Applications
September or January intake: which should you choose?
Compare the September and January intakes at UK universities, with application timelines for students applying from Uganda.
HOMIDAZ counselling teamChecked against GOV.UK. Updated , 1 min read
At a glance
- Main intake, with every course open
- September
- Second intake, with fewer courses
- January
- UCAS deadline for September 2027
- 13 January 2027
- Lead time we suggest for postgraduate
- 8–10 months
Most UK universities start new students in September, and many also take a smaller group in January. Both lead to the same degree, so the right choice comes down to your readiness and the course you want.
September: the main intake
- Every course is open, including competitive ones that only start once a year
- More scholarships, which often close early in the year
- You start with the full first-year group, which makes settling in easier
January: the second chance
- Useful if your results, IELTS score or funds will not be ready in time for September
- Fewer courses, mostly postgraduate and some foundation programmes
- Winter arrival, and some courses run into the following summer
Timelines for applying from Uganda
For undergraduate degrees, apply through UCAS. The main deadline for September 2027 entry is 13 January 2027. Postgraduate courses take applications directly, but popular courses fill up, so apply 8 to 10 months before you want to start.
Leave time after your offer for the deposit, your CAS, the 28-day funds period and the visa decision. Our intake planner works out the months for you.