United Kingdom Schools Semesters and Timeline

The UK continues to be a popular destination for many international students, in part due to its array of world-class universities as well as cities steeped in culture and history.

From London to Manchester, Edinburgh to Belfast, international students have continued to revel in an array of fruitful study abroad adventures. Also, graduates from British universities stand to gain a two-year post-study work visa - which is valuable when it comes to gaining work experience.

While our education Counselors can help narrow down the universities that are ideal for you and guide you through the application process, it is always handy to find out what’s required and what to expect.

We’ve also created a university application timeline which depicts how early you can apply as well as the documents and actions required.

For the UK, the main intake periods are:

Semester 1: September to December

Semester 2: January to April

Summer: April to June

Usually, students choose an intake based on a range of factors such as preferred choice of study, the availability of a program in a particular university and academic records.

There are also application deadlines for each intake (below), and these can vary for certain institutions and programs with a different intake from the main ones. It would be best to speak with one of our Counselors to get tailored advice and up-to-date information.

We’ve also charted a timeline to give you an overview of the university application journey, to better prepare you for an exciting new chapter ahead.

Stage 1

Explore study abroad options

Stage 2

Make an appointment with a Counselor (6 months to 2 years to course commencement)

Stage 3

Prepare necessary paperwork

- Academic documents / diploma

- Passport copy

- Personal statement

- Reference/Testimonial - 1 for UG; 2 for PG

- IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI

- Resume/CV Work experience

Stage 4

Apply to universities

- 5 Choices of Foundation/Universities

- Application fee waived for Foundation and UCAS (provided student applies to IDP Clients), PG courses maybe subjected to application fee

- Certifying of documents

Stage 5

Post-submission Follow-up

- Submission of any pending documents

Stage 6

Receive offer

- Foundation will receive in 3 to 7 days

- Undergraduate will receive in 2 to 6 weeks

- Postgraduate will receive offer in 4 to 8 weeks

Stage 7

Book an IELTS test if required

- IELTS for UKVI for Foundation and Pre-masters

Stage 8

Accept unconditional offer

- Payment of deposit (if any)

- Apply for Accommodation

- Complete Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) Preview

Stage 9

Receive Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)

- 3 months before course commencement

Stage 10

Apply for Student Visa

- Fill Online application

- Pay for Visa application online & NHS Immigration Health Surcharge insurance

- Attend Biometric Appointment

Stage 11

Receive Passport with Visa Vignette

- Standard processing: 15 working days, Express processing (additional charges apply): 5 working days

Stage 12

Pre-departure Seminar

Stage 13

Arrive in destination

- Pick up BRP Card for nearest post office or on campus within 10 working days of arrival into UK

- Check into Accommodation

- Attend Orientation

- Enroll in classes

- Schedule a Bank Appointment

- Register with NHS

Keen to embark on an exciting study abroad adventure? Simply fill in your details and chat with our Counselor for free!