Top Universities with February Intake 2025 Options in Australia
Many of the top universities with February intake options are in Australia! Where the major intakes in countries like the UK, USA, and Canada fall around August and September, Australia sees its biggest and most popular intake at the start of the calendar year. If you want to start your study abroad journey as soon as possible, Australia is the place for you with its Semester 1 intakes!
Unlike other study abroad destinations, Australia is geographically in the southern hemisphere. This means that, because of the inverse seasons, February in Australia is fall instead of winter or spring. As a result, the “fall” semester in Australia is at the beginning of the year. Below, we break down some of your top study abroad options for the 2025 February intake!
Intakes in Australia for 2025
Your plan to study in Australia starts with mapping out the timeline of applications for your target universities. The academic year in Australia consists of two main semesters, with some universities offering a shorter third semester. The main semesters last 4-5 months in Australian universities, whereas the summer semester lasts up to 2-3 months. Universities with February intake options in Australia span many, if not most, of the country’s world-ranking institutions!
| Intake | Application Deadlines | Classes | Description |
| Semester 1 | October-November | February to June | Primary intake, which all universities offer |
| Semester 2 | April-May | July to October | Secondary intake, which all universities offer |
| Semester 3 | July-September | December to February | Only available for a few courses and universities |
Factors to Consider
Among the three intakes common in Australia, it is important to decide on the right pick for you. Of course, if the plan is to start your degree program at the beginning of the next year, looking into universities with February intake options for 2025 is the first step. But this is not the only criterion to consider when choosing the right intake opportunity. Consider the following factors to understand which intake in Australia works best for your requirements.
Course Availability
The courses available for each intake are the most important consideration when choosing the right application window. Typically, all courses in Australian universities are available during the February intake. Many are also available during the July intake. However, course availability tends to involve fewer programs, often short courses, during Semester 3. You can check out the available intakes for the list of university courses you are considering with GRADSearch!
Application Deadline
Meeting your deadlines during your application is non-negotiable for admissions success. Being late with your application or cutting it too close to the deadline can spell rejection for even strong applications. So, your choice in intake may depend on whether you have enough time to prepare your applications properly within the deadlines.
For example, a February intake in Australia may be too close for students finishing high school in the summer of the year before. You may have to spend some time waiting for results, figuring out if you need to do any re-sits, preparing for English language exams, etc. On the other hand, if you start your applications earlier, you can easily aim for the February 2025 intake without rushing to apply for the September 2024 intake. It boils down to your plans and ideal timeline for your higher education applications.
Climate
Because of its southern hemisphere location, winter in Australia tends to be during what you may know as the summer months. At the beginning of the year, the weather across Australia tends to be pleasant and certainly friendlier for first-time arrivals who are not used to colder temperatures.
Is the February Intake the Right Option for Me?
The February intake is the main intake when it comes to Australia. As a result, plenty of Australia’s excellent universities with February intake options are open for consideration! The biggest perks of the Semester 1 intake in Australia include the following:
Primary intake:
The February intake is the primary intake and sees the largest number of programs with the most seats. This is the intake that sees the most incoming international students as well.
Lots of course options:
During the main intake season, you will have almost all course options available to choose from. Secondary intakes and short semesters may only open enrolments for a few programs and with fewer seats.
Scholarship opportunities:
Since most students apply during the February intake, the number of scholarships for students also tends to be higher for this semester. Most scholarship applications are open during the February intake, helping you reduce costs for your time studying abroad.
Academic year alignment:
The February intake is also Semester 1 of the academic year in Australia. This has the advantage of complying with the academic schedule of the majority of Australian universities. You will graduate at the same time as most Australian university students at your study level and enjoy a lively campus life without feeling like you are lagging behind, etc.
Clubs & societies:
Thanks to this semester seeing the largest number of incoming students, you will have a wealth of exciting options to explore for extracurricular activities
Part-time employment opportunities:
At this time of year, Australia also sees a larger number of part-time work opportunities, both on campus and off. You can work part-time up to 48 hours per two weeks as an international student
Universities with February Intake Options in 2025
All Australian universities accepting international students offer a Semester 1 intake at the start of the year. Some of the best universities offering the February intake in 2025 include:
University of Tasmania
The University of Tasmania ranks as #1 in climate action globally and is one of the most prestigious universities in Australia. This easily makes it one of the best universities with February intake options for 2025. The University of Tasmania is a great place for international students, with a vibrant campus community. Semester 1 at the University of Tasmania begins between 27 January 2025 and 24 February 2025. All of the university’s programs are open for application during this intake.
Key dates for the University of Tasmania Semester 1 intake for 2025:
International application deadline: At least 3 months prior to the start date (around September/October)
Last applications (non-quota courses): Friday before Week One commencement
Last enrolment: Monday of Week Two of the course
University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong is one of the most popular universities in Australia among international students. On the outskirts of Sydney, the location is comparatively more affordable while also offering great opportunities for work and networking.
Semester 1 at the University of Wollongong starts in late February 2025. The university offers an early admission option for students still completing Year 12 of high school so that they may apply with their Year 11 results.
Key dates for the University of Wollongong Semester 1 intake for 2025:
First day to enroll for new students: 02 Dec 2024
Orientation: 24 Feb - 27 Feb 2025
Lectures Commence: 03 Mar - 18 Apr 2025
University of Canberra
In the busy capital city of Australia, the University of Canberra is one of the most popular and prestigious universities. It ranks in the top 1% of young universities in the world and easily makes it into our list of top universities with February intake options for 2025.
The University of Canberra accepts early admissions but only for select courses. For regular admissions, international students must maintain the dates below for their applications.
Key dates for the University of Canberra Semester 1 intake for 2025:
International application deadline: 15 November 2024
Document submission deadline: 24 November 2024
Acceptance deadline: 10 December 2024
Orientation: 28 January 2025
Classes start: 03 February 2025
Monash University
As a proud member of the Group of Eight (Go8), Monash University boasts one of the best education and research facilities in Australia. It ranks globally in the top 50 and is popular among students worldwide, with campuses in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Italy. Semester 1 at Monash starts in late February and lasts 4 months, till the end of June.
Key dates for Monash University Semester 1 intake for 2025:
Orientation: 24–28 February 2025
Classes Start: 3 March 2025
RMIT University
RMIT University ranks consistently among the top 150 universities in the world. It is also one of the leading universities in the country for technology and design. Semester 1 at RMIT University begins in late February 2025. Classes begin in March 2025, but you don’t want to miss the orientation sessions at the end of February to help you smoothly transition into campus life at RMIT.
Key dates for the RMIT Semester 1 intake for 2025:
Applications open: 29 July 2024
Orientation: 24–28 February 2025
Classes start: 3 March 2025
Downsides of the February Intake
Although few, it’s always smart to consider any potential downsides when choosing any intake to study abroad:
Busy flights:
With the popularity of universities with February intake options in Australia, you can expect flights to be busy. Expect flight prices to increase and the availability of good flights and seats to decrease unless you book them early.
Higher competition:
As the number of applicants is high, there is a chance that you may face tight competition. Seats for each course or program are finite, so applying early is your best bet. This also applies to scholarships and the best housing options on campus.
Difficulty coordinating applications:
As convenient as it may be in Australia, the February intake is not the major intake in most other popular higher education destinations. If you are applying to different destinations at the same time, you may have to figure out how to coordinate your application timelines.
Rounding Up
If you are serious about starting your higher education journey at the start of the next year, Australia is the place for you. Applying to the top universities with February intake options in Australia means you don’t have to wait until the following August or September to start your higher education. Best of all, almost all of Australia’s universities are world-ranking and offer an intake at the start of the academic year. As this is the most popular intake with the greatest course availability, you have plenty of flexibility to apply for a world-class degree.