Intakes in Australia
Australia offers three intakes: February, July, and September/November. The February intake, also known as Semester 1, and the July intake, known as Semester 2, are the primary intakes when the academic year begins. Students should begin the application process six to seven months in advance, following a step-by-step procedure.
First, students need to check course availability at their preferred universities and review the tuition fees. Based on these factors, they should create a shortlist of universities to apply to. Next, students must take an English proficiency test and achieve the required score for their application. After submitting their application, they can proceed to the next steps upon receiving an offer from the university.
Once accepted, students can apply for an education loan and start the student visa application process, which includes completing medical exams required for visa approval. After securing the visa, students can arrange accommodations and book their flights.
| S.No | Intake | Application closing months |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | February | October – November |
| 2 | July | April-May |
| 3 | September/November | July- August |
The February intake is considered the best option, as it is when all universities begin their courses and offer a wide range of scholarships. This intake also has a high acceptance rate and better job prospects after graduation. If students miss the February intake, they can opt for the July intake, which is a popular choice. However, this intake has fewer university openings, and course availability along with application deadlines may vary between institutions.
For those who miss both major intakes, the September or November intakes are alternatives, though only a limited number of universities and courses are available, typically catering to vocational programs. Occasionally, some universities may offer a rare March intake as well.
| S. No | Stages | February Intake | July Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University shortlisting | September starting | January |
| 2 | Attending for Exam | From the end of September – October | January to February |
| 3 | Sending the application | November | March |
| 4 | Receiving the Acceptance letter from the university | November to December | March to April |
| 5 | Starting of visa application | December to January | May to June |
| 6 | Acceptance of visa and traveling | February | July |