May Intake in UK 2024 : Deadline, Universities, Courses Requirement

If you somehow missed the January (Spring intake) or September (fall intake)  intake universities in the UK, you can go for the May intake universities. Although May intake is not the preferred intake, you can apply for May intake during summer with limited choices of courses and universities.  Opting for a less crowded intake can provide you with a more flexible schedule and potentially reduce competition for admission. The May intake commences in either April or May, and the majority of international students who are already enrolled take a break in the spring during this period.

There are three intakes for admission: winter, summer, and autumn, which commence in January, May, and September, respectively. Although most UK universities provide courses for the September intake, a few also offer options for the May intake.

Top universities in the United Kingdom have consistently ranked first in global rankings. Unlike the Indian educational system, which has a once-a-year intake, universities in UK have their own admissions process.  The May intake is typically a good option for individuals unable to apply for the September or January intakes for various reasons. 

However, it's important to ensure that the institution and program you're interested in offer admissions during this particular intake. Selecting the right intake period can help you avoid rushing through the application process and increase your chances of acceptance. To help you make an informed decision, we have created a comprehensive guide that includes a list of UK universities with a May intake as well as the programs they offer. This guide will help you in choosing the best academic path for your journey.  
 

May Intake in the UK 2024

Every year in May, the summer intake in the UK takes place. During this intake, only a small number of universities and colleges accept international applications. The majority of courses at UK institutions are fully enrolled during the spring and autumn admissions. However, for a variety of reasons, now is a good time to apply.

Although the number of courses and universities that offer them during the summer term is limited, the Summer/May intake in the UK is a suitable option for overseas students who miss the September or January deadlines . Students who do not wish to wait until September can instead apply for Summer/May intakes at universities that offer the courses they choose.              
 

Timeline for May Intake 2024

For international students, the May/Summer Intakes in the UK is a less popular option to consider compared to other choices. However, it is essential to be aware of the application deadlines and timeline of the course and university that you are interested in. Therefore, the following table displays the general May intake timeline UK 2024  for international students that they must adhere to.

Step by Step timeline for UK Semester 2024 May intake

Step 1 :  August to September 2023: Explore Colleges offering Courses for Summer Intake      

Generally, by August, the admissions for the fall season in the UK are complete. For those who have not been able to gain entry for the September term, they can start searching for opportunities for future intakes. If someone wants to apply for Summer 2024 Intake, they should begin their preparations around a year in advance, so August and September are ideal to start picking out universities and courses. 

The steps to follow are : 

• Look for universities offering summer/may intake admissions and make a selection.

• View the courses available and align them with your interests; download the university/course-specific brochures to know more about the institution and the course structure.

• Check the tuition fees and the expected cost of living in the UK.

• Plan your finances and budget according to that, and start applying for loans or maintain a minimum account balance as needed for admission and visa requirements.

Step 2: September to October 2023: Take the Test and Arrange Documents               

It is essential to pay close attention to the criteria set by the university and the course you are applying for. Arrange all the documents you need for your application based on these requirements. If the application requires any standardized exams, make sure to schedule them and try to get a good score. Booking an IELTS or TOEFL test in advance is important in case you do not get the desired result, as it will allow you to re-sit for the exam. When applying for a postgraduate program you will likely need to submit GRE or GMAT scores. At the same time, compile all the documents you need for the application, such as:

•  Academic transcripts      
•  Statement of Purpose (SOP)      
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Academic resume
• Portfolio, video essays, etc
• Financial documents
• Passport size photographs
• Study visa 

Step 3: October 2023 To February 2024: Apply for Admission           

After carefully selecting the colleges and courses available at UK universities with many sessions, students can initiate the application process. UK universities are likely to have individual online portals or physical admission forms. Thus, applicants can apply to the universities without any assistance. Including all the necessary test results when filling out the forms is essential. Even if any application documents are delayed, universities usually provide an additional deadline for their submission. However, it is better to attach all the application documents at the time of form filling to prevent sending incomplete applications.

Step 4: February to March 2024: Wait for the Decision      

Now that you have filled out the application form and submitted it in its entirety, the only thing left to do is wait. Look into the timeline of each university or department to see when you can expect a response. It would be wise to also sort out your financials if you have not already done so. Be sure to check your emails regularly to look out for any messages from the university. 

You can also track the status of your application on the university website. Once your admission is secured, the university will send you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter. This document is necessary to get a UK student visa. After receiving the admission letter, you can also start the process of finding accommodation.

Step 5:  March to April 2024: Apply for Visa               

When a university has accepted an international student, they must then begin the application process for a UK study visa . This procedure can be time-consuming, so it is suggested that international applicants submit their university applications in advance of the due date. In doing so, there is more time to make sure that all the necessary papers for the visa are in order.

Step 6: April to May 2024: Plan your Travel            

When your UK study visa has been accepted, it is time to organize your trip to the UK! It is important to go through the pre-departure activities thoroughly to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Students need to be mindful of all the requirements set by their universities and, as a result, create a list of pre-departure tasks. At the very top of the list should be booking flight tickets. 

Make sure to look at the orientation date provided by the university and book your tickets with this in mind. Generally, universities advise students to arrive one week before the orientation so that they have adequate time to get organized and get to know some people. If you haven't arranged your university lodging yet, now is the time to finalize where you want to stay; residing on the university campus for the first year is usually the best decision. After that, you can change your living arrangements to your preference.

What is the application process for summer intake in the UK?

Applying for admission to UK universities with May intake 2024 is similar to the primary intakes in September and January. The difference lies in the timeline for completing the process. The start and end dates for submitting applications can vary from one university to the next or even from one course to another. It is advised to check the universities' websites and course pages for accurate dates for the current year. Prospective students can apply for the May intake universities in UK application portals. 

Most of the programs available during the summer or May intake are at the postgraduate level, and the applications are submitted directly to the university. For undergraduate courses that are open during the summer or May intake, they may require either direct application via the university portal or submission through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS) portal .           

 

May Intake in UK Universities 2024

There are few Universities in the UK that offer courses in May intakes since it is the least popular one. However, here are the Summer intake universities in UK:

May intake universities in the UK without IELTS

There are universities that are open for applications for May intake universities in the UK without IELTS; let’s check out.

• University College Birmingham (UCB)         
• University of Creative arts
• University of Cumbria
• University of Hull         
• Kingston University         
• University of South Wales
• London South Bank University         
• De MontFort University         
• University of Bristol         
• University of Strathclyde         
• University of York       
• University of Dundee
• Coventry University         
• Northumbria University
• University of Stirling         
• Royal Holloway University         
• Nottingham Trent University         
   

Why is Summer intake popular to Study in the UK?

It is well recognized that a limited number of educational institutions and courses are available during the May intake, which students do not highly favour. This is mainly because the top universities in the UK do not open admissions at this time, as well as due to the lack of the most sought-after subjects.

It must also be taken into account that each country has its own set of standards when it comes to education, with the results being announced at varying times. For instance, Indian aspirants cannot apply for the summer intake since their school and college results are only released after April. However, they can aim for the next summer, which gives them ample time to prepare and organize their application.

Students who are aiming to apply for the May Intake want to take advantage of the less competitive atmosphere. It's a great opportunity for them to be chosen, considering there are fewer applicants and the class size is reduced .               
 

For some students, the January Intake may be too soon and the September Intake too late; they don't want to wait a year before beginning their studies. Thus, many people decide to pursue UK universities in the May intake 2024.

Document for Summer Intake in the UK 2024

If students plan to enroll in the April/May intakes in the United Kingdom in 2024, they must ensure that they have all of their documentation in order and that they have completed all of their prerequisites before the admission portal opens. So, here are some things to keep in mind when applying for the May intake in the United Kingdom.

Make a list of all the universities that are taking part in the May intake, as well as the courses they are offering. Then they can choose the one they want. 

Before starting the admissions process, students should take all of the required qualifying exams.

Students must wait for a confirmation letter after completing the application process. And once they have it, apply for a UK Student Visa right away.

Documents              

• Academic Transcript
• Passport
• Resume
• Letter of Recommendations
• Statement of Purpose
• Work Experience Letter
• English Language Proficiency – IELTS, TOEFL, PTE accepted scores.

Why Choose Summer (May) Intake in the UK 2024?

If students want to guarantee a position in the May intakes, they must apply during the first few days after the application forms are released. It's not a good idea to wait until the very last minute because the best seats may be taken. In the UK, the general timeline for applying for May Intakes is from October to January since classes begin between May and August. 

Students should submit their applications as soon as possible in order to receive an admission offer letter from the college. To apply for the position, students must have all required documents on hand, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, motivation letters, academic records, and so on. Students can also apply for admission to the summer semester in UK 2024, as only a small number of students apply for this session.           
 

When should I apply for summer intake in the UK in 2024?

Those who wish to pursue their studies in a university in the UK  often wonder when to apply for May intake 2024 in UK? It is recommended to start the application process as soon as possible. However, applications that are submitted after the cut-off date will not be accepted. Generally, the cutoff date for the summer intake is late April or the end of the same month. On the other hand, there are certain courses with rolling deadlines, and they accept applications until all the slots are filled up. It is important to bear in mind that the April deadline is applicable to most universities in the UK that have summer intake courses. Nevertheless, there may be slight variations in the closing dates and deadlines based on the department or program.

UK May Intake 2024 Deadline     

1. Deadline for application: 1st week of April
2. Meeting conditions and deposit: 2nd week of April
3. Interview: 3rd week of April
4. Induction and orientation: 2nd week of May
5. Course start date: 3rd week of May

What exams to take for summer intake in the UK?

Language Proficiency           

To be accepted into UK universities, applicants must undertake a language proficiency test. English is the standard language of instruction and communication in the UK, so it is essential to attain a good score on the English Language Test. The following are the several tests accepted by the UK that can be used to measure English fluency:

• TOEFL : The TOEFL test is extremely recognized as an English language assessment in a number of nations globally. It can be completed either on paper or via the Internet. Different universities have distinctive standards for TOEFL scores.

• PTE – Pearson Test of English:  The Pearson Test of English is a widely recognized English language assessment that is accepted by the majority of universities in the UK, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. In order to be considered for admission, applicants must attain a minimum score of 50-63 on the PTE.

• IELTS :  The International English Language Testing System is recognized in the USA, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. In order to be eligible to attend a university in the UK, it is necessary to obtain a minimum score of 6.0 to 6.5 on the IELTS exam.

Subject-Specific Exam      

Universities in the UK usually ask you to demonstrate your understanding of the subject or program you wish to pursue. Therefore, you will have to take one of the following tests depending on the course you want to take:

• GRE – Graduate Record Examination              

The GRE or Graduate Record Exam is an entry exam like the GMAT. The difference between these two is that the GMAT is only for business students, however the GRE is a more general exam accepted for different educational fields. The GRE test may be necessary for some universities, but not all.

Test for Business Degree       

• GMAT : The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a commonly accepted assessment for those who are applying for a business degree. It evaluates the applicant's capability in topics like algebra, grammar, geometry, and verbal reasoning. The GMAT is a necessary requirement for those who seek to obtain a business diploma.

Tests For Pursuing Law Degrees           

• LNAT Exam: The UK National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) is a prerequisite for applicants who are interested in studying law. This assessment does not necessitate any prior legal understanding. The exam is created to evaluate the capabilities of the test takers in verbal comprehension, data interpretation, data examination, and problem deduction.

• Cambridge Law Test:  The Cambridge Law Test does not necessitate any prior information of the law for candidates. The process involves reading an essay and responding to the questions that follow it. Its primary purpose is to assess the critical thinking capabilities of the people applying.

Tests For Measuring Mathematical Skills             

• MAT : The Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) is organized by Cambridge University and Oxford University together. This examination has been created to appraise the mathematical aptitude of aspirants who wish to go for a mathematics or computer science course in the UK.

• The Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP): It is a mathematics assessment that has questions related to those typically found in undergraduate courses. This examination is accepted by the University of Cambridge, the University of Warwick, and Imperial College London.

Test For Medical Courses              

• The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT ): It is a prerequisite for those who wish to enroll in medical, dental, and biomedical science degree courses in the United Kingdom. The exam is conducted three times a year in February, September, and November.           
   
• GAMSAT : The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) was put together by the Australian Council Educational Research (ACER) and GEM PASS Australia Limited. It is used for people who wish to enrol in postgraduate medical and health professional programs in countries such as Australia, Ireland, and the UK. This exam is held twice each year - in March and September.              
   
• HPAT Exam:  The Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT) is an obligatory assessment for those seeking entry into a healthcare-focused program. This exam is created to measure the logical thinking and problem-solving abilities of applicants. While the evaluation does not concentrate on the familiarity of the subject matter, it is conducted annually in the month of February.              
   
• UKCAT Exam : The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is required for those who are seeking to take on a medical or dental degree program in the United Kingdom. It is organized by a coalition of universities in the UK, and is administered on a computer-based system usually during the months of August and October.              
   

How to Get Scholarships for May Intake UK?

International students who desire a globally recognized higher education may find the United Kingdom to be the ideal choice. Nevertheless, the cost of studying in the UK can be exorbitant, with expenses amounting to as much as £40,000 per year. Yet, with careful planning, studying in the UK can be affordable. It is crucial not to omit any information while paraphrasing the original text.

UK scholarships are offered by the British government and various institutions and colleges to students from India and other countries. These scholarships have a range of values from £1,000 to £8,000, and the amount awarded is based on the student's profile and the degree program they are enrolled in. No information has been left out while paraphrasing the original text.

Getting scholarships in the UK is a difficult task as it depends on various factors such as academic excellence, work experience, choice of program, and future aspirations. To be eligible for consideration, it is necessary to apply for the scholarship at the earliest. No information has been excluded while paraphrasing the original text.

Click here: Top 10 Scholarships for Indian Students To Study Abroad      

Conclusion

The number of students admitted in the UK varies depending on the courses and admission requirements. If students are considering study in the UK    but are unsure about the UK admissions process, Edmissions is the best point of contact.

If you are interested in taking your education to another level in Canada, the team of study abroad consultants at edmissions.com can help you with advice tailored to your needs. You can get in touch with the Edmissions consultants via  [email protected] .

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