UK guide · Intakes · 3 min read
UK intakes for Nepali students: September, January or May, and when to apply.
UK universities take most students in September; many master's also start in January, and a few in May. From Nepal, start 6 to 9 months before: the offer, the credibility interview, the NOC and deposit, 28 days of funds, the TB test, the CAS and the visa all take time. For September 2027, apply by March to May 2027; for January 2027, apply now. The visa can be applied for up to 6 months before the course starts.
The short version
- September is the main intake (most courses and scholarships). January is the second for many master's. May is small.
- Work back from the start: the 28-day funds period and the TB test have to fit before you apply.
- For January 2027, applications should be in by October to November 2026. For September 2027, by March to May 2027.
- Apply for the visa up to 6 months before the course starts; decisions usually come within 3 weeks of biometrics.
- The Graduate visa is 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027. The intake doesn't change that, but it changes when you'll apply.
The intakes at a glance
| Intake | Starts | Size | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | Mid to late September | Largest: most courses and scholarships | +2 graduates; most master’s applicants |
| January | Mid to late January | Many master’s, fewer bachelor’s | Graduates finishing in Nepal in summer or autumn |
| May | May | Small | Selected master’s courses |
Working back from January 2027
| Step | Aim for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| English result in hand | September 2026 | Most offers and CAS need it |
| Applications in | October to early November 2026 | Offers and interviews take 2 to 4 weeks |
| Credibility interview | November 2026 | Before the CAS |
| NOC and deposit | Late November 2026 | Your bank needs the NOC |
| 28-day funds period | Starts by early November 2026 | So it ends before you apply |
| TB test | November 2026 | Valid for 6 months |
| CAS | Early December 2026 | Visa application can follow straight away |
| Visa applied, biometrics | Early to mid December 2026 | About 3 weeks to a decision, longer at Christmas |
| Fly | Early January 2027 | Arrive before induction |
If it’s late November and you have no offer, January is tight. September is a safer file.
Working back from September 2027
| Step | Aim for |
|---|---|
| English result | December 2026 to February 2027 |
| Applications | January to May 2027 (earlier for scholarships) |
| Credibility interview, NOC, deposit | May to June 2027 |
| 28-day funds | June to July 2027 |
| TB test | June to July 2027 |
| CAS and visa | July to August 2027 |
| Fly | Early to mid September 2027 |
Choosing between September and January
| Question | If yes |
|---|---|
| Do you want the widest choice of courses and scholarships? | September |
| Are you finishing a bachelor’s or leaving a job in Nepal by autumn? | January |
| Is your money ready to sit untouched for 28 days now? | The sooner intake is realistic |
| Do you need a work placement or summer internship in the course? | September usually fits better |
From our files. Pratik Shrestha had four years at a bank in Kathmandu and didn’t want to wait until September. We framed his work as the reason for an MSc in Project Management, with his manager’s letter and project list, and chose the January intake in Birmingham. He didn’t have to wait for September.
The steps in Nepal that take longest
- The 28 days. You can’t shorten it. Start it the day the money is ready.
- The NOC. 1 to 5 working days online, longer near intakes.
- The TB test. Book early so a repeat test doesn’t push you out.
- Tax and income papers for your parents, if your university or UKVI asks to see where the money came from.
