What are study abroad intakes?

Unlike a single intake in the Indian education system, colleges and universities abroad have various intakes in an academic year. Thus, when you apply for any of the universities in countries like Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the UK and the US, you can choose from more than one intake each year. For instance, if you missed the Spring intake this year, you can always try for the next intake in January instead of waiting for a complete year. 

What are the different kinds of intakes?

Most universities and colleges abroad offer two intakes – Fall and Spring. The fall intake usually starts in September (which ends in December) whereas the Spring intakes begin in January (and ends in May). Certain universities and colleges also offer a minor intake in Summer that begins in April. 

Intakes may vary based on the program and institution. In certain institutions, intakes may also be referred to as terms or semesters. You must always check the official website of your preferred institution to confirm the available intake. 

Wondering why these universities welcome students in two intakes? 

• Every university receives thousands of applications each year and it becomes difficult to accommodate a huge crowd in one intake
• The universities keep the option available for spring intake considering any constraints due to which a student might not be able to take admission in the fall intake

Confused about which intake to choose? 

When choosing which intake to opt for, it is important to consider the availability of your preferred program, your academic records, entrance test scores, acceptance rates, job opportunities, and your readiness on joining the course. We recommend you start with your applications at least 10-12 months before the date of commencement of your program. For the Fall semester, ensure to have your score by April and for Spring, start no later than August.

Let’s compare the two intakes:

Which intake do Indian students prefer?

Most Indian students opt for the September intake since it works in line with the completion of school or under-graduation in India. Students going for research programs often prefer the Fall/September intake since many professors choose to start their research at the beginning of the year and thus acquiring an internship or assistantship is easier in this intake than the Spring/January intake.

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