September Intake in Australian Universities

Is Australia your choice to study abroad? We can see why, with its renowned universities, breathtaking locations, and warm inhabitants. If you’re looking into the September intake in Australian universities for 2024, now is the time to buckle down for applications.

This is especially true given that the academic calendar in Australia might vary slightly from yours. How? Among the most important information a prospective student should be aware of when getting ready to study abroad are intakes and deadlines.

There are two main admissions periods each year to Australia, around February and July. Alongside these two, some Australian universities also offer September admission. To learn more about the September intake in Australian universities for 2023/2024, find out what UniSearch experts have to share.

What Are The Intakes in Australia?

Australia has two main intakes for international students. You can choose to apply for enrolment into February or July semesters. This gives you the flexibility to plan your studies according to your convenience.

The main intake session is Semester 1. Most institutions, if not all of them, will be accepting applications for the most courses for this intake. Fewer colleges offer fewer courses for the July-August intake. However, given that there are comparably fewer applications for this intake, you may stand a better chance if your program is available. After all, admission to Australian institutions and their esteemed programs is competitive!

The shortest of the three intakes in Australia occurs in September or November, however this may only be a possibility for certain degrees at certain universities. Let’s explore these intakes in a bit more detail.

February Intake

The February intake - also known as Semester 1 - is the major intake for Australian universities. You’ll notice that the Australian academic calendar is rather different from the rest of the world. This is partly because, as Australia is in the southern hemisphere, seasons don’t work the same way as they do in the USA and UK. February semesters in Australia represent the Autumn or Fall intake of the country.

Semester 1 sees the greatest number of universities offer the largest number of programs. It’s typically the intake that sees the most applications.

July Intake

While not as popular as the February intake, Australian universities typically offer two major intakes, with the second one available between July and August. This is the Australian equivalent of a winter intake. If you miss the application window for February or March, you can target the July or August intake instead.

September Intake

Did you know that some universities offer a third intake known as the September, October or November intake? While the number of university and course options may be limited, it's still worth considering if you're looking to start your studies later in the year.

If you’re following an academic calendar more common in the northern hemisphere, you may want to kick off your program in August or September. Luckily, a couple of universities in Australia follow a trimester system and offer three intake options.

Why September Intakes in Australia are Popular Among International Students

A good number of international students who choose to begin their studies in Australia do so in the summer semester - i.e. around September-November. One of the perks is that this usually lines up with the academic calendar of students in the northern hemisphere. If you follow an academic calendar that begins around August or September, you’re likely to finish your studies by May or June - the closest intake to you then is the Australian summer intake.

Choosing this intake allows you plenty of time to adapt to the environment. Because September is the beginning of spring in Australia, international students find it simpler to adapt to this environment because there is not a significant fluctuation in temperature between their home countries when they get to Australia. Additionally, in comparison to the season of winter, spring is a more favorable time of year.

In fact, one of the reasons international students from parts of South and Southeast Asia, like Bangladesh and Malaysia, find Australia attractive is because the weather is similar to their home countries!

In addition to this, compared to February and July intakes, you may find this intake is less competitive. If your program is available, aiming for this intake may boost your admissions chances. In contrast to the Spring and fall intakes, the summer (September) intake gives international students the opportunity to look for a greater number of part-time campus jobs, as well as a greater number of teaching assistant or research positions.

List of Australian Universities Accepting September Intake

Although February is the most popular intake, we do not mean to imply that the universities that offer admission during the months of September, October or November are any less spectacular.

There are a number of highly regarded educational institutions in Australia that welcome international students during the summer intake. This is true for all levels of programs and courses Australian universities offer, including admissions to master's degree programs. Let’s take a look at your options for the September intake in Australian universities. The following is a list of great Australian institutions and the notable programs that they offer.

Eligibility Criteria to Enroll in the September Intake in Australian Universities

When applying to any course or program offered by an Australian university, you will need to check off some requirements. These could be different based on the institution, major, and degree program that you select. Nevertheless, there are a few requirements that almost all universities share.

Before you begin the application process, it is in your best interest to check out the individual universities' official websites. This will allow you to become familiar with the requirements in greater depth. A typical application package for an Australian university will consist of:

• Academic certificate and transcripts
• Passport-size photographs
• Minimum two years of experience, if required
• Updated CV/Resume
• Statement Of Purpose
• Two Letters Of Recommendation
• Any score on an English language proficiency test, such as the IELTS, TOEFL, etc. An undergraduate course may demand a minimum IELTS score band between 6-6.5, and a postgraduate course may require a minimum score band between 7-7.5.

Application Process to Study in September Intake in Australian Universities

The application process is not overly complicated or difficult to complete for the September intake in Australia. As long as you stick to the right timeline, you can make sure you are on track. The steps for applying to study in Australia starting in September are as follows:

• Look into possible courses of study keeping in mind the deadline for the September intake, which is in around April-May. But application start dates and deadlines may vary according to institutions. So, keep a close eye out for universities you intend to apply to.
  
• Explore the list of universities in Australia and compile a list of the institutions that interest you, which offer a summer intake. Remember to pay attention to the application deadlines set by each university. Starting early is the best approach. So start your research by June of the previous year.
  
• Participate in the entry and standardized examinations the shortlisted universities require. These could include the IELTS, TOEFL, ACT, SAT, GMAT, GRE, etc.
  
• Gather the required materials and start the application process at the universities of your choice. From September to December, start the application process.
  
• You will need to wait a few months to find out whether you were accepted into the program and to receive your Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE). You need the CoE to apply for the Australian student visa, the Subclass 500, as well.
  
• Start making the required financial arrangements. Demonstrating that you have the funds to live and study in Australia for the duration of the program is a requirement to apply for the student visa.
  
  You should start working on submitting applications for student visas, which includes looking into health insurance, as well as scholarships and other forms of financial help.
  
• Look for accommodation on and off-campus.
  
• Get ready for your trip! Purchase your plane tickets, and then continue on to make the necessary travel preparations.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most suitable intake for studying in Australia as a Bangladeshi student?

The first semester of the academic year in Australia typically commences in February or March. This intake accepts applications from a wide range of universities for a large number of courses.

The Spring intake is also an option for many universities, usually between July and August. You’ll notice that the seasons are different from what you may be used to. Since Australia is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons tend to be upside down compared to the other side of the world.

Semester 1 (February-March) usually has more available openings than the Spring intake. But this particular intake could potentially have a lower level of competition for admission, in contrast to the first semester. If you missed the Semester 1 intake, you can easily target this one instead.

Finally, a few universities or programes provide admissions in the Summer session, which falls between September and November. It's important to check the intake dates for your programe before applying, as only a limited number of courses are typically on offer during these intake.

When do the intakes for student visas to Australia take place?

The Student visa application can be submitted at any time of the year. To ensure that you have ample time to make travel arrangements, it's advisable to submit your visa application well in advance of your semester start date.

When should a foreign student submit an application to an Australian university in order to be considered for scholarships?

The majority of scholarships are often given out in February or the second semester. However, most universities provide scholarships to international students all year long.

Is it possible to pursue education in Australia without taking the IELTS exam?

Certainly, but only in specific situations. To be considered for admission to the top universities in Australia without submitting IELTS scores, applicants must have completed their education in countries whose certificates are acknowledged by the Australian Education System. You can apply using alternative English proficiency test scores too, such as the TOEFL or PTE Academic.

At what point should a Bangladeshi student begin getting ready for the February intake in Australia?

To secure a spot for the February intake, it's advisable to begin your application process as soon as possible due to the high level of competition. To increase your chances of admission, we advise you begin preparing between April and June of 2023 for February 2024

Our Concluding Thoughts

In summary, it's best to begin as soon as you can. Although the deadline may appear distant, you will require the additional time to accomplish everything necessary to meet it. If you're putting in the hard work to pursue your studies in Australia, it's important to give yourself the greatest opportunity possible.

Ensure that you have verified if your desired programe is available for your intended enrollment and that you have a clear understanding of all the deadlines. Allocate a minimum of six months to get ready for the course application and visa process. Take your time and be meticulous, but avoid being impulsive.

Rushing through any aspect of your application may jeopardize your chances of acceptance for the September intake in Australian universities. So, move steadily but with care.