International students looking to study abroad have multiple intake options to choose from. An intake is an admission period during which institutions accept applications from students from around the world. These intakes are often aligned with academic terms or semesters, each having its own application deadlines varying from other institutions.
What are the intakes for USA? The US usually offers two major intakes per school year: Fall and Spring. But some institutions also offer Summer and Winter intakes depending on their respective academic calendars. While the winter intake in the USA has already commenced, students need to be informed about the different types of intakes they can apply to, even if it’s for later in the future (e.g. registration for winter intakes can start as early as April). In this article, we’ll talk about what the winter intake is. We also go through some winter intake universities in the USA.
The winter intake in the USA
The winter intake in the USA begins around December or January. It offers international students a unique opportunity to start their academic journey mid-year. This allows for a more flexible timeline for those who may have missed fall deadlines or need more time to prepare. Winter intakes often have fewer applicants, providing a potentially less competitive admissions process. Some universities may offer special programs or incentives for winter intake students, such as accelerated courses or financial aid opportunities.
When should I apply for January intake in the USA?
This is a question asked by many students. The timeline could understandably be confusing, since both the winter and spring intakes begin in January. While the two intakes seem to overlap, it’s important to keep in mind that it ultimately depends on the institutions to determine when their different intake periods begin and end, as well as the programs and opportunities offered during each one.
Winter intake universities in the USA
To help students who are interested in exploring less common intake options, here are some of our reputable university partners that accept enrolments for winter intake in the USA:
Drexel University (Pennsylvania)
Drexel is a comprehensive global R1-level research university. That means that it has qualified with high research activities according to the Carnegie Classification of Institution of Higher Education. It has a unique model of experiential learning that combines academic rigour with one of the nation’s premier cooperative education programs. Its winter entry program is an admission plan that offers first-year students the chance to start their enrolment during Drexel’s winter quarter in January. It offers a wide range of programs to choose from with only a few exceptions.
Northern Arizona University (Arizona)
NAU is a public doctoral university founded in 1899 that boasts high research activity. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (one of six regional associations recognized by the US Department of Education), which extends through academic year 2027-2028. It has 190+ undergraduate programs, 100+ undergraduate and graduate certificates and 400+ student clubs and organisations. Its winter term begins in December. It’s offered to help students stay on track, keep their momentum going or get ahead with more than 100 options to meet their liberal studies requirements.
University of Delaware (Delaware)
UD began as a private academy in 1743. But today, it’s a research-intensive, technologically advanced university with global impact. It has 10 colleges and schools and over 250 graduate and post-baccalaureate programs which are highly recognised, such as their Physical Therapy graduate program which is ranked #1 by U.S. News. Its five-week winter session term provides students with the opportunity to enhance their academic experience with more than 570 undergraduate and graduate courses available in-person, online or hybrid format, as well as study-abroad programs. Registration began in October while actual sessions ran from January to February.
University of Louisville (Kentucky)
UofL was founded in 1798 as one of the nation’s first city-owned, public universities. Its main campus is just south of Kentucky’s largest city. It’s one of only 80 universities in the USA to earn recognition by the Carnegie Foundation as both a Research 1 and a Community Engaged university. Its off-season winter session is offered 100% online in three intensive weeks. Enrolment is available to current, new, transfer or visiting UofL students.
Washington State University (Washington)
WSU is a 130-year-old public research university with six campuses, 200+ undergraduate fields of study and nearly 150 graduate and professional degree programs. WSU’s winter session courses are offered completely online, delivered through its learning management system Canvas. Students may register for only one winter session course and its duration can be either three or six weeks (starting in November or December, respectively).
upGrad GSP is a proud partner of these excellent universities offering a winter intake in the USA. To learn more about their offerings for international students, visit our app or contact our business development experts today!
