, you are likely to encounter maximum competition and a lower acceptance rate.
Therefore, in actuality, the best intake for every individual is different! The following are listed key factors you must consider for choosing the best intake to study abroad.
- Check if your preferred universities are accepting applications
- Look into the availability of scholarships, internships, and part-time work options
- Evaluate the acceptance rate for various courses and universities
- Assess your academic record and standardized test results
- Gauge your readiness to travel abroad and enroll in the desired program.
If you are looking for more information on top intakes to study abroad in 2023-2024, you must consult with expert study-abroad consultants at MSM Unify. If you are aiming for 2024 intakes, you mustn’t leave any stone unturned at this point, and make every possible effort to realize your study-abroad dreams!
At MSM Unify, you will receive the best guidance and assistance to get into the international university of your choice. Good luck!
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