Upcoming intakes in USA 2025-2026
While planning your higher education abroad, the first region that pops into your mind will be the USA. With numerous Ivy League schools adorning the country’s education system, it draws the attention of every higher education aspirant from outside. So, to make their application process seamless and provide equal opportunity for the applicants, the US schools have a batch-wise intake process that happens thrice a year. They welcome applications only for a particular set of courses and colleges during each intake session.
Now without any delay, let us dive in to know everything about the intakes in the USA, the application process, requirements and the colleges and courses that will be open for you to apply.
Intakes in the USA 2025-2026
Generally, universities and colleges in the US follow three intake sessions: Summer, Spring, and Fall. The greatest number of universities provide seats for their Fall intake, so in September, the biggest part of the admissions happens.
For students, the Fall intake is the first largest intake option. If students miss admission in September, they choose the spring intake, which is the second-largest intake option.
Intake Application timeline
Spring intake January to May
Summer intake Starts around May
Fall intake September to December
While applying to these universities, you may not be able to assume and jump to a general conclusion about which university will be the best fit for you. This dilemma occurs because each university opens applications for specific courses based on their requirement and availability during each intake.
So, here is an idea! Wait for the application to open for the course you are passionate about in your dream university, particularly in one of the intakes in the USA.
Meanwhile, work on all the other mandatory requirements to set your foot there, like taking up exams, acing the visa process, and so on!
Now let us see in detail about each intake session and how the universities customise their application procedure.
Apply now and secure your spot for the 2025 intake in the USA!
1. Spring intakes in USA 2025-2026
Duration to apply: January to May
Benefits of applying in this January intake:
The spring or January intake is the second preferred intake in the USA for students to apply and travel abroad. But, there are some generous perks when it comes to completing the needed requirements.
For instance, you will have ample time to prepare well and ace the IELTS, GRE, GMAT or TOEFL. Also, you can explore to know more about various universities and the courses they offer.
In short, you can structure your higher education plans six months ahead of your trip to study abroad. If you apply for a course in spring intake, you’ll have the opportunity to complete your degree in a short time compared to other intakes and can start working towards your goal and career at an earlier stage.
List of universities in the USA offering spring admissions 2025
Florida International University
University of South Carolina
University of Central Florida
Arizona State University
Wichita State University
2. Summer intakes in USA 2025-2026
Duration: Starts around May or June
This is the last application intake universities come up with after the fall and spring intake. However, only a few universities open selected courses for applying. Primarily, language programs for non-English speakers and some cultural programs are offered by the universities this season.
List of universities in USA for summer (May) intake
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
University of Florida
University of Illinois at Chicago
Indiana University Bloomington
Mississippi State University
New York University
University of Houston
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of New Mexico
Kean University
Limited opportunities await: Apply for USA intakes 2025-2026 today!
3. Fall intakes in USA 2025-2026
Duration: September to December
The fall or autumn semester admissions are the most popular among higher education applicants. Almost all the USA universities take in the first batch of undergrad freshers for this season and offer a wide range of courses and slots to apply, get selected and pursue the degree of your choice!
Just like for the spring intake, start grooming yourself to get set and go to the US university of your choice six months before the first day of your class. Generally, the academic sessions start in August or September, and thus, you can begin applying to the universities and learn about them from the early stages.
And here’s a secret for you! The less you rush and more relaxed while applying to the universities, the higher your chances of catching a flight to land in your dream institute!
List of universities in USA for September intake
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Stanford University
University of Utah
George Mason University
University of South Florida
University of Dayton, Ohio
Colorado State University
Louisiana State University
University of Minnesota
Colorado School of Mines
The optimum timeline to start working on your applications for the intakes in the USA:
Most application deadlines for undergraduate courses fall between November 1 and January 1. So you can start the application process in the summer or early fall of your senior year in high school. This early start allows you to gather the required essential documents, LORs and SOPs and fulfil the admission requirements.
You can utilise this summer period to organise your education plans and apply for scholarships after exploring the universities in the US and the courses they provide. Finally, apply for the visa and ace the interview. All that is left is to pack your bags and fly towards your destination from January to May!
Document checklist to have while applying for the US universities:
Your academic mark sheets
Transcripts and provisional certificates of the degree if you have completed one
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
Your IELTS, GRE, TOEFL or GMAT scores
Resume stating your curricular and co-curricular activities
Your national ID proof
Passport
Other authentic documents and certifications related to your internships and projects
FAQ: U.S. University Intakes 2025-2026
1. What are the main intakes for U.S. universities?
U.S. universities typically offer three main intake periods:
Spring Intake: January to May
Summer Intake: Starts around May or June
Fall Intake: September to December
2. Which intake is the most popular among international students?
The Fall intake is the most popular, as it offers the largest number of available courses and seats at most universities.
3. What are the advantages of applying during the Spring intake?
The Spring intake allows you extra time to prepare for standardised tests (like IELTS, GRE, GMAT, or TOEFL) and to research various universities and their programs. Additionally, you may complete your degree sooner and begin your career earlier.
4. Which universities offer Spring intake admissions?
Some universities offering Spring admissions in 2025 include:
Florida International University
University of South Carolina
University of Central Florida
Arizona State University
Wichita State University
5. What is the Summer intake, and what programs are usually available?
The Summer intake is the last application period after the Fall and Spring intakes. It typically offers fewer courses, mainly focusing on language programs for non-English speakers and cultural programs.
6. Which universities offer Summer intake admissions?
Some universities offering Summer (May) intake in 2025 include:
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
University of Florida
University of Illinois at Chicago
Indiana University Bloomington
Mississippi State University
7. What should I know about the Fall intake?
The Fall intake is the most popular and competitive, with the highest number of universities offering a wide range of courses. Most academic sessions begin in August or September, so it’s crucial to start preparing your application six months in advance.
8. Which universities offer Fall intake admissions?
Some universities offering Fall admissions in 2025 include:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Stanford University
University of Utah
George Mason University
University of South Florida
9. When should I start the application process for U.S. universities?
For undergraduate programs, you should start your application process during the summer or early fall of your senior year in high school, as most deadlines fall between November 1 and January 1.
10. What documents do I need to apply to U.S. universities?
The essential documents include:
Academic transcripts and mark sheets
Degree transcripts and provisional certificates (if applicable)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
IELTS, GRE, TOEFL, or GMAT scores
Resume
National ID proof
Passport
Additional certificates related to internships and projects
11. What is the timeline for the application process?
Start gathering documents and preparing your application in the summer or early fall of your senior year in high school. Complete your applications and submit them before the deadlines, which typically range from November 1 to January 1. You can then focus on finalising your visa and other travel preparations.
12. How can I increase my chances of getting accepted?
Begin your preparations early, thoroughly research your target universities, and ensure that all your application materials are in order well before the deadlines. Preparing for standardized tests and completing all necessary documents on time will significantly enhance your chances of acceptance.
