Whether you’re aiming for a bustling campus life in February or a more focused environment in July, Australia’s intakes have you covered. However, do you know the best time to apply to study in Australia?
Don’t worry—we’re here to simplify the process! Choosing the proper intake can be a game-changer for your academic journey.
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So, how many intakes are there in Australia?
There are three main Australia intakes, and now let’s briefly mention them.
- February intake in Australia, the most popular and significant
- The July intake, another favourable option
- The November Intake in Australia, the less preferred
Keep reading to learn more about the intakes in Australia, their benefits, application deadlines, the cost of studying, and more.
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What are the Intakes in Australia 2025-26?
There are three primary intakes in Australia for Indian students: the February, July, and November Intake. Each intake has distinct timelines, course offerings, and benefits.
- The February Intake in Australia, or Semester 1, is the primary Australia intake, with most programs and scholarships available.
- The July Intake in Australia, or Semester 2, is a secondary option with a smaller program selection than the February intake. This intake is ideal for students who need additional time to prepare their applications.
- November Intake in Australia or Semester 3
Awareness of the differences between intakes in Australia enables students to plan their academic journeys better and make informed decisions.
Timeline for Australian intakes for International students 2025 – 2026
| Intakes in Australia | Timeline for Intakes in Australia |
| February Intake | February – June |
| July Intake | July – November |
| November Intake | November – February |
Read More:
Now, let’s look at the different Australia intake 2025 in detail.
February Intake in Australia: The Primary Intake
The February intake in Australia is the most popular and significant. The diversity of programs offered across various universities makes this intake preferred for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
This intake gives you many more program options to ensure you can get into your desired study course. It is also one of the best Australia master intakes.
The February intake usually coincides with Australia’s hiring and internship seasons. Thus, students are well-suited to receive work experience during or after college.
More scholarship opportunities are available to students in this intake, allowing more students to pursue education at reduced costs.
Key Dates and Application Deadlines for February Intake 2026:
| Aspect | Details for February Intake |
| Application Deadlines | July 2025 – November 2025 |
| Application Opens | July 2025 |
| Application Closes | November – December 2025 |
| Classes Commence | Late January – Early February 2026 |
| Semester Ends | May – June 2026 |
Benefits of February Intake in Australia:
- Broad Course Offering: In this Australia intake 2025, most universities offer a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral courses.
- More scholarship opportunities: The February intake is available for most scholarships and financial aid programs.
- Internship and job market alignment: This intake falls within the hiring and internship season, making it an excellent fit for career-oriented students.
- Extensive Peer Network: A large registration of students enhances campus life besides offering networking opportunities.
- Sufficient Preparation Time: Students graduating from the previous academic year have enough time to prepare applications.
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July Intake in Australia: The Secondary Intake
The July intake is the second most popular and is ideal for students who missed the February deadlines or need more preparation time.
While it has fewer choices of programs compared to February, many universities still offer diverse options, especially for postgraduate studies and popular fields such as engineering, IT, and business. But it is also preferred as a great Australia masters intake.
One of the most essential advantages is the July intake, which has lower competition and allows students to be admitted readily.
The smaller class sizes during this intake also create opportunities for personalised interactions with faculty and better academic focus. Since fewer students enrol, students find it easier to cope with campus life during this period.
Australia University Application Deadline 2025 for July Intake:
| Aspect | Details for July Intake in Australia |
| Application Deadlines | April – May 2025 |
| Application Opens | February 2025 |
| Application Closes | April – May 2025 |
| Classes Commence | Late June – Early July 2025 |
| Semester Ends | November – December 2025 |
Benefits of July Intake:
- Fewer Applicants: Less competition ensures better chances of acceptance.
- Focused Courses: Many postgraduate programs and select undergraduate courses are available.
- Extra Time for Preparation: Suitable for students who need to improve test scores, gather documents, or fulfil admission requirements.
- Smaller Class Sizes: This enables more personalised interactions with faculty and a more focused learning experience.
- Internship Opportunities: Aligns with mid-year internships and part-time job openings.
November Intake in Australia: A Limited Intake
The November intake in Australia is smaller and less common. It primarily focuses on vocational courses, diploma programs, and select postgraduate courses.
While it has limited program offerings compared to February and July, it provides a unique opportunity for students who missed the previous intakes to begin their studies without waiting another year.
Australia University Application Deadline 2025 for November Intake:
| Aspect | Details for November Intake in Australia |
| Application Deadlines | August – September 2025 |
| Application Opens | July – August 2025 |
| Application Closes | September – October 2025 |
| Classes Commence | Early November 2025 |
| Semester Ends | February 2025 |
Benefits of November Intake in Australia:
- Focused Entry: Ideal for students seeking to enrol in vocational or postgraduate programs.
- Shorter Wait Time: Students who missed the July deadlines don’t have to wait until the next academic year.
- Less Crowded Campuses: Fewer students mean a more personalised learning environment and ease of settling in.
- Quicker Pathways: Many vocational courses lead to direct employment or articulation into degree programs.
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How to Choose the Right Intake as an Indian Student?
Out of the three intakes in Australia, the right one for you will be determined by the following factors:
- Program preference: The specific course should be available in your chosen intake. February has more options, whereas July and November have fewer programs.
- Application preparedness: You may prefer a July or November intake to enhance scores or collect required documents.
- Availability of scholarships: Maximum financial aid is available for the February intake.
- Career goals: Intake dates can be associated with internship timings, job openings, or the timeliness of any postgraduate program.
- Competitiveness: If the student’s academic profile is average, the reduced competition in July and November may increase the admission chances.
Through this analysis, Indian students can decide to match their academic journey with their long-term goals while selecting the intakes in Australia.
Timeline for Intakes in Australia
Admission to Australia may also be competitive, so one should monitor deadlines and apply as early as possible. The application process for intakes in Australia starts a year before the intake, so one should prepare for this time and the pre-application requirements.
Here is how to plan before for intakes in Australia:
| Months | Timeline | Actions |
| Research and Planning | 1 year before | Research Australia as a study destination and decide on programs. |
| Choosing Universities and Programs | 9-8 months before | Shortlist universities and courses based on your interests and requirements. |
| Application Material Preparation | 7-6 months before | Prepare your application, including exams (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE). Gather documents such as LORs, SOP, and transcripts. |
| Visa Procedure & Application Submission | 5-3 months before | Submit your application to selected universities. Apply for scholarships. Once accepted, apply for a Subclass 500 student visa. |
| Pre-departure Preparation | 2-1 month before | Pay tuition fees and deposits. Arrange accommodation and flights. Familiarise yourself with local culture and university expectations. |
This timeline covers the essential steps and deadlines for applying to different intakes in Australia, ensuring you stay on track for a successful application process.
How to Prepare for Intakes in Australia?
Preparing for intakes in Australia requires a structured and timely approach, especially for Indian students aiming to secure admission into competitive programs.
Start by researching the universities and the programs that would suit your goals. Prepare transcripts, English test scores, and necessary documents. Begin applications 10-12 months in advance, write a good SOP, and gather LORs. Apply for scholarships, arrange finances, secure a student visa, and book accommodation and flights. Attend an orientation for a smooth transition.
This will help you land the top university while applying for the intakes in Australia.
Now, look at common mistakes Indian students make while applying for intakes in Australia.
Mistakes Indian Students Should Avoid While Applying to Australian Universities
1. Starting the Application Process Late
- Many students underestimate the time required to complete applications, prepare documents, and meet deadlines. Late submissions can lead to missed opportunities, especially for scholarships and competitive programs.
2. Ignoring Eligibility Criteria
- Failure to meet minimum academic or English proficiency requirements can result in rejection. Therefore, it is important to always verify the criteria before applying.
3. Applying to Too Many or Too Few Universities
- Applying to too many universities can be overwhelming, while applying to too few limits your chances. Aim to shortlist 4-6 universities that align with your goals.
4. Writing a Weak SOP
- A generic or poorly written Statement of Purpose can reduce your chances of acceptance. Tailor your SOP for each university, focusing on your unique strengths and aspirations.
5. Overlooking Scholarship Deadlines
- Many scholarships have deadlines much earlier than application deadlines. Missing these can increase the financial burden.
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At LeapScholar, we understand that every student’s journey is unique. That’s why we’re committed to turning your aspirations into achievements.
Leap helps you with the following:
- University Selection: Helps shortlist the right universities and programs.
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- Scholarship Assistance: Identifies and applies for relevant scholarships.
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So contact us today to fulfil that dream of studying in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Which intake is best for Australia?
A. The February intake is generally considered the best for Australia as it offers the widest variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. It aligns with Australia’s academic calendar and provides ample scholarship opportunities. However, the July intake can also be an excellent option for those who need extra time for preparation or have missed the earlier deadlines.
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Q. What are the two preferred Australian intakes for international students?
A. Australia has two main intakes for international students: February and July. Some universities offer a November intake for specific programs. The February intake offers the most extensive range of courses, while the July intake provides a second chance for students who missed the February deadlines. The November intake is for specific short-term or specialised programs.
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Q. Which Australia intake month is best for international students?
A. The best Australia intake month for international students often depends on individual preferences and academic timelines. The two main intakes are Semester 1 (late February to early March) and Semester 2 (late July to early August). The best intake depends on program availability, academic calendar alignment, and personal circumstances.
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Q. What is the right to apply for Australia intakes?
A. The right time to apply for Australia intakes is typically several months before the intended semester starts. For Semester 1, applications often open around mid-year of the previous year (June or July); for Semester 2, applications begin around the same time. It’s crucial to check the specific application deadlines of the chosen institution and program.
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Q. Which intake is best for Australia?
A. The best intake for studying in Australia depends on individual preferences and circumstances. The two main intakes are Semester 1 (late February to early March) and Semester 2 (late July to early August). Semester 1 is considered the primary intake, aligning with the beginning of the academic year, while Semester 2 offers a mid-year entry option.
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Q. When can I apply for February intake in Australia 2024?
A. For the February intake in Australia 2024, you can typically start applying around one year before the academic year begins. Applications often open in the previous year, approximately in the year’s first half. It’s advisable to check the official websites of the universities or institutions offering the desired programs for the most accurate and up-to-date information on application opening dates and procedures.
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Q. How long does it take to get a student visa for Australia?
A. The processing time for a student visa for Australia varies, but it generally takes around 4 to 12 weeks. Factors such as the type of visa, the completeness of your application, and the specific circumstances can impact the processing time.
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Q. Can international students work in Australia while studying?
A. Yes, international students in Australia are generally allowed to work part-time while studying. The standard student visa allows students to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the regular academic session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
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Q. Can I apply to Australian universities after the specified intake deadlines?
A. In many cases, applying after the specified intake deadlines for Australian universities may be possible, but it is subject to the university’s policies and the availability of places in the desired program. Late applications might be considered on a case-by-case basis
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Q. Are scholarships available for both February and July intakes?
A. Scholarships are available for both the February and July intakes, but here is a catch: The number of scholarships in the July intake will be less than the February intake.
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Q. Are there any specific eligibility criteria for international students applying for the November intake?
A. There isn’t a specific “November intake” widely recognized across Australian universities. However, if you are referring to the second semester or mid-year intake, generally occurring in July, the eligibility criteria for international students remain similar to other intakes. International students are typically required to meet academic qualifications, English language proficiency standards, and any specific program-related requirements.
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