The United States is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students due to its world-class universities, diverse academic programs, and abundant career opportunities. One of the key factors to consider when planning to study in the U.S. is choosing the right intake. Unlike some countries with a single academic calendar, U.S. universities offer three primary intakes: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Let’s explore these intakes and highlight top universities for each in 2025.
Understanding the Intakes in the USA
1. Fall Intake
Timeline: August–September
Features:
The most popular intake for international students.
Offers the most program options, scholarships, and extracurricular activities.
Ideal for bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Aligns well with most countries’ academic calendars.
2. Spring Intake
Timeline: January–February
Features:
Offers a second chance for students who missed the Fall intake.
Limited program and scholarship availability compared to Fall.
Suitable for students seeking mid-year academic entry.
3. Summer Intake
Timeline: May–June
Features:
Primarily for short-term courses, internships, or specific programs.
Few universities offer full-degree programs.
Less competitive and often smaller class sizes.
Top Universities for Each Intake in 2025
Fall Intake (August–September 2025)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Popular Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Economics
Application Deadline: December 2024 (Early applications encouraged)
Stanford University
Popular Programs: Business, Artificial Intelligence, Biosciences
Application Deadline: January 2025
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Popular Programs: Data Science, Environmental Science, Law
Application Deadline: Varies by program; check specifics for Fall 2025.
Harvard University
Popular Programs: Law, Medicine, Business Administration
Application Deadline: January 2025
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Popular Programs: Public Policy, Engineering, Liberal Arts
Application Deadline: February 2025
Spring Intake (January–February 2025)
Columbia University
Popular Programs: Journalism, Business, International Affairs
Application Deadline: October 2024
University of Texas at Austin
Popular Programs: Petroleum Engineering, Business, Psychology
Application Deadline: September 2024
Northeastern University
Popular Programs: Cybersecurity, Engineering Management, MBA
Application Deadline: November 2024
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
Popular Programs: Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Agriculture
Application Deadline: Rolling (check for Spring 2025 updates).
Arizona State University (ASU)
Popular Programs: Sustainability, Software Engineering, Media Studies
Application Deadline: October 2024
Summer Intake (May–June 2025)
New York University (NYU)
Popular Programs: Creative Writing, Business Analytics, Art
Application Deadline: February 2025
Boston University (BU)
Popular Programs: Public Health, Communication, Digital Media
Application Deadline: March 2025
University of Southern California (USC)
Popular Programs: Film Studies, Business, Biomedical Engineering
Application Deadline: April 2025
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Popular Programs: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Music
Application Deadline: March 2025
Duke University
Popular Programs: Law, Environmental Science, MBA
Application Deadline: Varies by program; check for Summer 2025 specifics.
Tips for Choosing the Right Intake
Program Availability: Not all programs are available in every intake.
Application Deadlines: Start early to ensure you meet deadlines for your preferred intake.
Scholarship Opportunities: Fall intake typically has the most scholarships available.
Career Plans: Consider internships and job opportunities aligned with your graduation timeline.
Visa Processing: Allow sufficient time for visa processing, especially for Fall and Spring intakes.
Conclusion
Each intake in the U.S. offers unique advantages. The Fall intake provides a comprehensive range of options, the Spring intake serves as a second entry point, and the Summer intake caters to specialized needs. Carefully research universities and programs to find the best fit for your goals in 2025.
Intakes in the USA: Top Universities for Fall, Spring, and Summer 2025