Which intake should I pick for my plans, and how do fall, spring and summer intakes differ?
The main intakes are fall, typically starting September to December, and spring, typically starting January to April or May. Some universities also offer a summer intake from around May to August. Fall has the widest course choice and the stiffest competition, while spring and summer are usually less crowded.
The main study abroad intakes are fall (popularly called the September intake) and spring (popularly called the January intake), and some universities also run a summer intake. Each one differs in course choice, competition and the time you get to prepare.
Fall, Spring and Summer Intakes Compared
| Intake | Typical start months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | September to December | Offered at every university, almost all courses available, the most applicants, stiff competition and a large number of scholarships |
| Spring (called Winter in Canada and the UK) | January to April or May | Offered at a large number of universities, many courses available, relatively easier competition and more time to prepare for exams such as GMAT, GRE, IELTS and TOEFL |
| Summer | May to August | Offered at only a handful of universities, fewer courses and fewer applicants, so competition is lower |
How These Intakes Differ in Practice
- Fall suits you if you want the widest choice of courses and scholarships and can handle tougher competition.
- Spring suits you if you need extra time for entrance and language exams.
- Summer works only if your target university and course actually offer it, so confirm on the official university page.
- Some countries, such as Finland, treat the spring intake as an extension of the fall intake.
My Advice
Pick your intake by working backwards from your test scores and funds, not only by the month you like. Then confirm on each university's official page that your course is offered in that intake, because availability varies by university.
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