Is May Intake in the UK Right for You? Universities & Benefits

The May intake in the UK is gaining popularity among international students who want flexible admission timelines and faster entry into UK universities. While the September intake remains the most common, the May intake is a great alternative for students who miss earlier deadlines or prefer a less competitive admission cycle.

In this article, we’ll help you decide whether the UK May intake is right for you by covering top universities, benefits, eligibility, costs, and who should choose this intake.

What Is the May Intake in the UK?

The May intake Universities in UK, also known as the spring or summer intake, usually starts between April and May. It offers selected undergraduate and postgraduate courses at specific universities.

Although fewer programmes are available compared to the September intake, the May intake is ideal for students looking for quicker admissions and flexible timelines.

Who Should Choose the UK May Intake?

The May intake is best suited for:

• Students who missed September or January deadlines

• Students with study gaps

• Working professionals planning career shifts

• Students waiting for English test results

• Applicants seeking faster admission decisions

If you want to start studying without waiting an entire year, the UK May intake 2026 is a strong option.

Top Universities Offering May Intake in the UK

Not all universities offer May intake programs, but several reputable institutions do.

Popular UK May Intake Universities

• University of Bedfordshire

• University of West London

• Anglia Ruskin University

• University of Greenwich

• Coventry University

• Northumbria University

• University of Hertfordshire

• De Montfort University

These universities are known for strong student support, practical courses, and good acceptance rates for international students.

Courses Available in the UK May Intake

The May intake mainly focuses on career-oriented programs.

Popular Courses

• Business and Management

• MBA and International Business

• Data Science and Information Technology

• Project Management

• Healthcare and Public Health

• Engineering (selected programs)

Students should check course availability early, as options are limited.

Benefits of Choosing the UK May Intake

1. Less Competition

Fewer applicants mean higher chances of admission compared to the September intake.

2. Faster Admission Decisions

Universities usually process May intake applications quickly.

3. Flexible Entry Timeline

Ideal for students who need extra time for preparation.

4. Early Career Start

You can graduate earlier and enter the job market sooner.

5. Suitable for Late Applicants

Perfect for students with delayed plans or test schedules.

Cost to Study in the UK May Intake

The cost to study in the UK May intake is similar to other intakes.

Tuition Fees

• Undergraduate: £10,000–£15,000 per year

• Postgraduate: £12,000–£20,000 per year

• MBA: £15,000–£25,000 per year

Living Expenses

• London: £1,300–£1,500 per month

• Outside London: £900–£1,200 per month

Eligibility for UK May Intake

Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate: 55%–70% in Class 12

• Postgraduate: 55%–65% in Bachelor’s degree

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.0–6.5

• PTE: 58–61

• Duolingo: Accepted by selected universities

Application Timeline for UK May Intake

• November–January: Research universities and courses

• January–February: Submit applications

• February–March: Receive offers

• March–April: Receive CAS and apply for visa

• April–May: Start studies in the UK

Applying early increases success rates.

Scholarships for May Intake Students

Although limited, students can apply for:

• University-specific merit scholarships

• Early-bird fee discounts

Final Thoughts: Is May Intake Right for You?

The May intake in the UK is ideal for students seeking flexibility, faster admissions, and reduced competition. While course options are limited compared to the September intake, it’s a smart choice for late applicants, working professionals, and students with study gaps.

If you want to start your UK education sooner without waiting another year, the UK May intake could be the perfect fit.