So, you’ve chosen to study abroad in 2025 — thrilling!
But then the serious questions begin flooding in:
“Which intake should I opt for?”
“Is September preferable to January?”
“What if I miss the main intake?”
You’re not alone. These are questions we get asked daily at KC Overseas Education, Calicut, particularly from students balancing deadlines, entrance exams, and budgeting.
Let’s demystify it in simple language — no technical terms, just plain facts to enable you to plan more effectively.
First, What Is an “Intake”?
Intake literally refers to when a university initiates a new academic batch. Unlike Indian colleges, where programs usually start in June or July, international universities have several intakes during the year — primarily January, May, and September.
Every intake has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it depends on your circumstance, course, and how ready you are.
September Intake – The Big One
Or the Fall intake, the most sought-after and competitive of the year.
Why it’s popular:
- Highest number of courses available
- Most number of scholarships available
- All prominent universities take part
- Great student community settles down at once (fantastic for networking!)
Who should target September?
If you’re in your last year at present (2025 pass-out), or even if you’re thinking ahead and want maximum course and university choices, this is the intake to pursue.
Suitable for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Diploma programs
Excellent for nations such as Canada, UK, USA, Australia, and Germany
How early to begin prep: Preferably by Jan–March for September 2025
January Intake – The Second-Best Option
Also referred to as the Winter intake, this one’s not as big as September but still a very good option, particularly if you missed the main cycle or needed time to prepare for IELTS, GRE, etc.
Why choose January:
- Less competition
- Shorter waiting period if you missed September
- Suitable for postgraduate diplomas and master’s courses
- Quieter campuses = less stress for introverts or first-time travelers
There may be fewer courses, but best schools still have business, IT, engineering, and health courses.
Prep timeline: Begin by August–September for a Jan 2025 intake
May Intake – The Underrated Option
Let’s face it — the May (or Spring) intake is the least discussed, but it’s becoming increasingly popular among Indian students, particularly for diploma and certificate courses in Canada and Australia.
Good reasons to opt for May:
- Faster admissions process
- Simpler visa slots because of less volume
- Avoid wasting an entire year if you have missed both Jan & Sept
- Suitable for students who require a little more time after 12th boards or last Sem exams
But remember:
Less universities participate
Subjects are mostly of applied or technical nature
Prep timeline: Jan–Feb is the best time to begin your process for a May intake
So… Which Intake Is Best for You
Here’s a hasty decision guide based on what we inform our students in Calicut:
| Situation | Best Intake |
| Final-year student with strong grades & documents ready | September |
| Missed deadlines or took time for exams | January |
| Want to study in Canada or Australia but don’t want to wait a year | May |
| Need more time to prep finances or take IELTS | January or May |
A Note from KC Overseas Education – Calicut
Regardless of the intake you select, it is most important to start early and plan wisely. We have seen so many students lose scholarships, preferred courses, or visa slots just because they waited for a few weeks before applying.
We guide you at KC Calicut to:
- Select the best intake for your profile
- Shortlist universities and courses
- Take care of your application, SOPs, and LORs
- Prepare for IELTS/PTE
- Support visa filing and post-landing support
Whether your target is Jan, May, or Sep 2025, we’ll be with you each and every step of the way. Dial or walk into KC Overseas Education – Calicut today and let’s plan your best intake strategy together