Unlike a single intake in the Indian education system, colleges and universities abroad have various intakes in an academic year. Thus, when you apply for any of the universities in countries like Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the UK and US, you can choose from more than one intake each year. For instance, if you missed the September 2018 intake this year, you can always try for the next intake in January instead of waiting for a complete one year.

Most universities and colleges abroad offer two intakes – Fall and Spring. The fall intake usually starts in September whereas as the Spring intakes begins in January. Certain universities and colleges also offer a minor intake in Summer that begins in April.

Intakes may vary based on the program and institution. In certain institutions, intakes may also be referred to as terms or semesters. You must always check the official website of your preferred institution to confirm the available intake.

When choosing which intake to opt for, it is important to consider the availability of your preferred program, your academic records, entrance test scores, acceptance rates, job opportunities and your readiness on joining the course. We recommend you to start with your applications at least 10-12 months before the date of commencement of your program.

For the Fall semester, ensure to have your score by April and for Spring, start no later than August.

Most Indian students opt for the September intake since it works in line with the completion of school or under-graduation in India. Students going for research programs often prefer the Fall/September intake since many professors choose to start their research in the beginning of the year and thus acquiring an internship or assistantship is easier in this intake than the Spring/January intake.