Applying to the January Intake in UK as an international student
UK universities offer multiple student intakes during the academic year starting with the September intake, followed by the January intake, and then the final intake in May. In case you missed the September intake, the January intake is your best opportunity to send in your applications, allowing you to begin your studies in the same academic year. Let’s explore the study options available for you during the January 2025 intake and learn how to apply to your preferred programme.
January Intake Universities in the UK for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students in 2025
Most UK universities provide the same study options for the January intake, so you’ll be able to access the same opportunities if you choose to start at this time. If you’re looking to apply for the January 2025 intake, you can use our January intake course search function to find courses that best suit your interests.
We’ve compiled a list of 150+ UK universities and colleges offering over 5,500 undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundation courses with start dates in January 2025. Search for your preferred courses and universities for the January intake, right here.
Search January Entry Courses
January Intake in the UK: Overview
The January intake, the second intake in the UK’s academic year, is offered to students who may have missed the deadlines of the September intake due to personal reasons, or because they prefer spending a little more time exploring their options and fine-tuning their applications.
The January intake provides almost all the same educational opportunities as those provided during the September intake – the only difference may be that some universities may not have the entire course list during the latter intake. When you’re choosing the ideal UK study pathway for your goals, you’ll find yourself browsing through courses, acceptance rates, costs, job opportunities, and even the weather! All of these elements will play differently based on the intake through which you’ll start your programme. Here’s what you have to consider when thinking about which intake to apply for:
- Intake type
The September (primary) intake has the most number of students and begins in autumn, which many students enjoy since the weather is nice and chilly around this time. The second most preferred intake is January, which you’ll start during winter, while the May intake which begins during spring is the least preferred option for students.
- Key months
UK universities usually split the academic year into two semesters which are further divided into three terms. You’ll get two big breaks between each semester and short ‘reading breaks’ for each term. Here are the key months to keep in mind when selecting your intake:
| Terms | Intake | Duration | Application Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | September intake | September to December | December to July |
| Term 2 | January intake | January to April | September to November |
| Term 3 | May intake | May to August | October to November |
- Choice of courses
The variety of courses available for the January intake is lesser compared to the September one, but some universities provide specialised courses which are only available during the January intake.
- Acceptance rate
While the acceptance rate usually depends on the course and university you’ve applied for, it’s worth remembering that the January intake often has a higher acceptance rate as there are less applicants during that application cycle.
These are the general factors you need to consider when deciding which intake to apply for, but there are also certain other advantages to studying in the UK from the January intake which we’ve outlined below.
Why Study in the UK from the January intake?
Students opt to apply for the January intake due to various reasons like personal circumstances, to take time to improve their IELTS score, or to apply for a special course that is only available during January. In addition to these reasons, there are some major advantages for January intake students.
The January intake is perfect if you need more time to write your personal statements and research proposals, engage in pre-university studies, and arrange your transcripts and funds. You may feel too rushed getting all these things for your September application – especially if you’ve just finished your previous studies, like high school or your undergrad. In those scenarios, it’s good to take a break, rest and recuperate, and then put your best foot forward for the January intake.
If you feel like you’ll get lost in the sea of applications that come in for the September intake, it’s worth considering applying later for the January intake. There is often less competition and you’ll be able to stand out to secure your spot in your preferred programme. Starting your course in January may also mean that your class sizes are smaller, so you can have a more personalised learning experience in a less competitive environment.
One of the main benefits of the January intake is the potential of less costs when compared to the September one as you may find more financial aid, discounts, and incentives specifically for students starting from the beginning of the year. You’ll also come across scholarship opportunities open for the January intake such as:
| Scholarship | Value |
|---|---|
| Nottingham Trent University Excellence Scholarships and Confetti Excellence Scholarship | 25% or 50% of tuition fees |
| Nottingham Trent University International Merit Scholarship | £3,000 |
| Kingston University International Scholarship | £5,000 |
| Robert Gordon University International Student January Scholarship for Master’s students | £4,000 |
| Coventry University Vice-Chancellor Postgraduate Scholarship | £3,000 |
Since most UK companies begin their financial year in March/April, many hiring managers start looking for candidates from February/March. This means that when you graduate around December (after entering the January intake), you’re better aligned to the UK’s job market cycle and have increased prospects of finding a job.
Once you’ve considered all the above factors and made your decision about whether to join the January intake, you’ll need to check the January intake deadlines to make sure you have enough time to prepare your documents and apply for your visa. Let’s have a look at your deadlines first.
Since most UK companies begin their financial year in March/April, many hiring managers start looking for candidates from February/March. This means that when you graduate around December (after entering the January intake), you’re better aligned to the UK’s job market cycle and have increased prospects of finding a job.
Once you’ve considered all the above factors and made your decision about whether to join the January intake, you’ll need to check the January intake deadlines to make sure you have enough time to prepare your documents and apply for your visa. Let’s have a look at your deadlines first.
UK January Intake 2025 deadline
Each university’s application deadlines will differ depending on the course you’re applying for. The general dates to look out for when applying for the January 2025 intake are outlined below.
| Process | Deadline |
|---|---|
| University application deadline | August to November 2024 |
| Certificate of Acceptance (CAS) deadline for deposit and documents | December 2024 |
| Latest date by which you will receive the CAS from the university | December 2024 |
| Enrolment deadline | February 2025 |
Once you’ve received your CAS and successfully obtained your visa, the next step is to start preparing for your academic year for which you need to be aware of your class start time.
Classes for the January intake generally begin in the middle of January, with your orientation starting from the second week. However, most UK universities provide a little leeway from January to February to account for flight or visa delays. In such circumstances, UK universities will give you an enrolment deadline which is usually in mid-February.
It’s usually advised that students start preparing for the January intake a year ahead of their desired entry date. While the application process can seem like a lot to understand at first, it can be much simpler if you follow our six steps outlined below.
When to Apply for January Intake in the UK
The application period for the January intake is from July to August of the previous year. This means that if you wish to start your programme next January, you should submit your application by August this year. It’s generally recommended to start preparing for your application nine to twelve months before your course start date – we’ve given you the steps to follow and how to divide your year up here.
The beginning of the year - March to April - is the time you should use to research universities. When doing so, make sure you look out for key factors like courses that match your academic needs, course fees that align with your circumstances, scholarships you are qualified for, and the area in the UK you’ll be living in. This’ll help you narrow down your choices and shortlist a few universities that you can apply for when the time comes.
Once you’ve determined which universities and courses to apply for, you’ll have a clearer idea on which application requirements you need to meet. For example, some courses may look for a certain IELTS score. Spend the middle of your year - May to June - meeting these application requirements, such as by taking an English proficiency test or exploring opportunities that could help you enhance your CV. Afterwards, gather all the necessary documents required by the universities.
Before July begins, confirm your application deadlines (each university and course may have different deadlines). Work towards meeting these deadlines by starting your applications early with ample time for corrections and questions. If you’re applying for an undergraduate programme, you’ll have to apply through UCAS and if you’re a prospective postgraduate student, you’ll have to use the application portal of your shortlisted universities.
Once you’ve submitted your applications, be on the lookout for an interview call. Not all UK universities will hold interviews but some specialised programmes or circumstances may require you to sit for one. Once you’re accepted, you’ll receive your Certificate of Acceptance (CAS) letter by around October, after which it’s recommended that you immediately get started on your visa application.
After you’ve submitted your visa application, it’ll take about three weeks for universities to get back to you. When you receive your visa, the next step is to start preparing for your journey and life in the UK. Start by booking your flights and arranging your accommodation. After, think about what to pack - since you’ll be starting in January which is winter in the UK, make sure you pack for the weather!
When you arrive in the UK, one of your first activities will be to get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This permit is used to confirm your identity and right to study while you’re in the UK, so you must obtain it as soon as you arrive. After you’ve safely secured your BRP, you can settle down and start enjoying life in the UK.
A good way to familiarise yourself with the environment and your university is to attend the orientation sessions that your university will hold. They’ll brief you on how to get around campus and the surrounding areas, key dates to remember about your exams and assignments, and you’ll also meet friends to explore your new town or city with.
When planning your university applications for the January intake, remember to divide your year up into slots like we’ve shown above. While the deadline to submit your university application is one of the most important ones, keep an eye out for your CAS deadline too.
CAS deadline
When planning your university applications for the January intake, one of the most important dates to remember is the CAS deadline. The CAS deadline is the date by which you should deposit your advance tuition fee payment (if applicable) and documents needed for the university to start processing your CAS.
After you’ve made the deposit and submitted your documents, your CAS will be virtually assigned to you by your university, along with an official offer for placement in a course. It’s important to be sure that you meet your CAS deadline, as without a CAS you won’t be able to apply for your UK study visa. If you’re a student planning to start in January 2025, take a look at our next section where we’ve highlighted the documents required for your university and visa applications.
How to Apply for the January Intake at UK universities in 2025
Applying for the January intake is the same as applying for the primary intake in September – you’ll have to do your research, meet the application requirements, and stick to the deadlines. One of the most important aspects in this process is ensuring you submit all the necessary documents that are required, both by your university for admission and the Home Office to process your visa.
Regardless of whether you’re applying for admission to your UK university or to obtain your visa from the Home Office, the documents you submit with your applications are the most crucial element of them.
When submitting your university application, ensure you submit these documents with it:
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Birth certificate
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Passport or national identity card
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Reference letters
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Evidence of your English proficiency test results
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Copies of your diploma or degree certificates from previous studies
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Academic transcripts
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Research proposal, if you’re applying for a postgraduate programme
When submitting your UK Student visa application, ensure you submit the following documents with it:
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A current passport
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Your CAS from your course provider
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Documents to show financial evidence, which can include:
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A letter confirming an educational loan
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Bank documents of current accounts, deposits, savings accounts, pensions, and/or investment accounts
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Letter from your parents or guardian if they’re funding your studies, along with a legal document showing your relationship to them and their financial documents
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A letter from your financial sponsor if you have one which includes their contact details and the amount of money they’ll provide for you
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An ATAS certificate, depending on your chosen study programme
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Proof of guardian consent if you’re under the age of 18
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Proof of your relationship to your guardian if you’re under the age of 18
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Your TB test results
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Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)
Submitting your documents correctly is a great way to ensure you submit successful university and visa applications to the UK. Additionally, we’ve also given you a few other tips to keep in mind to submit a successful application for the January intake.
Tips for a Successful Application to Join the January Intake at a UK University
Your university applications can seem challenging at first because of how much there is to remember. Keep a checklist of these tips to make this process easier and ensure you’re on track for the January intake:
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Do thorough research into your university and course options
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Prepare all necessary documentation early to avoid last-minute problems
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Reach out to university admissions offices or academic advisors to clear your doubts about the application
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Stay organised by creating a checklist of tasks and deadlines so that you don’t miss out on a single one
It’s possible that unexpected circumstances could cause you to miss the deadline for the January intake, but this doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams of studying in the UK. Next, we’ll be taking a look at what you can do to ensure you can still pursue your degree if you miss your deadline.
What to Do If You Miss the January Intake at a UK University
If you miss the deadlines for the January intake at a UK university, you have the option of applying for the spring intake which usually begins in May. The May intake is usually the least preferred option by students, so you can either take a gap year where you enhance your capabilities in your preferred study area or apply for the September intake.
How We Can Help You Apply for the January Intake
Multiple intake options at UK universities offer you flexibility when planning your studies. Following the main intake in September, each January, universities across the UK offer foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses to international students who need more time to complete pre-university study, apply for funding or arrange their visas.
Reach out to our experts to get started on your application for the January intake in the UK. We’ll assist you in a range of preparatory steps for your UK study, including applications, finalising your documents, and your visa.
FAQs
Almost all UK universities have a January intake, though some universities may not provide all courses for this intake. You can use our search bar to find the most suitable university for yourself.
While the January intake is the secondary intake in the UK academic calendar, it usually provides some unique benefits for students, including allowing them to avoid the rush during the September intake and increasing employment prospects when they graduate in December.
Usually, the deadline for the January intake is August of the previous year, but some universities allow applications up until November. Research your courses and universities thoroughly so you are aware of the deadlines for your respective applications.
Many countries have a January intake for international students. The UK in particular offers this as a secondary option to the primary intake in September – you’ll find most of the same option when applying to start in January as you would in September.
The fall intake in September is the biggest intake in the UK which sees the most number of applications from international students. If you feel like you’ll get lost in that sea of applicants or want to spend a little more time perfecting your applications, consider the January intake in UK universities.
The UK academic calendar is divided into three intake periods: the September (fall) intake, the January (winter) intake, and the May (spring) intake. From these, the September and January intakes are the most popular ones.
The application period for the January intake is from July to August of the previous year. This means that if you wish to start your programme next January, you should submit your application by August this year. Keep your eye out for specialised courses or top-ranking universities – they usually have earlier deadlines than most.
No, the primary intake in the UK is in September for its fall semester. The January intake is considered the secondary one, and while this may have a slightly smaller selection of courses, its smaller cohort of students is beneficial for those looking to stand out in the application cycle and for personalised classes.
While the September intake in the UK is considered the primary intake, most UK universities provide the same study options for the January intake, so you’ll be able to access the same opportunities if you choose to start at this time. Starting in January means more time to prepare your applications, a better chance to stand out, smaller classes, and increased employment prospects when you graduate.
There are numerous benefits to starting your studies in the UK in January, right from the application process where you’ll have more time to prepare for it and a better chance of standing out as there are fewer applicants for this cycle. You’ll also be able to access scholarships that are specifically aimed at students joining the January intake and increased employment prospects as your graduation will align with the hiring cycle of the UK’s fiscal year.
The January intake’s entry requirements are similar to those of the September intake in the UK. You’ll need transcripts of your previous studies, English proficiency test results, and a compelling personal statement. When planning your application, make sure to specifically check the entry requirements for the course and university you’re interested in so you’ll be able to meet all of them.
The September intake generally has more courses to select from, but there isn’t a huge difference between the course offerings for the two intakes. Most UK universities offer the same courses in both intakes and some may even have specialised courses only for the January intake.
To study in the UK, you’ll need to meet the English proficiency requirements set out by the university you’re applying to. This varies depending on the university and the course, but typically you’ll need to have an overall score 6.0 to 7.0 to gain entry. UK universities also often accept other English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or PTE.
The number of gap years acceptable in the UK depends on two factors: the university you’re applying for and whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Most UK universities accept a two-year study gap if you’re an undergraduate student and a five-year study gap if you’re a postgraduate student.
The proof of funding you need to show at the time of your application depends on the duration of your course and where in the UK you plan on staying. As a general rule, you must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to pay outstanding course fees for your first academic year and for your living expenses for nine months.
When applying for your UK Student visa, you’ll generally have to show you have sufficient funds to pay outstanding course fees for your first academic year and for your living expenses for months. The 28-day rule states that this amount should be in your bank for at least 28 consecutive days when applying for your visa.
The January intake is referred to as the secondary intake and usually begins in the winter semester. It’s less busy than the primary September intake and is a great option for students who want a little more time to prepare their applications.
Many UK universities offer their entire course lists for both undergraduate and postgraduate students for the January intake. Common courses include accounting and finance, biological sciences, business and management studies, and computer science.
If you’re planning on starting your course in the UK in January 2025, you’ll be able to access most of the same opportunities as you would’ve if you had started in September 2024. You’ll start your studies with your university’s orientation programme which will introduce you to life in the UK. Remember to be aware of the weather – you’ll be arriving in the UK during winter so pack some warm clothes!
If you’re planning on joining the January intake instead of the September one (which typically begins in late September or early October), then that means you’ll have more time to finetune your applications and in general, prepare yourself for the move to the UK.
If you’re a full-time student, you can apply for accommodation on campus but keep in mind that on-campus options are limited during the January intake. In order to secure a spot, be sure to apply for housing as soon as you receive your Certificate of Acceptance (CAS) letter from the university.
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