What are the intake months for universities in New Zealand, Australia, and UK?
New Zealand and Australia both open their main intake in February, with a strong second window in July. The UK's primary intake is September or October, covering roughly 80 to 90 percent of programmes, alongside a smaller January or February secondary intake.
Your intake choice across New Zealand, Australia and the UK depends on how much course selection and scholarship access you want, since the primary window in each country always offers the most options. All three countries run at least two workable intakes a year, so a missed deadline in one window rarely means waiting a full year.
Primary and Secondary Intakes by Country
| Country | Primary Intake | Secondary Intake |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | February (Semester 1) | July (Semester 2) |
| Australia | February or March (Semester 1) | July (Semester 2) |
| United Kingdom | September or October | January or February |
Minor and Rolling Intakes to Know About
- New Zealand: some polytechnics and private training establishments offer November or rolling starts, though course choice is limited
- Australia: a November trimester 3 intake exists at select universities, with far fewer course options than February or July
- UK: a small minority of institutions run a May or April spring intake, mostly for foundation or vocational pathways
My Advice
If you are still finalising your test scores or documents, target the secondary intake in your chosen country rather than rushing the primary one, since July in New Zealand and Australia and January in the UK still carry a genuine range of courses. Just confirm your specific programme actually runs in that window before you build your timeline around it.
More expert answers
Most MBA programs in New Zealand and the UK offer multiple intakes each year.
New Zealand:
- February (Semester 1): Main intake, widest course options.
- July (Semester 2): Secondary intake, fewer options.
- Some universities may offer additional or rolling intakes, especially for specialized or online MBAs.
UK:
- September: Main intake, most courses and networking opportunities.
- January: Available at many universities.
- May: Offered at select institutions, less common.
Exact intake months and deadlines vary by university and are subject to change. For the most accurate options, discuss your target universities and timelines with your LeapScholar counsellor.
Yes, New Zealand universities offer a September intake, but it is limited to select programs and institutions.
- February Intake: Main intake with the widest choice of master's programs.
- July Intake: Mid-year option with many programs, though fewer than February.
- September Intake: Available at some universities, mainly for specific postgraduate diplomas, short-term, or certificate courses.
- November Intake: Mostly for short-term or vocational programs at certain institutions.
If you are interested in starting in September, program options are limited.
Australia Feb, Jul or Nov 2027: Which Intake Can You Still Apply For?
Get a personalised timeline before deadlines close.
More Universities & admissions questions
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Can I pursue an MBA abroad after completing a Bachelor of Science degree?
- Is it possible to study computer science with specialization in artificial intelligence in UK/New Zealand for a Master's?
More Australia questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?
- Can you add preferences for good digital marketing and performance marketing courses in New Zealand for a Master's?
- Can I call my husband on a dependent visa after I go on a student visa for my masters abroad in UK/Ireland?
- What scholarships are available for Cybersecurity Master's programs in UK universities?
- Which universities in the UK offer MS Accounting & Finance for a B.Tech Computer Engineering graduate and ₹40 lakhs budget?