An intake is when your course starts. Missing a deadline can mean waiting a whole year, so plan backwards from your start date.
| Country | Main intakes | Typical application window |
|---|---|---|
| UK | September (main), January, some May | UCAS opens in autumn a year ahead; the main UG deadline is usually late January (mid-October for Oxford, Cambridge and medicine). PG is often rolling, so apply early. |
| Australia | February/March, July | Apply 4–8 months before the start. |
| USA | Fall (Aug/Sep), Spring (Jan) | Early Decision/Action around November; regular deadlines December–February for Fall. |
| Canada | September, January, May | Often December–March for September; check PAL/TAL timing too. |
| Europe | September/October, some February | Often December–May; non-EU deadlines can be earlier. |
Tips
- Popular courses (medicine, nursing, top universities) fill early.
- Scholarship deadlines are often months before course deadlines.
- Allow 2–3 months after your offer for funds, documents and your visa.
- "Rolling admissions" means places go as applications arrive, so earlier is better.