May Intake Universities in UK 2025

The UK has always been one of the most popular study destinations for international students. The country welcomes over 450,000 new students every year. It offers world-class education, globally recognized degrees, and exciting career prospects.

While September and January intakes are the most common, the May intake is gaining popularity. This intake is ideal for students who need extra time to prepare their applications or miss earlier deadlines. Also, it’s good for those who prefer to start their studies during a quieter period.

In this article, we’ll explore everything about the May intake universities in UK. You’ll find all the info you need to plan your journey, from timelines to the best universities and programs.

What is the May Intake in the UK?

The UK offers three main intakes for international students: September, January, and May. The May intake is the least common, but it’s an excellent option for students who prefer a flexible start date or missed earlier deadlines.

The May intake caters to both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. It provides an opportunity to join selected programs without waiting for the next major intake in September. Universities offering May intake focus on specialized programs.

This intake is particularly beneficial for students who need more preparation time for their applications, visa processes, or financial planning. It’s also a great fit for those who wish to align their academic calendar with personal or professional goals.

Key Advantages of the May Intake

The May intake comes with several benefits that make it an attractive option for students:

Flexibility in Deadlines

The May intake gives students extra time to complete their application and visa processes. This is helpful for those who need more time to prepare.

Less Competition

Since the May intake is less popular than September or January, it offers higher chances of securing admission to preferred programs or universities.

Quicker arrival in the Job Market

Graduating during the May intake aligns well with many job markets in the UK. This timing can help students enter the job market when the demand for graduates is higher.

Study in Summer

Starting in May allows students to experience the vibrant British summer while studying, making it an enjoyable season to begin their academic journey.

Challenges to Consider

While the May intake offers several advantages, it also comes with challenges. You might face some of the limitations like the below ones:

Limited Program Availability

Not every university offers a wide range of programs for the May intake, so students might need to compromise on their course preferences.

Shorter Preparation Time

Although the May intake gives extra time compared to January, students must act quickly. If delayed, arranging visas, finances, and accommodation can become overwhelming.

Delayed Start Compared to Peers

Most students begin their academic year in September. Starting in May could mean missing out on orientation programs and initial networking opportunities.

Fewer Scholarships and Funding Options

Since the September intake is the primary period, scholarships and funding options for the May intake may be limited.

Accommodation Challenges

Campus accommodations may already be filled due to students in September and January. So, it might leave fewer options for May starters.

Timeline for May Intake 2025 Applications

Now, the very important part is the application timeline. Planning ahead can be really helpful for the May 2025 intake in UK universities. Every university provides its intake timeline on the official website in advance. You can find all the info about it there.

For the May intake in most of the UK universities, you can follow the below timeline to make your preparation:

August – September 2024: Research Phase

• Explore Universities and Courses: Identify universities offering May 2025 intake. Then, select programs that actually match your academic goals.
• Review Entry Requirements.

September – October 2024: Standardized Tests and Documentation

• Prepare for English Proficiency Tests: Schedule and take tests like IELTS or TOEFL if required.
• Gather Necessary Documents.

October 2024 – January 2025: Application Submission

• Complete Applications: Submit your applications through the universities’ official portals or via UCAS.
• Monitor Deadlines: Application deadlines for the May 2025 intake typically fall between October 2024 and February 2025.

February – March 2025

• Await Responses and Prepare for Visa Application: Universities take a few weeks to months to respond. The visa process can start after an offer is received.
• Get Acceptance Letters (if offered).
• Arrange funding, apply for scholarships, and ensure you have the necessary financial support.
• Visa Application

April – May 2025: Final Preparations

• Secure housing, whether on-campus or private rentals.
• Travel Arrangements: Book flights and plan your arrival in the UK

Top May Intake Universities in UK with Courses

The May intake in the UK provides students with access to a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses across several universities. Below, we’ll explore some of the top institutions offering programs during this intake, their popular courses, tuition fees, and entry requirements.

Undergraduate Programs

Coventry University – BSc Accounting and Finance

Coventry University is highly regarded for its focus on employability. It’s consistently ranked within the top 15 in the UK for its teaching quality. The Guardian ranked it as the top 40th in the UK. The BSc Accounting and Finance program is one of their popular courses for the May intake. It’s ideal for students aiming for a career in global finance. The course integrates financial principles, business strategies, and real-world applications.

Tuition Fee

• Approximately £16,800 – £20,050 per year

Requirements

• High school diploma with at least 65% marks
• English Proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0

Northumbria University – BA Business Management

Northumbria University, located in Newcastle, is ranked 38th in the UK. It’s also known for its research output and innovation. Its BA Business Management program is well-suited for those aiming for leadership roles in business. The course focuses on key areas like marketing, organizational behaviour, and strategic decision-making.

Tuition Fee

• Approximately £17,500 per year.

Requirements

• High school diploma
• English Proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0 or higher

Teesside University – BEng Mechanical Engineering

Teesside University, ranked for its teaching quality and affordable fees, offers the BEng Mechanical Engineering program during the May intake. This course equips students with hands-on skills in designing mechanical systems and sustainable technologies, preparing them for roles in engineering and manufacturing.

Tuition Fee

• Around £17,000 per year

Requirements

• Academic: High school diploma with 60% or above
• English Proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0

University of East London – BSc Computer Science

UEL is a modern institution ranked among the top 50 UK universities for graduate employability. The BSc Computer Science program, offered in May, is for students passionate about software development, cybersecurity, and AI. The university is very well-known for its diverse student population and strong support services for international students.

Tuition Fee

• £17,000 per year

Requirements

• Academic: High school diploma with at least 55% marks
• English Proficiency: IELTS score of 5.5 or above

University of Greenwich – BSc Public Health

One of the popular courses for May intake at Greenwich is BSc Public Health. The University is highly reputed for its focus on improving community and global health. The program emphasizes teaching critical health issues like epidemiology, healthcare policy, and public health leadership.

Tuition Fee

• £17,000 per year

Requirements

• Academic: High school diploma with 60% marks
• English Proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0

Postgraduate Programs

Ulster University – MSc International Business

Ulster University ranks among the top 25 UK universities for research impact. The MSc International Business program focuses on global business strategies, trade policies, and leadership, making graduates highly sought after by multinational corporations.

Tuition Fee

• £15,360 for the entire program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (with a minimum of 2:2 or equivalent).
• English: IELTS score of 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each band).
• Documents: Bachelor’s transcripts, CV, SOP, and two reference letters.

Canterbury Christ Church University – MSc Cybersecurity

Canterbury Christ Church University offers the MSc Cybersecurity program in their May intake. It’s provisionally accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre NCSC. It was co-designed with IT professionals who have experience in the UK and European cybersecurity domain. The program offers a placement option to provide students with work-related experience.

Tuition Fee

• £15,500 for the program

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM subjects or a related field (minimum 2:2).
• If the degree is not STEM-related, you need a GCSE/iGCSE equivalent in Maths.
• English: IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent.

Brunel University London – MBA Program

Brunel University, known for its research excellence, offers a highly reputed MBA program during the May intake. The course focuses on entrepreneurship, global business strategies, and real-world applications.

Tuition Fee

• Around £32,000 for a full-time MBA (International Students)

Requirements

• Academic: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2:1 or equivalent.
• Relevant work experience (minimum of 3 years)
• English: IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all sections).

University of Hertfordshire – MSc Data Science and Analytics

The MSc Data Science and Analytics program at the University of Hertfordshire combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in big data, predictive modelling, and AI.

Tuition Fee

• Typically, around £17,250 per year

Requirements

• An honours degree (typically a 2:1 or above) in a relevant field.
• Strong mathematical and statistical knowledge.
• Programming language knowledge in Python and R.
• English language proficiency: Typically, an IELTS score of 6.0.

Specialized Professional Courses

University of Chester

The university offers programs like the PG Diploma in Management Studies, which is ideal for students looking to upskill. The tuition fee is approximately£16,480, and applicants need a bachelor’s degree.

University of Sunderland

For the May intake, the University of Sunderland offers professional courses like MSc Tourism and Hospitality Management. The tuition fee is around £15,000. Students need at least 55% in their bachelor’s degree with an IELTS score of 6.0.

Quick Review of the Application Deadlines for May Intake 2025

Top Scholarships for the May Intake

There are several scholarships available at UK universities. They are also available for applicants in May Intake. Here’s a look at some of the top scholarships available:

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening is one of the most popular and prestigious scholarships. It’s offered and funded by the UK government. The scholarship is very competitive and offers full financial support for master’s programs.

Commonwealth Scholarships

This scholarship is aimed at students from Commonwealth countries. It covers tuition fees, airfare, and living allowances. Students applying for postgraduate courses in May can benefit from this scholarship.

Coventry University International Scholarships

Coventry University offers scholarships like the International Pathway Scholarships, which grant up to £3,000 for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate applicants enrolling in May.

University-Specific Scholarships

• Northumbria University Global Scholarship: Offers a fee discount of £2,000 for international students.
• University of East London International Scholarships: Provides up to £3,000 in tuition fee reductions for eligible students.
• University of Greenwich International Scholarships: Offers up to £5,000 to exceptional international students.

Tips for Increasing Scholarship Chances

• Meet Requirements
• Apply Early. Most of the time, it’s the key. While your profile matters a lot, some scholarships are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Highlight Achievements: Showcase your academic, professional, and extracurricular accomplishments.
• Write a Strong Statement: A very well-written personal statement can really make a big difference.

How to Successfully Apply for the May Intake

Planning your application timeline is crucial for securing admission to a UK university for the May intake. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you stay on track:

Start Researching

• Research universities and courses available for the May intake.
• Check eligibility criteria, tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities.
• Prepare for English language tests like IELTS or TOEFL if required.

Begin Applications

• Start filling out application forms on university websites or portals like UCAS.
• Gather necessary documents, including academic transcripts, a personal statement, and references.
• Submit scholarship applications (if applicable).

Application Review and Offers

• Universities review applications and issue offer letters.
• Respond promptly to conditional or unconditional offers.

Benefits of Working with a Study Abroad Counselor

Working with a study abroad counsellor can make your journey easier. They help you choose the best university and course for you. They also guide you through the application process so you don’t miss any important steps.

Counsellors also assist with visa applications and scholarship options. They know the deadlines and ensure you meet them. With their support, you can avoid mistakes and save time. A counsellor’s expertise makes everything smoother and faster.

Book a free consultation with our experienced advisors at Boost Education Service today!

What to Do If You Miss the May Intake Deadline

Just in case you miss the May intake deadline, don’t worry. You can apply for the next intake, which is usually in September. Use this time to improve your application. You can take extra courses or work on your personal statement. You can also explore scholarship options. If you’re in a hurry, look for universities with flexible deadlines. Your counsellor can help guide you through these options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

May Intake Universities in UK is a nice option if you need more time. It gives you a flexible start, and it’s less crowded than September. If you miss the May deadline, you can always plan for the next intake. The UK has many universities offering courses during May, so you have choices. With the right planning, you can make it work and start your academic journey on the right foot.