Which Intake Is the Best to Study in Australia?

The February intake is the best choice for most international students. It is the primary academic intake in Australia and offers the widest selection of courses, better access to scholarships, and more opportunities for part-time jobs and internships. It also allows students to settle smoothly and follow the full academic cycle.

The July intake is a good alternative if you miss February, though some programmes may be limited. The November intake is smaller and mainly suitable for specific or short-term courses.

With Australia planning 295,000 new international student commencements in 2026, early planning is important to secure preferred courses and smooth visa processing. For the best balance of course choice, financial support, work flexibility, and a smooth academic start, the February intake remains the most suitable time to study in Australia.

What are the main Intakes in Australia for International Students?

Australia has three main intakes for international students: February, July, and November. These intakes let students choose a start time based on their course availability and preparation timeline.

1. February Intake

The main academic intake with the most opportunities for international students.

• Widest range of courses and university choices
• Better access to scholarships and financial support
• Strong availability of accommodation and student services
• More opportunities for part-time work and internships

2. July Intake

A reliable alternative for students who miss the February intake.

• Good availability of popular programmes
• Suitable for students needing extra preparation time
• Slightly fewer course options than February
• Balanced competition levels

3. November Intake

A limited intake mainly for specific or short-term programmes.

• Offered by fewer universities
• Limited course and programme choices
• Suitable for flexible or late applicants
• Best for selected or pathway courses

Why February Intake is most preferred by International Students?

The February intake is the most preferred by international students because it offers the best overall start to studying in Australia. It is the main academic intake, meaning students have access to the widest range of courses, more scholarship options, and better availability of accommodation and campus support services.

It also aligns with the full academic calendar, helping students settle in smoothly, adapt to university life, and plan their studies without interruptions. In addition, part-time job and internship opportunities are generally higher during this period, giving students better exposure to work experience.

How to Choose the Right Intake to Study in Australia?

Choosing the right intake depends on your academic goals, preparation level, and when you are ready to begin your studies. The best option is the intake that aligns with your course availability and gives you enough time for applications and visa processing.

For most students, the February intake is the best choice, July serves as a strong backup, and November is suitable for limited or specialised programmes.

Application Timeline for Australia Intakes:
 

Intake	Application Period	Course Start
February Intake (Semester 1)	August – November (previous year)	Late February / Early March
July Intake  (Semester 2)	February – April	Late July
November Intake (Semester 3)	July – August	November

 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Intake:
 

Intake	Course Availability	Chances of Admission	Scholarship Opportunities
February	Very high	Balanced	High
July	High	Good	Medium
November	Limited	High	Limited

Top Australian Universities for February and July Intakes

Most international students prefer universities that accept applications in the February and July intakes, as these are the main admission periods in Australia with the widest course availability.

These universities allow students to choose a flexible start date while accessing a broad range of programmes, scholarships, and student support services. Below are some of the top Australian universities where you can apply for February or July intake.

QS Rank	University	Main Intakes
19	The University of Melbourne	February, July
20	The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)	February, July
25	The University of Sydney	February, July
32	Australian National University (ANU)	February, July
36	Monash University	February, July, November
42	The University of Queensland	February, July
77	The University of Western Australia	February, July
82	Adelaide University	February, July
96	University of Technology Sydney (UTS)	February, July, November
125	RMIT University	February, July, November

Eligibility Requirements for Australia Intakes for International Students

To apply for any intake in Australia, international students must meet standard academic, language, and visa requirements set by Australian universities and the Department of Home Affairs. While specific criteria may vary depending on the course and institution, the core eligibility requirements remain consistent across all major intakes.

• Applicants must meet the academic qualifications required for their chosen course and study level.
• Proof of English proficiency through IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or an approved test is required.
• Students must show sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and OSHC.
• A valid passport and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) are mandatory for application.
• Submission of a Genuine Student (GS) statement and health clearance is required.
• Additional documents may include an SOP, academic transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, and relevant work experience where applicable.

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Step-by-Step Application Process for Australia Intakes

Step 1: Choose your preferred course, university, and intake (February, July, or November)

Step 2: Check eligibility criteria and intake-specific deadlines

Step 3: Prepare required academic and English language documents

Step 4: Submit your application to the selected university

Step 5: Receive your offer letter

Step 6: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

Step 7: Apply for the Australian student visa

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Best Courses to Study for Main Intakes in Australia

Australia offers a wide range of industry-focused programmes that attract students from around the world. These courses are popular due to strong career outcomes, global recognition, and post-study work opportunities.

Some of the most in-demand courses for international students include:

• Business and Management: Marketing, international business, entrepreneurship
• Information Technology & Data Science: Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development
• Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, and renewable energy engineering
• Nursing & Healthcare: High-demand programmes with strong employment opportunities
• Accounting & Finance: Careers in global finance, taxation, and auditing
• Environmental Science & Sustainability: Focus on climate and green solutions
• Construction & Project Management: Strong link to infrastructure development
• Psychology & Social Sciences: Expanding scope in mental health and counselling fields

 

 

Which Intake offers more Scholarships in Australia?

The February intake offers the most scholarship opportunities for international students, as it is the primary academic intake when universities release their main funding allocations.

Students applying in February can access major scholarships such as the Australia Awards Scholarship, Destination Australia Scholarship, Melbourne International Scholarship, Sydney International Scholarship, and Monash International Merit Scholarship, offered by universities like the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University, ANU, and the University of Queensland.

The July intake provides fewer scholarship options, while the November intake has very limited or highly selective funding due to restricted course availability.

For maximum financial support, the February intake remains the best choice.

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FAQs

 

Which intake is the best to study in Australia for international students?

The February intake is the best intake to study in Australia for international students as it offers the widest range of courses, maximum university options, and better access to scholarships. It is the primary academic intake and also provides stronger opportunities for part-time jobs and internships, making it the most preferred choice compared to July and November intakes.

Why is the February intake considered the main intake in Australia?

The February intake is considered the main intake in Australia because it marks the start of the academic year at most Australian universities. During this period, institutions release their full course list, major scholarship options, and student support services, making it the most structured and comprehensive entry point for international students.

Which Australia intake offers more scholarships for international students?

The February intake offers more scholarships for international students as universities allocate most funding during this period. Major scholarships such as Australia Awards, Destination Australia, Melbourne International Scholarship, and Sydney International Scholarship are mainly available for February admissions, while July and November offer limited funding options.

Is July intake good for studying in Australia?

Yes, the July intake is a good option for studying in Australia, especially for students who miss the February deadlines. It offers good course availability and access to popular programmes, though options may be slightly fewer compared to the February intake.

What are the disadvantages of the November intake in Australia?

The November intake has limited course options and is offered by fewer universities. Scholarship availability is low, and it is mainly suitable for specific or short-term programmes. It is not ideal for mainstream undergraduate or postgraduate courses due to restricted availability.

Which intake is easier for admission in Australian universities?

The November intake is generally easier for admission due to lower competition, but it comes with limited course choices. The February intake is more competitive but offers better academic and career opportunities for international students.

Which intake has more course options in Australia?

The February intake has the most course options in Australia, as universities open their complete programme catalogue during this period. Popular fields like engineering, business, nursing, and IT are fully available compared to July and November intakes.

What is the best intake for student visa approval in Australia?

The February intake is often considered the best for student visa approval as it allows better planning time and aligns with university schedules. Early application for this intake improves processing efficiency and reduces the risk of delays.

How early should I apply for the best intake in Australia?

Students should apply at least 4 to 6 months before their chosen intake. For the February intake, it is ideal to apply between August and November of the previous year to secure preferred courses and scholarships.

Can I get part-time jobs in all Australia intakes?

Yes, part-time jobs are available in all Australia intakes, but opportunities are highest during the February intake due to increased student activity. July offers moderate opportunities, while November may have fewer job openings.