September Intake in UK 2026: Top Universities & Visa

September Intake in UK is the main start period for most UK universities, and it usually gives the widest choice of courses, campuses, and support services. A September start often matches the full academic calendar, so you join the biggest induction cycle, meet more new students, and start modules from the beginning of the teaching year.

This guide is for international students planning UK September intake 2026 and the next cycle. You will get a clear timeline for undergraduate entry through UCAS and postgraduate entry through university portals, a document checklist, a scholarship planning guide, and a Student visa overview under UKVI rules. Dates and funding rules can change by cycle and by university, so this guide focuses on reliable decision steps and what to verify on official pages before you apply.

Key takeaways

• September is the main intake, with the broadest course availability at most UK universities.
• Undergraduate applications often run through UCAS with fixed cycle deadlines.
• Postgraduate applications usually go direct to the university and may be rolling.
• Student visa planning links closely with CAS timing, financial evidence, and accommodation choices.
• Early planning reduces pressure in documents, funding, and housing.

What is the September intake in the UK

The September intake in the UK is the primary course start window when most universities admit the largest number of students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Teaching commonly starts in late September, with induction and enrolment often taking place earlier in September. Many universities label this start as September intake or October intake, depending on the programme calendar.

September intake suits students who want a full campus start. Most universities run their main orientation activities at the start of the academic year. Students often find more module choices, more peer groups, and more structured academic support in the first term.

The application route depends on course level. Undergraduate entry usually goes through how UCAS works for undergraduates. Postgraduate entry often goes through the university’s own application system. A student should check the course page for the start month and the application route before building a timeline.

Why choose the September intake

September intake usually gives the widest selection of courses and universities. Many programmes accept new students only once each year. That single start often sits in September.

September can suit students who want more time to settle into UK academic life. Induction tends to be fuller at the start of the year. Students often get more sessions on academic writing, library access, digital learning platforms, and student support services.

Funding planning can be simpler with a September start. Many scholarship and discount windows open months before the academic year. A student who prepares early can meet internal review dates and gather stronger supporting documents.

Accommodation choice can be wider earlier in the year. Private housing and university halls fill fast for September. A clear plan helps you secure a better location and budget fit.

September intake vs January intake vs May intake

Intake choice is a scheduling decision. Course availability, scholarship timing, and visa planning can shift across intakes.

September intake fits students who want maximum course choice and the main campus start. The January intake can fit students who missed earlier deadlines or need more time for tests and documents, especially if you’re considering January-start university options. May intake is less common and tends to suit programmes that offer an extra start point, so it helps to check courses that offer a May start.

A simple decision rule helps. Choose the earliest intake that matches your readiness and your course start options. Check the course page first. Many programmes do not offer every intake.

Top UK universities offering September intake

Many UK universities offer a September or October start for a large share of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Course start dates still vary by programme and campus, so a student should confirm the intake month on the official course page before applying. UCAS covers most undergraduate applications, while many postgraduate applications go through the university portal.

Below is a practical shortlist of universities that commonly offer September starts across a wide range of subjects.

Widely chosen UK universities with September starts

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• University College London
• The University of Manchester
• The University of Edinburgh
• King’s College London
• University of Glasgow
• University of Leeds
• University of Southampton
• Durham University
• University of Birmingham
• University of Nottingham
• University of Sheffield
• University of Warwick

A helpful way to shortlist is to compare three items on each course page: the September start month, entry requirements, and the application route. Undergraduate applicants should check whether the course is listed for the current UCAS cycle. Postgraduate applicants should check whether the programme uses rolling admissions and whether a deposit is required for CAS steps.

Timeline for September intake applications

A good plan starts 10 to 12 months before the course starts. The timeline changes for undergraduate and postgraduate routes.

Undergraduate timeline through UCAS

UCAS is the standard route for most undergraduate courses. The UCAS cycle has set deadlines, and some courses have earlier deadlines, such as Oxbridge and medicine-related programmes.

A practical UCAS timeline looks like this:

• Month 12 to 10: shortlist courses, check entry requirements, plan English language tests, plan admissions tests if required
• Month 10 to 8: draft the personal statement (see how to write a compelling personal statement), confirm referees, request transcripts, and prepare the UCAS application
• Month 8 to 6: submit the application, respond to requests, track offers, meet conditions
• Month 6 to 4: confirm a firm choice, prepare deposit steps if required, start CAS steps after conditions are met
• Month 4 to 2: prepare Student visa documents, plan accommodation, plan travel
• Month 2 to 0: final checks, enrolment planning, arrival preparation

UCAS deadlines vary by cycle, so use the UCAS website for the current year and treat any third-party date as a prompt to verify.

Postgraduate timeline through university portals

Most postgraduate courses accept direct applications through the university website. Many programmes use rolling admissions, and seats can fill early.

A practical postgraduate timeline looks like this:

• Month 12 to 9: shortlist programmes, check academic and English requirements, plan work sample if required
• Month 9 to 7: write the personal statement, confirm references, prepare transcripts and CV
• Month 7 to 5: submit applications, attend interviews if required, respond quickly to document requests
• Month 5 to 3: accept an offer, pay deposit if required, request CAS once conditions are met
• Month 3 to 1: Student visa application and financial evidence, accommodation booking
• Month 1 to 0: final travel planning and arrival tasks

A student should treat early submission as a risk control step. Rolling courses can close when places fill.

Documents checklist for September intake

Universities may ask for different documents by course and level. This checklist covers the items most students need.

Core academic documents

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Degree certificate for postgraduate applicants
• Reference letters, often academic for undergraduate and mixed academic or employer for postgraduate
• Personal statement for undergraduate or statement of purpose for postgraduate
• CV for many postgraduate courses
• Portfolio for arts and design courses
• Work experience proof for courses that require it

English language proof

Many universities accept IELTS, but it’s worth understanding the IELTS vs IELTS UKVI differences before you book a test. Some accept TOEFL or PTE. Some accept alternatives such as prior study in English, based on the university’s policy. Check the course page and admissions guidance.

Visa related documents for later stages

• Passport
• CAS is issued by the university once conditions are met
• Financial evidence that meets UKVI rules
• TB test certificate, if required for your country and course length
• Any documents the university lists for your CAS stage

Keep scans clear and consistent. Name files in a simple format such as surname, document type, date.

Scholarships for September intake in the UK

Scholarship availability depends on nationality, course level, and the university. Many scholarships follow a yearly cycle and close months before the course start.

Major scholarship routes

Chevening is a UK government scholarship for postgraduate study for eligible countries. It has its own yearly window and requires a strong profile and references.

GREAT Scholarships are supported by the British Council and partner universities. Eligibility and deadlines vary by university and country, so check the British Council page and the university scholarship page.

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission funding is aimed at eligible candidates from Commonwealth countries. The CSC cycle can open and close far ahead of the course start, so early planning matters.

Rhodes scholarships are run through the Rhodes Trust and are highly competitive. Deadlines vary by country route.

University scholarships and fee awards

Many universities offer merit-based awards for international students. These can be automatic or require an application. Some depend on deposit payment or offer acceptance timing. Read the scholarship terms carefully and keep screenshots or PDFs of the award rules.

A practical scholarship approach is simple. Build a shortlist of scholarships that match your nationality and course level, then track the official deadlines on a single spreadsheet.

Student visa process for September intake

Most international students need a UK Student visa. The key steps are CAS, financial evidence, and application timing.

CAS and timing

CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (here’s what a CAS letter is). The university issues CAS after you accept an offer and meet conditions, which can include grades, English language proof, and deposit payment. CAS is the document that links your course to your visa application.

You can usually apply for the Student visa up to six months before your course starts if you apply from outside the UK. Check the official guidance at the time of application.

Maintenance funds and financial evidence

UKVI sets maintenance funds rules. The amount depends on whether you study in London or outside London. Current guidance states:

• London: 1529 pounds per month for up to 9 months
• Outside London: 1171 pounds per month for up to 9 months

Financial evidence usually must meet a set holding period. Many students face delays when bank statements do not conform to the correct UKVI bank statement format, so follow it closely. Use the official checklist and keep copies of every document you upload.

Common Student visa document items

• Passport
• CAS
• Financial evidence
• Tuberculosis test certificate if required
• English language proof if required by your route
• Any extra documents requested in your visa checklist

Visa rules can change, so check the official guidance close to your application date.

Accommodation for September intake students

Accommodation demand peaks for September intake. Students usually choose between university halls and private housing.

University halls

University halls can suit first year students who want a simple setup. Bills are often included in rent, and travel time to campus is often shorter. Availability can run out early, so apply as soon as your offer is firm.

Private housing

Private housing can suit students who want more choice in location and room type. Private contracts can require deposits and guarantor rules. Students should confirm what bills are included and check travel time to campus.

Practical housing tips

• Book only through known providers or the university’s recommended list.
• Read the contract dates and cancellation rules.
• Plan a short-term option if you arrive early, and your contract starts later.
• Keep proof of address steps in mind, since banks and GP registrations may need it.

Common mistakes during September intake applications

Many students lose time on avoidable errors.

A frequent issue is using last year’s deadline or copying a deadline from a third-party page. UCAS dates change by cycle, and university deadlines differ by course.

Another issue is weak document planning. Reference letters can take weeks, and transcript requests can take time. Build a buffer into your timeline.

Students often underestimate costs. Fees, deposits, accommodation, visa charges, and living costs add up, so it helps to compare lower-cost places to live early. A realistic budget reduces stress when you accept an offer.

Many students delay visa planning until after housing and flights. Visa steps depend on CAS and financial evidence readiness. Treat visa planning as part of the acceptance stage, not the final step.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

UCAS, UK universities, UKVI rules, CAS timing, scholarships, and accommodation planning all connect to the same goal: starting your course with less stress and fewer surprises. A student who builds a timeline, gathers documents early, and checks official deadlines can make better choices on course selection, funding, and visa steps.

Use this guide as a planning framework, then verify dates and requirements on official UCAS pages, university course pages, and UK government Student visa guidance. If you want a personalised plan, build your shortlist of courses first, then map the next 12 months around tests, references, and funding windows for September Intake in UK.