Did you know over 110,000 Indian students chose the UK for higher studies last year?
If you plan to follow in their footsteps, the May intake in UK 2025 could be the perfect chance to begin your academic journey.
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This intake allows students to start their studies mid-year, offering flexibility for those who missed the traditional September intake or prefer a later start.
With fewer applicants competing for spots, students can benefit from a less competitive environment while accessing the same quality education and resources available during the other prominent intakes.
In this blog, we’ll explore the May intake in UK in detail for the academic year of 2025, with top universities, popular programs, application timelines, and tips for your application.
Key Highlights:
| May Intake 2025 Application Deadlines | October 2024 – February 2025 |
| Starting Date of Classes | April – May 2025 |
| End Date of Classes | October – November 2025 |
| Popular Programs | MBA MSc Computer Science MSc Civil Engineering MSc Cloud Computing BA Digital Media MA International Relations |
What is the May Intake in UK 2025?
UK universities offer three admission cycles during their academic year for Indian students. While many students prefer January or September intakes for studying abroad, some opt for the May intake.
The May intake, also known as summer intake in UK, typically starts in either April or May. It’s not the most popular choice because applying in the summer for the May intake in UK offers fewer options for programs and universities.
Since most students choose the other prominent intakes, competition is lower during this period, increasing your chances of being selected. You can apply for the May intake in UK between October and February.
Timeline for May Intake in UK 2025
The May Intake in UK might not be as commonly chosen as other options. The application deadline depends on the course and university you decide to apply to. However, you must be aware of the application process timeline.
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| August – September 2024 | Explore programs that align with your interests and shortlist the universities that provide them. Review entry requirements. |
| September – October 2024 | Prepare and take the tests required by the institute, like English language tests or any other standardised test needed for your application. |
| October – November 2024 | Compile all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. |
| November 2024– February 2025 | Apply to your preferred university and submit your application. |
| February – March 2025 | Wait for the response from the university you’ve applied to. Prepare for visa applications |
| March – April 2025 | Draft a visa application and prepare for interviews. |
| April – May 2025 | Finalise travel arrangements and book tickets to the UK. |
Here’s the detailed timeline for the May intake in UK.
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Why Choose May Intake in UK?
The May intake in UK is an additional intake option that provides many benefits for Indian students aiming to pursue higher education at top UK universities.
Let’s look at each of them in detail.
Opportunity for Late Applicants
- May intake suits applicants whose academic plan aligns with a late start. If you find the January intake too early, the May intake allows for additional preparation time.
- It’s also a chance for applicants rejected in the September or January intakes to enrol in other UK universities offering their preferred program.
Quicker Entry into the Job Market
- Graduating in March aligns well with the UK job market’s hiring cycles, as many companies begin recruiting around this time.
- This timing can provide an advantage when seeking employment after graduation.
More Scholarship Options
- During the May intake, there is often less competition for scholarships compared to the September and January intakes.
- Students can take advantage of merit-based, need-based, and programme-specific scholarships with higher chances of being awarded financial aid.
Less Competition
- May intake experiences lower competition, favouring students with an average academic profile.
- The reduced number of participants increases your chances of admission to universities in the UK during the May intake.
Better Placement Opportunities
- The May intake in UK is characterised by smaller batch sizes, providing advantages during graduation.
- With better opportunities and less competition, you stand a good chance in the placement season after completing your program.
Top Universities and Popular Programs for May Intake in UK 2025
May intake universities in UK offer abundant opportunities for you to explore a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across numerous fields.
Now, let’s look at the May intake in UK universities 2025:
| Name of Universities Offering May intake in UK | QS World University Rankings 2025 | UK May Intake 2025 Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Mary University of London | 120 | 31 January 2025 |
| Brunel University London | 342 | 31 January 2025 |
| University of Kent | 380 | 4 December 2024 |
| Coventry University | 526 | 7 January 2025 |
| Northumbria University | 535 | 1 December 2024 |
| Ulster University | 559 | 31 January 2025 |
| University of Greenwich | 691-700 | 31 January 2025 |
| University of East London | 901-950 | 27 November 2024 |
Let’s look at various May intake courses in UK available for Indian students.
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May Intake Universities in UK for Bachelors
| University | Programs Offered | Average tuition fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of South Wales | BSc (Hons) Nursing | INR 17.3L |
| University of Sunderland, London | BA (Hons) Business and Management BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance BA (Hons) Events and Entertainment Management | INR 15L |
| Regent College London | BSc (Hons) Business Management BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care BEng (Hons) Software Engineering | INR 14.3L |
| Coventry University | BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing BE (Hons) in Aerospace Systems Engineering | INR 17.9L |
| University of Chester | BE (Hons) in Chemical Engineering BE (Hons) in Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year | INR 16.3L |
| University of Dundee | BSc Health Sciences BSc Midwifery | INR 10.6L |
| Buckinghamshire New University | BSc (Hons) International Business Management BSc (Hons) Health and Social Science BSc (Hons) Psychology | INR 16L |
| University of Kent | BSc in Applied Chemical Science BSc in Chartered Manager BSc in Applied Bioscience | INR 16L – INR 22.4L |
May Intake Universities in UK for Masters
| University | Programs Offered | Average tuition fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Greenwich | MSc General Pharmacy Practice MBA MA International Business | INR 19.4L – INR 21.3L |
| University of Law | MSc Corporate Financial Management MSc Cyber Security Management MSc Investment and Trading | INR 17L – INR 18.2L |
| Brunel University London | MSc/ PG Diploma/ PG in Advanced Clinical Practice MSc/ PG Diploma/ PG in Advanced Clinical Practice (Neurological Rehabilitation) MSc/ PG Diploma/ PG in Advanced Clinical Practice (Cardiovascular Health) | INR 19L – INR 22L |
| Ulster University | Extended MS in Indian Business Extended MS in Marketing Extended MS in Indian Business with Data Analytics | INR 15.7L – INR 26L |
| Northumbria University | MSc in Artificial Intelligence Technology MSc in Big Data and Data Science MSc in Hospitality and Tourism | INR 21.1L – INR 24.3L |
| University of East London | MSc in Indian Business Management MBA MSc in Cloud Computing | INR 16.3L – INR 21.1L |
| Solent University | MSc Applied AI and Data Science MBA Global MSc Strategic Management | INR 16.3L – INR 19.4L |
| University of Bedfordshire | MBA in Data Analytics MS in Computer Networking with Project Management MS in Indian Business with Data Analytics | INR 16.7L – INR 18.2L |
| University of Hertfordshire | MSc in Cardiology and Stroke MSc in Data Science with placement year Pre-sessional English course | INR 17.6L – INR 19.2L |
Documents Required for May Intake in UK
You must prepare a comprehensive set of documents to apply for the May intake in UK universities.
Below is a detailed list of the required documents for Summer Intake in UK.
- Completed Application Form
- Academic transcripts
- Original university certificates
- Scorecards for Standardised tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE or GMAT.
- 2-3 Letter of recommendation(LORs) from previous work experiences.
- A well written Statement of purpose(SOP)
- CV/Resume
- Copy of passport
- UK student visa
How to Prepare for May Intake in UK 2025?
Preparing for the May 2025 intake in the UK requires careful planning and timely action, from understanding admission requirements to securing a visa. It’s important to stay ahead of deadlines, gather necessary documents, and ensure that finances are in place.
The application deadline can vary depending on the university and the specific program you choose. It is advisable to start the application process for the May Intake in UK around 8-9 months in advance, typically in the previous year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning for May Intake in UK
- Missing Application Deadlines: Ensure you submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues
- Incomplete or Incorrect Applications: Double-check all forms and documents for accuracy and completeness to prevent delays or rejections
- Overlooking Financial Planning: Not budgeting properly for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses can cause financial strain.
- Delaying Application for Scholarships: Apply for scholarships early, as some may have deadlines that precede the university application deadlines.
- Procrastinating on Visa Applications: Start the visa application process early to avoid delays.
- Underestimating Accommodation Needs: Waiting too long to arrange housing can make it difficult to find suitable accommodation.
- Neglecting Post-Arrival Preparations: Plan for essential tasks like setting up a bank account and registering with local services upon arrival.
Are you preparing for UK May Intake 2025 admissions? Get help by contacting Leap Scholar’s professional counsellors!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Is the May 2025 intake available in the UK?
Ans. Yes, several UK universities offer a May intake, also known as the Summer intake, for various undergraduate and postgraduate courses. However, the range of available programs is typically more limited compared to the primary September intake. It’s advisable to check with individual universities for specific course offerings during this period.
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Q. What is the timeline for May intake in UK?
Ans. The timeline for the May intake may vary slightly for each university, but generally, it follows a similar pattern. Typically, the application process begins in October of the previous year. Potential students must submit their applications, including supporting documents such as academic transcripts and references, by the specified deadline, which often falls around January or February.
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Q. Which universities offer May intake in UK?
Ans. Several universities across the UK offer the May intake option for Indian students. The availability of specific courses may vary. Researching and consulting university websites or reliable education portals is essential to find the most updated information on courses and universities offering the May intake. It is advisable to explore university websites and admission portals to identify the specific programs available for the May intake at each institution.
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Q. What programs are available for the May intake in UK?
Ans. Various undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available for the May intake in UK. Multiple disciplines, including engineering, business, computer science, humanities, and sciences, offer opportunities for Indian students to pursue their academic goals. These programs may include bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, foundation courses, and even PhD opportunities, depending on the university.
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Q. What are the best May intake Universities in London?
Ans. The top choices for May intake Universities in London are Queen Mary University of London and Brunel University London. Queen Mary is highly esteemed and offers a limited number of postgraduate programs starting in May or June. Meanwhile, Brunel University, located in West London, provides a wider range of courses with a May intake option. Both institutions promise an enriching academic experience outside central London.
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Q. When should I apply for the May intake in the UK for 2025?
Ans. For the May 2025 intake, it’s recommended to submit applications between November 2024 and February 2025. Starting early allows ample time for preparation, including gathering necessary documents and meeting any specific course requirements.
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Q. Is there an April intake in the UK?
Ans. While the primary intakes in the UK are in September and January, some universities offer courses starting in April or May, often referred to as the Summer intake. The availability of programs during this period varies by institution, so it’s important to consult individual university schedules.
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Q. What are the benefits of the May intake in the UK?
Ans. The May intake offers several advantages, including less competition for admission, potentially smaller class sizes, and better alignment with certain hiring cycles in the UK job market. This can lead to more personalised attention from faculty and timely entry into employment opportunities post-graduation.
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Q. Is the UK a good option for a master’s in 2025?
Ans. The UK remains a popular destination for master’s studies in 2025, offering a wide range of programs, esteemed universities, and a multicultural environment. Prospective students should consider factors such as course availability, intake periods, and application timelines when planning their studies.
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Q. Which intake is best for a master’s in the UK?
Ans. The September intake is the primary and most popular intake for master’s programs in the UK, offering the widest range of courses and opportunities. However, the January and May intakes provide alternatives for students who require more flexibility or miss the September deadlines. Each intake has its own advantages, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your academic and personal circumstances.
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Q. Is there a summer intake in UK?
Ans. Yes, the UK offers a Summer intake, commonly referred to as the May intake, during which some universities accept applications for select courses. This intake provides an additional opportunity for students to commence their studies outside of the traditional academic calendar.
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