Know all about the intakes available in Australia

Australia is a popular destination for Indian students. With world-class education, experienced faculties and advanced technologies Australian universities offer a lot to international students. Also, Australian universities’ intakes are different from India’s.

In Australia, the intake deadlines for undergraduate and graduate courses vary depending on the institution and the course.

Australia Intakes 2024

For February intake, students are typically required to apply between October and November of the previous year, while for July intake, applications are usually due between April and May. For November intake, the application deadline is typically in September. However, it's important to note that master's degree programs in Australia may have different deadlines such as Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3, and some universities may have specific deadlines for course and scholarship applications.

Top business schools in Australia, such as the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales, typically follow a round-based application system with rounds ranging from early August to mid-June. It's important for students to check with the specific institution and program they are interested in for the exact application deadlines.

Here are the major intakes available in Australia:

Intake Type

Intake
Name

Availability of Programs

Application
Season

Number of Applications

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Primary

February Intake

All Programs

Large number of applications

Various types of scholarships and financial aid

February or Early March – Late May or Early June

Primary

July
Intake

Majority of Programs

Number of applications received is lesser than February

Limited number of scholarships and financial aid

Late July or Early August – November

Primary

November Intake

Minor, least popular with some selected programs

Very limited applications

Less than July intakes

Late November - January

Secondary

Semester 1 Intake

All Programs

Primary intake season

Various types of scholarships and financial aid

February or Early March – Late May or Early June

Secondary

Semester 2 Intake

Majority of Programs

Secondary intake season

Limited number of scholarships and financial aid

Late July or Early August – November

Secondary

Semester 3 Intake

Limited universities are available less popular

Secondary intake season

Limited number of scholarships and financial aid

Late November - January

Advantages of Intakes in Australia

There are several benefits to studying or working during intakes in Australia, including:

  1. More opportunities: Australia has two intakes per year, which provides students and workers with more opportunities to start their courses or jobs, rather than having to wait for an entire year for a single intake.

  2. Flexibility: Having two intakes per year allows students and workers to plan their schedules and manage their time more effectively.

  3. Diverse student body: With students from all over the world starting their courses during intakes in Australia, this provides an opportunity for students to be part of a diverse student community, which can broaden their perspectives and create a richer learning experience.

  4. Better job prospects: Students and workers who begin their courses or jobs during intakes in Australia may have an advantage in securing job opportunities as they are available for hire during peak hiring periods.

  5. Access to support services: Starting during an intake also ensures students have access to support services like orientation programs, which can help them settle in and make the most of their studies in Australia.

  6. Time to adjust: Students starting during intakes in Australia have more time to adjust to the new environment, culture, and climate of the country, which can help them ease into their studies and work more effectively.

Overall, starting during intakes in Australia can be beneficial for those looking to study in Australia, providing more opportunities, flexibility, and access to support services.

Which intake to opt for?

It can get a bit confusing to choose the intake that’s best for you. Consider factors like the availability of your preferred program, your academic records, entrance test scores, acceptance rates, job opportunities and your readiness to join the program whilst making a decision.

For example, students who want to start their studies as soon as possible may prefer the February intake (Semester 1), while those who need more time to prepare and apply may prefer the July intake (Semester 2).

It is also important to consider the availability of courses and programs. Some courses may only have one intake per year, while others may have intakes in both February and July.

Career goals can also play a role in determining the ideal intake. For example, students studying courses that lead to careers in industries that have peak hiring periods may prefer to start their studies in the intake closest to that peak period.

In addition to these factors, it is important to consider personal circumstances such as availability, budget, and family commitments when deciding on an intake.

Ultimately, the decision of which intake to choose in Australia will depend on a variety of factors, and it is recommended to speak with an education counsellor or the institution of interest to determine the best option based on individual needs and circumstances.

Typically, Indian students prefer the July intake. But the February intake, considered as primary intake in Australia, is equally good for certain programs.

Australian universities allow conditional acceptance in cases where final results are awaited. Since the results at Indian schools and colleges are usually announced in May-June, this provision may work well for you. This allows you to start with your visa application eliminating the need to wait and waste time.

Read more: Conditional and unconditional offer letters

The Australian admission process is very streamlined. All you need to do is know when to start your application and how and when to submit it in order to maximise your chances of acceptance. To help you with the same, we have created a recommended application timeline for you.

If you missed the last intake, here’s how you can make the most of the upcoming intake, You can book a free counselling session with our international education specialists who can advise you on available intakes, course selection, application submission, and visa procedure.

Misconceptions about Australian university intakes

There are several misconceptions surrounding Australian intakes, here are some of them:

  1. There is only one intake per year: This is false, as most universities and educational institutions in Australia offer two intakes per year - Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July).

  2. Intake periods are not flexible: This is also false, as some institutions offer flexible start dates for certain courses, depending on availability and demand.

  3. It is easier to get accepted during the July intake: This is a myth, as the admission process and requirements are the same for both intakes. The only difference is the timing of when the course starts.

  4. Starting in February means missing out on job opportunities: This is not necessarily true, as there are job opportunities available throughout the year in Australia. However, starting during peak hiring periods may provide a better chance of securing employment.

  5. All courses are available in both intakes: This is not always the case, as some courses may only have one intake per year or be offered in alternate years.

  6. Only international students start in July: This is a myth, as both domestic and international students can start their studies during either intake.

  7. The quality of education is lower during the July intake: This is not true, as the quality of education is the same regardless of the intake. The only difference is the timing of when the course starts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques1: When do intakes generally occur in Australia?
Ans: Intakes vary depending on the institution and program. However, most universities and educational institutions have two intakes per year - Semester 1 typically begins in February, and Semester 2 in July.

Ques 2: How long does it take to get a student visa for Australia?
Ans: The processing time for a student visa can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual circumstances and the number of applications being processed at the time. It is recommended to apply for a student visa as early as possible to avoid delays.

Ques 3: Can international students work in Australia while studying?
Yes, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (every two weeks) while studying, and full-time during designated school breaks.

Ques 4: What is the accommodation like for international students in Australia?
Ans: There are many accommodation options for international students in Australia, including on-campus accommodation, homestays, rental apartments, and shared houses. The cost and availability of accommodation will vary depending on the location and type of accommodation chosen.

Ques 5: How safe is Australia for international students?
Ans: Australia is generally a safe and welcoming country for international students. However, as with any country, it is important to take necessary safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Educational institutions often provide safety tips and resources to help students stay safe while studying in Australia.