January Intake in UK 2024-2025: Deadlines & Best Universities

The United Kingdom has grown its international reputation tremendously in the past few years. Unlike in India, UK universities open admissions three times a year in January/February, May/June and September/October. 

The fall or the September intake starts in September and continues till December or early January. September intake is considered the primary intake in the UK and gets the most admissions. 

January intake in UK is considered the secondary intake. As the name implies, it starts in January, sometimes February and is also called the Winter Intake. 

The application deadline for January intake in UK is some time in November, varies depending on the university. 

The number of universities and courses available during this period is much less than the primary intake. Usually, students who cannot meet deadlines for the primary intake apply for the January intake as it gives them extra time to prepare.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about January intakes in UK. 

List of January intake universities in UK 2024-2025

The availability of January intake universities in UK is slightly lesser than the September or Fall intake, but universities are still widely available. Applicants with a portfolio and prior work experience are given more preference.

Following are some popular January intake universities in UK. Talk to our counsellors to get a complete list of universities and their eligibility requirements! 

University	~Average tuition fee range
Queen Mary University of London	10,000 GBP- 54,000 GBP
University of Liverpool	17,000 GBP
Kingston University	16,000 GBP – 24,000 GBP
University of Derby	15,000 GBP
Edinburgh Napier University	12,000 GBP – 14,000 GBP
Brunel University	17,000 GBP – 21,000 GBP
Oxford Brookes University	12,000 GBP
University of Brighton	12,000 GBP – 17,000 GBP
University of Bedfordshire	11,000 GBP – 18,000 GBP
London Metropolitan University	10,000 GBP – 18,000 GBP

Pros of Applying for January Intake in UK 2024-2025

More time to prepare college applications: January intake is great for you if you want to study in the UK but need more time to make up for extracurriculars or entrance tests.

Enough time to select the right course: Choosing subjects for higher education is challenging for most students. January intake in UK gives you more time to consider your options before making a decision. 

However, we recommend checking if the courses you’re interested in are available for the intake. 

Best time to take preparation courses: Many UK universities grant conditional admission offers to applicants who still need to meet the admission requirements fully. Those students may enrol in foundation courses to prepare for the college year. 

January intake is the best time for students to apply for preparation courses, as it gives you just enough time to prepare and boost your chances for the September intake.

Lower competition: Since September is the primary intake, January intake in UK gets fewer students. It’s simpler to stand out from the competition if you have a decent profile. 

Chances of cheaper accommodation: The demand is substantially lower in the secondary intake since most students secure their housing during the primary intake. Finding accommodation that doesn’t burn a hole through your pocket is easier. 

Personalised attention: Since fewer students are in January intakes, classrooms are smaller. You can expect better attention on a 1:1 basis, as typically, the staff-to-student tattoo is higher during this intake.

Cons of Applying for January Intake in UK 2024-2025

Limited number of courses: While there are a good few January intake universities in UK, the number of courses is limited. Not all popular courses are available for the January intake. 

It’s important to confirm with the university before you plan to apply. 

Limited scholarships: UK offers numerous scholarships to students. However, the majority of them are applicable for the primary intake. Winter or the January intake has very few scholarships available. 

So, if you’re relying on funding scholarships, applying for September/fall instead of January intake is best. 

Timeline: When to Apply for January Intake in UK?

April- May	Research universities and shortlist universities based on the course you wish to take. Also, list down eligibility requirements for each university.
June-July	Take English proficiency tests and other entrance exams as per eligibility requirements.
August-September	Gather all the documents you need for the application process andstart applying to universities. Submit your application as soon as possible.
September- October	Wait for admission offers, and accept the one you think is the best for you.
November- December	Look for scholarships, make accommodation arrangements and prepare for your departure.
January- February	Enjoy the start of your exciting journey!

The above table is a generic timeline; however, the schedule may vary depending on where you stand.

The process will be sped up if you have already taken English proficiency tests and other entrance examinations. However, if you still need to start preparing for entrance exams, you must make adjustments. 

With an organised plan, it’s possible to file a successful application and move abroad, which is why thousands of aspiring study abroad students trust Leap with their journey! 

Our experts will not only sketch out a perfect schedule to match your needs, but they will also do the work for you. From university shortlisting to applying for a visa, Leap does it all. Talk to us today to learn more! 

Tips for a Successful Application for January Intake in UK

University applications can be tricky if not done right.

Here are some things you can do to boost your chances for successful admission. 

• Start your process early: The earlier you apply, the higher your chances are of getting into the university of your dreams. By starting early, you can ensure you meet all requirements. 

• Always keep an eye on application deadlines: An early application gets your profile reasonable consideration and helps you stand out from the competition. 

• Write a clear and strong personal statement: Personal statements can make or break your application. Practice well, and have a professional look at it before you submit it. 

• Have a mixture of universities: Apply to a combination of safe, moderate and ambitious universities to land the best admission offers. 

• Choose your references wisely: A solid Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is written by those who know you well and are excited about your journey, so try your best to find such people. A forced LOR will look dull and unconvincing on your application.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to study in the UK but were unable to submit your applications for the September intake, you should surely take advantage of the January Intake in UK.

Some of the top programs for January intake in UK are Business, engineering and technology, law, and medicine. However, most courses are subject to availability, so it’s best to check on the official university website.

The application dates, process and requirements also vary depending on the university and course.

Want to make your application process easier? Connect with our experts today for 1:1 guidance and a hassle-free process. Schedule a free call with us and take the first step towards your dream education in the UK!

January Intake in UK FAQs