Missed the September 2026 intake or want more time to prepare for studying in the UK?
The UK January Intake 2027 gives international students another opportunity to begin university without waiting until September 2027. A growing number of UK universities are accepting applications for January 2027 across areas such as Business, Management, Finance, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Law and Health.
However, January intake works differently from the main September intake. Not every university or course is available, and application deadlines can be much earlier than January itself.
For Indian students planning to study in the UK in January 2027, now is the right time to shortlist universities, prepare documents and start applications.
What Is the January Intake in the UK?
The January intake, sometimes called the winter intake, is an alternative university entry period that allows students to begin their course at the beginning of the calendar year rather than during the main September intake.
Many January 2027 programmes begin between early and late January 2027, although exact dates depend on the university.
For example, Nottingham Trent University states that most of its January 2027 Master’s programmes begin on 18 January 2027, while Birmingham City University lists a 25 January 2027 teaching start date for its international January intake.
Is the UK January Intake 2027 Open?
Yes.
As of September 2026, several UK universities are already accepting applications for January 2027 entry.
Confirmed universities currently advertising January 2027 programmes include:
- University of Greenwich
- Queen Mary University of London
- Cardiff University
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Nottingham Trent University
- Aston University
- University of Kent
- University of Portsmouth
- Coventry University
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Bournemouth University
January availability is course-specific, so students should never assume that every programme at a university has a January start.
UK January Intake 2027 Universities
Here are some universities that have officially confirmed courses for the January 2027 intake in the UK.
| University | Examples of January 2027 Study Areas |
|---|---|
| University of Greenwich | Business, Finance, Computing and other UG/PG programmes |
| Queen Mary University of London | Management, Marketing, Finance, AI, Law |
| Cardiff University | AI, Data Science, Management |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | Business, Management, Design and other programmes |
| Queen’s University Belfast | Business, Management, Finance, Law, AI, Data Science |
| Nottingham Trent University | Finance, Management, Business Analytics, Project Management, Digital Marketing |
| Aston University | Finance, Business, HRM, AI, Computer Science, Data Science |
| University of Kent | Business, Project Management, Digital Marketing, Computer Science, Law |
| University of Portsmouth | Engineering, Computing and postgraduate programmes |
| Coventry University | Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | Business, Computing, Engineering, Health, Finance and Law |
| Bournemouth University | Range of taught Master’s programmes |
This is not a complete list. Universities can add courses, close applications or stop accepting international applicants once programmes reach capacity.
University of Greenwich – January 2027 Intake
The University of Greenwich has already opened applications for January 2027 and offers both undergraduate and postgraduate January-start programmes.
January entry is available across several subject areas, including programmes in business, accounting, finance and other disciplines.
The university’s 2026–27 academic calendar shows a January-intake Welcome Week from 4–8 January 2027, followed by the spring term beginning 11 January 2027.
Queen Mary University of London – January 2027 Intake
Queen Mary has confirmed January 2027 entry for a selection of postgraduate programmes.
Examples include:
- MSc Management
- MSc Marketing
- MSc Banking and Finance
- MSc Financial Data Analytics
- MSc Artificial Intelligence (Conversion)
- LLM Commercial and Corporate Law
- LLM Comparative and International Dispute Resolution
Students should check individual course pages because January availability is not university-wide.
Queen’s University Belfast – January 2027 Intake
Queen’s University Belfast has a substantial list of postgraduate programmes beginning in January 2027.
Options currently include:
- MSc International Business
- MSc Management
- MSc Business Analytics
- MSc AI in Business
- MSc Digital Business
- MBA
- MSc Human Resource Management
- MSc Finance
- MSc Cyber AI
- MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- LLM Law
Aston University – January 2027 Intake
Aston University has also confirmed a broad January 2027 postgraduate intake.
Available subject areas include:
- Accounting and Finance
- Business and Management
- Human Resource Management
- Project Management
- Artificial Intelligence
- Advanced Computer Science
- Data Science
- Engineering
Nottingham Trent University – January 2027 Intake
Applications are open for January 2027 Master’s programmes at Nottingham Trent University.
Courses include:
- MSc Finance
- MSc Management
- MSc International Business
- MSc Business Analytics
- MSc Project Management
- MSc Digital Marketing
Most listed January Master’s courses begin on 18 January 2027, unless a course states otherwise.
University of Kent – January 2027 Intake
The University of Kent has confirmed January starts for courses including:
- MSc International Business and Management
- MSc Strategic Project Management
- MSc Digital Marketing and Analytics
- MSc Advanced Computer Science
- LLM Law
University of Portsmouth – January 2027 Intake
Portsmouth is accepting new applications for January 2027 across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
For Indian applicants, the university currently lists 9 November 2026 as the deadline for new January applications, followed by a 23 November deposit deadline and 30 November deadline to meet remaining conditions.
That is a good example of why students should not wait until December to begin their January-intake applications.
Popular Courses for January Intake in UK 2027
January course availability is smaller than September, but students still have options across many high-demand areas.
Some of the most commonly available subject areas for UK January Intake 2027 include:
Business and Management
Students can find January programmes such as:
- MSc Management
- MSc International Business
- MSc Project Management
- MBA
- MSc Human Resource Management
- MSc Supply Chain Management
Business-related courses are particularly well represented across universities offering January entry.
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
January 2027 options include programmes such as:
- MSc Computer Science
- MSc Advanced Computer Science
- MSc Artificial Intelligence
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Cyber AI
- MSc Business Analytics
- MSc Financial Data Analytics
Universities including Aston, Kent, Cardiff, Queen’s Belfast and Lincoln have confirmed January options within computing, AI or data-related disciplines.
Finance and Accounting
Students can also consider programmes such as:
- MSc Finance
- MSc Banking and Finance
- MSc Accounting and Finance
- MSc Financial Management
- MSc Financial Technology
- MSc Investment Analysis
Engineering
Available courses differ significantly between institutions but can include:
- Engineering Management
- Civil Engineering
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Construction Management
- Infrastructure Engineering
Law
Some universities provide January starts for:
- LLM
- Commercial Law
- Corporate Law
- International Law
- Dispute Resolution
The exact programme should always be checked before applying.
UK January Intake 2027 Deadlines
There is no single January intake deadline for every UK university.
Each institution determines its own:
- Application deadline
- Deposit deadline
- Document deadline
- Credibility interview deadline
- CAS deadline
Deadlines may also differ according to the applicant’s country.
For example:
| University | Published January 2027 Information |
|---|---|
| Cardiff University | International applications for selected January courses: 4 December 2026 |
| Birmingham City University – Indian applicants | Application deadline: 18 November 2026 |
| University of Portsmouth – Indian applicants | New application deadline: 9 November 2026 |
Cardiff University lists a 4 December 2026 international application deadline for courses such as MSc AI+ Data Science and MSc AI+ Management. Birmingham City University, meanwhile, currently requires applicants domiciled in India to apply by 18 November 2026 for its January intake.
When Should Indian Students Apply?
A practical timeline is:
September–October 2026
Shortlist courses and submit applications.
October–November 2026
Receive decisions, satisfy offer conditions and arrange finances.
November–December 2026
Pay required deposits, complete university checks and obtain CAS.
December 2026–January 2027
Complete visa arrangements, accommodation and travel preparations.
January 2027
Travel to the UK and begin your programme.
Students should apply as early as possible because a course can close before the published deadline once available places are filled.
Is January Intake Available for Undergraduate Courses?
Yes, but undergraduate January options are more limited.
January intake is particularly common for Master’s programmes, but some institutions also offer undergraduate entry.
Cardiff Metropolitan University has confirmed January 2027 international applications for undergraduate programmes such as BA Business and Management and its specialised pathways, while Greenwich also advertises undergraduate January-start options.
Students looking specifically for a Bachelor’s degree should therefore check the course start date rather than simply checking whether the university participates in January intake.
January 2027 Intake Eligibility Requirements
There is no universal eligibility requirement for the entire UK January intake.
Requirements depend on:
- University
- Course
- Level of study
- Academic background
- Applicant’s country
- English-language ability
For Bachelor’s Programmes
Universities may consider:
- Class 12 qualification
- Subject-specific marks
- Overall academic performance
- English-language proficiency
- Portfolio or additional requirements for certain courses
For Master’s Programmes
Universities generally consider factors such as:
- Recognised Bachelor’s degree
- Academic percentage or CGPA
- Relevant subject background
- English-language proficiency
- Professional experience where required
MBA or specialised professional programmes may have additional work-experience requirements.
Students should check the individual course page rather than relying on one generic UK eligibility percentage.
IELTS Requirement for UK January Intake 2027
There is no single IELTS score required by every UK university.
English-language requirements are set by the university and programme.
Depending on the course and institution, students may be able to demonstrate English proficiency through:
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL
- Other recognised English tests
- Previous education completed in English, where accepted by the university
Some institutions may also provide pre-sessional English options.
Always check the exact language requirement of your selected course before booking an English test.
Documents Required for UK January Intake 2027
Students should normally prepare documents such as:
- Passport
- Academic transcripts
- Degree or provisional certificate
- Class 10 and Class 12 certificates where applicable
- English-language test result
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation where required
- CV or résumé
- Work-experience documents where applicable
- Portfolio for relevant creative programmes
- Financial documentation
- University-specific forms
After receiving an unconditional offer and satisfying the university’s required conditions, international students will also need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before applying for a UK Student visa.
A CAS is one of the core documents required for a Student visa application.
How to Apply for January Intake in UK 2027
A straightforward application process looks like this:
Step 1: Choose Your Course
First decide what you want to study.
Avoid choosing a university first and forcing yourself into whichever January course it happens to offer.
Step 2: Find Universities Offering January Entry
Check the course page carefully for:
Start date: January 2027
Do not rely only on an old university list because course availability changes between admission cycles.
Step 3: Check Entry Requirements
Review:
- Academic requirements
- English requirements
- Work experience
- Portfolio requirements
- Course-specific documents
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare transcripts, passport, SOP, CV, English test and other required documents before beginning multiple applications.
Step 5: Submit Applications
Depending on the university and course, applications may be submitted:
- Directly to the university
- Through UCAS
- Through an authorised education representative
Step 6: Receive and Review Your Offer
Your offer may be:
Conditional – you still need to meet specified requirements.
or
Unconditional – academic admission conditions have been satisfied.
Step 7: Complete Deposit and CAS Requirements
International applicants may be required to:
- Accept the offer
- Pay a tuition deposit
- Submit financial documents
- Complete credibility checks
- Meet outstanding conditions
Once the required process is complete, the university can issue the CAS needed for the Student visa application.
Step 8: Apply for Your UK Student Visa
International students applying from outside the UK can apply for a Student visa up to six months before their course begins.
Step 9: Arrange Accommodation and Travel
After receiving the appropriate visa permission, students can finalise:
- Accommodation
- Flights
- Airport arrangements
- University registration
- Required documents for travel
UK Student Visa Financial Requirements for January 2027
Students applying for a UK Student visa must show sufficient money for their course fees and living expenses unless an exemption applies.
Under the current UKVI financial requirement, students need:
Studying in London:
£1,529 per month for up to 9 months.
Studying outside London:
£1,171 per month for up to 9 months.
That means the maximum maintenance amount currently used is:
- £13,761 for London
- £10,539 outside London
This is separate from any outstanding tuition fees that need to be demonstrated.
Where financial evidence is required, the money generally needs to be held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the relevant end date falling within the required period before the visa application.
Students should check the latest UKVI rules immediately before applying because immigration requirements can change.
UK Student Visa Fee for January 2027
The current Student visa application fee is £558 when applying from outside the UK.
Applicants also normally need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, with the amount depending on the length of the visa.
Can January Intake Students Get a UK Graduate Visa?
Students who successfully complete an eligible UK course may be able to apply for the Graduate visa, provided they meet the rules in force when they apply.
One important change is relevant to students considering January 2027.
Under the current UK government rules, a Graduate visa lasts:
- 2 years if the Graduate visa application is made on or before 31 December 2026
- 18 months if the application is made on or after 1 January 2027
- 3 years for eligible PhD or other doctoral graduates
A student beginning a typical Master’s programme in January 2027 would therefore normally be applying for the Graduate route after 1 January 2027, meaning the current rule provides an 18-month Graduate visa, subject to eligibility and any future immigration-rule changes.
Scholarships for UK January Intake 2027
Scholarships can also be available for January-entry students, although eligibility varies considerably by institution.
For example, Bournemouth University currently states that overseas applicants joining selected programmes in January 2027 could be eligible for an Academic Achievement Scholarship providing up to £4,500 toward fees.
Other universities may provide:
- International student scholarships
- Merit-based awards
- Early-deposit discounts
- Country-specific scholarships
- Faculty scholarships
Do not assume that a scholarship advertised for September entry automatically applies to January entry.
Check the scholarship’s exact 2027 intake eligibility and deadline.
January Intake vs September Intake in UK
| Factor | January Intake | September Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Number of universities | Good selection | Largest selection |
| Course availability | More limited | Widest selection |
| Bachelor’s options | Limited | Extensive |
| Master’s options | Strong | Extensive |
| Application competition | Depends on course | Depends on course |
| Start period | January | September |
| Suitable for students who missed September | Yes | No |
| Waiting time if September was missed | Shorter | Nearly one year |
The academic value of a programme is not automatically lower because it begins in January.
For example, Greenwich explicitly states that its January courses deliver the same course content as their September counterparts.
The key difference is availability, not whether January is a legitimate university intake.
Advantages of UK January Intake 2027
January intake can make sense for students who:
- Missed September 2026 applications
- Need additional time for IELTS or another English test
- Need time to organise finances
- Want to gain work experience before studying
- Received their academic results later
- Want to avoid waiting until September 2027
- Find a suitable course specifically available in January
Things to Consider Before Choosing January Intake
January intake also has limitations.
The biggest one is course choice.
A university may offer 200 programmes in September but only a portion of them in January.
Students should therefore avoid choosing January solely because the intake is convenient.
The better question is:
“Is my preferred course at the right university available in January 2027?”
If the answer is yes, January intake can be worth considering.
If the course you really want only starts in September, waiting for September may be more appropriate than choosing an unrelated programme just to enter the UK earlier.
Can I Apply for UK January Intake 2027 Now?
Yes.
Applications are already open at multiple universities, including Greenwich, Queen Mary, Nottingham Trent, Portsmouth and others.
For Indian applicants, applying during September or October 2026 is particularly useful because some published university deadlines fall in early or mid-November.
Waiting until December can significantly reduce your available choices.
UK January Intake 2027 Application Checklist
Before submitting applications, check:
- Is the course actually available for January 2027?
- Am I academically eligible?
- Do I meet the English requirement?
- Have I prepared my transcripts?
- Is my passport valid?
- Is my SOP ready?
- Are LORs required?
- Does the programme require work experience?
- What is the application deadline for Indian students?
- Is a deposit required?
- What is the university’s CAS deadline?
- Have I planned my finances?
- Do I meet current UK Student visa requirements?
- Have I checked accommodation availability?
- Am I applying early enough to complete the visa process?
UK January Intake 2027 for Indian Students
For Indian students, January intake can be particularly useful if you missed September admission but do not want to delay your studies for another full academic year.
However, university selection should be based on more than whether January entry is available.
Consider:
Course relevance + university + tuition fees + location + admission requirements + career plans + visa requirements
Some universities also publish earlier deadlines specifically for applicants from India.
For example, Birmingham City University currently lists 18 November 2026 as the January 2027 application deadline for applicants domiciled in India, while Portsmouth lists 9 November 2026 for new Indian applications.
Starting early gives students more time to compare options rather than applying to whichever university remains open at the last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is January intake available in the UK for 2027?
Yes. Multiple UK universities have confirmed January 2027 undergraduate and/or postgraduate programmes, although course availability varies by institution.
When should I apply for January 2027 intake in the UK?
Students should ideally begin applications during September or October 2026. Some universities have international deadlines in November or early December, and programmes may close earlier if they fill up.
Which universities have January intake in UK 2027?
Confirmed options currently include the University of Greenwich, Queen Mary University of London, Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Queen’s University Belfast, Nottingham Trent University, Aston University, University of Kent, Portsmouth, Coventry and Glasgow Caledonian University, among others.
Is January intake good for international students?
January intake can be useful for students who missed September or need additional preparation time. However, fewer courses are generally available compared with the main September intake.
Is January intake available for Master’s courses?
Yes. Master’s programmes account for a large proportion of the currently advertised January 2027 courses, particularly across Business, Finance, Management, Computing, AI, Engineering and Law.