The clock is ticking! Here is your roadmap to securing a seat for the September 2026 intake in the UK.
The Essentials Undergraduate Deadline: January 14, 2026 (Equal Consideration). Late applications open until June 30.
Postgraduate Deadline: Rolling basis, but apply by March–April 2026 for the best scholarship chances.
Key Portal: Apply via UCAS for undergrad; direct university portals for postgrad.
When is the Deadline for September 2026 UK Intake?
The primary “Equal Consideration” deadline for undergraduate courses in the September 2026 UK Intake is January 14, 2026 (18:00 UK time). While international students can still apply after this date (until June 30), universities are not obliged to consider your application if the course is full. For postgraduate students, deadlines vary by university but typically close in July 2026.
Why Choose the UK September 2026 Intake?
The Fall 2026 intake in the UK is the primary academic session, offering 100% of course availability compared to the limited January intake.
- Scholarship Volume: Over 90% of university scholarships (like the Chevening or GREAT Scholarships) are exclusive to the September intake.
- Campus Experience: You join the main group, gaining access to “Freshers’ Week” and full student union activities.
- Visa Timing: The timeline perfectly aligns with the release of final high school or bachelor’s results in most countries.
Step-by-Step Admission Timeline
To successfully join the September 2026 intake in the UK, you must follow this strict schedule. Undergraduate students must act immediately!
Phase 1: Application (Now – Jan 2026)
Undergraduates: Submit your UCAS application by January 14, 2026. You can choose up to 5 universities.
Postgraduates: Finalise your SOP (Statement of Purpose) and secure 2 academic references. Submit applications to your top 3 universities now to beat the “rolling admission” rush.
Phase 2: Offers & Acceptance (Feb – April 2026)
Universities will send Conditional or Unconditional offers.
Take Action: Accept your offer on UCAS or the university portal. Pay the tuition deposit (usually £3,000 – £5,000) to secure your place.
Phase 3: CAS & Documents (May – June 2026)
Request your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). This is the most critical document for your visa.
Bank Rules: Ensure you have the required maintenance funds (£1,529/month for London or £1,171/month outside London) held in your account for 28 consecutive days.
Phase 4: Visa & Flights (July – August 2026)
Apply for your Tier 4 Student Visa. Processing typically takes 3 weeks (standard) or 5 days (priority). Book flights to arrive for Welcome Week in mid-September.
Cost of Studying: Fall 2026 Intake UK
Planning your budget for the UK September 2026 intake? Here are the average costs:
| Expense Type | Undergraduate (Per Year) | Postgraduate (Per Year) |
| Tuition Fees | £10,000 – £20,000 | £12,000 – £23,000 |
| Living Cost (London) | £13,761 | £13,761 |
| Living Cost (Outside London) | £10,539 | £10,539 |
Pro Tip: Many Russell Group universities require a 6.5 IELTS score. If you haven’t taken it yet, book a slot for February 2026 immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the September 2026 intake in the UK for international students open now?
Yes, applications are fully open. The undergraduate equal consideration deadline is January 14, 2026, while postgraduate portals remain open until courses fill up (usually July).
2. Can I apply for the UK September 2026 intake after January?
Yes, international undergraduates can apply until June 30, 2026. However, competitive courses at top universities may close immediately after the January 14 deadline.
3. When should I apply for the Fall 2026 intake in the UK?
Ideally, apply by January 14, 2026. If you miss this, apply via “UCAS Extra” (starts Feb 26) or Clearing (starts July 5) for remaining seats.
4. How much gap is accepted for the UK September 2026 intake?
UK universities typically accept a study gap of 2–5 years for undergraduates and 5–7 years for postgraduates, provided you can justify it with valid work experience.
5. What is the CAS deadline for September 2026?
Most universities stop issuing CAS numbers by late August 2026 to ensure students have enough time for visa processing before classes start.