Which US universities will let me start a degree in summer, and which only run summer sessions?
Some US universities let you start a full degree in summer, such as Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Bowling Green State University for selected programs. Others, such as Harvard Summer School and Boston University, run summer sessions only, with no degree admission. Confirm on your program page
Summer intake universities in the USA fall into two groups. Some let you start a full degree in summer, while others run summer sessions where you take credit courses without joining a degree.
Degree Start vs Summer Session
| University | Type | What it offers in summer | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Degree start | Summer start for some admitted students | Admitted Fall students must contact ASU by 1 May to switch to summer |
| University of Arizona | Degree start | Summer I and Summer II terms, and the 3-year M.Arch program starts in summer | Watch the separate I-20 deadlines |
| Bowling Green State University | Degree start | Summer 2027 intake for selected programs | International deadline is 12 March 2027 |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | Degree start (limited) | Some graduate programs | MBA, Business Analytics, and Computer and Information Science and AI do not admit international students in summer |
| Harvard University (Harvard Summer School) | Summer session | Full-time credit courses on campus, with an I-20 | Courses only, not degree admission |
| Boston University | Summer session | Summer Term courses for visiting students | Courses only, not degree admission |
Before You Apply
Universities review their summer options every year, so confirm the start date on the program page before you apply. If summer is not an option for your course, compare it against the Fall and Spring intakes.
My Advice
Ask one clear question for each university: does my exact program admit international students in summer, and by which date is the I-20 request due? A summer session can be a useful add-on, but it is not a degree, so check the official page before the 2027 or 2028 intake.
USA Jan, May or Sep 2027: Which Intake Can You Still Apply For?
Get a personalised timeline before deadlines close.
More Universities & admissions questions
- When are the spring and fall application deadlines for South Korean universities that I should plan for?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- Is there a minimum percentage and IELTS score I must meet to apply for a Masters in Thailand?
- 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?
More USA questions
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- How much extra should I keep aside for unexpected costs during my MS in the USA?
- By when do I need to submit my application for most UG and PG courses at UCLA?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Is my daughter planning to settle down abroad with permanent residency or just study in Singapore/USA for a Master's?