For those dreaming of studying in the UK, how many intake rounds are there to prepare for without missing your chance? In the UK, academic intakes are generally divided into two main terms: September and January. Some universities may offer an additional intake in May, but only a few institutions open admissions multiple times a year. Typically, September is considered the main intake (Term 1), and January is the second intake (Term 2). While some universities do accept applications for the January intake, not all of them do. It’s important to check with the One Education team to get the list of universities that offer a January intake, so you don’t miss any opportunities. 

How to Prepare for the Main Intake (Term 1) in the UK? 

Now that we know Term 1 in the UK starts in September, it means you’ll need to plan and apply well in advance to start in that intake. You can apply up to one year ahead, so if you’re planning to begin your studies in September 2026, you should start the process as early as August 2025. It’s highly recommended to consult with One Education’s expert advisors early on. They can help guide you through choosing the right course and university, preparing your documents, and submitting your application. You don’t need to wait until you graduate to apply. With your first semester grades from your final year, you can already start your application. You also don’t need to have your English test scores (like IELTS) at the time of application. If you start early, you’ll have more time to prepare for the English language requirement or enroll in a Pre-sessional English course in time for the main intake. 

Visa processing is another critical factor. It can be unpredictable, some students who apply early may receive their visa later than others, and unfortunately, you can’t speed up the process. That’s why it’s essential to allow plenty of time for this step. For those starting in the September intake, you can generally begin applying for your student visa from April onwards, giving you time to prepare and avoid last-minute stress. 

Important Notes: 

💡UCAS, A-level, and Clearing application timelines may vary. Please consult with One Education for the most accurate information. 

🚩  Some courses or universities may require IELTS results before you can apply. Be sure to check with the One Education team. 

🟢 Interested in studying in the UK? Get in touch with One Education, the university’s official representative, for personalized advice and support throughout the entire application process. We’re here to help every step of the way! Add Line: @one-edu or submit an enquiry form 

Missed the September Intake? Don’t Worry — Start Preparing for the January Intake (Term 2) 

Don’t feel discouraged if you missed the September (Term 1) intake, there’s still another chance! If you’re aiming to start in January 2026 intake, you can begin preparing your application as early as June 2025. We recommend that you speak with One Education’s expert advisors early in the process to get guidance on selecting courses, choosing universities that accept January intake applications, and preparing the necessary documents because not all universities offer a January intake. 

As with September, English language requirements should also be planned carefully. Pre-sessional English courses for the January intake are limited and only run a few times a year, so good preparation is key to making sure you don’t miss this opportunity too. For your student visa, you should aim to apply from October onwards to allow enough time for processing and to avoid last-minute pressure. Otherwise, things could feel rushed as your starting date approaches. 

The best way to avoid missing out again is to plan ahead. Consult with One Education’s experienced team as early as possible to get everything in order. 

Interested in studying in the UK? For more information, advice, and assistance with your application, speak to the experts at One Education. With over 30 years of experience in UK education, we’re here to support you through every step of the process, completely free of charge! 

Interested in Studying in the UK? 

For more information and assistance with the application process, you can contact One Education, an official representative of leading UK Universities. We offer free consultation and support throughout your application journey. 
Add our Line official account: @one-edu 
Submit an enquiry form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.  
Call us: 02-652-0718   

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