An Overview on January Intake to Study in UK

Imagine you are walking through the stone-paved streets of Edinburgh that are dusted with fallen snow. Or you are stepping out of your shared apartment building in Cardiff when the chilly winds brush past you. The idea of discovering the UK is surely fascinating but how about you not only explore the European country but also enhance your educational experience?

As the September intake has been closed, you don’t have to wait longer to make your study abroad dream come true. There are several universities in UK for January intake where you can get admission and fulfill your foreign education aspirations. So, if you are ready to speak fancy English, then let’s get you to the United Kingdom for your further education. 

In this blog, we are exploring study in UK options with January intake that includes top universities, requirements, and deadlines for the same. Hence, without further ado, let’s get started.

What is January Intake?

There are typically three types of university intakes; fall, winter, and summer, September, January, and May respectively. One of the major and most important intakes is September, the fall one, that rings the bell for the starting of the academic year.

The next in the line is January, which is highly popular for master’s degrees. Starting in late January or early February, this academic year is a great chance for international students to kick start their study abroad journey. As the new year brings a new destination, the chances of getting accepted in your dream UK university are higher in the January intake.

In case a student has missed their chance to study in the fall semester, they can reapply for the same. The best time to submit college applications is from October to early December. Such as this, there are many more benefits of applying for January intake to study in UK, let’s explore some more.

Benefits of January Intake in UK

When it comes to studying abroad, many students prefer to pick the fall intake that is traditional time for students to kickstart their further studies. However, if for some reason, you got an application rejection or couldn’t get your students visa on time, you always have a second chance at it. It is with the winter intake of the following year when you can reapply to accomplish your study abroad dream. Below are some of the best benefits for why January intakes are just as good as a fall intake.

1. More Time: When preparing for your study abroad journey, there are several things that you must be prepared for. From visa to education loan, there are several steps where one mistake can cost you the chance of studying abroad. However, when you apply for a January intake, you get more time to prepare and even if your visa or education loan has been rejected before, you have ample time to reapply and get the basics all clear for the destination.
2. Fewer Applicants: Another benefit of applying for January intake in UK is that there are fewer applicants who apply for the winter season. As September is the main time of starting an academic year, there are thousands of students from across the globe that apply for admission in several UK universities. However, in the winter intake, there is less crowd which means there is less competition and more chances of getting accepted.
3. Course Availability: If you are willing to pursue a master’s, especially an MBA, in the UK, then applying for January intake is the best time for you. There are several top colleges in the UK that offer almost each course for students to pursue. Moreover, if you are looking for a specialisation in a particular university, you can also get the chance to reapply and pick the courses you want to study with the flexible study approach.
4. A Second Chance: One of the biggest advantages of applying for January intake is you get a second chance to accomplish your dream of studying abroad. As the September intake rejection may seem like a missed chance, but with a new academic semester waiting with a fresh start at the start of the year brings you the opportunity to pursue your further education without a gap year.
5. Cost Effective: One of the many benefits of January intake in UK is that it is a cost-effective plan. As every student wishes to go to the typical fall semester, the visa charges, flights, or even accommodation options are available at higher prices. However, the same isn’t the case for the winter semester. As few of the people intend to opt for January intake, the accommodation and flight prices are comparatively low, making students save some bucks before flying to the UK.

Top Universities in UK for January Intake

When you are planning to pursue your further education in the winter semester, then you must require a list of university options. To help you, below we are mentioning January intake universities in UK, along with their average tuition fee and location. So, let’s give a look at your probable future university in the United Kingdom.

We believe this list of universities in the UK for January intake will help you decide where and what you wish to study. However, as you have made up your mind to study in the UK in January of the coming year, then let’s help you with the requirements and deadlines for the same.

January Intake: How to Apply, Requirements, and Important Deadlines

Now that the new year is approaching, let’s get you prepared for your new academic journey. If you have missed your chance in September intake, we can still make your dream of study abroad come true with January intake. Here is your complete guide on how to apply for the upcoming intake. From how to apply to requirements for January intake, we are mentioning everything, so don’t skip this part.

How to Apply for January Intake:

1. Research Universities and Courses: The first step you have to take to apply for the January intake is to research the course you wish to pursue and the available university options. As the universities mostly offer master’s programs in the January intake, if you are up for bachelor’s courses, then your research should be extensive and conclusive. Another factor you must consider while researching universities in the UK for January intake is the prices. Even though it is affordable at that time, you still compare the courses and universities before applying.
2. Prepare Required Documents: Your next step should be taking care of the required documents. Below is your checklist that will help you easily get your preparations done.
   • Transcripts and Certificates from previous studies
   • English language proficiency proof (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
   • Reference Letters (academic or professional)
   • Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
   • CV/Resume (for postgraduate programs)
   • Passport copy
3. Apply in universities: Once you have decided your course and university, and have the required documents ready with you, it is time for you to apply into several universities. Now, when applying for your undergraduate or graduate degree, you can either take help from some professional or can apply yourself through the official website of your preferred university.

Entry Requirements

For Undergraduate Degree

• A certificate of secondary school education completion with an overall 70% score.
• IELTS score typically ranges from 6.0-6.5 (depending on the course you pick).

For Graduate Degree

• A relevant undergraduate degree.
• IELTS score of 6.5 – 7.0 (again, depending on the program).
• Some programs may require work experience (e.g., for an MBA).

For Visa Requirements

• To study in UK, you need to apply for a Student Visa (Tier 4).
• Need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies letter.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
• Proof of accommodation (if required).
• Valid passport.
• IELTS or equivalent English proficiency test results (if not previously submitted).

Important Deadlines for January Intake

For Undergraduate Degree

• Application Deadlines: Mid-December.
• Offer Letter: December to early January.

For Graduate Degree

• Application Deadlines: October to November.
• Offer Letter: November to December.

Get Last Minute Admission in a UK University with MetaApply

Many students who fail to secure admission in the September semester feel shattered and never try to reapply. Thinking their study abroad dream has ended, there is no point in trying their luck again. Well, if your September application has been rejected too, then there is no problem in applying another time.

We understand that there can be any small reason leading to the rejection of your academic application or visa application. However, we are here to make your dream of studying in the UK come true. So, no matter what your student visa requirements are or how perfect your SOP should be, we are here to help you at every step.

From university and course selection and admission application submission to getting your study visa, assisting you through financial constraints, and finding you the perfect accommodation in UK, we have it all covered.

So, if you are ready to feel the wintery air, sip hot chocolate, enjoy a British breakfast and explore the new British culture, then connect with our professionals today at MetaApply and plan your study in UK journey together.