Study Abroad
In the last few years, the number of Indian students who are going out to study abroad in destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, etc has increased. Students are preferring to study abroad because of the host country’s better economic opportunities, flexible entry policies, health care facilities, etc.
Furthermore, several study abroad destinations have come up with a number of pro-student policies that enable international students to further their education in foreign universities.
This blog will throw light on all the aspects to consider before selecting a country for study abroad. Read on!
What are the Study Abroad Intakes?
Top study abroad destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, Germany etc. provide multiple study abroad intakes, unlike the Indian education system which has a single intake. The term intake can also be referred to as a semester. Most universities have 2 major study abroad intakes – fall intake and spring intake. The fall intake begins in September and ends in December, while the spring intake begins in January and ends in May. A few universities also offer the summer intake which is best for taking up vocational courses.
The major reason behind multiple study abroad intakes is the number of applicants universities receive every year. To accommodate the maximum number of students, the division of semesters was done. The education system abroad has placed several intakes to reduce the difficulty of an international student in gaining admission.
Study Abroad Intakes |
Starts from |
Duration |
Fall or September Intake |
September | September- December |
Spring or January Intake |
January |
January- May |
Summer Intake(Selected Universities) |
May |
May-August |
1. Fall Intake
The Fall Intake begins in the month of September and continues till December. This study abroad intake is the most popular of all intakes because of the following features:
- Universities during the fall intake offer a lot of course options.
- Internship options and scholarship opportunities are also high during the fall intakes in every country.
- Class size is large as this intake receives the highest number of applications.
- Acceptability rate is a bit low as the best students apply for this particular intake, therefore, competition is high.
- Excellent campus recruitments and placements
2. Spring Intake
The Spring intake, starts in the month of January and ends in May. This study abroad intake receives fewer applications as compared to the fall intake. However, there are a few benefits of the spring intakes. They are as follows:
- Acceptance rate is high in the fall intake as fewer students apply during these intakes.
- As the class size is small, the teacher-student interaction is high.
- The spring intakes are a good option for applicants who have failed to apply in the fall intakes. This intake saves an entire year of an applicant.
- Spring intake students are clubbed together with students from the fall intakes which opens the door to interaction and learning.
3. Summer Intake
The Summer Intake is not a major study abroad intake and can be best considered for pursuing vocational, certified and language courses. Very few universities in selected countries offer summer intakes.
- Numerous online courses are provided during the summer intake.
- Acceptance rate is high as the application is low.
- Easy admission procedures
Study Abroad Intakes Comparison: Spring Intake vs Fall Intake
Spring |
Fall |
|
Course Availability |
Fewer course options available |
Higher course options available |
Scholarship Options |
Low Scholarship Opportunities |
Best time to avail scholarships |
On-campus Work Options |
Less on-campus job opportunities |
Higher on-campus jobs available |
Placement Options |
Lower job recruitments and placements | Higher job recruitments and placements in top companies |
Internship opportunities |
Students cannot meet internship criteria and find difficulty in joining any company as an intern | Students can easily apply for internships as they meet the criteria of completing 9 months before applying |
Post Study Work Options | Limited job options as fall students are hired by companies | High job options for students as university placements start during that time |
Acceptability rate |
High |
Medium |
Top Countries with Study Abroad Intakes
- UK
- USA
- Canada
- Germany
1. Study Abroad Intakes in UK
The UK colleges and universities offer 2 major study abroad intakes every year. The first session starts in January/February and the second intake starts in September/October.
The Fall Intake in the UK is the main intake that attracts a lot of applications every year. This intake offers a variety of courses, internship options and scholarship opportunities.
a) UK University Application Deadlines
- Fall intake – September to October
- Spring Intake – January to February
b) Fall Intake Universities
- Brunel University
- Kingston University
- Edge Hill University
- Birmingham City University
- University Of Chester
- University Of Greenwich
- University Of Sunderland
- Anglia Ruskin University
- City University Of London
- De Montfort University
- Keele University
- Birkbeck University Of London
- University Of Brighton
- Coventry University
c) Spring Intake Universities
- University Of Reading
- University Of Central Lancashire
- Birmingham City University
- University Of Hertfordshire
- Bucks New University
- University Of Surrey
- University Of Derby
- University Of Westminster
- Keele University
- London Metropolitan University
- University Of Leeds
- University Of Wolverhampton
- University Of Bradford
d) Documents for Admission in UK
Applicants who want to study in the UK have to follow some basic protocols regarding the submission of certain official documents. Here is a list of documents that are required for applying to the top universities of the UK for international candidates.
- Academic transcripts
- Mark sheets
- Filled up application form
- Application fee payment receipt
- Student permit for UK or visa application
- SOPs
- LORs
- Proof of financial availability
- Resume.
- Work Experience (if applicable)
- English proficiency test scores
- GPA, GMAT, or GRE scores
e) Apply for Admission in UK
Steps to follow for a successful admission in UK:
- Select your course to study and shortlist UK universities according to your preferences
- Visit UK university websites and know the application deadlines
- Qualify for Standardised tests like IELTS, TOEFL etc. and entrance tests like GMAT and GRE.
- Gather necessary documents
- Start applying to the UK universities
2. Study Abroad Intakes in USA
The USA is the top study abroad destination for international students seeking undergraduate or postgraduate education. Fall intake and spring intake are the 2 primary study abroad intakes in the USA.
a) USA University Application Deadlines
- Fall Intake- November/ December of the previous year.
- Spring Intake- March/ April of the same year.
b) Fall intake Universities
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- UC Berkeley
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Yale University
- Princeton University
- Duke University
c) Spring intake Universities
- Temple University
- Pace University
- San Francisco State University
- University of Colorado
- Rutgers University
- George Mason University
- University of Arkansas
- University of Connecticut
d) Documents for Admission in USA
Applicants who want to study in the USA have to submit some necessary documents. Here is a list of documents that are required for applying to the top universities of the USA for international candidates.
- GMAT/GRE Scores
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Scores
- Academic Transcripts
- Attested Mark sheets of 10th and 12th
- SOPs and LORs
- A Valid Passport
- Passport Sized Photos
- Proof of financial availability
- Resume
- Work Experience Certificates
e) Apply for Admission in USA
Steps to follow for a successful admission in USA Universities:
- Research and select your course to study. Also, shortlist USA universities according to your preferences
- Visit USA university websites and know the application deadlines
- Qualify for standardised tests like IELTS, TOEFL etc. and entrance tests like GMAT and GRE.
- Gather necessary documents
- Start applying to US universities.
3. Study Abroad Intakes in Canada
Canada is one of the top study abroad destinations for international students. A degree from a Canadian university holds worldwide recognition and worth. It also offers you great employment opportunities.
a) Canada University Application Deadlines
- Fall intake 2023: December 2022 – March 2023
- Winter intake 2023: September 2022 – November 2022
- Summer intake 2023: January 2022 – February 2022
b) Winter Intake Universities in Canada
- Fanshawe College
- Cape Breton University
- Douglas College
- Lambton College
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- Carleton University
- Centennial College
c) Spring Intake Universities in Canada
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- Brock University
- University of the Fraser Valley
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Capilano University
- New York Institute of Technology
- Lakehead University
d) Documents for Admission in Canada
Applicants who want to study in Canada have to submit some necessary documents. Here is a list of documents required for applying to the top universities of Canada for international candidates.
- Resume
- Academic Transcripts
- Attested Mark sheets of 10th and 12th
- SOPs and LORs
- A Valid Passport
- Passport Sized Photos
- Proof of financial availability
- GMAT/GRE Scores
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Scores
- Work Experience Certificates
e) Apply for Admission to Canada
Steps to follow for successful admission to Canada Universities:
- Research and select your course to study. Also, shortlist Canada universities according to your preferences
- Visit USA university websites and know the application deadlines
- Qualify for standardised tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. and entrance tests like GMAT and GRE.
- Gather necessary documents
- Apply to the Canada universities
4. Study Abroad Intakes in Germany
One of the top study abroad destinations for Indian students Germany attracts lakhs of international students every year. Germany has 2 primary intakes:
- Winter Intake: Winter intake is the most preferred intake in Germany compared to the summer intake. It begins in the month of September /October and ends in February /March.
- Summer Intake: Summer intake in Germany begins in April and concludes in July/August. This intake has a few course options and internship opportunities.
a) Germany University Application Deadlines
- Germany Winter intake: Mid July
- Germany Summer intake: Mid January
b) Universities in Germany
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- University of Freiburg
- Heidelberg University
- Technical University of Munich
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Free University of Berlin
- Eberhard Karls Universitat Tubingen
- KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- RWTH Aachen University
- TU Berlin
c) Documents for Admission in Germany
Applicants who want to study in Germany have to submit some necessary documents. Here is a list of documents required for applying to the top universities of Germany for international candidates.
- GMAT/GRE Scores
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Scores
- Academic Transcripts
- Attested Mark sheets of 10th and 12th
- SOPs and LORs
- A Valid Passport
- Passport Sized Photos
- Proof of financial availability
- Resume
- Work Experience Certificates
d) Apply for Admission to Germany
Steps to follow for a successful admission in Germany Universities:
- Research and select your course to study. Also, shortlist USA universities according to your preferences
- Visit German university websites and know the application deadlines
- Qualify for standardised tests like IELTS, TOEFL etc. and entrance tests like GMAT and GRE.
- Gather necessary documents
- Start applying to German universities.
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