When is the summer intake in the USA?

The summer intake in the USA starts in May and ends in August. Applications start in January and students must apply by March to be eligible for admission in May.

Which intake is best for the USA?

Each academic intake in the US has its own pros and cons, and the right period will vary depending on the student, the program of their choice and their plans.

The fall intake is the USA’s most popular intake period. It runs from August to December when most universities and departments commence their flagship and major programs. There is a wide variety of courses available, but there is also a large number of applicants, so it can be more competitive.

The spring intake is from January to April. Though it offers fewer courses, it is the second most popular application period. It’s for students who miss the fall intake dates; they get more time to prepare their documents and obtain the necessary visa.

The summer intake is a great time to apply because universities offer short-term, certified and vocational courses that students may not have access to during the other application periods. There are often online programs available during the summer intake, too. Fewer students apply during the summer intake as well, so there’s less competition and higher acceptance rates.

However, the list of universities offering summer intake in the USA may be shorter and not all courses are available during this period. Scholarships, student aid and any job opportunities after finishing a course may also be fewer.

Timeline of summer intake in the USA

As a student, it’s important to understand summer intake in the USA 2024 deadlines. Here’s a timeline of what it would look like for those who are applying during this intake period.

• April to August 2023: Students should take note of important application and program details, including deadlines, eligibility criteria and scholarships. They should also start shortlisting courses and universities.
• September to November 2023: Students should prepare to take an English proficiency test (it’s best to check with the specific university being applied to for the required exam), then get their paperwork started for their student visa application.
• November 2023 to January 2024: Students should prepare to apply for their chosen universities.
• February to March 2024: Universities will begin sending out acceptance letters and students must prepare to provide the necessary requirements or attend an interview to proceed.
• April to May 2024: Accepted students may start their student visa application process, as well as applications for loans or scholarships, if any.
• May 2024: Students should travel to the USA to attend their programs.

When to apply for the summer intake in the USA

Students applying for the USA summer intake should generally do so before March. It’s important to check with their chosen institution for specific deadlines to be sure.

Application periods and requirements vary from university to university, but typically, the required documents include:

• curriculum vitae (or resume)
• receipt of application fee payment
• letters of recommendation
• score sheets or results of standardised exams (GRE, ACT, GMAT and English proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL)
• official academic transcripts and records
• statement of purpose
• passport-sized photos
• application essay.

Learn more about summer intake in the USA

Students can explore tons of opportunities during summer intake in the USA. To learn more about this application period and search for available programs from universities offering summer intake, access the upGrad GSP platform or get in touch with our business development experts.

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When are intakes in Australia?

Intakes are admission periods during which universities accept student applications. In Australia, intakes generally fall between October to December for the first-semester intake and between February or April for the second-semester intake. Unlike in other countries, Australian schools generally follow a rolling admissions process, allowing applications to be accepted even after official deadlines, provided there are still available slots in a given program. Some universities also offer flexible course start dates, which is advantageous for students who may experience delays via visa or travel restrictions.

Intake deadlines may vary per university—and maybe even by course or program—so students should check the specific due dates applicable to them.

Choosing an intake period

While one intake isn’t necessarily better than the other, each period has its own set of advantages. Most people apply during the first-semester intake, ideal for those who’d like to get an early start in their studies and make the most out of the following year in the country. This primary intake period welcomes a diverse pool of applicants, opening more peer-based learning opportunities for students.

The second-semester intake is well-suited for students who wish to have more time to prepare for their applications. This period also better aligns with class ending dates for international learners around the globe. That said, second-semester intake may have more limited openings and higher student competition, so it’s crucial to be extra prepared if opting for these dates.

Preparing for Australian intakes

To best prepare for intakes in Australia, students need to get to know the eligibility requirements and necessary documents for applying to universities in the country. These may vary per university and program, but they generally follow the same basic prerequisites.

Eligibility requirements for Australian intakes

Students must fulfil some eligibility criteria before applying to Australian university intakes. These typically include academic qualifications, language proficiency, graduate records examination (GRE) or graduate management admissions test (GMAT) scores, and a valid passport and student visa.

Academic qualifications

For students applying for a bachelor’s degree, they must have completed higher secondary-level education. For those aiming to take up post-graduate studies, they must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Certain universities and courses may impose their minimum qualifications for admissions, and students should check these out before applying.

Language proficiency

As an English-speaking country, Australia expects international students pursuing education to understand the language—especially as it’s the main medium of learning in universities. IELTS and TOEFL are the two most accepted tests for admission, with students required to get at least a band of 6.0 and a score of 90, respectively, to be eligible for admission.

GRE or GMAT scores

While not applicable to all universities, many top institutions (including B-schools) require a minimum score of 280 in the GRE or 650 in the GMAT to enter their programs.

Passport and student visa

Students looking to study in Australia need to have a valid passport that allows them to apply for a student visa in the country. Otherwise, they won’t be allowed to travel to or stay in Australia.

Necessary documents for Australian intakes

Students shouldn’t underestimate the amount of paperwork it takes to complete Australian intake requirements. Here’s a quick list of documents students will need:

• certified transcript and academic records
• language proficiency scores
• higher secondary education or bachelor’s degree certificate
• GRE or GMAT scores
• statement of purpose
• letters of recommendation
• proof of financial resources
• updated curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
• copy of passport
• student visa

How to apply for Australian intakes

Applying for Australian intakes is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how it typically goes.

1. Choose a university and program

The first thing a student must do is shortlist the universities and programs that they would like to apply to. They must take note of eligibility criteria and requirements for admission, along with deadlines for submission.

2. Start the school application process

Once the student has made their choice, they can start applying by collecting the needed documents and complying with necessary tests (like standardised exams or language proficiency tests).

Among these requirements is a written statement about one’s intention to apply. This is an opportunity for the student to let their personality shine through, highlighting their achievements, aspirations, and passion for their chosen field.

3. Wait for a decision

After submitting the requirements and paying relevant fees, students must wait for the university’s decision. This may take a couple of weeks; it’s best to stay updated on the university’s announcements for the specific timeline.

4. Enroll and apply for a student visa

If the student is accepted, they can then enrol in their course and proceed with obtaining their student visa.

Prepare for intakes in Australia with GSP

Help students be prepared for their educational journey in Australia by speaking to one of Global Study Partners (GSP) business development experts. We can guide you through Australian intakes so you can better prepare your learners for admissions.

The post How to prepare for intakes in Australia appeared first on upGrad GSP.

What are the intakes for Australia?

In Australian education, an intake typically refers to the specific period or session during which educational institutions admit or take in new students. A question often asked regarding this is: “How many intakes for Australia are available within a school year?” Australian universities and colleges often have multiple intakes throughout the year. This allows prospective students to apply and enrol in courses at different times. Generally, there are two main Australian intakes for international students:

1. February Intake: This is the primary intake for most courses and is considered the main academic year start.
2. 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 masters

Prospective graduate school students may wonder: “How many intakes are there in Australia for masters?” Australia intakes for masters follow this same semestral schedule. This is because most universities offer the same intake windows for both undergraduate and post-graduate programs. Either way, all international students looking to study in Australia must inform themselves of the differences between the intakes. Their choice ultimately gives a specific range of academic opportunities and serves as the starting point of their journey.

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. Students who apply during this period have a higher chance of getting accepted. This is because institutions receive and process the greatest number of applications. Additionally, the academic calendar aligns with the Northern Hemisphere. It’s convenient for foreign students to plan their studies and return home during breaks. Additionally, it provides students with more time to make the move and settle in, immerse themselves in their new environment and connect with peers before beginning their studies. This is why February is the preferred intake period for masters in Australia.

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.

Choosing your intake for post-graduate studies

The differences between the two intakes don’t make the July intake in Australia the lesser option. It will always boil down to a student’s desired university, course and subjective study goals. 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, staying informed about each intake’s offerings is necessary to prepare and choose well.

Before deciding on which intake would suit you best, here are some important questions students should be able to answer first:

• “Which program do I want to study?”
• “Which universities are ideal for my chosen course?”
• “What are the requirements for a master’s in Australia?”
• “How long will it take me to complete all the requirements?”
• “How much time am I willing to allot to complete this course and which options are available to me?”

Knowing their answers to these questions will ultimately help aspiring graduate students understand which intake would work best for them. Planning well and creating a timeline to follow is also something that will ease the burden when applying for a masters in Australia.

GSP’s business development experts are more than happy and capable to help you further understand the major terms and themes around an Australian education, such as specific details regarding an intake for masters in Australia, as well as what are the requirements for a master’s in Australia so that you are equipped and ready to guide your students with their dreams to study in Australia.

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