Table of Contents
- Overview of the UAE education system
- Types of intakes in the UAE
- Comparison between different intakes in the UAE
- Popular universities in the UAE and their intake cycles
- Scholarship availability by intake in the UAE
- Impact of Intake on accommodation and visa processing in the UAE
- Factors to consider while selecting an intake in the UAE
- Tips for preparing applications in advance
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
- Which intake in the UAE offers the widest programme options?
- When are the application deadlines for each intake?
- How far in advance should you begin your application process?
- Does intake affect scholarship availability?
- How competitive are the different intakes for admission?
- What intake is best if my documents or tests are delayed?
Key takeaways
- The higher education system in the UAE offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses spread across diverse in-demand disciplines.
- There are three main intakes for international students: fall, spring, and summer. The intakes differ in terms of course availability, application deadlines, scholarship availability, and various other factors.
- Fall intake is the most popular intake with the widest selection of courses and the largest number of scholarships. Spring and summer intakes provide a lesser number of courses and lower competition in the admission process.
- Spring and summer intakes are ideal if you missed the fall intake or need more time to prepare your application.
Want to learn more about intakes in the UAE? Talk to our experts.
In this article, we’ll take you through the different intakes in the UAE to help you choose the intake aligned with your academic and career goals, as well as your personal circumstances and financial needs. Keep reading!
Overview of the UAE education system
The UAE education system is divided into Pre School, Primary Education, Preparatory Education, Secondary Education, and Higher Education. The education system is managed by the Ministry of Education, with compulsory education from age 6 to 18. Primary Education focuses on the fundamentals, while Secondary Education provides the necessary knowledge to enter Higher Education institutions or the job market.
Higher Education is offered at universities and colleges in both public and private sectors. You can access a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programmes in various disciplines such as Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Law, and more.
The UAE government focuses on constantly enhancing the curriculum standards and academic quality to improve your learning experience.
Types of intakes in the UAE
The UAE offers three intakes for international students: fall intake, spring intake, and summer intake. Read on for more details.
Fall intake
The fall intake is the primary intake and offers you a wide range of courses. The intake starts around September or October and is aligned with many internship and part-time job opportunities. It also provides more scholarship and financial aid options.
Spring intake
Spring intake begins in January and offers a smaller number of courses compared to the fall intake. As a result, there are fewer students on campus and the competition for seats is lower. This intake also provides you with smaller class sizes and a personalised learning experience.
Summer intake
Summer intake is offered only by certain universities. The intake begins in July, and courses are offered during the summer term.
Comparison between different intakes in the UAE
An understanding of the differences between intakes in the UAE will help you choose the best one that’s aligned with your academic dreams, personal circumstances, and career goals.
| Aspect | Fall intake | Spring intake | Summer intake |
| Start month | September | January | May/June |
| Application deadlines | April to July | October to December | March to April |
| Course availability | Most programmes and diverse courses are available | Limited number of programmes | Mainly short-term or foundation courses |
| Scholarship availability | Higher number and higher-value scholarships | Fewer scholarships but less competition | Limited or no scholarships |
| Class size | Larger class sizes | Smaller, more personalised classes | Smaller, often specialised classes |
| Internship opportunities | More internship and job placement options | Fewer internships | Limited internship opportunities |
| Admission competition | High competition, especially for popular programmes | Easier admission, less competition | Less competition, more relaxed admission |
| Visa processing time | Possibly longer due to the high volume of applications | Typically quicker due to fewer applications | Generally quicker |
| Cost & financial aid | Most universities offer merit-based tuition discounts | Some merit-based scholarships | Limited financial aid |
| Start of term | Beginning of the academic year, good for the full academic plan | Mid-academic year, good for flexible schedules | Starts in May or June, good for short-term courses or summer school initiatives |
| Popularity | Most popular intake with maximum applicants | Secondary intake with moderate applicants | Least popular intake |
| Flexibility | Less flexible, fixed academic calendar | More flexible start for late planners | Most flexible but limited programme options |
Popular universities in the UAE and their intake cycles
The UAE has several prestigious universities and attracts a large number of international students across multiple intakes. Here’s an overview of popular universities in the UAE and their intake cycles.
| University name | Location | Main intakes offered | Popular programmes |
| Khalifa University | Abu Dhabi | Fall (September), Spring (January) | Engineering, Technology, Medicine |
| University of Sharjah | Sharjah | Fall (September), Spring (January) | Medicine, Business, Engineering |
| American University of Sharjah | Sharjah | Fall (September), Spring (January) | Architecture, Design, Business |
| Ajman University | Ajman | Fall (September), Spring (January) | Business Administration, Engineering |
| University of Wollongong Dubai | Dubai | Fall (September), Spring (January) | Business, IT, Engineering |
| University of Birmingham | Birmingham | Fall (September), Spring (January) | Healthcare, Finance, Law |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai | Dubai | Fall (September), Spring (January) | Computer Science, Business, Finance |
| Canadian University Dubai | Dubai | Fall (September), Spring (January) | Computer Science, Business Administration |
| De Montfort University Dubai | Dubai | Fall (September), Spring (January), additional intake in April for specific faculties | Business Administration, Cyber Security, Marketing |
| University of Stirling Ras Al Khaimah | Ras Al Khaimah | Fall (September), Spring (January), additional intake also available in October | Business, Finance, Accounting |
| Middlesex University Dubai | Dubai | Fall (September), Spring (January) | Law, Business, IT |
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Scholarship availability by intake in the UAE
The UAE offers attractive scholarships to international students to cover tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and other expenses. The availability of scholarships varies across intakes. An understanding of scholarships by intake will help you plan your application and thereby maximise financial support.
| Intake | Scholarship availability | Popular scholarships | Highlights |
| Fall | Highest availability and value | Khalifa University Full Scholarships, UAEU Merit Scholarships, Abu Dhabi University | Most competitive intake, early applications recommended |
| Spring | Moderate availability | Merit-based scholarships at American University of Sharjah, Zayed University | Less competitive, fewer scholarships than Fall |
| Summer | Limited or rare | Foundation or short programme scholarships | Limited programme offerings, and scholarships are rare |
Let’s explore more about intakes in the UAE. Talk to our experts.
Impact of Intake on accommodation and visa processing in the UAE
The intake you choose can significantly affect visa processing timelines and accommodation availability. The fall intake is the most popular admission cycle with a large number of applicants. As a result, there is a higher volume of applications and huge delays in the processing of visas. Even though the visa processing timeline in the UAE is 14 days to one month, delays are common during the Fall intake due to the heavy demand.
Similarly, the larger student crowd entering the campuses creates a huge demand for accommodation during the fall intake. Therefore, securing a good accommodation early is crucial.
For the spring intake, the volume of applications decreases, resulting in faster visa processing. The demand for accommodation also tends to be lower, and hence, you may find it easier to secure good accommodation.
The summer intake has a lower number of students. Hence, visa processing is quicker without much hassle. It is also easy to secure quality housing during the summer intake due to the lower demand.
Factors to consider while selecting an intake in the UAE
There are several factors you should consider while selecting an intake in the UAE, so that you apply to one that’s aligned with your academic and career goals. The first factor is programme availability. Most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are offered in the fall intake, while the summer intake offers short-term courses or specialised modules.
You must also check the competition and admission chances in the intakes. Fall intake is highly competitive because of the large volume of applications. However, spring and summer intakes are less competitive and offer better chances of admission.
Another factor to consider is your personal circumstances. If you complete your studies in May or June, the fall intake may be ideal. However, if you are not prepared and need additional time, it may be better to consider the spring or summer intake.
If you’re seeking financial aid, you should take into account the scholarship availability across different intakes. Fall intake offers maximum scholarships, while the spring or summer intake may have a limited number of scholarships.
Availability of internships and job opportunities also differs across intakes. Fall intake is more aligned with the academic year and offers more internships and placements. You may find fewer opportunities in spring and summer intakes.
Tips for preparing applications in advance
Start the research early, shortlist academic programmes and universities that suit your aptitudes and also align with the intake timelines. Begin researching 6 to 12 months in advance so that you can make an informed choice.
Once you shortlist universities, verify the admission requirements and ensure that you meet them. Collect the necessary documents in advance to avoid any last-minute rush. Track the application deadlines for the intakes and plan your submissions accordingly. These steps will ensure that you are prepared and help facilitate a smooth application process.
Final thoughts
The UAE education system offers diverse higher education opportunities through both public and private institutions. You can choose a wide range of courses spread across three intakes: fall, spring, and summer. The fall intake is the most popular with the maximum number of courses, while the spring and summer intakes provide fewer courses, but reduced competition and flexibility. Selecting the right intake that is aligned with your academic requirements, personal circumstances, financial needs, and career goals will maximise your student outcome.
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Frequently asked questions
Which intake in the UAE offers the widest programme options?
The fall intake offers the widest programme options in the UAE. The courses in this intake are spread across a wide range of disciplines, but are often competitive in terms of admissions.
When are the application deadlines for each intake?
The application deadlines vary based on the intake, programme, and university. However, the common application deadlines for UAE university intakes are: April to July for fall, October to December for spring, and March to April for summer.
How far in advance should you begin your application process?
You should begin your application process for universities in the UAE at least 12 to 18 months before the desired intake. This will provide you with sufficient time to research, prepare for standardised tests, and also collect the required documents.
Does intake affect scholarship availability?
Yes, the intake can affect scholarship availability in the UAE. You’ll find that most number of scholarships are available in the fall intake. The spring and summer intakes offer fewer options.
How competitive are the different intakes for admission?
Fall intake is highly competitive since it’s the most popular intake. The competition in the spring and summer intakes is lower and provides better chances of securing admission.
What intake is best if my documents or tests are delayed?
If your documents or tests are delayed, you can choose the spring intake of the following year. Compared to the fall intake, application deadlines for the spring intake are October to December, providing you with more time to prepare and better flexibility.
