Want to learn more about intakes in the UAE? Talk to our experts.
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.
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!
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
- Visa and accommodation timelines by intake
- Tips for preparing applications
- 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 I start my application?
- Does intake affect scholarship availability?
- How competitive are the different intakes?
- What intake is best if documents or tests are delayed?
- What popular courses are available by intake?
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 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 5 – September 30, 2026 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 around January 10 – January 31, 2027 and offers a smaller number of courses compared to the fall intake. There are fewer students on campus and lower competition, with smaller class sizes and a personalised learning experience.
Summer intake
Summer intake is offered only by certain universities. The intake begins around May 15 – June 15, 2027, primarily for short-term courses, foundation programmes, or summer school initiatives.
Comparison between different intakes in the UAE
Understanding the differences between intakes will help you choose the best one aligned with your academic dreams, personal circumstances, and career goals.
| Aspect | Fall intake | Spring intake | Summer intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start month | September 5 – 30, 2026 | January 10 – 31, 2027 | May 15 – June 15, 2027 |
| Application deadlines | April – July 2026 | October – December 2026 | March – April 2027 |
| Course availability | Most programmes and diverse courses available | Limited number of programmes | Mainly short-term, foundation, or summer courses |
| Scholarship availability | Highest availability and value | Moderate availability | Limited or rare |
| Class size | Larger classes | Smaller, personalised classes | Smaller, often specialised |
| Internship opportunities | More aligned with academic year, better options | Fewer opportunities | Limited options |
| Admission competition | High competition | Less competition | Minimal competition |
| Visa processing | Slower due to high application volume | Quicker due to fewer applicants | Fastest due to minimal applications |
| Cost & financial aid | Most universities offer merit-based tuition discounts | Some merit-based scholarships | Limited financial aid |
| Flexibility | Less flexible, fixed academic calendar | More flexible, good for late planners | Most flexible, but limited programme options |
| Popularity | Most popular intake with maximum applicants | Secondary intake with moderate applicants | Least popular intake |
Popular universities in the UAE and their intake cycles
The UAE has several prestigious universities. Here’s an overview including intake cycles, scholarship availability, and popular programmes.
| University | Location | Main intakes | Popular programmes | Scholarship highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa University | Abu Dhabi | Fall, Spring | Engineering, Technology, Medicine | Full scholarships for fall intake |
| University of Sharjah | Sharjah | Fall, Spring | Medicine, Business, Engineering | Merit scholarships, fall intake preferred |
| American University of Sharjah | Sharjah | Fall, Spring | Architecture, Design, Business | Merit scholarships available |
| Ajman University | Ajman | Fall, Spring | Business Administration, Engineering | Merit-based scholarships |
| University of Wollongong Dubai | Dubai | Fall, Spring | Business, IT, Engineering | Merit scholarships for top students |
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Scholarship availability by intake
Scholarships vary by intake and university. Fall intake has the highest number and value, while spring has moderate availability, and summer offers limited options.
| Intake | Scholarship availability | Popular scholarships | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | High | Khalifa University Full Scholarships, UAEU Merit Scholarships, Abu Dhabi University Scholarships | Early applications recommended; highly competitive |
| Spring | Moderate | American University of Sharjah Merit Scholarships, Zayed University Merit Awards | Lower competition than fall |
| Summer | Limited | Foundation/short course scholarships | Few opportunities; mainly for short programmes |
Visa and accommodation timelines by intake
Visa processing and accommodation availability vary by intake:
| Intake | Visa application start | Notes on accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | May – July 2026 | High demand; secure housing early |
| Spring | Oct – Dec 2026 | Moderate demand; easier to secure accommodation |
| Summer | Mar – Apr 2027 | Low demand; fast visa processing, easy housing |
Tips for preparing applications
- Start research 6–12 months in advance.
- Shortlist universities and programmes aligned with intake timelines.
- Verify eligibility, collect documents, and plan early for scholarships and accommodation.
- Prepare standardised tests if required.
Frequently asked questions
Which intake in the UAE offers the widest programme options?
Fall intake offers the widest programme options across disciplines, though it is highly competitive.
When are the application deadlines for each intake?
Fall: April – July 2026, Spring: Oct – Dec 2026, Summer: Mar – Apr 2027.
How far in advance should I start my application?
12–18 months in advance to allow for research, test preparation, and document collection.
Does intake affect scholarship availability?
Yes, fall intake has the most scholarships; spring has moderate, summer has limited.
How competitive are the different intakes?
Fall: highly competitive, Spring: moderate, Summer: low competition.
What intake is best if documents or tests are delayed?
Spring intake of the following year provides more flexibility.
What popular courses are available by intake?
- Fall: Engineering, Business, Medicine, IT, Law
- Spring: Business, Law, Design, IT
- Summer: Short-term courses, foundation programmes, summer school
