Top September Intake Universities in the UK – 2025
The September intake is the best and most popular option if you are planning to study in the UK for good reason. It is the busiest intake, seeing the largest number of universities offering the most seats for most if not all of their programs. Students from over 100 countries around the world travel to study in the UK at this time of the year.
This large volume of applicants results in more opportunities and activities available for students, aside from just program availability. Along with the academic hustle, the September intake, which also goes by “Autumn intake”, sees the greatest number of scholarships, work opportunities, and more. Let’s have a look at what the UK has in store for you for the September 2025 intake.
Major Intakes in the UK
The UK sees hundreds of thousands of international students incoming every year. These students fly in across three different intakes throughout the year. The academic calendar in the UK aligns with that of many Commonwealth countries in the northern hemisphere. This means that the main intake for most UK universities is the September intake. The January intake is the second most popular intake for students who miss this Autumn window.
| Intake | Months | Course Availability | Application Volume |
| Autumn | September/October | All courses available | Highest |
| Winter | January/February | Some courses available, generally postgraduate courses | Second most popular intake after Autumn |
| Summer | May/June | Mostly postgraduate courses and short programs | Low |
Why Should You Enroll in the September Intake
The Autumn or Fall intake is the main intake in the UK. Most universities offer all of their courses during this intake. This makes it the busiest time of the year for students, as classes start, orientation sessions begin, and employers start hiring for part-time jobs. A lot of things see an impact from this huge influx of students, including the availability of housing and scholarships. Some of the compelling reasons to enroll in September are:
Availability of Courses:
Since it’s the main intake, you will be able to choose from the university’s complete list of courses for most universities. If you are planning to study abroad after 12th grade, you can apply for multiple programs with one central application through UCAS.
Having all possible options available means you don’t have to compromise when you are looking for your ideal program. You can explore a full range of subject availability, alongside other important factors such as tuition fees, scholarships, and internships. The September intake sees the greatest variety and number of scholarship opportunities. Although the competition is higher, you can always consider multiple options to decrease the risk of missing out.
To explore your options for this intake, you try out the GRADSearch course matcher tool. With programs from over 3,000 universities, you can quickly shortlist the courses that best match your requirements!
Align Your Academic Calendar:
The September intake aligns with the academic calendar for many Commonwealth countries, including India. If you’re applying from one of these countries, you will have the benefit of a seamless transition into university after you complete high school or your bachelor’s degree. Starting your studies in the September intake helps you start your higher education without any gaps or interruptions.
More Jobs Available:
Since the Autumn intake sees the majority of incoming international students, there is a similar trend in greater availability of student jobs. Studying and living in the UK can get quite expensive. Having a student job can help you greatly with your finances. Most student jobs start hiring in September, as new students come in and graduates start leaving. Alongside working part-time, starting your studies in September sets you up to graduate in the summer, which is the peak time for graduate hiring in the UK.
Top Universities for the September Intake in 2025
Since September is the main intake, almost all universities are open for admission in September 2025. The great news is that thanks to the UK’s long-standing history of academic excellence you are spoilt for choice when it comes to world-class universities. In 2025, 90 UK universities rank among the global best institutions for higher education, according to QS World University Rankings.
Some of the top universities you should consider for the September intake are:
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is famous not only for its academic leadership but also for its innovative contributions to research and society. It is one of the original "red brick" universities in the UK and a member of the prestigious Russell Group, which represents 24 leading public research universities in the country.
Bristol ranks among the top 60 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and also ranks 9th in the UK according to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings, reflecting the university's strong commitment to producing graduates ready to take on the job market. Moreover, the University of Bristol is a multi-time recipient of the Queen's Anniversary Prize, which recognizes exceptional contributions to higher and further education.
| Name of University | University of Bristol |
| Location | Bristol, England |
| Established | 1876 |
| QS World Ranking | 54 |
| International Students | 9,994 |
| Undergraduate Programs | 281 |
| Postgraduate Programs | 230 |
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest universities in the UK, with a rich legacy. The university offers a diverse range of programs across multiple disciplines and study levels. You will find world-leading courses in medicine, law, engineering, and the humanities.
The University of Aberdeen ranks among the top 250 universities in the world, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. It also has global recognition for its research impact, with over 75% of its research ranking as either world-leading or internationally excellent according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF). The university's medical school, in particular, has a standout reputation as one of the best in Europe.
| Name of University | University of Aberdeen |
| Location | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Established | 1495 |
| QS World Ranking | 236 |
| International Students | 6,000+ |
| Undergraduate Programs | 375 |
| Postgraduate Programs | 290 |
City, University of London
City, University of London is a prominent university at the heart of the capital of the UK. As a part of the University of London, it offers dynamic and industry-relevant education, preparing students for successful careers in a globalized job market. The university supports a diverse community, with students from over 160 countries, many of whom choose City, University of London for the September intake.
The university has strong ties to industry, offering students ample opportunities for internships, placements, and networking with professionals. Its location in London provides direct access to the country’s thriving financial district, media hubs, and various multinational corporations. Additionally, its Bayes Business School (formerly Cass Business School) consistently ranks among the top business schools globally.
| Name of University | City, University of London |
| Location | London, England |
| Established | 1894 |
| QS World Ranking | 352 |
| International Students | 6,315 |
| Undergraduate Programs | 124 |
| Postgraduate Programs | 143 |
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes University is a modern and forward-thinking institution in the city of Oxford. It stands out for its innovative approach to education and strong industry connections. The university's International Student Advice Team works hard to help students transition smoothly to life in the UK.
Oxford Brookes consistently earns recognition in national and international rankings. It ranks among the top 50 universities in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide 2024. It also ranks among the world’s top universities in 21 subject areas. The university's School of Architecture is one of its standout schools, consistently ranking among the top five in the UK. Additionally, Oxford Brookes has a strong reputation in motorsport engineering, with its graduates frequently working for top Formula 1 teams.
| Name of University | Oxford Brookes University |
| Location | Oxford, England |
| Established | 1865 |
| QS World Ranking | 416 |
| International Students | 2,700 |
| Undergraduate Programs | 182 |
| Postgraduate Programs | 128 |
University of Glasgow
One of the top 10 universities in the UK, the University of Glasgow is one of the best options to study in Scotland. In the busy city of Glasgow, the university offers great opportunities to its students in terms of both research and employability. The campus consists of historic architecture that is sure to amaze students. On top of this, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities that complement its reputation in the UK for academic excellence.
The University of Glasgow ranks consistently in the top 100 universities in the world. It is also a member of the Russell Group of leading UK research universities. Its College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences is particularly notable for groundbreaking research.
| Name of University | University of Glasgow |
| Location | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Established | 1451 |
| QS World Ranking | 78 |
| International Students | 16,414 |
| Undergraduate Programs | 156 |
| Postgraduate Programs | 157 |
Application Deadlines for September 2025
If you are planning to apply for a postgraduate program starting during the September intake, you will typically apply directly to the university. These deadlines will vary from university to university, so keep note of these when doing your research and building your application timelines.
If you are applying to study abroad after 12th grade, you will be applying through UCAS. This central platform lets you apply to up to 5 programs with one central application. You can also add on additional programs if you need to. One of the benefits of applying through UCAS is the timeline – you can stick to one set of deadlines for all your submissions. Applying to study abroad can be a pretty hectic process, with lots of dates and deadlines to think about. UCAS has a common deadline for every step of your undergraduate application. These deadlines are as follows:
| Date | Application Step |
| 30 April, 2024 | Searching for September 2025 courses start |
| 14 May, 2024 | Undergraduate applications open |
| 03 September, 2024 | Submission of applications start |
| 15 October, 2024 | Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine/vet/dentistry courses |
| 29 January, 2025 | Equal consideration date |
| 30 June, 2025 | Deadline for application submission |
| 05 July, 2025 | Clearing opens |
| 20 October, 2025 | Clearing closes |
Rounding Up
Applying for university is one of the most significant decisions you will make as a student. The September intake in the UK helps you ensure that you have all of the options you need available before taking this decision. You will also find a greater variety of scholarships and part-time jobs if you plan to start your studies in September. To explore your options for the Autumn intake, contact Gradstar Global Education today to co-design the right study abroad plan for you.
