Intakes in Australia

In recent years, Australia has emerged as one of the leading international destinations for students to pursue their higher education affordably. However, for students actively looking at Australia as a serious study option, it is important to become familiar with the academic programs, academic intakes and deadlines associated with the country's educational institutes. Intakes in Australia refer to the general application period during which various universities in Australia accept applications of international students. Typically, in Australia, intakes are held in different periods, each of which could go for 2-3 months. 

Australia University Intakes

Two prominent Australia intakes happen in February and July. During this period, international students start sending their applications to universities of their choice. In Australia, intakes are also called semesters. Students applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, PhDs, and research-oriented programs apply for universities during February and July. Some Australian universities have come out with a different admission intake for vocational courses. The period for this intake is January, May, or July. However, it is the prerogative of the university to choose the independent intakes, depending on courses and other factors.

February/March

February/March is the primary intake season in Australia. During this period, most universities across Australia offer a wide variety of courses for international students. The exact application date and deadline may vary from one university to another. Therefore, students are suggested to plan their application a few months in advance. Furthermore, they must prepare for language and entrance tests at least three months before admission. The deadline for most universities with February/March intake is between October and November.

Here are some universities in Australia that have a February/March intake:

• University of Queensland
  
• University of Melbourne
• Monash University
• University of Sydney
• University of Western Australia
• Australia National University
• University of Newcastle
• University of Canberra
• University of Technology, Sydney
• Charles Sturt University
• Macquarie University
• Charles Darwin University

Given below are some general eligibility criteria students need to meet while seeking admission to universities during February/March intake:

• International students need to meet general academic requirements laid down by the university.
  
• Besides general academic requirements, students need to take English language proficiency tests, like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE and score minimum marks to be considered for the courses they are applying to.
• Students need to have minimum scores in competitive exams like GRE and GMAT if they are willing to study programs like MBA in Australia.
• Need to produce academic transcripts
• LOR (letters of recommendation) and SOP (statement of purpose)
• Must have received an acceptance letter from the university
• Must have received a student visa

July

July intakes in Australia are considered secondary intakes as only a few courses are offered by universities across the country. Also, the intake may vary depending on the university you wish to enrol in. Therefore, before applying to universities, international students need to ensure that the courses are offered during that particular intake. Students who plan to seek admission to a university during the July intake must prepare for the same at least ten months in advance.

Here are some universities in Australia that have a July intake:

• The University of Sydney
  
• Australia National University
• The University of Western Australia
• The University of Melbourne
• Curtin University
• Macquarie University
• The University of Adelaide
• RMIT University
• Monash University
• University of New South Wales
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Technology, Sydney

Given below are some general eligibility criteria students need to meet while seeking admission to universities during July intake:

• Vital academic records and transcripts from an accredited education board
  
• Other exam scores, if asked by the university
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• English language proficiency test scores, like IELTS/PTE/TOEFL
• Letters of reference
• Updated CV
• Student Visa for Australia

November

Compared to the intakes in February and July, the November intake is less popular as there are just a few courses on offer by a handful of universities to international students. However, the significant benefit for students applying during this period is less competition. As most international students use during February and July intakes, the number of applicants during the November intake is fewer; therefore, there are higher chances of getting selected for a course. Most universities in Australia that have November intake offer short-term courses, some popular full-time courses, vocational courses, and online courses to international students.

Here are some universities in Australia that have a November intake:

• RMIT University
• University of Melbourne
• Victoria University
• Monash University
• La Trobe University
• University of Southern Queensland
• UNSW Sydney
• University of New England
• Central Queensland University.

Given below are some general eligibility criteria students need to meet while seeking admission to universities during November intake:

• You must have an excellent academic background
• You must have received acceptance to an Australian university
• Should have the required scores in English language proficiency tests, like IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL
• Proof of approval of your educational loan

Which is the Best Australia Study Intakes?

How to Apply for Universities in Australia?

International students must plan well in advance if they wish to study in Australia or target a particular intake season. In Australia, seats and admission are offered on a first-come basis. Therefore, students who plan well in advance have a higher chance of grabbing a seat in their preferred program in a university of their choice than students who start late.

Step 1: Before you seek admission to Australian universities, you need to research the admission program, different courses, universities, and career prospects at least one or two years before the application date. Interacting with past students or students already pursuing their programs in Australia will be a good idea. Also, as a part of their preparation, international students can consider visiting the official websites of the universities and gathering all information related to study programs, eligibility criteria, etc.

Step 2: Students should select the course they wish to take admission from the university and visit the website. Once the course and university have been chosen, essential details, like tuition fee, dates of admission cycles, eligibility criteria for international students, scholarships offered, university campus and location, standardised test scores, etc., need to be collected.

Step 3: To gain admission to Australian colleges as an international student, you need to enrol for English language proficiency tests, like IELTS/PTE/TOEFL, as most institutes ask for it. If you are applying for postgraduate courses, start taking standardised tests, like GRE and GMAT, to get admission to various institutes across Australia. Set aside a buffer time to re-registered for standardised tests in case you want to improve your grade on the 1st attempt. Your whole effort must be on getting an excellent score to make it easier to gain admission to a college of your choice.

Step 4: There are a few things students need to keep ready while applying for admission to a college in Australia. These include original transcripts, academic mark sheets, and copies of previous studies' course syllabus. Students also need to produce a scorecard of standardised tests, English proficiency test certificate, letter of recommendation, statement of purpose, etc.

Step 5: You will hear from the university via email if your application is selected. Sometimes, you may be required to give a video interview. So, it would be best if you prepared for it in advance. After receiving the acceptance letter from the university, make sure you accept it without delay. Typically, an acceptance agreement will have – information about the course, acceptance details, payment details, the start date, tuition fees, conditions laid down by the university (if any), etc. Students are required to pay the fee once the admission letter is accepted.

Step 6: Once the acceptance letter is signed and the initial fee is paid, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from the college. Students can use this document to apply for an Australia Student Visa.

AECC is a provider of experienced and friendly application management and student counselling services. For students seeking high-quality education in Australia, AECC is the one-stop to realise their dreams. We help thousands of students make the right decision education-wise and guide them in shaping their careers in the right way. From managing applications to providing necessary information about studying in Australia and making arrangements for travel and accommodation, we handle everything for you. Talk to our experts and be assured of getting all the help.