Fall Intake in USA 2025: Timeline, Top Universities & Deadlines
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Fall Intake in USA 2025: Timeline, Top Universities & Deadlines

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Apr 25, 2025 18:04 IST

Studying abroad is a huge decision that requires meticulous planning and organization. This guide will help you manoeuvre confusing timelines for fall intake in USA 2025. It will provide you with an overview of various dates so that you can start your study abroad journey as soon as possible. 

fall intake in usa

Fall intake in the USA is also commonly referred to as September intake. Thus, top US universities offer most courses to study in the USA for their September/Fall intake. Check out the entire timeline for the Fall 2025 US intake, which includes when is Fall in USA, and when to apply or begin preparing for the fall intake of USA for international students. Applicants applying to study in USA can start preparing for the Fall intake of 2025 for USA. Check out the details below. 

Table of content
  • Latest Update:
  • What is Fall Intake in USA 2025?
  • USA Fall Intake 2025 Requirements
  • Fall Intake for USA: Timeline 2025
  • Top US Universities Offering Admission in Fall 2025
  • Fall Intake in USA Application Deadlines 2025
  • Fall Intake in USA 2025 FAQs
View More

Latest Update: 

US Student Visa Interviews have temporarily halted for Fall 2025 Intake since May end 2025 until further notice. Check How Temporary US Student Visa Interview Freeze Affecting Indian Students?

What is Fall Intake in USA 2025?

Fall intake in USA is the primary intake for international students. For the Fall intake in USA, the maximum number of students apply, and almost all US universities offer admission during this intake. So, when is Fall in USA? The fall intake in the USA in 2025 starts between late August 2025 and early September 2025 and will last between September-December 2025 and early January 2026. Thus, this is the most preferred intake for international students. If you're planning to apply for the Fall Intake in the USA, it's essential to understand the step-by-step admission process. Check out this comprehensive guide on how to apply for the September intake to ensure you meet all the deadlines and requirements. One can check out the Fall intake 2025 timeline in USA in the sections below. 

USA Fall Intake 2025 Requirements

The following is the Fall intake timeline for the USA for the year 2025; check out all the details below for reference: 

  • Prepare for required standardised tests like GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS - depending on the course and university.
  • Start early, and by May 2024, shortlist 8-12 universities you will apply to. Visit university websites and note application requirements, deadlines, etc.
  • By June 2024, be familiar with bank loan options and scholarships to fund your studies.
  • Begin by downloading admissions brochures from the university websites. Most brochures are out more than a year earlier.
  • By June or three months before the test date, register for the GMAT / GRE.
  • Do some initial research on various accommodation options.
  • Register for TOEFL/IELTS at least a month before the test date.
  • Take the required tests well before August / September 2024Plan for buffer time in case you need to retake the test. Check test-taking and re-exam process and guidelines. 
  • Shortlist the colleges and prepare for your application. Consider what makes you unique as an applicant and sketch out your strengths and self-assessment.
  • Contact your professors and direct managers for 2-3 reference letters. At least a month before your application deadline. Check the deadline timetable!
  • Begin drafting your SOP and essays. Give a month to structure these documents properly.
  • Apply before the deadline!
  • Do not delay replying to college e-mails. And there will be quite a few!
  • Appear for personal/video interviews. These are scheduled for around January to March 2025.
  • Once you get acceptance letters, make your decision as soon as possible.
  • Depending on the deadline, notify the universities of your decision.
  • You will need to pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm your admission.
  • Search for and begin applying for external scholarships (if applicable).
  • Apply for a student loan, after you get your acceptance letter.
  • Gather paperwork for your student visa. Check visa requirements.
  • Apply for your student visa on time. Keep in mind the time taken for visa processing!
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  • Book airline tickets.
  • Arrange for an International Debit/Credit card.
  • Collect all the documents and their photocopies to take along.

Check out the Pre-Departure Checklist for the USA.

Fall Intake for USA: Timeline 2025

The table below will give you a broad idea of Fall Intake in USA 2025. We have suggested an ideal fall intake in USA 2025 deadlines. For exact dates, you need to check the university's official website. Check out the Fall intake in USA timeline if applying in Fall 2025:

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Research IconStarting research
Shortlist IconShortlisting colleges
Exam IconExam preparation
SopLor IconSOP/LOR writing
Scholarship IconScholarship & finance
Visa IconVisa application

Month/ Year

Process

By April – June 2024

Shortlist the universities. Know about the application process. Gather complete information on finances/ loans/ scholarships.

April – August 2024

Appear for necessary tests

September – December 2024

Start of application process for September 2024 intake

January – February 2025

Deadline for application and document uploading closes

February – April 2025

Admission decisions from universities, accepting or declining offers and preparing necessary documents for the I-20 process

May – July 2025

Acceptance of I-20, schedule for visa appointments and interviews

August 2025

Make travel arrangements and fly to the USA (Tickets & Departure)

September 2025

Orientation week and the beginning of classes

Applicants can begin their preparation for Fall intake in USA based on the US university deadlines as proposed for each of the courses for application. Please note that the US university application deadlines for international students are usually final, and no extension is offered. Hence, applications should be submitted within the stipulated timeline.

Top US Universities Offering Admission in Fall 2025

The following US universities offer admission in the Fall semester of the year 2025:







US Universities Offering Admission in Fall Intake 2025
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Stanford University Yale University
University of Pennsylvania George Mason University Columbia University
CalTech Princeton University University of South Florida

Applicants must ensure that the course they are applying to at the US university is available for admission during the Fall intake. In case the admissions are unavailable for fall intake, they must check the next intake that can be applied for admissions. Not all course admissions can be available for international students. The deadline for fall intake in the USA in 2025 should be considered well before applying for admission. 

Fall Intake in USA Application Deadlines 2025

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The deadline for applying to US universities will vary per course and university. Applicants applying to top universities in the USA in Fall 2025 can note the following admission application deadlines given in the table below:

US Universities Offering Admission in Fall 2025 Early Action Deadline 2025 Regular Action Deadline 2025
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) November 1, 2024 January 6, 2025
Harvard University November 1, 2024 January 1, 2025
Stanford University November 1, 2024 January 5, 2025
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) November 30, 2024 n/a
University of Chicago November 1, 2024 January 6, 2025
University of Pennsylvania November 1, 2024 January 5, 2025
Cornell University November 1, 2024 January 2, 2025
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) November 1, 2024 January 3, 2025
Yale University November 1, 2024 January 2, 2025
Princeton University November 1, 2024 January 1, 2025

These are just a limited set of universities in the USA and their admission deadlines for the Fall 2025 intake. Applicants applying for admission to other universities in USA that offer admission in Fall 2025 can check their websites and application deadlines based on each course. 2025 university applications opening dates can vary, thus, applicants must double check the start date and the deadline before proceeding with the application. Check out: US University Deadlines 2025

If applicants miss applying for Fall intake in USA, they can apply to the next intake in USA also referred to as Spring intake in USA. While some US universities may offer the same courses as Fall intakes in Spring intake, others may not. If universities do not offer the same courses in Spring, applicants can drop a year and apply again in Fall 2026.

Q:   Is MIT costly for Indians?
A:

MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.

Q:   How much does it cost to attend the University of South Dakota?
A:

The USD provides over 200 undergraduates and 80 master's programs in specializations such as Business Analytics, Business Administration, Accountancy, Computer Science, Mathematics, and more. The University of South Dakota tuition fees for international students range between INR 6L and INR 21L for graduates and around INR 10L for undergraduates. Students can check the table below for the tuition cost of the popular courses at the university:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MBA/PGDM (4 courses)

INR 10 L - 12 L

MS (10 courses)

INR 9 L - 18 L

BSN (1 course)

INR 11 L

MIM (3 courses)

INR 10 L - 12 L

BSc (30 courses)

INR 11 L

BBA (14 courses)

INR 11 L

BA (18 courses)

INR 11 L

BE / BTech (4 courses)

INR 11 L

MA (19 courses)

INR 10 L - 21 L

PG Certificate (10 courses)

INR 7 L

Q:   What is the Concordia University Wisconsin famous for?
A:

Concordia Wisconsin is known for its amazing surroundings, & close proximity to natural beauty.

Located near the Lake Michigan, CUW students are just a short distance away from scenic-lakes, farms, water parks & sports grounds that offer a welcome respite from the hectic student life.

Some top places for students to explore in Mequon include: Harley Davidson Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Lakefront Brewery, American Family Field & Basilica of St. Josaphat among others.

Q:   What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
A:

The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.

Q:   Is Utah State hard to get into?
A:

The acceptance rate of USU is around 94%. This means that it is slightly easier to take admission to this university. So, to take admission to this university, applicants who have a good academic background and meet the entry requirements have a higher chance of getting admission. For admission to UG courses, a GPA of 2.7 is required in high school / secondary school education. For admission to PG courses, a GPA of 3.0 is required. Additionally, meet the English language requirements.

Q:   What is the average GMAT cutoff for MBA in USA?
A:

The average GMAT cutoff for MBA in USA ranges anywhere between 545 to 755. The applicants can aim for B-schools in USA accordingly. 

Q:   What are the English requirements for the University of South Dakota?
A:

University of South Dakota expects a IELTS score of 6 from its graduate and undergraduate students. Along with the IELTS score, students from non-native country must prove their English language proficiency by submitting scores of TOEFL and PTE. Students can check the table below for the English language requirements for the University of South Dakota:

English Language Test

UG Score

PG Score

IELTS

6 or higher

6 or higher

TOEFL iBT

71 or higher

79 or higher

PTE

48 or higher

53 or higher

Duolingo

105 or higher

110 or higher

Q:   What should my LOR for MIT MBA contain?
A:

MBA aspirants must submit one LOR, preferably from a professional contact such as a manager or supervisor. A candidate's recommender must be able to answer the following questions:

  • How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
  • How does the applicant stand out from others in a similar capacity?
  • Give an example of the applicant's impact on a person, group, or organization.
  • Give a representative example of how the applicant interacts with other people.
  • Anything else the recommender thinks the AdCom should know about this applicant.
  • Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response.

Note: Applicants may two additional professional references to put forward their strengths.

Want to study abroad at a US university? Sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling, or write to us in the comments box with your queries. 

Fall Intake in USA 2025 FAQs

Q. When should I start my preparations for Fall Intake in USA 2025?

A. Before the intended intake, you must keep a time of around 1-1.5 years. The earlier you start, the better it is. Try to finish your tests and your preliminary research on loans and scholarships by July 2025. Remember to keep a buffer time, just in case if you have to retake the tests. While you are preparing for tests, start working on your application documents.

Q. When to apply for fall 2025 USA?

A. Usually, universities in the US start their fall semester applications from September 2024. Exact varies as per the course and university. You must be well prepared even before the applications start so that you can apply in the early intake. The deadlines however, may vary per US university, thus, applicants must check for all major details and then apply for admission to their course of choice and university as well. 

Q. Any important points for USA's Fall intake of 2025?

A. Make sure to follow these points if applying for USA's Fall intake of 2025:

  • Keep an eye on the university updates regularly
  • Prepare your application documents at the time of your test prep
  • Keep a backup (course, university, and country)
  • Arrange for finances beforehand
  • Keep an eye on the accommodation options when you are searching your universities

Q. What if I get delayed in taking the tests to apply for US Fall intake?

A. You must avoid this mistake. Delay in taking the tests might delay your chances of studying abroad by an entire year. If you have made up your mind about studying abroad, you must move swiftly. You should also have some buffer time just in case if you need to retake the test. US Fall intake's preparation begins as early as in May of the current year and then admissions are somewhat offered in the next year of Jan or Feb. 

Q. If I wish to apply for fall intake in USA, which student visa is required?

A. Students, who wish to apply to a university/ college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, any other academic institution, need to apply for F1 Visa. Those who wish to study a vocational course, or from a recognized non-academic institution, need to apply for M Visa.

Q. How many days before the start of the course can I enter the US on my student visa?

A. Students, who are eligible for F and M visa, can receive their visa up to 120 days before the beginning of their academic course. However, they cannot enter the US more than 30 days before the commencement date of their program. This means that if they plan to enter 60 days or 45 days before the beginning of their program, they cannot do so.

Q. What are the documents required for US student visa interview?

A. Following is a broad list of documents that are required during your US student visa interview:

  • A valid passport
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) confirmation page
  • Fee payment receipt
  • Photograph
  • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, Form I-20, or M-1 (as the case may be)
  • Additional documents include: academic transcripts, test scores, intention to depart the US after the completion of your course, and your financial proofs

Q. Can you brief me about the steps required for US student visa application?

A. The following steps will provide you an overview of the US student visa application process:

  • Apply to a SEVP-approved institution
  • After you have been accepted by this institution, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You need to pay SEVIS I-901 fee
  • Your academic institution will issue a Form I-20
  • Once you have received it, you can apply for a US student visa

Q. Which intake is better fall or spring for USA?

A. Fall intake in USA definitely will provide you will with a wider range of degrees and courses. Moreover, there is higher availability of scholarships, loans, etc. that can ease your financial burden. The number of seats available for a course are usually higher in fall intake, thereby increasing your chances of selection. It is advised that the students start their preparations well by August of previous year so that there is no last-minute rush. Check out: Which Intake Season to Choose: Fall or Spring? 

Q. Why fall intake is best for USA?

A. Fall intake is a popular choice for studying in the US for the following reasons: 

  • Plethora of program options 
  • Higher chance of getting a financial aid More seats are available for admit and a higher chance of selection 
  • Better job opportunities

Q. Which month is fall intake in the USA?

A. Usally, Fall intake deadlines in USA begins in September and can go up to January end. The classes of the Fall intake in USA begins in September of the next year. So if you have to apply for Fall intake of USA in 2025, you will have to begin applying from September 2024 and by the time the process finishes, it will be September 2025 when classes begin. 

About the Author
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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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Reviewed by
Kalyani
MBA Course in the US

Having Worked as an Academic Manager in Experiential Marketing earlier, Kalyani made her move to the study abroad vertical in 2017.Passionate about education and wanting to make a difference, Kalyani holds a B.Com d... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(223)

12086599
Shivendra Singh

9 months ago

My son has done BTech in 2024 and now preparing for GRE and TOEFL and appear in Nov'24. He intends to undergo in USA Masters in AI and MS in fall 2025. Please guide how to go ahead with his plan

Reply to Shivendra Singh

s

saish

3 years ago

I AM CURRENTLY IN 11TH STANDARD ,I AM PLANNING TO TAKE SAT TEST IN MARCH ,WHAT TIMELINE SHOULD I FOLLOW AFTER THAT

Reply to saish

You can follow the timeline given above.

z

zubeid khan

3 years ago

should i take a year gap for next year september 2022

Reply to zubeid khan

hey I am doing my UG in physics, which I would be finishing in 2022. I wanna do my PG in astrophysics abroad so how can I improve my resume skills and when can I start studying for toefl and ilets.

Reply to 20PH031 Gayathri Devi L