Jun 04, 2025
Are you ready to explore Australia's exciting academic world? Renowned for its Top-Ranked Universities and diverse academic options, this country was home to over 853,045 International Students in 2024, many from India, Nepal, and China.
Moreover, with the introduction of Ministerial Directive (MD) 111, Australia has revised its student visa framework to prioritize applications related to high-demand sectors, specifically Higher Education, and Vocational Education. As a result, International Students are increasingly drawn to Australia to pursue sought-after Programs in fields like STEM, Business, Nursing, and more.
This growing interest is also supported by the Flexible Intake Schedule at Australian Universities. With main Admission Periods in February, July, and November, apart from the minor intake options at many Australian Institutions, international students have plenty of chances to start their studies when it works best for them.
Curious about which intake is right for you to study in Australia? This guide will discuss each option and explore what is offered—from course availability to essential deadlines.
Table of Content
Australia's academic year is divided into two types of Intakes: Major and Minor. The Major Intakes are in February and July, during which nearly all courses are available at Australian Universities and Private Colleges. In contrast, Minor Intakes are in October, November, May, and September, offering limited courses at selected institutions.
In the following sections, we will explore these intakes in more detail, helping you choose the best option based on your needs and availability.
During the February intake, many international students begin their academic year. On the other hand, the July intake allows the mid-year start, catering to those who may need extra time before starting their studies.
One of the key academic intakes in Australia is the February intake, also known as the Primary Intake or Semester 1. During this period, all courses are open to international students.
Here is the timeline you need to keep in mind if you are considering applying for this intake:
| February Intake Admission Timeline | |
| English Language Proficiency Coaching (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL iBT) | June |
| Appear for English Language Proficiency Test | July |
| English Language Proficiency Test Result | July/August |
| Submit Applications to Universities | July to October |
| Offer Letters | July to November |
| Arrangement of Funds | August to December |
| Financial Assessment in the Universities | August to January |
| Apply for Visas | September to January |
| Visa Grant | October to February |
| Fly to Australia | February |
Deadline for February Intake: Between October and November of the previous academic year
The July intake, also known as the Secondary or S2 intake, provides you with similar options to the February intake. However, you may find limited courses for pursuing Bachelors or Masters in Australia during this period. This intake is an excellent choice for you if you miss the chance to apply during the primary intake.
Make sure to follow this timeline to ensure a successful application during the July intake:
| July Intake Admission Timeline | |
| English Language Proficiency Coaching (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL iBT) | December to January |
| Appear for English Language Proficiency Test | January |
| English Language Proficiency Test Result | January/February |
| Submit Applications to Universities | January to April |
| Offer Letters | January to May |
| Arrangement of Funds | February to May |
| Financial Assessment in the Universities | March to May |
| Apply for Visas | April to June |
| Visa Grant | April to July |
| Fly to Australia | July |
Deadline for July Intake: Between April and May of the same academic year.
So far, we have covered the Major Intakes available for students looking to study at Top Universities in Australia. Moving on, let us explore how the Minor Intakes work and how you can take advantage of them based on your Study Options.
This Intake is offered by some of the Major Universities and Colleges in Australia. During this period, IT, Engineering, and Business courses are primarily available.
The October Intake allows you to start your studies later in the year, although course offerings are limited. It is a great opportunity if you want to take extra time to prepare or gather more information before committing to your Studies.
Deadline for October Intake: August of the same academic year.
Also known as the T3 intake, the November Intake offers a small selection of courses at selected Australian Universities, making it an appealing option if you miss earlier deadlines. This intake allows you to start fresh and align your academic goals with your schedule.
Deadline for November Intake: September of the same academic year.
May Intake is another minor option, with limited programs available at a few Australian Institutions.
Deadline for May Intake: March of the same academic year.
The September Intake is a lesser-known admission period offered by Prestigious Australian Universities like the University of New South Wales and the University of Adelaide for selected programs.
Deadline for May Intake: May to June of the same academic year.
Now that you have a clearer idea of which intake might be best for your studies in Australia let us move on to the Application Process. Whether you choose a Major or Minor Intake, the application process for Higher Education Institutions in Australia is quite similar.
After selecting the course and your preferred Australian University, follow these steps for the Application Process:
Ensure you meet your chosen University's Academic and English language Requirements. These Requirements will vary based on different Australian Universities.
a. Applying Directly
You can apply directly through the official website of your chosen Institution. The University will review your application over a few weeks, and if accepted, you’ll receive an Offer Letter. This process involves understanding the application steps, available Scholarships, and whether on-campus accommodation is offered. However, applying on your own can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure about which course to pursue or which University to choose.
b. Applying through a Study Abroad Consultant
A study abroad consultant can simplify your Australian University Admission by guiding you through course selection, eligibility checks, and document preparation. They help you meet deadlines, improve your Statement of Purpose, and ensure your application aligns with Visa Requirements under updates like MD 111. Their support reduces errors, boosts acceptance chances, and saves time during the admission and visa process.
However, it is important to remember that not every Study Abroad Consultant is reliable or up to date with the latest trends and regulations. So, you can approach KC Overseas Education. With us you don’t have to worry about trust or expertise. We are renowned as recruiters among almost all the Australian Universities, and you will also find us listed among recruiters on most of the University Websites.
We have helped more than 600,000 international students turning their Dreams into Reality. Our Australia Experts stay well informed about latest changes and provide comprehensive support—from course selection and university admissions to student visas and accommodation.
Whether you’re in a tier 1 or tier 2 city of India, you can check for KC’s Study in Australia Consultants in Aurangabad, Nagpur, Jaipur, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, or any other location. Our experts are ready to guide you every step of the way.
Connect with our team today and take one step closer to achieving your Dream of Studying in Australia!
February intake offers the widest range of courses and that is when most international students begin their studies, so campus life is usually more vibrant with many events and activities planned for new students. In contrast, the July intake has slightly fewer course offerings and a smaller influx of new students, but it still provides many opportunities for academic and extracurricular engagement.
Since fewer students apply during this intake, competition for spots in available courses may be lower, making it easier to secure admission. This intake is also a good option if you have missed deadlines for earlier intakes.
Although scholarships are more common during Major Intakes (February and July), some Australian Universities offer scholarships in minor intakes as well. However, the availability of these scholarships might be more limited, especially for programs offered in the November or May intakes.
Yes, international students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their academic period and full time in semester break regardless of the intake they choose.
Internship opportunities can vary depending on the intake. For the February intake, students have more time to engage in summer internships between semesters. For the July intake, students may still find internships, but options might be more limited due to the academic calendar. For the November or May intakes, internships might align with shorter program durations or specialized fields, like IT and Business.