Studying abroad is an exciting journey full of educational opportunities, cultural risk and development of career. For Indian students planning higher education abroad, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right intake - that is, the month or weather in which a university begins to accept students for a new academic session.
In various options, September intake stands out as the most popular and widely accepted in countries. Two of the top sites welcoming thousands of Indian students every year are the United Kingdom (UK) and Italy. This article offers a detailed comparison of September intake in the UK and a wide comparison of September intake in Italy to help Indian students make an informed decision based on educational options, visa procedures, costs and lifestyle preferences.
What Is an “Intake” and Why Is It Important?
An intake refers to the academic admission cycle in which students can enroll in a university program. Most global universities offer two to three intakes per year:
Primary/major intake – usually in September/Fall
Secondary intake – often in January/Winter
Occasional summer intake – sometimes in May
Choosing the right intake can impact course availability, scholarship opportunities, and even visa timelines.
Why the September Intake Is Popular Among Indian Students
For Indian students, the September intake aligns well with the academic calendar followed in India. Most students complete their high school or undergraduate studies by April–May, giving them ample time to prepare for the next phase of education abroad.
Key benefits of the September intake:
Wider course selection
Higher chances of scholarships
Availability of university housing
Greater job and internship opportunities
Easier transition from Indian academic cycles
Let’s now compare two of the most popular countries for September admissions: the UK and Italy.
September Intake in the UK
The September intake in the UK is the main academic session, attracting a large number of international students every year, especially from India. Universities open applications around October to February for this intake, depending on the course and institution.
Top UK Universities with September Intake:
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
University of Manchester
King’s College London
University of Edinburgh
Advantages:
Wide variety of programs: from business and engineering to medicine and creative arts.
High-ranking institute: Many UK universities have been ranked in the top 100 in the world.
Opportunities for strong post-study work: UK offers a 2-year post-study work visa (graduate route) for international students after graduation.
Scholarship for Indian students: Chewing, great scholarship, and university-specific grants are mostly available for September intake.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Tuition fees are relatively higher (ranging from £10,000 to £25,000 per year).
Cost of living is higher in cities like London.
Application deadlines can vary by course and university—early planning is essential.
September Intake in Italy
Italy has emerged as an appealing have a look at destination for Indian college students due to its reasonably-priced lessons, rich cultural history and globally identified education device. September intake in Italy is the primary intake for most undergraduate and master's diploma programs.
Top Italian Universities with September Intake:
University of Bologna
Politecnico di Milano
Sapienza University of Rome
University of Padua
University of Milan
Advantages:
At least moderate tuition fees: Public universities charge between € 1,000 to € 4,000 per year.
Scholarship Opportunities: DSU regional scholarship, Italian government scholarship, and merit-based grants are mainly introduced for the intake of September.
Affordable Living: Compared to other Western European countries, the cost of living in Italy is relatively low, especially in small cities.
English-Sikh Program: Many universities now provide full degree programs in English, especially at the master level.
Things to Consider:
Visa processing can be slower compared to the UK, so early application is critical.
Language can be a barrier in daily life, though academic programs are in English.
Not all universities offer January intakes, making September the only viable option for many.
Final Thoughts: Which September Intake is Right for You?
Choosing between the September intake in the UK and the September intake in Italy 2025 depends on your academic goals, budget, language preference, and lifestyle.
If you prefer studying in a globally dominant education system, have a higher budget, and want strong post-study work opportunities, the UK may be the better choice.
If affordability is key, and you want access to quality education with lower tuition fees and living costs, then Italy could be ideal.
Regardless of the country, the September intake remains the best option for Indian students due to its broad academic offerings, scholarship availability, and alignment with Indian academic timelines.
Start your preparation early—gather documents, research universities, and apply before deadlines to increase your chances of admission and scholarships.
