Australia has become one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, with the country receiving an impressive 469,248 applications for the January to May 2023 period alone. As a result, competition for enrollment has significantly increased, making it crucial for students to understand the different intakes available in Australia. You’d be surprised to know that according to the latest update, the minimum band score required in IELTS to apply for a temporary visa in Australia has increased to 6.5 from 6.0.
You must be wondering, how many intakes in Australia? The country offers three intakes per year: February, July, and November, each with unique benefits and limitations. The major intakes in Australia are in February, followed by July, and finally, November.
Below is a quick overview of Intakes in Australia
| Intakes in Australia | Application Deadline | Duration |
| February Intake | October to November (Previous year) | February or Early March to Late May or Early June |
| July Intake | April to May | Late July or Early August to November |
| November Intake | September | Late November to January |
If you are an international student looking to study in Australia, it is important to know the admission intakes, deadlines, and requirements to ensure a smooth and successful journey.
Australia is considered to be a host of full-time, part-time, vocational and certification courses, good scholarships, highly ranked universities, and a warm, friendly environment to study in, making this a top destination. Some of the best cities to study in Australia are Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. According to sources, starting from 1 October 2023, student visa applicants will need to present a minimum of AU$24,505 or 13L in savings to cover annual living costs in Australia.
Some of the popular universities in Australia are the University of Sydney, the Australian National University, the University of Canberra, the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland.
Keep reading to learn more.
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Intakes in Australia: February Intake (T1)
February Intake in Australia is the major and the most popular intake, also known as the semester 1 intake. All the courses in this intake are available for international students, including Indian students. Completing your course in the year’s second half allows students to align with the high hiring seasons and potentially secure internships or employment opportunities.
Check below the application deadline for February intake in Australia:
| Category | Application Deadline |
| February Intake | Between October and November of the previous year. |
Benefits of opting for February Intake:
- Various universities offer scholarships and financial aid opportunities for students commencing their studies in Semester 1. These scholarships may include both merit-based and need-based options.
- Semester 1 in Australia has many orientation programs and networking events. It provides the opportunity for the students to connect with their peers.
- It helps international students, including Indian students, to align their visa application timelines with their universities’ academic calendars, facilitating a smooth transition from the application process to the start of the semester.
Let’s explore some of the popular February intake universities in Australia
- University of Melbourne
- Australian National University
- Monash University
- University of Queensland
- University of Western Australia
Intakes in Australia: July Intake (T2)
The options available during the July intake in Australia are similar to the first semester, are also known as the T2 intake, and are deemed the secondary intake in Australia. You can apply to UG, PG, PhD and research programs. However, you will not have access to all the courses in this intake, and the university does not offer every major.
Check below the application deadline for July intake in Australia:
| Category | Application Deadline |
| July Intake | Between April and May |
Benefits of opting for July Intake:
- It provides flexibility to the students, especially those who want to plan their studies or have missed the deadline for the February intake.
- Many universities and organisations specifically offer scholarships and financial aid for the July intake.
- The July intake coincides with the winter break, that is, from June to July. The break provides the opportunity for the student to engage in part-time opportunities and gain experience in the industry.
- It perfectly aligns with the Indian university academic year-end, and it is one of the biggest advantages for Indian students.
Let’s explore some of the popular July intake universities in Australia
- Australian National University
- Monash University
- University of Western Australia
- University of Technology, Sydney
- University of Adelaide
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the Australia
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Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the Australia
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
Intakes in Australia: November Intake (T3)
Unlike the two main intakes in Australia, the third intake is the least popular. It is also known as T3. The November intake in Australia is the least popular because it has limited university options, a small class size, and few courses are available. Applying for add-on courses to boost your credentials or gain skills and knowledge from certification is a good intake.
Check below the application deadline for the November intake in Australia:
| Category | Application Deadline |
| November Intake | September |
Let’s explore some of the popular November intake universities in Australia
- Bond University
- Australian National University
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)
- Charles Sturt University
- CQ University
Eligibility Criteria for Intakes in Australia
Eligibility criteria are a foundation of a fair, transparent, and quality-driven admission process. Eligibility criteria often align with visa requirements for international students. Meeting these criteria is essential for obtaining a student visa, allowing international students to study in Australia legally. Eligibility criteria align with national and institutional regulations, ensuring that admissions processes comply with educational and immigration standards.
General eligibility criteria for intakes in Australia are:
Also Read: PTE Score Required for Australia
Documents Required for Application Process during Intakes in Australia
Documents for the application process can vary depending on the institution and course. Providing the required documents is particularly important for international students, including Indian students, to ensure compliance with Australian immigration and education regulations to study in Australia.
Universities and institutions can use documents to verify the credibility of the information applicants provide.
Also Read: IELTS Score for Australia
Application Process of Intakes in Australia
You should know that intakes for masters in Australia and bachelors are the same. For intakes in Australia, you’ll need to prepare and gather some documents, such as academic transcripts and certificates, to start the application process.
Let’s look at the step-by-step guide to Intakes in Australia:
Step 1: Research and Choose a Course/Institution that aligns with your goals and plans. After shortlisting, you should check the eligibility requirements of the course and the university.
Step 2: You may start preparing your application documents to avoid missing the deadline for your preferred intake. Usually, required documents include Academic Transcripts and Certificates, a Resume and Proof of English Language Proficiency.
Step 3: Once you have gathered all the required documents, you should fill out the Online Application Form and process the payment of the application fee available on the university website. Once paid, submit your application.
Step 4: You may receive an offer letter from your preferred university if you get shortlisted.
Step 5: After receiving the offer letter, accept the letter and pay the tuition fee deposit to block your seat in the university.
Step 6: Apply for a student visa
Step 7: Attend Health Examinations (if required)
Step 8: Finally, when you receive your visa approval, plan your travel itinerary.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Australia for International Students in 2024
Summing Up
After analysing the various aspects of the intake process in Australia, it is inferred that there are several factors that you need to consider before submitting your applications. The factors include understanding the admission requirements, meeting the English language proficiency standards (IELTS, TOEFL & PTE), choosing the right course and institution, and the necessary documents.
Remembering the deadlines and necessary information required for the intake process is important. If you need further guidance on which intake to go for, you can contact our LeapScholar team for more assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I get into Australian Institutions after 12th?
A. Yes, you can pursue higher education in Australian institutions after completing 12th grade. Many universities and colleges offer undergraduate programs that accept students directly after their secondary education. However, specific entry requirements, including academic qualifications and English language proficiency, must be met. It’s advisable to check the eligibility criteria of the desired course and institution, and students may also need to provide standardized test scores such as IELTS or equivalent.
Q. How many intakes do Australian universities have?
A. Australian universities typically have two main intakes: Semester 1, which starts in late February to early March, and Semester 2, which begins in late July to early August. Some institutions also follow a trimester system with three study periods in a year: Trimester 1 (around February), Trimester 2 (around May), and Trimester 3 (around September). Additionally, there may be optional intakes during the summer and winter breaks, providing flexibility for certain courses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
