The January intake is the second most popular intake after the September intake. UK universities admit thousands of students during this admission period. Every student should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the January intake before applying for admission.
In this article, we will cover the characteristics of the January intake, its benefits, drawbacks, requirements, timeline, popular universities, and popular courses so that students considering the January intake for admission to UK universities can prepare accordingly.
Table of Contents
What Is the January Intake in the UK? An Overview
The January intake in the UK is the second most popular after September. Intake is the period when universities offer admission to students. UK universities have three main intakes: the September intake, the January intake, and the May intake. Some of the key characteristics of the January intake are detailed below.
- Type: The January intake is the secondary intake after the September intake in the UK
- Months: The January intake in the UK is from January to April.
- Course choice: Students have fewer choices during the January intake than the September intake.
- Acceptance rate: The January intake usually has a higher acceptance rate than the September intake.
Why Get Admitted Into a UK University During the January Intake?
There are a few reasons for choosing the January intake over the other intakes in UK universities. These are discussed in the passages below.
More Preparation Time
Students applying for the January intake have more time than those applying for the September intake. This allows them to prepare better and work on their shortcomings before applying to universities. You will have more time to improve your IELTS or TOEFL scores and to research universities and courses if admitted during the January intake instead of the September intake.
Better Chances
The September intake usually sees the most applications and admissions since it is the primary intake for most UK universities. This increases the rejection rate as universities have to choose the best candidates from all the applicants. However, during the September intake, there are fewer applications. So students have a higher chance of getting their application accepted. International students can enter the university of their choice if they apply for the January intake.
Scholarships
Most international students apply for the September intake, which is why there is much competition for regular admission and scholarships. Getting scholarships during the January intake is generally easier as there is less competition. Various scholarships are given during the January intake to encourage students to apply.
Getting Special Courses
Many universities only offer specific courses for the January intake. International students who wish to study these subjects must apply during this period. If you cannot find your preferred course at a university during the September intake, look for options in the January intake, as some courses are available only then.
Employment Opportunities
Most UK companies begin recruiting in March and April. This timing means that graduates from the January intake will align their graduation with the UK’s job market cycle. In contrast, September intake and May intake graduates must wait for the recruitment cycle, which can pose challenges for many. Therefore, choose the January intake if you wish to enter the workforce as soon as you graduate.
UK January Intake 2026 Application Deadline
The application deadline for the January 2026 intake in the UK is 15 October 2025. The deadline can vary based on universities and government decisions. Make sure to apply within the deadline to get admitted during the January 2026 intake.
Timeline for the January Intake in the UK
Here, we will outline the timeline students should follow when applying for the January intake in UK universities.
March-April 2025: Research and Shortlist a University
If you are considering admission during the January intake, you should begin preparing in March of the previous year. Research universities and courses in March and April to find those that best align with your goals. Visit the websites of various universities to review their course curriculum, job placements, rankings, tuition fees, cost of living in the surrounding city, and any other relevant information about the university and the course.
May-June 2025: Appear for Tests and Gather Documents
Take required tests for admission to UK universities, such as the SAT, ACT, GMAT, and GRE. You should also sit for English language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and others around this time. Additionally, start preparing your application documents, including academic transcripts, your SOP letter, resume, letters of recommendation, admission essays, and more. Review the requirements and seek advice from your counsellor regarding these documents.
July-August 2025: Submit Applications
This is a crucial period for the January intake. Students must start applying to various universities and colleges via the application portals on their websites. Undergraduate students must apply through the UCAS, so check the UCAS deadline. You should also apply for scholarships if they are available during this time. Remember to check the eligibility criteria for the scholarship before applying.
September-October 2025: Get Acceptance Letters
Response from universities will begin this time of the year, so keep an eye on your email inbox. Make your decision and choose a university that meets your goals and ambitions. You can start the visa process after getting an offer letter from a UK university.
November-December 2025: Apply for a Visa
Apply for a student visa to start your educational journey in the UK. If you have not already, you should also look to secure your accommodation for your stay in the UK around this time. Get your visa and plane ticket to start your journey.
CAS Deadline for the January Intake
The CAS deadline is crucial because you cannot secure a visa to study undergraduate courses without it. The CAS deadline for the January intake is typically around December of the previous year. However, the timing may vary based on university or government policies. The best practice is to make your CAS payment in November of the previous year to ensure admission for the January intake.
How to Apply for the January Intake in the UK?
Here, we will describe the steps a student must take to apply for the January intake in UK universities. Read along carefully and do not miss any step.
- Research universities and courses: The first step towards your educational journey to the UK is researching various universities and courses to find the most suitable ones. You should not only research the universities and courses, but also the entry requirements, application procedure, deadline, etc. You can find this information on the university website.
- Complete necessary exams: UK universities require international students to complete exams like the GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, etc., to study at their universities. Go through the entry requirements and sit for the required exams.
- Prepare your documents and application: Gather all the necessary documents like academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc., according to the requirements.
- Apply to the university: Fill out the application forms online and submit them with the necessary documents and information. You may also need to make a UCAS deposit.
- Track your application: Regularly check your inbox to find out if you have received any responses from any university.
- Accept the offer: Accept the offer to study at the university of your choice. Make sure to follow all the guidelines and submit all the necessary documents.
- Apply for a student visa: After getting an offer letter, you can apply for a student visa to go to the UK for higher education.
Documents Required to Apply for the January Intake in UK Universities
Here, we will list all the documents required to apply to UK universities for the January intake. Remember that this can vary based on the university and the course. Review the required documents listed on the university’s official sites for the most accurate information.
- Academic transcripts
- Standardised test certificates
- Language proficiency certificates
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Admission essays
- Resume
- Passport copy
- Visa
Disadvantages of January Intake in the UK
The January intake has some disadvantages, which are described in the passages below.
Limited Courses
The biggest drawback of the January intake is the limited availability of various courses. The September intake is the most popular, and many courses are only offered during this period. Some universities do not provide all of their programs for the January intake. Consequently, you may be unable to enrol in the courses of your choice if you are admitted during the January intake.
Weather Condition
The UK’s weather is typically very cold in January, which makes the January intake challenging for international students who are not accustomed to such conditions. If admitted to the January intake, students might struggle to adjust to the weather. Keep that in mind when choosing the January intake for admission.
Academic Delay
Academic delay is another factor that students should consider when applying for the January intake, as they will fall behind other students admitted during the September intake. Choose the January intake only if you do not mind the academic delay of a few months.
Popular Universities in the UK for January Intake
Here, we list some of the most popular universities in the UK for the January intake.
- Newcastle University
- University of Liverpool
- Brunel University
- Bangor University
- Coventry University
- Kingston University
- University of Birmingham
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Derby
- Aston University
- University of Bedfordshire
- Middlesex University
Popular Courses in the UK for January Intake
Some of the most popular courses in the UK during the January intake are listed below.
- Business Management
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Account and Finance
- Law
- Biological Sciences
- Economics
Common Mistakes to Avoid for January Intake
Avoid these mistakes to ensure your admission to the UK university of your choice. Keep these in mind while applying to universities in the UK for January intake. Choosing a University and Courses from here:
Submission Delay
Submitting applications after the deadline will cause your applications to be rejected by default. So, go through all the deadlines and create a timeline for the application process to secure admission. You should always apply a few days before the deadline to stay ahead of schedule.
SOP and Document Issues
Low-quality SOP and missing documents can result in application rejection. Therefore, ensure that you follow all the guidelines while writing your SOP, and attach all the necessary documents per the requirements. Required documents may vary from university to university, so read the requirements carefully before submitting your application.
English Tests
Most universities require students to show English language proficiency certificates such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and so on before admission. Prepare for these exams by following the timeline in the above passages. These English tests often need to be retaken, so make sure to complete them with ample time in hand.
Visa Issues
Another common mistake that hampers the admission process is the visa issue. Students often fail to submit the correct documents by the deadline, resulting in visa applications being rejected. Ensure that you research all the visa requirements on the UKVI website and prepare accordingly to enhance your chances of obtaining a student visa to study in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is January Intake Good in the UK?
Yes, the January intake is good for international students seeking higher education in the UK. Many universities admit students during the January intake. Some of the benefits of the January intake include course variety, less competition, scholarships, and more time for application.
What Is the January Intake Course in the UK?
The January intake course is the second admission period in the UK. There are three admission periods: the September intake, the January intake, and the May intake. Universities admit students to their institutions during these periods. The January intake is the second most popular intake after the September intake.
When to Apply for January Intake in the UK in 2026?
Students should apply between July and September of 2025 if they target the January intake in the UK in 2026. This will give them ample time to prepare accordingly to get admitted to the UK university of choice.
What Is the January Semester Called in the UK?
The January Semester is called Term Two or Spring Term in the UK. This session starts in January and ends in late March.
What Are the Deadlines for January Intake in the UK?
The application deadline for January Intake in the UK is between September and November of the previous year. Remember that the admission deadline can vary based on universities and courses. Try to maintain the timeline we provided above to stay ahead of the deadline.
Conclusion
The January intake in the UK is a great choice for international students because it gives students extra preparation time and has less competition. Students can secure admission in the January intake with proper planning and preparation. Despite offering limited courses, the January intake is a good alternative for those who missed the September intake.