Key Intake Dates for Studying in Australia 2026

Intake dates simply mean the start of academic semesters in Australia.

While it commonly refers to universities’ admission cycles, it can also refer to the start dates for Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, and English Language Program (ELICOS) providers.

The main intakes in Australia are divided into three: February (Semester 1), July (Semester 2), and November (Semester 3).

Note: Specific intake dates may vary depending on your program and university. Some universities may start their Semester 1 a bit later in March instead of February, Semester 2 in August, and Semester 3 as early as September instead of November. Some universities and programs may not offer a third semester (November intake) at all.

Check the intake dates available to your program and institution

Here is an overview of the key differences between each intake date in Australia.

February intake Australia -The most popular

February is the largest intake and the start of the academic year. Most Year 12 students in Australia apply for the February intake, since they finish high school in late November or early December. February is the perfect time to start university without waiting too long.

Since it’s the primary intake, it has the largest number of programs and scholarships available.

July intake Australia - The second major intake

July (Semester 2) is the second major intake in Australia. While there are fewer course options than in February, it still offers strong choices, especially in postgraduate programs and popular fields of study like Information Technology and science-related courses.

November intake Australia - Limited intake

The November (Semester 2/Summer semester) intake is smaller and more limited, but it can be a great option if you want to start your next course without waiting for another year.

The application dates for each intake open months before the classes start. Applying earlier can give you the best chance of getting into your preferred course, securing scholarships, and completing your visa requirements.

Below is a general guide for onshore international students applying to Australian universities and institutions in 2026.

February intake application timeline

July intake application timeline

November intake application timeline

Some universities may extend their deadlines for specific programs, while competitive or quota-limited courses may close earlier than expected.

Onshore application deadlines: other things you need to know

• Priority rounds – Some universities send offers before their application deadlines. If you're assessed in a priority round, you may receive an offer before the official deadline for applications.

• Rolling assessments – Many universities process applications as they arrive instead of waiting for the deadline. This means that if you apply early, you can get faster outcomes and even early access to scholarship consideration.

• Waitlisting - If a course reaches capacity, your application may still be reviewed, but you’ll be placed on a waitlist until a spot opens.

• Deadline extensions – Standard programs sometimes receive extended deadlines, especially if there is still a spot available after the initial cut-off. However, competitive or quota-based courses rarely offer extensions once they close.

• Deadlines for Genuine Student (GS) documents and acceptance - Aside from application deadlines, universities also set last dates for submission of Genuine Student (GS) documents, and acceptance of offer and payments.

• Application deadlines may vary per program - Most universities set different last dates of application for different programs.

February - Semester 1 intake

July - Semester 2 intake

November - Semester 3 intake

These are some of the universities offering a November/Summer semester:

These commencement dates for November intakes are available in these universities’ academic calendars. No application deadlines are available yet, since most universities are still processing applications for February intakes.

Check the intake dates available for your program and institution

Choosing the right intake depends on your current study timeline, preferences, and needs. Many students finishing Year 12 in 2025 may choose the February intake so they can begin university immediately after graduation and study at the start of the academic year. However, most applications are now closed for Semester 1. If you haven’t applied yet, Semester 2 may be a better intake date for you. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Course availability: Check if your preferred course is offered in that intake.

• Transition time from current studies: If you're finishing Year 12, a VET course, or a pathway program, choose the intake that matches your completion timeline, so there’s no long gap between courses.

• Timing and personal schedule: Think about when you want to start: summer or winter? Also consider things like ATAR rechecks, finishing TAFE, or any commitments that might delay your start.

• Visa expiry and extension timing: Check when your current student visa ends. You need a new CoE to apply for your next visa. If your next intake starts too far in the future, you might not get your CoE early enough to lodge your new visa before your current one expires.

• Scholarship deadlines: Many scholarships only open for Semester 1. If funding support matters to you, this can influence your intake choice.

• Accommodation availability: Some student housing fills up quickly before Semester 1. If you prefer university-managed accommodation, February may require earlier planning.

When you have considered all these factors, the next thing that might help you decide is knowing the potential benefits and disadvantages of each intake date.

February intake Australia Best for:

• Students who want maximum course options, more scholarship opportunities, and a complete academic year experience.

Benefits:

• Wider course availability: Most universities open almost all programs in February.

• Better alignment with internships and jobs: Some internship programs often begin early in the year, so starting in February can help you plan your career pathway.

• Easier academic progression: You start at the beginning of the academic year, so your study plan and subject sequence are straightforward.

• Stronger campus experience: February has the biggest intake, so orientations, club sign-ups, and social events are at their peak.

Cons:

• Earlier deadlines: You need to prepare documents, offers, and your CoE earlier. Most applications should be ready by August–October of the previous year.

• Higher competition: Popular programs fill fast in the main intake, so admissions can be more competitive.

• Shorter break after Year 12 or pathway programs: If you want a long rest before starting university, February may feel rushed.

July intake Australia Best for: Students who need more time to prepare and complete requirements or are finishing their previous studies mid-year.

Benefits:

• More time to prepare: Ideal if you’re finishing a diploma, certificate, or pathway program around May or June. You get extra time to improve English scores, retake subjects, prepare documents, or finalise your visa.

• Good for academic transitions: Helpful for students moving between institutions, changing courses, or applying for credit exemptions.

• Less competition: Fewer applicants apply for July, so admissions for certain programs may feel less competitive.

Cons:

• Fewer orientation and social activities: Mid-year starters may see smaller orientation programs and fewer large-scale campus events compared to February.

• Academic sequence may vary: Some subjects only run in Semester 1, so your study plan or course progression may be slightly adjusted.

November intake Australia Best for: Students who want a later start in the year, need extra time for visa processing, or prefer a quieter start before the main academic year begins.

Benefits:

• Flexible timing: Great if you missed the February or July deadlines. You can still begin studying within the same year without waiting too long.

• Good for visa and document delays: Helpful for students whose COE, financial evidence, English scores, or health checks take longer than expected.

• Pathway opportunity: Many foundations, ELICOS, pathway programs, and postgraduate courses offer a November start, allowing you to progress into a February intake without losing time.

• Smaller class sizes: For some students, this can be an opportunity for more personalised learning and one-on-one time with teachers.

Cons:

• Limited course options: Not all universities offer intakes in November.

• Smaller activities: Fewer students begin in November, so orientation events and social groups may feel less active.

• Academic timing considerations:You may study a short course before the main semester begins in February.

Applying for university in Australia takes months of preparation. Aside from knowing which intake date you’ll apply to, you also need to:

• Research courses and entry requirements

• Submit applications and required documents on time

• Accept offers before deadlines

Need an English test for your applications?

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Know the right entry requirements you need

Entry requirements are not the same for all students.

Your required scores, subject prerequisites, English language requirements, and other documentation may depend on your program and previous study.

[ Know your eligibility ]

You might also want to know: The top universities in Australia and their IELTS requirements

Choosing the right intake isn’t always straightforward. Personal circumstances—like transitioning to a higher degree level or updating your student visa—can affect the timing.

You can let us know whatever personal circumstances may be keeping you hesitant from applying to a specific intake date in Australia, and we’ll guide you through the best steps forward.

We can also discuss other considerations you have in mind, like your study pathways, scholarships, visa status, and more.

Be the first to know about key deadlines or special offers for upcoming intakes in Australia

Since we partner with Australia’s top universities, we have exclusive access to their key application deadlines, scholarship availabilities, and intake information.

We will update you on last-minute extensions or special offers you should know about.

Sources:

ANZ onshore updates on key application deadlines and intake dates

https://www.idp.com/uae/study-in-australia/upcoming-intakes/

https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/international-students/intakes-in-australia-for-international-students

https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/application-dates.html#semester-start-dates