Why Should You Apply for Spring Intake?

Table of Contents

1. Types of Study Abroad Intakes
2. Why the Spring Intake? 
3. Top Courses for Spring Intake
4. Frequently Asked Questions

Study abroad deadlines are tricky – they test your patience, planning, and carefulness. But missing a major deadline often costs a year, with the challenge of the rising number of applications. That’s a reason why many students prefer to study abroad in the spring, which is the start of the year. 

Compared to the fall intake, the spring intake is advisable for less competition, timely application, and weather benefits. The spring intake is a flexible alternative, giving you enough time to perfect your study abroad application. 

Types of Study Abroad Intakes

Most universities worldwide offer three primary academic intakes: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Each intake has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Let’s explore them briefly:

Spring Intake (January – May)	Offers a second chance for those who missed the fall intake. May have fewer program options compared to fall.
Summer Intake (May-August)	Primarily for language courses and short-term programs. Limited program choices.
Fall Intake (September – December)	The most popular intake with the widest range of programs. Highest competition for admissions.

Why the Spring Intake? 

The spring intake is beneficial to international students, as it has top course openings and less competition than the fall intake. Students who miss the fall session can apply in the spring intake, saving a year. Likewise, the competition for scholarship opportunities will be less in the spring intake compared to the fall session. 

Other than these, many students often find the spring intake better for finding new roommates or stay options. However, it is very subjective and may not be right for all. 

Benefits of Spring Intake

The spring intake is advisable for reasons that benefit international students academically. Given below are the top benefits of choosing the spring intake to study abroad: 

Fewer applicants: Less competition for admission compared to the fall intake. However, the course openings are also limited compared to the fall intake.	Smoother transition: A more balanced campus environment for seamless integration as the spring session is at the start of the year. It gives you a short break to prepare after completing your education in your home country.
No time gap: Maintain academic momentum without a significant break.	Personalized attention: Smaller class sizes often lead to greater interaction with professors.
Career advantage: Align with mid-year hiring cycles for internships and co-op opportunities.	Great weather conditions: No difficulties facing the harshness of winter, as the spring season is comfortable for most.

Read Also:

1. US Universities Deadline
2. UK Universities Deadline
3. Australia Universities Deadline
4. Canada Universities Deadline
5. New Zealand Universities Deadline
6. Ireland Universities Deadline

Top Courses for Spring Intake

As the spring intake has a lesser number of course openings, it is crucial to check whether your course has openings for the spring intake. The top countries with spring sessions include the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. See the following table for a general understanding of the top courses for the spring intake.

Country	Spring Intake Duration	Top Course	Top universities for the course
United States	January – May	Computer Science and Engineering	Carnegie Mellon University University of California Berkeley University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
		Business Administration (MBA)	University of Chicago (Booth) Northeastern University New York University (Stern)
		Data Science and Analytics	University of Michigan–Ann Arbor University of Washington Georgia Institute of Technology
United Kingdom	January – May	International Relations	King’s College  University of  Warwick University of Aberdeen
		Psychology	St Andrews University University of Glasgow University of York
		Pharmaceutical Science	University of Lincoln Ulster University  University of Portsmouth
Canada	January – February	Healthcare Management	Ontario Tech University Seneca Polytechnic McGill University
		Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning	University of Toronto University of Waterloo University of Alberta
		Public Policy	Université de Montréal Western University York University
Australia (February – May)		Finance	University of Queensland Curtin University The University of Adelaide
		Information Technology	Australian National University University of Sydney University of Melbourne
		Biology	Monash University University of New South Wales (UNSW) University of Western Australia

Why wait? Get ready to chase academic dreams abroad this spring with Nomad Credit’s personalized support. Stay connected with us to get guidance on admissions, university selection, education funding, and study visa applications. Our tailored approach covers all your study abroad requirements, and we charge zero cost for our services. Join today and be one among thousands of successful students. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the spring intake?

The spring intake is also known as the January or February intake. Universities abroad admit new students at the start of the academic term, typically in January or February. It is an alternative to the traditional fall intake.

What is the advantage of spring intake in the US? 

In the US, choosing the spring intake allows course flexibility for international students. Also, students can apply to multiple universities, saving their time. 

Why should I consider the spring intake?

The spring intake is beneficial for students who need extra time to prepare their applications, those who missed fall deadlines, or those seeking a different academic schedule. It can also offer less competition for certain courses and scholarships.

How do I apply for spring intake courses?

The application process for spring intake is similar to the fall intake. Research your desired course and university, gather required documents (such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements), and submit your application through the university’s admission portal before the deadline.

Is the curriculum different for spring intake students?

Generally, the curriculum for spring intake students is the same as for those starting in the fall. However, the schedule may differ slightly, with some courses offered in different semesters.

Can I transfer from a fall intake to a spring intake?

Policies on transferring between intakes vary by university. It’s best to contact the admissions office of your university to understand the specific procedures and implications.