UK intakes and deadlines
When UK courses start, when to apply, and how scholarship and visa dates fit around them.
Plan my intakeLast updated 29 September 2026Figures checked against official sources, listed at the end
The two UK intakes
September / October
Almost every course starts here, and most scholarships are tied to it. Plan your applications for the autumn and winter of the year before.
January / February
Some universities offer a second start for selected, mostly postgraduate, courses. Fewer programmes and scholarships are available, so check each course page.
Key dates for a 2027 start
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC | Chevening 2027-28 applications close |
| 15 October 2026, 18:00 UK | UCAS deadline for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses |
| 20 October 2026, 16:00 BST | Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships close (via CSC Central) |
| 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK | UCAS equal-consideration date for most undergraduate courses |
| From March 2027 | Earliest Student visa applications for September courses (up to 6 months before) |
| September 2027 | Most courses start; travel up to 1 month before |
Master’s applications usually go direct to universities with their own deadlines. Apply 9 to 12 months ahead for popular courses and university scholarships.
Build your preparation timeline
Your preparation timeline
- 18 to 12 months before: Research courses, eligibility, funding and scholarship deadlines.
- 12 to 9 months before: Prepare language tests, transcripts, references and your shortlist.
- 9 to 6 months before: Submit applications by each programme’s actual deadline.
- 6 to 3 months before: Meet offer conditions, arrange funding and prepare visa documents.
- 3 to 1 months before: Apply for the visa and plan accommodation and arrival.
Keep these dates separate
UCAS’s equal-consideration date for most 2027 undergraduate courses is 13 January 2027. Chevening closes on 6 October 2026 and Commonwealth Master’s on 20 October 2026, a year before the course starts.
Intake FAQs
Is the January intake easier to get into?
Not necessarily. Fewer courses run in January, and scholarships are mostly for September. Choose the intake that fits your course, not the one you think is easier.
When should I book my IELTS?
At least 2 to 3 months before your first application deadline, leaving time for a retake.
When should I start the visa?
As soon as you have your CAS and have held your funds for 28 days. You can apply up to 6 months before the course starts.
Official sources
- UCAS: application dates ↗Checked 2026-09-27 · next review 2026-10-27
- Chevening: Bangladesh ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- CSC: Commonwealth Master’s ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- GOV.UK: Student visa ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
These are dated editorial checks, not a live data feed. Recheck the original page before applying or paying.
About this guide. Researched by the Student Visa From Bangladesh editorial team from the official sources listed above and last checked on 29 September 2026. We are not a university or a government agency, and admission and visa outcomes are never guaranteed. Read our editorial policy.