January Intake Universities in UK 2026: Deadlines & Courses

January Intake Universities in UK 2026: Deadlines & Courses

Have you missed the September UK university intake deadline? Do you need more time to prepare? If so, then this post is just for you, because the opportunity is still alive.

The January 2026 intake opens a second door for ambitious students who want to begin their studies without waiting another full year. This guide walks you through every deadline, course list, and visa steps.

Thousands of international students choose this winter window because it fits real timeline to gather funds, prepare documents, and still reach the UK classroom in the same academic year. Let us guide you through every requirement so your plan turns into reality.

UK January 2026 vs May & September Intake in the UK - Whom It Fits, Pros/Cons

Several universities in the UK have three intakes for an academic year- September (main) and January (winter) intake, and May (spring). All have pros and cons, depending on your circumstances. If you’re still exploring your broader options, our guide to studying in the UK as an international student will give you a solid overview of entry routes, costs and visa basics.

What are the Benefits & Disadvantages

The winter intake UK 2026 also offers more time to apply if you missed the September intake or need additional time to prepare for language tests, sort out your finances or make a deposit payment. Some courses are exactly the same material as September, so you won’t be sacrificing academic rigor. University of Exeter, for instance, has extended the start date of its Masters programmes to January 2026.

However, not all courses are available in January and you might have a more limited selection of options within subject areas. The social and student-life tempo may be different from the rest of the incoming class in September.

You may also face stricter visa process deadlines and limited on-campus accommodations.

This makes January the best option for postgraduate, mature learners or international students who require some extra time.

January 2026 vs May & September - At a Glance

Intake	Typical Start	Course Availability	Typical Deadlines	Best For
September	Late Sept	Broadest range of courses (UG & PG)	Varies (often Jan for UG)	Traditional route, full choice
January	Mid-Jan	Good range (especially PG)	Often Oct-Dec previous year	Those needing extra time
May	Early May	Limited selection	Very late - varies greatly	Niche courses, flexible timing

January 2026 Application Schedule & Deadlines (Oct/Nov - Dec 2025): A Week-by-Week Plan

Having a reverse timeline in mind will help you stay on track to start in January.

July-Sept 2025	Google research universities, make a shortlist of courses and begin to accumulate transcripts and recommendations.
Aug-Oct 2025	If needed, you may be required to take the English Test (IELTS/TOEFL). You should also review typical UK university English language requirements for your level of study and then prepare a personal statement or an SOP.
Sept-Nov 2025	Apply to universities, pay deposit if required; wait for offers.
Nov-Dec 2025	Accept unconditional offer as soon as received; payment of the deposit = CAS issued (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
Dec 2025-January Early 2026	Apply for your Student visa when you get your CAS letter UK student visa and arrange accommodation. Decide on arrival.
Mid Jan 2026	Begin induction and classes after arrival.

Deadlines Snapshot (Examples)

Event	Kingston University	Coventry University	University of Liverpool	QMUL
Application Deadline	December 12, 2025	November 10, 2025	December 19, 2025 (10th Nov for Engineering students)	December 12, 2025
Deposit payment	December 19, 2025		January 9, 2026	January 5, 2026
CAS Request Deadline	December 19, 2025	December 10, 2025	December 10, 2025	January 19, 2026
Teaching Starts	January 26, 2026	January 19, 2026	January 2026 (Exact date varies by course)	January 26, 2026

Visa Timing & Sequencing

You will be required to apply for the Student visa when you get your CAS. International students get UK student visa 3-week processing time. Here is a mini checklist to follow.

• Receive unconditional offer and CAS
• Pay tuition deposit (if required)
• Show that you have enough money to support yourself and have the appropriate level of English skills
• Apply for visa and provide your bio-metric information
• Wait for decision and then book travel and arrival.

January 2026 Intake UK Universities List - Top Institutions by Region

Here is a complete list of top UK universities with January intake 2026-

University	Region / City	Jan 2026 Intake Start Level(s)	Examples of Courses	Admissions / International Deadline	Official Page
University of Liverpool	England / Liverpool	Postgraduate taught (MSc)	Advanced Computer Science; Advanced Data Science & Artificial Intelligence; Mechanical Engineering with Management	International deadline 19 Dec 2025	https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/postgraduate-taught/other-masters-opportunities/january-starts/
University of Birmingham	England / Birmingham	Postgraduate taught (MSc/MA)	Computer Science MSc; Digital Media & Creative Industries MA; International Business MSc	Application before ~8 Dec 2025 for Jan 2026 start (webinar note) University of Birmingham	https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/campaigns/start-your-course-in-january-2026
University of Strathclyde	Scotland / Glasgow	Postgraduate taught (MSc)	Advanced Mechanical Engineering; Machine Learning & Deep Learning; Civil Engineering	Scholarships £5,000–£8,000 automatically for Jan 2026 entries University of Strathclyde	https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/postgraduatetaught/januaryintake/
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)	England / London	Postgraduate & possibly Integrated UG/PG	Diverse courses like Management, Marketing, Artificial Intelligence (Conversion)	Application deadline 12 Dec 2025; Deposit/CAS deadline 19 Jan 2025	https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/deadlines/
Kingston University	England / London	Undergraduate & Postgraduate	100+ courses including Aerospace Engineering, International Law LLB (Hons) and Data Science	Application deadline 12 Dec 2025; Deposit/CAS deadline 19 Dec 2025	https://www.kingston.ac.uk/study/international-students/international-admissions-timeline
Coventry University	England / Coventry	Undergraduate & Postgraduate	206 courses including Accounting and Financial Management MSc; Computer Science MSc; Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc	Course list indicates January 2026 start; term date block begins 12 Jan 2026 for full-time	https://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/undergraduate-study/
University of Portsmouth	England / Portsmouth	Postgraduate & possibly Undergraduate	Diverse courses including Biotechnology, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Project Management and Sociology	Dates vary for students of various nationalities. Check here.	https://www.port.ac.uk/study/international-students/courses/courses-starting-in-january-and-february
University of Westminster	England / London	Postgraduate taught (MSc/MA)	MSc Accounting & Finance; MSc Cyber Security & Forensics; MSc Digital Marketing & Analytics One Education+2University of Westminster+2	January-starts page shows courses available for Jan 2026 University of Westminster	https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/january-starts
Ulster University	Northern Ireland / Ulster	Postgraduate taught (Masters)	Over 35 Masters including computing, engineering, law, business, accounting and international hospitality Ulster University	Scholarships up to £4,200 for non-UK/ROI students starting Jan 2026 Ulster University	https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/postgrad/january-2026-intake
University of Dundee	Scotland / Dundee	Postgraduate taught (MSc/MA)	Accounting & Finance; Business Analytics and Big Data; Computer Science University of Dundee+1	Deadline for Jan entry: 17 Nov 2025 University of Dundee	https://www.dundee.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses-starting-january

Popular Programs That Begin in January

For many international students, January entry is a way to access robust academic opportunities without having to wait the full year through until September, when they will join, say, for a typical UG degree. High-demand business, computing, data and engineering courses are available at many UK universities with a January start in 2026.

These courses are suited to committed students looking for a proven program structure which offers flexibility, faster entry points and industry-led modules from the first semester.

1. Business & Management January intake UK (MBA/MSc)

Typical background: Bachelor’s degree, typically two years of work experience for MBA.

Core modules: Strategic management, leadership, international marketing, and finance.

Sample Jan 2026 courses: University of Liverpool’s Jan ’26 start MBA; Kingston University’s January intake business-related course.

Career path: Consultancy, business analysis, marketing and operations director.

2. Computer Science & Data January Intake UK

Typical background: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics or a similar field.

General modules: AI, machine learning, big data technology, and software engineering.

Example Jan 2026 courses: The University of Aberdeen has a Data/AI track. University of Strathclyde also offers Engineering & Machine Learning courses.

Career paths: Data scientist, software engineer, AI specialist, business intelligence analyst.

3. Engineering Masters January UK

Average background: Bachelor's in engineering or a comparable science/technology area.

Core modules: Mechanical, civil, electrical engineering, renewable energy, and manufacturing systems.

Example Jan 2026 courses: Strathclyde offers the Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc. Options are available with the University of Birmingham as well for January intakes.

Paths to a career: Design engineer, project engineer, supply-chain engineer, energy systems analyst.

How to Apply: Undergraduate through UCAS (2026 Changes) versus Postgraduate Direct to University

The application route of yours is dependent on the level of the course.

UCAS for 2026 Entry

For undergraduate studies, applications are processed via the UCAS. You need to be aware of UCAS 2026 personal statement changes into three simple questions (but still has a 4,000-character count). You make up to five choices, submit an educational record, a personal statement, and pay the fee. If you’re applying from abroad, this step-by-step UK application guide for international students walks you through timelines, documents and common mistakes to avoid.

Remember, not all January start courses are through UCAS, and many are postgraduate.

Postgraduate (Direct) Application

You apply to the university for the postgraduate January intake in the UK. You will generally submit an SOP, LORs, CV and transcripts. Some universities will ask you to make a deposit before they can issue your CAS. For instance, Coventry University says a deposit is necessary for the CAS to be issued.

Visa Application for January 2026: CAS, Financial Proof, English Tests and the Graduate Route

By following the official UK government (GOV.UK) guidelines, you can avoid your application being rejected for the January intake at London universities.

English Requirement

For degree-level study, you are expected to have reached CEFR B2 (or university-assessed equivalent through a Higher Education Provider).

Proof of Funds UK Student Visa

You will need to demonstrate you can meet your tuition and living costs: £1,483 per month (for a maximum of nine months) if you study in London; £1,136 per month outside London. These funds must be held for a minimum period of 28 days. Make sure you also understand what counts as an acceptable bank statement for a UK student visa so your January 2026 application isn’t delayed or refused on financial grounds.

Visa Processing & Sequence

You apply for a Student visa upon receipt of CAS. Outside the UK, the decision-making process will be approximately 3 weeks. Your application is based on your teaching start date, so work back to make sure you apply in good time.

Graduate Route (Post-Study Work)

For students commencing from January 2026, the Graduate Route remains a two-year post-study stay. However, you need to be aware of changes in the graduate route visa duration 2026 vs 2027. From 1 Jan 2027, the route is expected to be shortened to 18 months (PhD is still 3 years). Check with GOV.UK for further information.

Scholarship and Funding for Commencing in January 2026

There are scholarships available for January intake students (just like in other terms). You can check the university pages (central fund, faculty level) for this information.

Strathclyde, for example, awards £5,000–£8,000 automatically to qualified international students who begin their January 2026 start.

Checklist:

• Look at university central and department-specific scholarship pages.
• (Record intake deadlines separately, as these may close earlier for January entry).
• Verification of eligibility (nationality, academic achievement, course level).
• Apply early as scholarship funds may run out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which UK universities have January 2026 intakes available?

Many institutions do have January 2026 starts available. These include the University of Liverpool, University of Birmingham, University of Strathclyde, and Queen Mary University of London.

When do I apply if I want to start in January 2026?

Most January intake deadlines UK 2026 are set between October and December 2025. For example, Kingston University (12 Dec), Coventry University (10 Nov) and the University of East London (28 Nov).

Can I use UCAS to apply for entry in January?

Yes, you can do it for undergraduate courses through UCAS, though you have to check if the university you are interested in has a January intake for that course. There are generally no UCAS applications for postgraduate courses, with students applying directly to institutions.

Which IELTS/TOEFL/English level do I need?

For the majority of degree-level programmes, the minimum is a CEFR B2 English requirement in the UK or its equivalent. Some universities provide their own test through their Higher Education Provider, and a few allow you to study in the UK without taking IELTS if you meet alternative criteria such as MOI or internal English assessments.

How much money do I need to see in the UK for a student visa?

You will need to show you can support yourself with £1,334 a month for up to nine months in London or £1,019 elsewhere. The savings should be maintained for at least 28 days in a row.

What happens to the Graduate Route Visa UK for 2026 starters?

The two-year stay is available if you complete your degree and apply for the Graduate Route before 31 December 2026. It is expected to be reduced from 1 Jan 2027 to 18 months (PhD students still get three years).

Conclusion

This post was a complete guide on how you can prepare for the January 2026 intake. You now know what you need to do:

• Shortlist your courses starting January 2026 with our top universities list.
• Plan in line with the Oct to Dec 2025 application window
• Gather and prepare CAS/visa documents, test results for English, and proof of funding.

Your single source of truth always has to be official university pages and GOV.UK. Continue to check monthly through December, in the event of revisions.

Bookmark our timeline checklist if you want, and begin 2 to 3 applications this week. We are here to help you along the way.

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