Spring Intake in UK: Complete Information

Are you looking to take admission during the spring intake in UK? These intakes are usually done in January or February. It is a secondary system of intake since all university programs are not available at this time, and those who have missed out on the autumn intake may apply here. 

Spring Intake in UK- List of Universities Offering Admission

Many universities admit students during the spring intake period. Of course, you will have to schedule your applications cautiously since you have to complete your study visa formalities afterwards.  Here is a list of some institutions that take applications at this time, along with some of their popular courses: 

• Brunel University (Computer Science, Mathematics, Medicine, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Sociology, English, Games Design) 
• Kingston University (Art and Design, Education, Building & Construction, Nursing & Midwifery) 
• Birmingham City University (Art and Design, Media, English, Automotive Engineering) 
• Northumbria University (Business Analytics, LLM, Business and Management, Applied Linguistics) 
• Edge Hill University (English, History, MBA, LLB, Creative Writing) 
• University of Chester (Biological Sciences, Business and Management, Accounting and Finance) 
• The University of Greenwich (Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering and Cybernetics, Chemistry)
• Anglia Ruskin University (Business and Healthcare Management, Business and Hospitality Management)
• University of Sunderland (Nursing and Health, MBA, Tourism, Engineering)
• The City University of London (Mathematics, Health, Law, Computing & Computer Science) 
• The Birkbeck University of London (Archaeology, Art History, Classics, Biology)
• Coventry University (Food Science, Occupational Therapy, Forensic Science, Physiotherapy)
• De Montfort University (Aeronautical Engineering, Accounting, Animation)
• Oxford Brookes University (Software Engineering, Finance, International Hospitality)
• The University of Lincoln (Management and Marketing, Business and Economics)
• University of Brighton (Aeronautical Engineering, Accounting and Finance)

Make sure that you carefully check all admission requirements at these universities before applying. 

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How to choose spring intake in UK? 

April/May’s intake is the least favorite time of the admissions calendar for international students. There are rarely any available courses at this time, and students usually choose spring breaks, meaning that most institutions do not provide intakes at this time. Hence, you can consider selecting the January or February spring intake by default, especially if you miss out on the primary intake in September for UK universities. 

Almost all seats for courses get filled up in the autumn intake; however, some seats remain available at many institutions in the spring intake. Keep this as the second choice if you miss the autumn intake. Consider availability of courses and your test scores in standardized examinations, along with how soon you can decide and join a particular course. January intakes may be ideal for specific programs and if you do not have scorecards and other documents ready by September, simply plan for the upcoming intake instead. 

Read More: Major Requirements for Studying in the UK

Eligibility Criteria

To study sciences or humanities, students must score a minimum of 65% or more in their higher-secondary levels in the UK. Students will need a minimum of 70% to enroll in specific science-based subjects. Candidates should also meet the minimum score criteria for standardized language examinations like the PTE, IELTS or TOEFL. Some institutions may also require scores in GMAT or GRE. 

Where should you apply? 

You can check out the admissions calendars at leading universities, especially those you have shortlisted. You can apply directly at the university websites, fill out the application forms, and attach your required documents. You may have to provide things like SOPs (Statement of Purpose) and LORs (Letter of Recognition) along with application essays, valid copies of passports, other IDs, and photographs. 

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How to apply in the spring intake? 

Here is a guide for you to apply at leading UK universities in the spring intake: 

• May to June– The first movement begins here. You will begin to choose preferred academic fields and courses and narrow down the universities you will be applying to. You should note that the selection procedure varies for people and will depend on your future goals and academic preferences. Hence, research extensively on the courses that suit you and the universities you can apply to. Go through all the official websites of these universities, viewing all course-related information. You should know about loan options or funding related criteria at banks if that is what you are going for. You should look out for the January intake at the university and the application timelines. 

• July to August– You will be sitting for all your entrance examinations at this time. The vital criteria for the course that you are interested in will influence your examinations. You can sit for either the GMAT or GRE, and these scores may be necessary for getting admission into universities in the UK. Prepare and attempt your test likewise. The other vital tests include TOEFL or IELTS as proof of your proficiency in the English language. Note that these examinations need sufficient time for preparation, and the results will be announced after a few weeks. If the results are not satisfactory, you may consider sitting again for these tests. Consider this entire duration while preparing to apply during the January or spring intake.
  
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• August to September– This is when you have to start preparing your university applications. Note the deadlines for applications carefully. A month before this deadline, begin documentation and paperwork. Create your application essay or statement of purpose (SOP). The latter will have to demonstrate your academic credentials and the reasons for choosing the course and university. Start reaching out to academic supervisors, professors/teachers, and senior workplace managers for writing your LORs (letters of recommendation) if they are necessary. You should apply before the final deadline. The deadline for January intake is usually between June and September. 

• September to October– This is when you will be covering the interviews and also getting the acceptance letters. Once your chosen university successfully processes your application, you will get the acceptance letter and should reply with your confirmation email as well. You should not wait for the deadline to inform the university about taking the course. Email your reply as fast as you can. You may have to pay the confirmation charges after that. This payment will also come with a timeline. Make sure you adhere to the same. 
  
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• October to November– This is when you complete all study visa formalities. Once you get your letter of acceptance from your university, you should start your loan/funding procedure along with the visa application. Apply at least three-four months for your student visa before the intake begins in January. Both the loan and visa procedures will require time; factor this into your strategy. You can also apply for scholarships, provided you declare the same while applying for the visa. 

• November to December– This is the final step in the journey. You should possess all necessary documentation before booking your flights. Search for accommodation within the campus or elsewhere, as per your requirements. Do this at least one month before arriving in the UK. Get an international debit or credit card before departure. Create a checklist to make sure that you are not missing anything. Keep tracking and reviewing this till the final days before leaving for the UK. 

Read More: All about how to settle in UK!

UCAS Aspects

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the authority in charge of managing applications to undergraduate courses. UCAS deadlines are always given in advance for the spring intake and other intakes. Common deadlines include the 15^th of October for all Oxford and Cambridge courses and courses in dentistry, medicine, etc. 

15^th January is usually the deadline for EU students on other undergraduate courses. International students will have 30^th June as their usual deadline for all other UG programs. Bear in mind that deadlines may change at any time. Hence, keep tracking the official websites. 

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Scholarships for Spring Intake

Some scholarships are only available to those applying in the autumn intake or spring intake. However, a few scholarships are universally applicable for those meeting the criteria. Of course, they will have their timelines that you should check. Some options include the following: 

• Chevening Scholarship Programme– The UK Government provides this scholarship to meritorious students under the Global Scholarships Program. The grants are mostly for Master’s degrees (one-year) in the country, covering 100% tuition costs and economy-class return tickets to the UK added allowances and living costs. Close to 1,500 such scholarships are given to academically bright students worldwide for each academic session/cycle. 
  
• Commonwealth Masters Scholarship Programme– This is given by the DFID or the Department for International Development to all international students hailing from developing countries within the Commonwealth. It is given to pursue PhD and Master’s courses in the UK. Coverage is ensured for thesis grants, airfare, personal costs, tuition costs, and more. 
  
• Commonwealth Fellowship Plan (CFP)– CFP is an initiative by the Government for Commonwealth country students. It covers 100% of tuition costs and comes with added allowances and economy-class airfare. 
  
• Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarship– Academically bright Indian students can get this scholarship for doctoral programs at the University of Cambridge or St. John’s College in specific niches like economics, science and technology, social sciences, etc. Priority is given to those applying for aerospace engineering or energy studies at the moment. 
  
• Global Study Awards– These are given to international students by the ISIC, Study Portals, and the British Council. Candidates get close to £10,000 (INR 9,91,742 approx) as their scholarship amounts. Just check one aspect- the scholarship opens two times every year. 
  
• Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship– 10 long-term scholarships are provided annually for international students, including living and tuition costs and flight fares. 
  
• British Council Great Scholarship– There are 198 scholarships each year under this programme via 40+ partner universities in the UK. There are roughly 169 postgraduate and 29 undergraduate scholarships in fields like engineering, art and design, and management. 
  
• Felix Scholarship– This programme is for academically bright students. Indian students below 30 can apply for this scholarship, but they need a first-class UG degree. A maximum of six grants is provided every year for PG studies at the University of Oxford and African Studies and the University of Reading and School of Oriental. 

• Inlaks Programme– Institutions in the UK, Europe, and the US offer scholarships for meritorious students, covering tuition costs and other necessities. 
  
• Erasmus Mundus– This scholarship programme covers funding for various programs, depending upon the student’s nationality, course tenure and the study/teaching/academic research level. 
  
• University of Westminster– 50% waiver of tuition fees for meritorious students, or 100% waiver for those eligible and pursuing full-time PG courses. 
  
• Coventry University– Scholarships up to £1,500 (INR 1,48,650) are offered by the university for UG and PG aspirants. There are stringent eligibility guidelines for the same. 
  
• University of Oxford (Rhodes Scholarship)– Named after Cecil Rhodes, this is given to five students from India annually. They have to demonstrate outstanding temperament, service-based commitment, leadership, and intellectual prowess. These scholarships are only for PG students, covering tuition costs and economy-class airfare and health insurance fees. 
  
• Queen Mary University– There are many scholarship options for Master’s, UG and PhD applicants. 
  
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships– Aspirants from any country can apply for this programme to pursue full-time PG courses at the University of Cambridge. 
  
• University of Hertfordshire– There are scholarships available for meritorious PG and UG students alike. 
  
• University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarship– These are given to students with outstanding academic credentials who have applied for full-time PG programs here. 50% tuition fee waivers are granted for a year. 
  
• University of Arts London– 10 scholarships are sanctioned every year for applicants from lower-income countries and pursuing full-time Master’s courses at the institution. The amount is £25,000 (INR 24,77,599.16 approx). 
  
• Bristol University International Office– Five international UG students can avail of this scholarship every year. Every successful applicant gets £8,500 or INR 8,45,070 (approx) as a stipend. 
  
• University of West London International Ambassador Scholarship– There are 50 annual scholarships given to meritorious students worth around £5,000 (INR 4,95,834.75approx). These scholarships are available for both UG and PG courses. 

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