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What are the upcoming intakes in USA 2025?
Know all about the intakes available in the USA
The United States of America (USA) hosts the greatest number of international students in the world. Quality education, a unique curriculum, a multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities are just some of the reasons why many Indian students want to study in the USA.
Why Study in the USA?
Here are the top 5 reasons why studying in the US could be the best decision of your life:
Academic excellence: The US boasts of some of the finest universities, a lot of which consistently rank in the world university rankings.
Flexible education system: American universities and colleges offer a myriad of courses and programs to choose from. You have the freedom to not only select the course content, but also the structure.
Excellent support system for international students: American universities understand the struggles of international students and therefore conduct regular orientation programs, workshops and training to offer assistance.
Cultural diversity: The US is a melting pot of different cultures, races and ethnicities. Its diverse environment ensures that there is acceptance among all communities and there is no room for any sort of discrimination
Lively and vibrant campus life: It’s a known fact that the campus life of the US is matchless. Irrespective of the university you study at, you will find yourself in the midst of new cultural experiences and the American way of life. Embrace it and open yourself up to new ideas and new people.
Upcoming intakes in the USA
Unlike a single intake in Indian universities, American colleges and universities offer three intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The three intakes available in the US are:
Fall intake in the US 2025: A popular intake among Indian students, Fall starts in the month of August. The application deadline for the Fall intake is usually around December or January of the previous year.
Spring intake in the US 2025: Starts in January; it’s best if you miss the September intake. The application deadline for Spring intake is usually around September or October of the previous year.
Summer Intake in the US 2025: Available for limited programs and colleges, the Summer intake usually starts around May
Benefits of enrolling for each Intake in the US
Benefit of Fall Intake: The fall intake is the primary intake for most universities and colleges in the USA. The fall semester usually starts in August or September, which gives students more time to prepare for the academic year. This intake also allows students to experience the full academic year, including extracurricular activities, cultural events, and opportunities to participate in research and internships. Additionally, many universities offer more course options and scholarship opportunities during the fall intake.
Spring Intake: The spring intake offers some unique advantages for students who may not be able to enrol during the fall intake. It allows students to start their academic journey in January or February, which may be more convenient for those who need to finish up obligations in their home country or those who need more time to prepare for their academic program. Additionally, students who enrol in the spring intake may have more opportunities to interact with faculty and staff, as well as take advantage of smaller class sizes and specialized course offerings.
Summer Intake: While the summer intake is less common, it offers several benefits to students who are looking for a more flexible schedule. Many universities offer shorter courses during the summer intake, which allows students to take classes outside of the traditional academic year. Additionally, summer classes may offer a more relaxed and collaborative environment, as well as opportunities for internships or research projects that may not be available during other semesters.
Ultimately, the best intake season for a student will depend on their individual needs, preferences, and academic goals. It's important to research and compare the options available to determine which intake will be the best fit.
Winter intake in the US
While winter intake is not as common as the other intakes in the US, some universities do offer winter or January intake for certain programs. Winter intake typically starts in January and lasts for a shorter period of time than the traditional fall and spring semesters.
One advantage of winter intake is that it allows students to begin their studies at a time that is more convenient for them. For example, students who may have missed the fall or spring intake deadlines, or those who need more time to prepare for their academic program, can take advantage of the winter intake to begin their studies. Winter intake may also offer a more intimate learning environment, with smaller class sizes and more one-on-one time with professors. This can be especially beneficial for students who thrive in a more personalised learning environment.
Another benefit of winter intake is that it may offer unique course options or specialised programs that are not available during the traditional fall or spring semesters. For example, some universities may offer winter courses or programs in areas such as international business, language immersion, or winter sports. It's important to note, however, that not all universities offer a winter intake, and the available programs and course options may be limited. Students should research and compare the options available to determine whether a winter intake is the best fit for their academic goals and personal circumstances.
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 .
Here’s an overview of the intakes and their duration in American universities and colleges:
Intake | Duration |
Fall Term | From August to December |
Spring Term | From January to April |
Summer Term | From May to August |
**Intakes vary basis the institution and your program. Please speak with your IDP counsellor for more information.
While most Indian students prefer the Fall intake, Spring and Summer intakes are equally good for certain programs. We suggest, that if you do not have your documents ready, it’s better to skip the haste and apply for the next intake.
Comparing two intakes at a glance
Basis | Fall Intake | Spring Intake |
Opportunities in terms of scholarships | As the academic year starts during this time, so you can get more opportunities in terms of scholarships and better networking options with other students | Lesser opportunities as most of the scholarships and funding are availed during the start of the academic year |
Courses options | Universities offer a broad range of courses options to choose from in fall intake | A comparatively limited number of courses are offered by universities in the spring intake |
Part-time work opportunities | More opportunities available on-campus, more research or teacher assistant jobs available during fall intake | As you may start in mid of the year, the opportunities to work on campus and an as a researcher are slightly lesser |
Leadership position in social groups | As all the social groups are made since the starting of the year so it's easier for a fall student to lead that particular group | In the spring semester, it would be difficult to show your real potential as a leader as a social groups are already made |
Internship opportunities | Fall students can easily apply for internship opportunities as they easily meet the 9 months criteria before applying | Spring students face the eligibility problem of 9 months enrollment condition to intern with any company. |
Post-study work opportunities | More options for the jobs are available with a fall student as the university’s placement drive starts during that time. | A limited number of job options are available as most of the fall applicants have already been employed by companies |
Tests required for admissions to US universities
For admission in a US university, you’ll have to give a few tests to confirm your intellectual and language abilities. Academic evaluations for undergraduate and graduate admissions to US universities are among them. Among these exams are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), SAT/ACT (undergraduate academic assessment), GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT (graduate academic evaluation), and others.
Grading system in the US
As you start shortlisting your target USA universities and prepare applications for each, it is essential for you to get familiar with the unique Grading System followed in the country. Like most countries, the marking system in your home country might be based on numerical scores that are translated into a percentage score at the end of the academic year.
In the USA, however, students are allotted alphabetical as well as numerical grades based on a system of credits. As a new student, coming across terms like credit hours, GPA, and extra credits for the first time can get intimidating. To fit well into an American college or university, it is advisable to get an understanding of their evaluation matrix.
Missed the last intake? Here’s a timeline for the upcoming intake!
In order to make a well-informed decision, you can get in touch with our experienced international education experts, who can advise you on available intakes, course selection, application submission, and visa procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques 1: Are all programs available during each intake?
Ans: Not all programs may be available during each intake. Some programs may only be available during certain intakes, while others may be available year-round. It's important to check with the specific university or program for availability.
Ques 2: Can international students apply for any intake?
Ans: Yes, international students can apply for any intake. However, it's important to check the specific requirements and deadlines for international students, as they may differ from those for domestic students.
Ques 3: Which intake is the best for international students?
Ans: The best intake for international students depends on their individual circumstances, academic goals, and personal preferences. Some international students may prefer the Fall intake to experience a full academic year, while others may prefer the Spring or Summer intake for a more flexible schedule. It's important to research and compare the options available to determine which intake is the best fit.
Ques 4: Can I transfer between intakes?
Ans: In general, it is possible to transfer between intakes, but it may depend on the specific university and program. Students should consult with their academic advisors or the university's transfer policies for more information.
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