Am I too late to apply for masters this year or should I plan for next year?

Whether you are too late depends entirely on which intake you are aiming for, so you need to check your target start date against three different timelines. If you want a traditional Fall start with classes beginning in August or September, you have missed the window, since most standard deadlines closed between December and March of the preceding year. Here is where you stand for other options.

Your Options By Intake Type

What To Do If You Plan For Next Year

If you want a traditional full time on campus program, planning for next year's Fall intake is usually the strongest path, since it gives you time to research programs, prepare for standardized tests such as the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS, secure strong letters of recommendation, and refine your Statement of Purpose. Applications for the next Fall cycle typically open in late summer or early fall, with deadlines peaking between December and March.

My Advice

If a Spring or rolling admissions program fits your field, check the specific program websites immediately since availability is limited compared to Fall. Otherwise, use the extra months to build a genuinely stronger application for next year's Fall intake rather than rushing into a weaker one now.