If you missed the chance to apply for university in the UK in January or September, don’t worry—you can consider the May intake.
The May intake in the 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 the UK offers fewer options for programs and universities.
However, it’s crucial to check if the university you’re interested in offers admission during this specific intake. Choosing the suitable intake period can help you avoid rushing through the application process and improve your chances of acceptance.
This blog aims to assist you in making well-informed decisions and choosing the most appropriate path for your academic journey.
What is May Intake the UK?
Before you decide to study abroad in the UK, it’s essential to understand the different intakes available and find the one that best fits your needs.
The UK has three main intakes, and you can apply to any of them as an Indian student.
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The Fall intake happens in September/October, the Winter intake in January/February, and the Summer intake in April/May.
September is the most popular intake season when most degree programs start. Following that is the Winter intake, which is typical for admission to many postgraduate programs.
While many students prefer Winter or Fall intakes for studying abroad, some opt for the April/May intakes. You can apply for the May intake in the UK between October and February.
Since most students choose the other prominent intakes, competition is lower during this period, increasing your chances of being selected. However, top universities in the UK often don’t provide this intake. Even if they do, they offer fewer courses.
Here are the key highlights of the May intake in the UK 2024:
| May Intake 2024 Application Deadlines | October 2023 – February 2024 |
| Starting Date of Classes | April – May 2024 |
| End Date of Classes | October – November 2024 |
| Popular Programs | MSc International Business Management MBA MSc Computer Science MSc Civil Engineering MSc Big Data Technologies MSc Cloud Computing BA English Literature BA Digital Media MA International Relations MA Advertising and PR |
Benefits of Choosing May Intake in UK
Fewer universities accept May intake in the UK, and the offered courses are limited. However, below are the advantages to consider.
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.
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 the 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.
May Intake Universities in UK
Universities in the UK offer abundant opportunities for you to explore your chosen subjects thoroughly. They create a supportive environment, promoting innovative thinking.
Below, you’ll find May Intake universities in the UK that provide programs in various fields, such as management, economics, engineering, arts, culture, and society.
Discover the May Intake Universities in UK.
| University Name | QS World University Rankings 2024 | UK May Intake 2024 Deadline |
| Brunel University London | 343 | 31 January 2024 |
| Ulster University | 498 | 31 January 2024 |
| Coventry University | 571 | 7 January 2024 |
| Northumbria University | 548 | 1 December 2023 |
| University of East London | 851 | 27 November 2023 |
| University of West Scotland | 131 | 25 January 2024 |
| Queen Mary University of London | 145 | 31 January 2024 |
| University of Kent | 336 | 4 December 2023 |
| University of Greenwich | 671-680 | 31 January 2024 |
| University of Chester | 1201-1500 | 30 January 2024 |
May Intake Programs in the UK
Whether your interest lies in management, economics, engineering, or arts and culture, May Intake programs in the UK offer a strong foundation for advanced research and excellence.
Here are the well-known May Intake programs in the UK.
| University Name | Programs Offered |
| 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) MSc/ PG Diploma/ PG in Advanced Clinical Practice (Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation) Undergraduate Pathway in Life Sciences |
| Ulster University | Extended MS in Indian Business Extended MS in Marketing Extended MS in Indian Business with Data Analytics Extended MS in Indian Business with Human Resource Management Extended MS in Indian Business with Advanced Practice |
| Coventry University | BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance BA (Hons) in Acting (Stage and Screen) BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing BE (Hons) in Aerospace Systems Engineering ME (Hons) in Aerospace Systems Engineering |
| Northumbria University | BA in Indian Banking and Finance MSc in Artificial Intelligence Technology MSc in Big Data and Data Science MSc in Business Analytics MSc in Hospitality and Tourism |
| University of East London | MSc in Indian Business Management MBA MSc in Computer Science MSc in Civil Engineering MSc in Cloud Computing |
| University of West Scotland | BA (Hons) in Criminology with Forensic Psychology BA (Hons) in Criminology, Policing and Forensic Investigation BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance MBA in Consultancy for Innovation and Change MSc in Psychology of Health and Illness |
| Queen Mary University of London | Indian Relations Indian Public Policy MSc or Extended MSc in Indian Dispute Resolution Data Analytics and Marketing Human Resources |
| University of Kent | BSc in Applied Chemical Science BSc in Chartered Manager BSc in Applied BioscienceFdSc in Applied Bioscience FdSc in Applied Chemical Science |
| University of Greenwich | BA (Hons) in Physical Education and Sport BA (Hons) in Primary Education Studies (Accelerated) BA (Hons) in Primary Education Studies (Accelerated) BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science (Extended) MA in English: Literary London |
| University of Chester | BE (Hons) in Chemical Engineering ME (Hons) in Chemical Engineering BE (Hons) in Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) in Chemistry BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with Foundation Year |
Other Universities Offering May Intake in the UK
Apart from the universities mentioned earlier, many other universities nationwide allow students to join the May Intake.
We’ve provided a list of additional universities offering the May Intake in the UK. These universities hold good rankings in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Here is a compilation of UK universities offering admissions in May.
| University Name | Programs Offered | UK May Intake 2024 Deadline |
| BPP University | MS in Management Masters of Law (LLM) MS in Management with Project Management | 15 December 2023 |
| Keele University | Mental Health Nursing Adult Nursing Learning Disability Nursing | 31 January 2024 |
| Kingston University | MS in Information Systems MS in IT and Strategic Innovation MS in Software Engineering | 30 October 2023 |
| University of Roehampton London | BSc in Business Management and Economics BSc in Computer Science BA in Creative and Professional Writing | 1 January 2024 |
| Richmond University of London | MBA General/ Marketing/ HR MA in Advertising and PR MA in Indian Relations | 15 December 2023 |
| Salford University | Masters of Management | 31 January 2024 |
| Sheffield Hallam University | Sports and Exercise Science | 31 January 2024 |
| Teesside University | Accelerated Bachelor in Engineering and Computing | 1 January 2024 |
| University of Bedfordshire | MBA in Data Analytics MS in Computer Networking with Project Management MS in Indian Business with Data Analytics | 15 January 2024 |
| University of Hertfordshire | MSc in Cardiology and Stroke MSc in Data Science with placement year Pre-sessional English course | 31 January 2024 |
Eligibility Criteria in the UK for May Intake
You need to meet specific criteria for May Intake in the UK. Below is a breakdown of the requirements.
English Language Proficiency Score:
- You must provide language proficiency scores if English isn’t your first language.
- The minimum scores required are
GRE or GMAT Score:
- Some UK universities might ask for GRE or GMAT scores.
- Test score expectations vary between universities.
- Average scores include
Copy Of Passport and Visa:
- Indian students must obtain a visa and passport for admission to UK universities.
- Apply for a UK student visa at least three months before your planned travel to the UK.
Documents Required for UK May Intake 2024
Let’s explore the documents you’ll need when applying for your May Intake in the UK.
- Academic transcripts
- Original university certificates
- Scorecards for English Language Proficiency (ELP) and either GRE or GMAT
- Letter of recommendation from previous work experiences.
- Statement of purpose
- CV or Resume
- Copy of passport
- Visa to Study in the UK
Timeline for May Intake in the UK
The May Intake in the 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.
Here’s the detailed timeline for the May intake in the UK.
| Timeline | Activity |
| August – September | Explore programs that align with your interests and find the universities that provide them. |
| September – October | Prepare and take the tests required by the institute, like English language tests or any other standardised test needed for your application. |
| October – November | Create a list of all the required documents and gather them together before you submit your application. |
| November – February | Apply to your preferred university and submit your application. |
| February – March | Wait for the response from the university you’ve applied to. |
| March – April | Draft a visa application |
| April – May | Book your tickets before starting the May intake in the UK. |
Scholarships for May Intake in the UK
Studying in the UK can be expensive, up to 35 lakhs INR annually. However, with careful planning, it can become more affordable for you.
Various universities, colleges, and the British government provide scholarships to students from India and other countries. These scholarships can be valued anywhere from 1 lakh INR to 90 lakh INR, depending on your profile and the degree program you’re studying.
Here are the Scholarships for May Intake in the UK.
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Amount | Application Deadline for Scholarship |
| Chevening Scholarship UK | Tuition fees, monthly stipend, and airfare charges | 1 November 2023 |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship | Variable | 6 January 2024 |
| GREAT Scholarships | 9 lakhs INR | As per the UK University |
| A.S Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship | Variable | As per the UK University |
| Vueville Future Technology Scholarship | 1 lakh INR | As per the UK University |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Variable | 18 October 2023 |
| Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarship | Variable | 15 January 2024 |
| Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship (CWIT) | Variable | As per the UK University |
| Inlaks Scholarships | 82 lakhs INR | As per the UK University |
| Scotland Saltire Scholarships | 7.5 lakhs INR | As per the UK University |
Note: All scholarship amounts above are approximate figures per existing data and are subject to change.
Brief Recap
Choosing May Intake in the UK gives you more time to consider your professional possibilities once your studies are completed. Additionally, it gives you plenty of time to prepare for competitive tests like the GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS.
Admissions to several UK universities are now being accepted for May Intake in the UK. There is less competition because there are fewer students in the May Intake. Select the intake that fits your program and university choices.
Are you preparing for UK May Intake 2024 admissions? Get help by contacting Leap Scholar’s professional counsellors!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is the May intake in the UK?
A. The May or Summer intake is an alternative start date for Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in the UK. It allows students to begin their studies between May and June, offering more flexibility than the traditional September intake. The May intake refers explicitly to when universities will accept applications and welcome students to commence their studies in May 2024.
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Q. What is the timeline for May intake in the UK?
A. 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 in the UK offer the May intake 2024?
A. 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 the UK?
A. Various undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available for the May intake in the 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 eligibility criteria for the May intake in the UK?
A. Eligibility criteria for the May intake 2024 in the UK vary depending on the chosen program and university. Typically, universities require applicants to provide evidence of their academic qualifications, such as secondary school certificates or bachelor’s degrees. English language proficiency is crucial; most universities accept IELTS or TOEFL scores as proof. Some universities may also consider personal statements, references, and interviews.
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Q. What visa options are available for the May intake in the UK?
A. Indian students planning to study in the UK for the May intake may need to apply for a student visa. This visa allows students to study full-time at a recognised educational institution in the UK. To qualify, students need proof of acceptance into a course, demonstrate English language proficiency, show sufficient funds to support themselves, and meet health and character requirements.
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Q. Are scholarships available for the May intake in the UK?
A. Scholarships for the May intake in the UK are available for Indian students. Still, the availability and criteria may vary depending on the university and program. Many universities offer scholarships specifically designed for Indian students, targeting academic excellence, specific fields of study, or geographical regions. Several organisations, foundations, and government bodies also provide scholarships and funding opportunities.
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Q. Can I transfer credits from another university for the May intake in the UK?
A. Transferring credits from another university for the May intake in the UK is possible but subject to the policies of the respective institution. Some universities may consider accepting transfer credits for specific courses or degree programs, while others require students to start afresh. It is crucial to consult with the admissions office or the Indian student support team of the university you are interested in to inquire about their credit transfer policies and evaluation process.
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Q. What accommodation options are available for UK students joining the May intake?
A. Universities in the UK typically offer various accommodation options for students entering the May intake. These options may include on-campus residences, privately operated student accommodations, or homestays. On-campus accommodations often provide a convenient and supportive environment, especially for Indian students. Private accommodations like residence halls or shared houses are popular choices.
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Q. Can I work part-time jobs while studying in the UK?
A. Indian students studying in the UK during the May intake 2024 are generally allowed to work part-time. However, specific restrictions and time limitations may apply, depending on the type of visa held. Tier 4 (General) student visa holders are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during university holidays. It is essential to check the official UK government website or consult the university’s Indian student support services to understand the latest regulations and guidelines regarding part-time work opportunities.
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Q. Are there any special entry requirements for Indian students for the May intake in the UK?
A. Indian students applying for the May intake in the UK may have specific entry requirements compared to domestic students. These requirements commonly include proof of English language proficiency, such as acceptable IELTS or TOEFL scores. Additionally, Indian students must meet the specific eligibility requirements mentioned by universities, including academic qualifications and financial capability.
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Q. How can I prepare for the May intake in the UK?
A. Preparing for the May intake in the UK involves several crucial steps. Start by researching universities and programs that align with your educational goals. Review the application requirements, prepare supporting documents, and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Strengthen your English language skills and, if necessary, take the required language proficiency tests. Plan your finances, including tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
