If you’re a student in Kerala dreaming of studying abroad, you’ve probably heard terms like “October Intake” or “February Intake.” For many students and parents, these intake seasons can be confusing—when to apply, what courses are available, and how they affect your study plans.
The good news? With the right planning, these intakes can work in your favor, offering flexibility, affordability, and better chances of admission. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, without the jargon.
🎓 What Exactly Are Intakes?
Most international universities don’t admit students year-round. Instead, they have specific entry points (intakes) when new courses begin. For Indian students, especially those from Kerala, the most relevant are:
September / October Intake (Fall Intake) – The largest and most popular intake.
January / February Intake (Spring Intake) – The second-biggest intake, offering plenty of opportunities.
Some countries also have a May/June intake, but this is smaller and usually limited to certain programs.
🍂 The October (Fall) Intake
The October intake is often called the “main intake” because it has:
The widest choice of courses and universities
More scholarship opportunities
Greater availability of part-time jobs and internships
This intake is perfect for students finishing +2 or degree studies in Kerala during the summer and looking to start abroad without a long gap.
Popular destinations for October intake include:
UK – Major universities open most courses in September/October.
Germany – Public universities usually begin in the Winter Semester (October).
Europe (Albania, Cyprus, Italy, etc.) – Most programs align with the Fall intake.
Canada & Australia – Fall is the preferred start for many programs.
🌸 The February (Spring) Intake
The February intake is smaller, but it’s a blessing for students who:
Missed the October deadline
Want more time for IELTS/PTE preparation
Need to arrange finances or visas calmly
While not every university offers February entry, there are still excellent options in countries like:
Australia – February is the main intake, especially for undergraduates.
UK & Ireland – Many postgraduate and selected undergraduate courses open.
Europe (Cyprus, Albania, Malta, etc.) – Growing number of February programs.
Canada – Select universities offer winter admissions.
📅 When Should You Start Applying?
Here’s a simple timeline most students in Kerala follow:
For October Intake – Start preparing 9–12 months in advance (ideally November–January of the previous year).
For February Intake – Start preparing by April–June of the previous year.
This gives enough time to:
✔ Write IELTS / PTE / TOEFL exams
✔ Arrange finances & scholarships
✔ Prepare documents (SOP, LOR, transcripts)
✔ Apply for student visa
🌍 Why Planning Intakes Matters for Kerala Students
We often meet students and parents who rush in at the last moment, only to realize they’ve missed application deadlines or scholarship opportunities. Planning around intakes helps you:
Avoid gaps in education
Maximize chances of admission
Secure better scholarships
Apply for visas stress-free
For example, if you’re finishing +2 in March, the October intake is a natural choice. But if you finish a degree in September, the February intake might be more convenient.
🤝 How IRS Study Abroad Can Help
At IRS Study Abroad, we sit down with each student and map out the right intake based on their academic background, budget, and goals. Because we work with universities across the UK, Australia, Canada, and emerging European destinations like Albania, Cyprus, Montenegro, and Moldova, we can offer flexible options that suit your timeline.
Whether it’s October or February, our team helps with:
Shortlisting universities & courses
Preparing applications
Guiding through visa process
Assisting with scholarships & part-time job opportunities
✨ Final Thoughts
Choosing the right intake is about more than dates—it’s about making sure your study abroad journey starts smoothly, without stress. Both October and February intakes open exciting doors for students from Kerala, and with the right guidance, you can make the most of them.
If you’re wondering which intake is right for you, now is the perfect time to start planning.
📞 Call us at +91 96561 21000 / +91 73562 53331
📍 Visit us: 3rd Floor, Above Trends, Nagampadom, Kottayam