Most of Australia’s higher education institutions have two major intakes throughout the year, one in February and one in July.
However, some universities also offer another, smaller intake in November – sometimes called the summer intake. It may not suit everyone, but it could be a great option for students who missed out on a recent intake and are keen to begin their studies in Australia right away. Here’s why you should keep November in mind for your students.
November is a much smaller intake than February and July, which means much less competition for study places. This means it’s a great option for students who have Australia at the top of their list but didn’t make it in July. But make sure you’re advising students on what to expect. They’ll arrive in Australia’s summer when a lot of students will be on holiday and campuses will be quieter.
This may not be the right fit for all students but, due to less demand, it could be a great way for them to secure a place in their dream course.
Even though the November intake is not offered by all Australian institutions, those that do have it open tend to feature a lot of business and IT programs, so it can be a good fit for students applying in these areas.
There are also plenty of pathway programs open in November, which students can undertake as a bridge to their degree of choice. Minimum entry requirements for pathway programs are usually lower than those for direct entry to bachelor’s degrees, so they can be useful for students with lower study scores.
Study gaps can be a red flag when applying for a visa. The November intake can be a way around this for students who missed July, so they don’t have to wait until February. As Australia’s November intake aligns with the Northern Hemisphere’s study calendar, it can also be helpful for students who are still waiting for their results.
For example, some students in India may not get their study results until August or September, causing them to miss out on Australia’s July intake. November could be a great opportunity for them to move ahead with their studies and avoid wasting time.
Keep in mind that this year’s November intake may also be the best option for the students who have completed their courses or graduated in March/April 2021. Most Australian universities will not be accepting 2021 March/April pass-out students beyond November.
Securing a visa in time can be a stressful part of international education – for students and for agents. Because Australia’s November intake is smaller than the peak times of the year, visa success rates can be higher and wait time shorter – something many students will appreciate.
Remember that the November intake application deadline varies between institutions – it could be August or September or even a bit later, so make sure you double-check the institution your student is interested in.