May intake in the UK 2027: Universities, courses, deadlines & requirements for international students

The May 2027 intake in the UK (often called the summer or spring intake) runs from April to May 2027. It serves as a smaller, highly specialised entry point offering select undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programmes. Applications for this intake generally open in October 2026 and close between January and March 2027.   

Thinking of studying at a UK university but missed out on the primary September or January application deadlines? The upcoming May 2027 intake in the UK gives you a brilliant alternative to jumpstart your degree without delaying your academic plans by an entire year.

Alongside the popular September and January intakes, some UK universities offer a spring or summer intake in April/May. This is usually available for selected bachelor’s, master’s and MBA programmes, and often comes with smaller class sizes, more personalised support, and slightly less competition for seats.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of the May intake, the top UK universities offering May 2027 entry, key application deadlines, and what international students need to do to secure an offer in time and etc.

Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake - apply today!

Lots of excellent UK higher education institutions offer three intake periods: September, January, and May. 

And when you think about it, May is a great time to embark on further study in UK. What could be nicer than starting your degree with the summer stretching out ahead of you? 

Plus, there are plenty of practical advantages to opting for a May intake course. Just read on to learn more.

If you’ve missed out on a September start for your UK undergraduate or postgraduate degree this year, don’t worry. Edvoy is here.

Our comprehensive guide to May intake universities in the UK covers university rankings, location, application procedure and deadlines, and details of the available courses. 

That way, you can make the best choice for you and your future success.

Why study at a UK university with a May intake?

The May intake is sometimes called the UK’s “summer intake”. It’s smaller than the main September and January intakes, but that can work in your favour as an international student.

• More flexibility: Ideal if you need extra time to finish your current studies, prepare for IELTS or arrange finances before coming to the UK.
• Less competition: Fewer applicants compared to the September intake can mean a better chance of securing a place on certain courses.
• Smaller cohorts: More personal attention from lecturers and support staff, with greater chances to interact closely with classmates.
• Placement and career advantages: Graduating off-cycle can help you stand out in some job markets and placement seasons.
• Better weather and smoother transition: Arriving in spring rather than winter can make your first weeks in the UK more comfortable and enjoyable.

If you like the idea of a slightly quieter campus, more individual support and a flexible start date, the May 2027 intake could be a perfect fit.

What’s not to like? 

“Securing a place at your dream UK university could be easier if you opt for a May intake course in 2027.”

In Edvoy’s opinion, May intake courses are a great way to ensure your university experience meets your specific requirements. 

For more about how Edvoy’s experts can assist you on your journey to studying in the UK in 2027, look no further than our video counselling service. 

But do remember that not all UK universities and degree courses offer May intake as an option. 

So, it's crucial to ensure your preferred institution and study programme are available if you want to start studying next spring. Choosing the right intake window will prevent a rushed application, too. 

Below, you will find our guide to the top May intake universities in the UK.

Top UK universities offering May intake in 2027

Not every UK university offers a May intake, but a growing number now open selected programmes for an April/May 2027 start. These are especially common in areas like business, computing, engineering and health-related subjects.

Below, we’ve collected our pick of the most prestigious UK university destinations with a May intake. 

Naturally, we’ve included details of the subjects on offer and the type of course (undergraduate, taught Masters, Masters/postgraduate by research, PhD). 

What’s more, we’ve included the university’s ranking, where relevant. 

And we’ve also provided information about the universities’ international student communities, plus their location and affordability. Armed with our guide, you can make an informed decision about joining a UK May intake course in 2027.

Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake - apply today!

May intake universities in the UK: Edvoy’s top picks

1. Coventry University

• May intake courses (undergraduate and taught Masters) across a variety of subjects: accounting and finance, business, management, biomedical sciences, computer science, civil engineering, arts and humanities, photography, design, international relations, law, and more. 
• It is ranked #57 in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2027 and #581 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
• A top destination for international students: HESA’s 2014/15-2018/19 studies placed Coventry University as first in the UK for international students’ experience.

2. University of Bedfordshire

• May intake options for BA, BSc, MSc, MBA and LLM courses in fields as diverse as data analytics and project management, sustainability and automotive engineering, international business law and human resources.
• International ethos: 120 nationalities are represented amongst the university’s staff and student body.
• An up and coming university, the University of Bedfordshire has benefitted from massive investment in recent years. This has led to the construction of state-of-the-art facilities.

3. University of Central Lancashire

• Selection of May intake courses at the postgraduate level, chiefly in the field of medicine (midwifery, nursing, medical education, international medical sciences) but also in management (MRes) and business (MProf Elite Performance).
• Affordable student destination: UCLAN’s main campus is located in Preston, Lancashire, a popular UK student city. What’s more, Preston is within easy reach of Manchester and Liverpool.
• A vibrant international student community. The university has academic partnerships across the globe.
• First ever UK modern university to feature in the QS World University Rankings (2010), UCLAN is famed for developing cutting-edge degrees in fields such as forensic science and fashion.

4. University of Hull

• May intake research degrees (Masters by research, PhD) across many disciplines. Languages, chemistry, economics, theology, gender studies, marine sciences, social work… The list goes on!
• A top 20 university in the UK according to Times Higher Education, based on their analysis of the National Student Survey 2023.
• Exciting surroundings: Kingston-upon-Hull’s location, just inland of the northeast coastline, offers sea views and easy access to the stunning Yorkshire countryside. What’s more, Hull was the UK City of Culture in 2017.
• In the QS World University Rankings 2027, the University of Hull is ranked #=575 globally.
• Plenty of accommodation available on campus. The university has more than 2300 rooms onsite, with current prices starting at £122/week.

5. Northumbria University

• Specialised MSc courses in business, security, technology, logistics, marketing, big data, project management, tourism, AI, and more.
• Some BSc programmes with a May intake available at the London campus, all in the field of computing. 
• Awarded UK University of the Year 2022 by Times Higher Education.
• Choice of cities. Northumbria students benefit from studying in one of two bustling city locations: Newcastle, or the UK capital.
• It ranks #528 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and #62 overall in the UK (Complete University Guide 2027).

6. University of Roehampton London

• Masters-level courses with a professional focus: Roehampton London offers an MBA, with or without a placement, plus a range of MSc courses (financial management, digital marketing, human resources, amongst others). 
• #1 modern university in London according to the 2022 Times Good University Guide. 
• Picturesque parkland campus in southwest London, combining countryside idyll with all the attractions of the capital.
• It recently ranked top 3 in London for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026) and #1 in London for student life (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2026).

7. University of Kent

• MA, MSc, MSc (Research) and PhD May intake courses across a range of traditional and modern subject areas: classics, politics, languages, history, journalism, electronics, education, and many others.
• University of Kent is currently ranked #415 globally and within the top 50 in the UK according to the QS World University Rankings 2027.
• More than 150 nationalities are represented in the Kent student body, making the university a thriving global hub.

If the above list has whetted your appetite, then it’s time to think about applying to these May intake universities in the UK! Read on for Edvoy’s tips on meeting the application deadlines for your May intake course in 2027.

What are the deadlines for the May intake in the UK?

Choosing to study in the UK is a huge life decision.

The May intake might seem a long way away right now. But it’s helpful to start preparing your application well in advance. International students have specific milestones to meet and deadlines to consider.

To keep you on track, Edvoy has compiled the key dates relevant to applying to May intake universities in the UK.

Referring back to this timeline will help you meet the necessary deadlines, so you can start your UK university journey in the spring of 2027.

Once you’ve completed the list above, there’s one final step… Off to the airport!

For most May intake programmes, the entry requirements are similar to those for September and January intakes. You’ll typically need to meet academic entry criteria for your chosen course, provide proof of English language ability (for example IELTS, TOEFL or PTE), submit a personal statement and references, and later apply for a UK student visa once you have your offer and CAS.

May intake universities in the UK: your questions answered

At Edvoy, we thrive on aiding international students in the pursuit of their academic and career goals.   

To help you on your May intake journey, we’ve assembled some FAQs we commonly hear. We hope our answers will assist you in the months ahead. 

Edvoy thrives on aiding international students in their pursuit of their academic and career goals.

Good luck with your application!

Time is running out! Secure your spot for the upcoming intake - apply today!

Is the UK open for the May intake in 2027?

Yes. Several UK universities offer a spring/summer intake with courses starting in April or May 2027. Availability is more limited than the September or January intakes, so early applications are strongly recommended.

Which universities offer a May intake in the UK for 2027?

Universities such as Coventry, UCLan, Northumbria, Roehampton, Kent, Hull and Bedfordshire are confirmed for May 2027 entry. Some universities may add additional programmes closer to the cycle, so always check the official course list.

What courses are available in the May intake in the UK 2027?

Business, management, MBA, computer science, engineering, public health, education, hospitality, social sciences and selected foundation programmes are commonly offered in the May intake.

What is the deadline for May intake in the UK 2027?

Most universities accept applications from October 2026 to February 2027. Some courses remain open until March or early April 2027, depending on seat availability.

What are the primary document requirements for a May intake application?

To apply successfully, you will need to upload your complete academic transcripts, a valid passport, and certified translations of your documents if applicable. You must also supply a well-crafted statement of purpose (SOP), a professional CV, and at least two letters of recommendation from past tutors or employers. Lastly, you will need to present proof of English language proficiency via approved tests like the IELTS.

Do I need IELTS for the May intake in the UK 2027?

Most universities require evidence of English proficiency. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and in some cases Duolingo English Test are accepted. Exemptions may apply if you meet certain criteria.

When should international students submit applications for the May 2027 UK intake?

You should ideally submit your completed university application files between October 2026 and January 2027. Applying during this early phase ensures that the university admissions teams have enough time to review your profile and issue an offer. Furthermore, it gives you a crucial head start when booking your mandatory visa appointments and securing affordable student accommodation.

Is the May intake good for international students?

Yes. The May intake offers smaller class sizes, more personalised support, and a smoother transition into the UK’s climate and academic environment. It’s also ideal if you miss the January or September intakes.

Is the May intake less competitive than September?

Generally yes. Because fewer students apply for the May intake, you may face lower competition for admission especially for PG and MBA programmes.

Which London universities offer May intake in 2027?

The University of Roehampton London and Brunel University London are among the most popular choices, particularly for business, hospitality and postgraduate courses.

Does Coventry University have a May intake in 2027?

Yes. Coventry University offers multiple May intake courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, especially in business, engineering and computing.

Are scholarships available for May intake in the UK 2027?

Scholarships are fewer than the September intake, but many universities still offer partial tuition discounts, merit awards and international student bursaries. Early applications improve your chances.

Are MBA courses available in the UK for May intake 2027?

Yes. Many universities offer MBA programmes with May start dates, including Coventry, Roehampton, UCLan and others.

Can I get CAS for May intake 2027 if I apply late?

CAS issuance depends on the university’s processing timelines and seat availability. Applying after February may reduce your chances, so apply early.

Is there placement support for the May intake in UK universities?

Yes. Placement support and career services are available year-round. However, the hiring cycle for some industries may align more closely with September graduates.

What is the visa processing time for May intake 2027?

Most UK student visas are processed within 3 to 6 weeks, but delays can occur during peak periods. Apply for CAS and visa as early as possible.

Are accommodation options available for May intake?

Yes. Because the demand is lower in May, it’s often easier to secure university halls or private accommodation compared to September.

Is the May intake suitable for undergraduate students?

Yes, although availability is more limited. Many universities offer foundation and selected bachelor’s courses for May 2027.

Are tuition fees different for May intake 2027?

No. Tuition fees for May-intake programmes are generally the same as September and January intakes unless the university sets separate fee structures.

May intake vs September intake which is better?

September offers the widest choice of courses and universities. May offers flexibility, less competition, faster admissions, and easier accommodation. The better option depends on your goals and timeline.

Can I switch from May intake to September intake later?

Some universities allow deferral to September if seats are available. Policies vary always check with the admissions team.

What are the disadvantages of the May intake in the UK?

• Fewer universities participate
• Limited course options
• Fewer scholarship opportunities
• Some placement cycles may favour September graduates

When does the May intake in the UK start?

Courses typically begin in April or May 2027, depending on the timetable of each university.

Is the May intake less competitive for admissions than the September intake?

Generally, yes, the May entry cycle features a significantly lower volume of global applicants compared to the peak autumn rush. This reduced competition means university admissions officers can evaluate your application profile with more individual attention. If you meet the baseline entry criteria, it can often be easier to secure a spot in your chosen programme.

Can you secure a UK student visa if you apply late for the summer cycle?

While late applications are sometimes reviewed, applying after February can severely jeopardise your chances of arriving on time. Gathering your financial proofs, waiting for the university to generate your official CAS letter, and regular visa processing timelines can easily take up to six weeks. To avoid missing your mandatory class start dates, we strongly advise starting your journey early.

Can I work part time during the May intake in the UK 2027?

Yes. International students can work up to 20 hours/week during term time and full-time during breaks, just like any other intake.

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