Is January the better intake for study abroad? Here’s what students should know
Choosing to study abroad in January can lead to higher acceptance rates, individualised attention from instructors, and improved financial opportunities.
There are many reasons why studying abroad for the January intake can benefit you. One such advantage is that most of the time, the student population applying to study abroad during January is less crowded than that applying in July. Therefore, if you are applying for a specific program, your chances of being accepted into your preferred courses will be higher because there will be fewer possibilities for competition.
The January intake provides flexibility for students as well. Many times, students can experience a delayed response to their exams and documentation process and even have other personal events that interfere with their ability to complete their application properly. The January intake provides much time to complete their exams, submit their required documents, and have the opportunity to review and rewrite their essays/letters of intent to relieve some of the stress involved in the application process, while also improving their final product, which increases their chances of being accepted into the desired program.
Another benefit of the January intake is the classroom size. Because there are fewer students enrolled, instructors can devote more time to each student and provide a more individualised learning experience. As a result, students will have the opportunity to interact with their instructors directly, ask in-depth questions, and receive more targeted academic assistance, ultimately enhancing their overall educational experience.
Financial opportunities tend to be higher in January as well. Scholarships and grants may still be available or will roll over, providing students with additional resources for lowering their cost of going to school overseas. Furthermore, if students missed the previous dates for submission for any funding options, they may have the opportunity to apply for funding now.
Visa processing is made easier due to lower applicant volume in January. Therefore, visa offices will generally not have a backlog; thus, applications will be processed more quickly. This allows students to better organise their move to the new country and reduce last-minute stress while transitioning to life abroad.
The practical side of an academic timeline can also be viewed as an advantage of a January start date for students. January start dates typically provide students with the opportunity to time their graduation with the opportunity for an internship, job placement, or career development. For example, this timing will be beneficial for students wanting to enter the workforce at the optimal time.
Housing will also be easier to obtain. Since demand for housing typically decreases in January, students can more easily secure university accommodation or rental properties when they are looking for housing. This can make the transition to a new country significantly easier and could lead to improved living conditions.
Beginning studies in January offers students an excellent opportunity to not delay their studies. Students who require additional time to make preparations, strengthen their applications, or adjust their personal lives can begin their studies immediately and maintain their forward progress toward achieving their goals.
Therefore, the January intake is strategically intelligent for students seeking flexibility, less competition, individualised teachings, financial aid, expedited visa processing, more accessible residence options, and timely completion of studies. Students wishing to maximise the experience of studying in another country have an excellent opportunity to launch successfully and be free from stress.
(Author Ritika Gupta is CEO & Counsellor, AAera Consultants. Views are personal.)
