Australia is well-known for many wonderful things – its natural landscape, biodiverse wildlife, vibrant culture and of course, its excellent education. It’s no wonder students from all over the globe dream of pursuing their studies in the Land Down Under. But to be able to study in Australia, one must put in a lot of work and effort. And this starts with gaining an understanding of the country’s education sector. In this article, we’ll delve into one of the most important terms one should understand with regards to studying in Australia: intakes. We’ll go through everything you need to know to stay well-informed as you guide aspiring students on their study abroad journeys.
What are the intakes for Australia?
In the context of studying in Australia, an intake typically refers to the specific period or session during which educational institutions admit or take in new students. A question often asked about this is: “How many intakes for Australia are available within a school year?” Australian universities and colleges often have multiple intakes throughout the year, allowing prospective students to apply and enrol in courses at different times. Generally, however, there are two main Australia intakes for international students:
- February intake: This is the primary intake for most courses and is considered the main academic year start.
- July intake: Some universities and institutions have a mid-year intake in July, offering another opportunity for students to start their studies.
Some institutions may have a smaller intake in November, but this is less common.
Australia intakes for international students
Students looking to study in Australia should be concerned with the differences of each intake. Their choice ultimately provides a comprehensive range of academic opportunities and serves as the entry point of their study abroad journey.
February Intake
Being the primary intake, the February intake in Australia offers all academic programs. This includes undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, vocational education and training and English language courses. This period is when universities receive the highest volume of applications. So students who apply during the Feburary intake have a higher chance of getting accepted. This is the ideal and preferred intake season for international students, since the academic calendar aligns with the Northern Hemisphere. This makes it more convenient for foreign students to plan their studies and return home during breaks. Additionally, this intake provides students with more time to move and settle in, immerse themselves with the culture and climate and connect with peers before the academic year begins.
July Intake
On the other hand, the July intake in Australia is the secondary intake which offers all major programs. Compared to the February intake, the July intake usually has a lower volume of applications. There are also fewer scholarships and financial aid available.
This doesn’t immediately make the July intake in Australia the lesser option. It will depend on the student’s desired university, course and study goals. Some students might even prefer the July intake, as this gives them more flexibility to prepare their requirements and applications. Additionally, the July intake classes often offer more personalized attention from professors as it typically receives less students.
Preparing for Australia intakes
It’s essential to check the intake dates of the specific program and institution they are interested in, as different courses and levels of study may have different intake periods. For this reason, it’s vital to stay informed about the offerings of each intake, to be able to prepare and choose well with respect to their preferences.
Global Study Partners (GSP) has multiple partner institutions that accept international students throughout the year. Check out the GSP platform to explore these universities and to get to know their intake dates and requirements.
GSP’s business development experts are also more than happy to help you further understand the major terms and themes around an Australian education. Ask us about Australia intakes for international students 2024 so that you can guide your students accordingly.
