March Intake in UK

March Intake in the UK is a smaller alternative admission window for international students who miss the September or January intakes at universities across the United Kingdom. It is offered by a limited number of universities with fewer course options than September or January and is available only for select undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. 

Applications for the March intake universities in UK usually open between December and January and close by March, depending on the institution. While course options are fewer compared to the main UK intakes, this intake provides a practical entry point for students looking to avoid long waiting periods and begin their studies sooner. 

Key Highlights: 

Aspect	Details
Intake Name	March Intake (Spring/Summer Intake)
Academic Year Start	March–April 2026 (varies by university)
Application Opens	December 2025 – January 2026
Application Deadlines	February–March 2026 (course-dependent)
Courses Available	Limited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
Course Availability	Selective and university-specific
Scholarships	Limited compared to the September intake
Visa Applications	January–March 2026
Ideal For	Students who missed the September or January intakes and want an earlier start

Start your Study in UK journey today, explore intakes, shortlist universities, and plan your next step with confidence.   

The March intake in UK isn't one of the main, official intakes. A small number of universities offer March or spring starts, mostly for specific postgraduate, research or flexible courses. September and January still take in most students.

The honest picture is short and specific. Coventry University's Block 4 teaching starts on 8 March 2027, and Northumbria University accepts PhD students to start on 1 March. For that March PhD start, Northumbria's application deadline is 1 December.

In this article, you'll find the March intake universities in UK that we could confirm, a planning timeline and key deadlines. You'll also learn about eligibility, documents, the Student visa and how March compares with September and January.

March Intake in UK for Indian Students

The March intake in UK can help if you've missed September and January and don't want to wait another six months. The catch is choice. Very few courses start in March, so your course decides whether this intake works for you.

Reality check before you plan:

Question	What You Should Know
Is March a standard intake?	No. Only selected universities and courses offer it.
Which courses start in March?	Mostly research degrees and courses at universities with block calendars
Can undergraduates join?	Rarely. Options are very limited.
Are all "March" listings open to you?	No. Some are UK work-based routes, like degree apprenticeships, not open on a Student visa.

Quick facts for Indian students:

Aspect	Details
Intake Name	March Intake (sometimes grouped with spring starts)
Programme Start	Early March at most universities that offer it
Application Period	Usually several months before, often by December
Deadlines	University and course-specific
Courses	Selected postgraduate, research and block-start courses
Course Availability	Very limited compared with September and January
Scholarships	Depends on the university
Ideal For	Students whose exact course lists a March start

If March doesn't fit your course, February is the closest alternative. Our guide on February Intake in UK covers it.

Top UK Universities Offering March / Spring Intake

We checked official university pages for March 2027 starts. Only a few universities confirm one, and each for a different type of course. The list below includes only what we could verify.

Confirmed March options:

University	What Starts in March	What's Confirmed
Coventry University	Block-start courses	Block 4 starts on 8 March 2027. Check your course page for a March entry.
Northumbria University	PhD research degrees	Research study can start on 1 March, with a 1 December deadline
University of Lancashire	Dental Surgery (International Route) BDS	Starts in March 2027

These March intake UK universities review their options every year, so a course may not repeat. Many other universities you'll see online run January or May starts instead, not March. For a wider view of your options, see our list of Best Universities in UK.

Suggested Read: Top Universities in UK for Masters

Popular Courses Available in March Intake UK

March has far fewer courses than September or January. Research degrees and block-start courses make up most of it. Business and computing appear at some universities, but only course by course.

What you're likely to find:

Course Area	Examples	Availability
Research Degrees	PhD programmes, like those at Northumbria University	Selected universities
Block-Start Postgraduate Courses	Courses on Coventry University's block calendar	Check each course page
Health & Dental	Dental Surgery (International Route) at University of Lancashire	Very limited
Business & Management	Business and international business	Possible at some universities
MBA	General MBA and specialist MBAs	Possible at some universities
Computing & IT	Computing and information technology	Possible at some universities
Undergraduate Courses	Selected areas only	Rare

Search the course page for "March" as a start date. If it only says January, May or September, the course doesn't run in March.

Application Timeline for March Intake in UK

Planning for the March intake in UK starts about nine months ahead. You apply in autumn and sort your CAS and visa over winter. That's earlier than most students expect.

The plan for a March 2027 start:

Timeline	What Students Should Do
June to August 2026	Research courses with a confirmed March start
August to October 2026	Take IELTS or another English test and gather documents
September to November 2026	Submit applications, ideally well before December
November 2026 to January 2027	Receive offers, pay the deposit and get your CAS
January to February 2027	Apply for your Student visa
February 2027	Book housing and travel
March 2027	Start your course

You can apply for your visa up to 6 months before your course starts. For most March starters, that means applying in January or February. For how visa timing works across all intakes, read our guide on UK Study Visa Intakes.

So when should you actually begin? The next part explains.

When Should You Start Preparing for March Intake?

Start in June or July of the year before. That's about nine months ahead. Research deadlines, like Northumbria's 1 December date, come three months before classes.

Pick the line that matches your situation:

• Applying for a PhD: Start by June. You'll need a research proposal and supervisor contact before December.
• Applying for a taught course: Start by August, and confirm the course truly lists March.
• Still need an English test: Book it by September, leaving time for a retake.
• Need funds for the visa: Start saving early. The money must sit in your account for 28 days before you apply.

March Intake in UK Application Deadlines

Each university sets its own date, and research degrees often close earliest. Your March intake UK deadline could fall as early as December. Northumbria's PhD deadline for a 1 March start is 1 December.

Two things help: knowing the usual pattern, and checking your own course page.

Typical Application Deadline Timeline

Most March intake universities in UK need your application three to four months before classes. That leaves time for the offer, CAS and visa. Funded studentships can close even earlier.

The usual stages:

Stage	Typical Period
University Research	June to August
Application Preparation	August to October
Application Submission	September to December
Admission Decisions	November to January
Offer Acceptance	By the date in your offer letter
CAS and Visa Preparation	December to February
Programme Start	March

Why You Should Check Course-Specific Deadlines

The general deadline isn't always the one that applies to you. University of Lancashire, for example, says research deadlines change depending on whether you start in January, March or September. It also warns that some courses close early once they're full.

Reasons to check your own course page:

• Different routes, different dates: Research degrees and taught courses can close months apart.
• Funded places close earlier: Northumbria says advertised funded studentships have separate deadlines.
• Seats run out: Some courses close before the official date if places fill up.
• CAS and visa need time: Late applications can leave too little time for the Student visa.

Always confirm the March intake UK deadline on your exact course page. Applying for a master's? Our guide on Master's Intake in UK compares postgraduate dates across the year.

Eligibility and Entry Requirements for March Intake in UK

Eligibility for the March intake in UK depends on your course, not the month. The rules match September. For the visa, you also need English at CEFR level B2 for degree courses.

The four checks below cover most students.

Undergraduate Eligibility

Undergraduate March starts are rare. If you find one, the usual entry rules apply. You'll need Class 12 first.

Most courses ask for:

• Class 12 or an equivalent qualification
• The minimum grades set by the course
• An English score, such as IELTS or PTE
• Subject rules, where the course has them

Postgraduate Eligibility

A recognised bachelor's degree is the starting point. University of Lancashire, for example, asks for at least a lower second-class degree or an equivalent professional qualification. Research degrees also need a strong proposal.

What most March intake UK universities check:

Requirement	Example or Rule
Degree	At least a lower second-class degree or equivalent, at many universities
English (Taught)	IELTS 6.0 with no part below 5.5 at University of Lancashire
English (Research)	IELTS 6.5 with no part below 6.0 at University of Lancashire
Research Proposal	Needed for PhD applications

MBA and Professional Programme Requirements

MBA and professional courses look at your career as well as your degree. Many ask for work experience. Some also hold an interview.

Common requirements:

• A bachelor's degree
• Work experience, where the course asks
• An English test score
• GMAT or GRE, only if the course requires it
• An interview or assessment, for some courses

Additional Requirements

A few courses need extra papers. Creative courses may want a portfolio. Almost every course asks for a personal statement.

Other things you may need:

• SOP or personal statement: For most courses.
• LORs: Usually one or two.
• CV: For postgraduate and professional courses.
• Portfolio: For creative courses.
• Interview: For selected courses.

How to Apply for March Intake in UK?

Applying for the March intake in UK happens in six clear steps. Most March courses take applications directly on the university website. Research degrees often need contact with a supervisor first.

Each step is below.

Shortlist Universities and Courses

Start with the few March intake universities in UK that clearly list a March start. Then read each course page closely. A university may run March for one course and not others.

For each course, check:

• Start date: It should clearly say March.
• Entry rules: Your marks and English score should meet them.
• Deadline: Note it, and aim to apply well before.
• Fees and funding: Check tuition and any scholarships.

Check the Application Route

Most March courses use the university's own portal. Research degrees may ask you to apply for a specific advertised project. UCAS applies only to some undergraduate courses.

Match your route:

• Taught postgraduate: The university's online portal.
• PhD: The university's research application, often linked to a project.
• Undergraduate: UCAS or a direct form, as the course page says.

Prepare Your Documents

Gather your papers before you start the form. Transcripts from Indian universities can take a few weeks. Research applicants also need time to write a proposal.

Have these ready:

• Transcripts and degree certificate
• English test score
• SOP or personal statement
• LORs
• CV
• Passport
• Research proposal, for PhD applicants

Submit the Application

Fill in the form carefully and upload clear copies. Double-check that March is selected as your start date. Picking the wrong intake can delay everything.

Before you submit, confirm:

• Your name matches your passport.
• Every document is uploaded.
• March is selected as your start.
• The application fee is paid, if there is one.

Track the Application

Keep a close eye on your portal once you apply. Universities may ask for more documents. Research applicants may also get an interview invite.

Watch for:

• Requests for extra documents
• Interview invites
• Your admission decision
• Offer conditions and reply dates

Accept the Offer and Get Your CAS

Once your offer arrives, read the conditions carefully. You may need to send final documents or pay a deposit. The university issues your CAS only after this.

To move from offer to CAS:

• Meet any offer conditions.
• Accept the offer before the reply date.
• Pay the deposit, if required.
• Send any documents for pre-CAS checks.

Our guide on How to Get CAS Letter for UK Student Visa explains the full process.

Documents Required for March Intake in UK

Most March intake UK universities ask for the same papers as other intakes. Some support your application, and others support your visa. Keep both sets ready early.

Your checklist:

Document	Needed For
Academic Transcripts (Suggested Read: What Are Academic Transcripts)	Application
Class 10 and 12 Certificates	Undergraduate applications
Bachelor's Degree and Transcripts	Postgraduate applications
Valid Passport	Application and visa
English Test Score (Suggested Read: IELTS Score for UK)	Application and visa
SOP or Personal Statement (Suggested Read: Statement of Purpose Format)	Application
LORs (Suggested Read: Letter of Recommendation Format)	Application, where required
CV/Resume	Postgraduate and professional courses
Portfolio	Creative courses
Work Experience Documents	MBA and some professional courses
Research Proposal	PhD applications
Financial Documents	Visa
CAS	Visa
TB Test Certificate	Visa, for Indian students staying over 6 months

UK Student Visa for March Intake

The visa is the tightest part of the March intake in UK. You can only apply once you have your CAS. Most people get a decision in about 3 weeks.

Four steps take you from CAS to arrival.

Receive Your CAS

Your CAS is a reference number from your university. It confirms your course, fees and start date. You can use it for a visa application only within 6 months of it being issued.

When your CAS arrives, check:

• Your name matches your passport exactly.
• The course and start date are correct.
• The tuition fees and any payments made are right.

Ask the university to fix any mistake before you apply.

Prepare Financial Documents

You need to show money for tuition and living costs. The amounts go up for applications made on or after 30 November 2026. Most March 2027 students will fall under the new figures.

Living costs you'll need to show:

Where You'll Study	Per Month	Maximum for 9 Months
London	£1,570 (₹2,02,122)	£14,130 (₹18,19,096)
Outside London	£1,203 (₹1,54,874)	£10,827 (₹13,93,868)

The money must stay in your account for 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of your application. Plan your full budget with our guide on Study in UK Cost.

Submit the Student Visa Application

You apply online and pay two main charges. Once approved, you get an eVisa, which is an online record of your status. Book biometrics if you're asked to.

What you'll pay:

Charge	Amount
Visa Application Fee	£558 (₹71,837)
Immigration Health Surcharge	£776 (₹99,902) per year

For every step of the process, read our guide on Student Visa for UK.

Plan Accommodation and Travel

Plan housing as soon as your visa is on its way. You can arrive up to 1 month before your course if it lasts longer than 6 months. March starters join mid-year, so check what housing is free.

Before you fly:

• Book university or private housing.
• Plan your flight around your confirmed start date.
• Keep your passport, CAS, offer letter and TB certificate in your hand luggage.

Advantages and Challenges of March Intake in UK

The March intake in UK isn't better or worse than other intakes. It simply suits fewer students. It all depends on whether your course runs in March.

The two sides, compared:

Advantages	Challenges
An earlier start if you missed September and January	Very few universities and courses
No long wait for the next September	Many online "March" listings aren't open to international students
Works well for PhD and block-start courses	Scholarship options are less clear
The same degree as other intakes	Tight time for CAS and visa

Advantages of March Intake

For the right student, March can save months. Research students at Northumbria, for example, have a set March start. Block-calendar universities like Coventry also run a March teaching block.

Where March works well:

• Earlier start: You don't wait till September.
• Research degrees: PhD students have a fixed March start at some universities.
• Same degree: Your qualification doesn't change with the start month.
• Flexible timeline: It fits students who finish studies or exams mid-year.

Challenges of March Intake

The biggest challenge is choice. Most universities simply don't run March starts. The ones that do usually offer only a few courses.

What makes March harder:

• Very few options: Only selected universities and courses.
• Misleading listings: Some March starts are apprenticeships not open on a Student visa.
• Limited funding: Many scholarships follow the September cycle. Our guide on Fully Funded Scholarships in UK lists wider options.
• Tight timelines: Your CAS and visa must be done in a short window.
• Mid-year arrival: Most students start in September, so welcome events may be smaller.

March Intake vs September Intake vs January Intake in UK

September is the main UK intake, and January is the second. The March intake in UK is far smaller than both. It only makes sense when your specific course runs in March.

The three intakes compared:

Factor	March Intake	September Intake	January Intake
Typical Start	Early March	Mid-September to early October	January or February
Course Availability	Very limited	Widest	Broad
University Options	Very few	Almost all universities	Many universities
Scholarships	Depends on the university	Most funding options	Depends on the university
Application Timeline	Tight	Longest	Moderate
Ideal For	Students with a confirmed March course	Students who want the widest choice	Students who missed September

Still deciding between the two main intakes? Our guide on Key Difference Between September & January Intake in UK Universities compares them in detail.

Tips to Prepare for March Intake in UK

Most problems with the March intake in UK come from late planning or wrong listings. A little checking early on saves a lot of stress later.

A simple checklist:

1. Confirm March first: Look for "March" as a start date on the official course page.
2. Check it's open to you: Skip apprenticeships and UK-only routes.
3. Note every date: Track your March intake UK deadline, deposit date and CAS date.
4. Book your English test early: Many universities also accept TOEFL or PTE.
5. Prepare funds early: Keep the money in your account for 28 days before your visa application.
6. Plan for work after study: The Graduate Route gives you 18 months after a bachelor's or master's, for applications from 1 January 2027.
7. Keep a backup: Shortlist a February or May option with the March intake universities in UK you pick.

Conclusion

The March intake in UK is real, but it's small. Only a few universities offer it, like Coventry's March block, Northumbria's 1 March PhD start and University of Lancashire's March BDS. Most other universities stick to September, January and May.

The key is checking early. Research deadlines can close as early as 1 December. Your CAS and visa also need time before March.

Confirm the start date, track your March intake UK deadline and keep your funds ready. If March doesn't work for your course, January or May may be the better choice.

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