Study Abroad Intakes
Students who plan to study abroad benefit from the flexibility of multiple academic intakes offered by institutions across the world. This means that even if a student misses one intake, they can apply for the next available one — without waiting for a whole academic year. Such flexibility opens doors for greater opportunities for international students and allows them to plan their study abroad journey along with their personal goals and career aspirations.
Most universities and colleges across popular study destinations offer three intakes throughout the academic year. Let’s take a look at them :
| Intake | Application Timeline | Program Availability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (September/October) | November - March | Most UG & PG programs. | This intake is the first preference for most students. It is available in most universities and courses are offered in this intake. There is also high availability of scholarships. |
| Spring (January/February) | June - October | Less course options as a compared to fall intake. | Spring intake is the best option for student who missed Fall intake. You get plenty of time to prepare for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, PTE, etc. |
| Summer (May/June) | August - December | Limited options and short-term/diploma courses. | Summer intake is offered in very few universities. Mostly certificate and short diploma courses are offered in this intake. |
Important Tip: Start your application process 9–12 months before your intended intake. This includes researching universities, preparing documents, taking language proficiency tests, and applying for visas.
Student Visa Types
When pursuing higher education abroad, understanding the different types of student visas is crucial for a smooth application process.
F-1 Student Visa (USA)
- The F-1 visa is for full-time academic students who are enrolled in programs in the United States. It requires acceptance into a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) approved institution and proof of financial support. The candidates can work on-campus and also apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (USA)
- The J-1 visa is for the students participating in exchange programs, including short-term study, research, or internships. It often comes with a two-year home-country residency requirement after the program ends, depending on your field or funding source.
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa (UK)
- Now a part of the Student Route, this visa is for international students aged 16+, studying in the UK. The applicants must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor and meet English language proficiency tests (such as IELTS , TOEFL , PTE Academic , UKVI) and other financial requirements.
Subclass 500 Student Visa (Australia)
- This is the main student visa for Australia, that allows international students to study full-time at a CRICOS-registered institution. It also permits part-time work (currently up to 48 hours/fortnight) and requires Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Study Permit (Canada)
- Although not technically called a visa, Canada's study permit is required for international students studying longer than 6 months. Often issued with a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), depending on the nationality, it also allows part-time work to students.
D-Visa / National Visa (Europe - e.g., Germany, France)
- European countries like Germany and France offer a Type D long-stay visa for students. It allows students to stay in the country for longer than 90 days and often includes a residence permit for continued stay after arrival.
Many students feel overwhelmed during this process, but having expert guidance makes it much easier.Education Planner is here to guide you through each step and ensure that your application is strong, timely, and complete.
Student Visa Application Process
Once admission is secured at a foreign institution, students are required to apply for a student visa to study in their chosen country. While the exact process varies by country, the general steps remain similar across most destinations.
Step 1: Receive an Offer Letter or Letter of Acceptance
This acceptance letter is Issued by a recognized or accredited institution. It is the starting point for your visa application.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
While requirements may vary, depending on the university or country where you are applying to, the common documents include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of admission
- Financial documents showing sufficient funds
- Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
- Passport-size photographs
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- A Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Medical or police clearance certificates (if applicable)
Step 3: Submit Your Visa Application
After gathering all the required documents for your student visa application, you may need to apply online or through a local embassy near you. The process generally includes:
- Creating an application account or profile
- Uploading all required documents
- Paying the visa application fee
Step 4: Attend Visa Interview or Biometrics Appointment (if required)
Some countries require a visa interview or biometric submission. You must be prepared with all original documents (if required).
Step 5: Wait for your student visa approval
Once your student visa application is approved, students receive either a visa stamp or a visa letter, depending on your study abroad destination.
When Should You Start Your Visa Application Process?
It’s recommended to begin the visa application process at least 3–6 months before your course start date. This allows enough time to handle delays, gather documents, and also prepare for travel smoothly.
Need Help with Your Visa Application?
Our expert team helps you avoid delays, increase your chances of visa approval, and keep everything on track. Whether it’s choosing the right intake, finding the perfect course, or submitting your visa application—we’ve got you covered.
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FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
Find quick answers to common queries about studying abroad, applying to universities, and using our platform.
Study abroad intakes refer to the specific periods when universities or colleges accept applications for new students. The most common intakes are in the Fall, Spring, and Summer seasons. Each intake has its own deadlines and application processes.
