Upcoming Intakes in USA 2026 for Indian Students

When planning to study in USA, the biggest question is which is the best intake in USA for admissions? While Fall is most preferred, there are some exceptions. Whereas, a few courses accept applications for the Spring semester as well. Apart from the Spring and Fall intakes in the USA, there is another intake in the USA i.e. Summer. Most of the courses begin in the Fall semester. Check out about the two main intakes in USA here.

But most of the time, the semester available is not a choice as most of the popular and important courses commence only with the Fall semester. The Fall intake in the USA is popular because the scholarships and financial aid are aimed at this semester. In case students miss out on Fall intake deadlines, they have the option to apply for the Spring intake in the USA. Check out the article to understand the two major intakes in USA followed across all US universities, and which one is better?

Admission Intakes in USA

There are two admission intakes in USA - Fall and Spring. Where admissions for Fall intake happen beofre the Spring intake. Here is a detailed analysis:

Fall Intake in USA

The Fall intake in USA is the most sought-after intake by overseas students, especially Indians.

• The fall season in the USA runs from September to December and accounts for 70% of the total admission rate in an academic year in the USA. 
• Fall intake offers a range of courses in the majority of fields and at all levels of study. Some of the most popular programs are engineering, business, computer science, law, medicine, social sciences, and humanities.
• Also, maximum funding is available in Fall intake like different types of scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and grants. Since all major universities offer admissions this time, maximum funding is allocated in the starting of the academic year.

Spring Intake in USA

The Spring intake in the USA admission process starts in October, and the semester generally begins in January. Students who defer their applications from Fall can enroll in this intake. 

• The application period for the USA's Spring intake usually starts in October or November.
• This intake allows more time for students to prepare for their applications, standardised and English proficiency tests along with time for student visa applications.
• Usually, the number of courses available and scholarship slots is relatively smaller as compared to the Fall intake.
• Class sizes are smaller in the Spring intake, which can result in more individualised attention from faculty members.

Duration of Intakes in USA

The following table throws light on the intakes of USA and the duration, along with the application timelines and when the applications open:

Applicants dedicing on application to any of the two intakes can keep this timeline data handy. 

Upcoming Intakes in USA 2026 Deadlines

More details on each of the intakes in USA are as follows for international students' reference: 

• Fall semester: Since the fall intake begins in the previous year's months of September and December in the USA, it takes almost a year for the admission process to be completed. At present Fall intake admissions have completed for 2025.
• Spring semester: The spring semester starts in January and ends in May. Hence, the spring intake admissions in the USA begin in October or November 2025 for this year are ongoing. 
• Summer semester: This intake is for select programs and courses and typically begins in May every year. The 2025 intake is over; applicants can apply next year. 

There are two major intakes in the USA - Spring and Fall. Additionally, a Summer intake is available for those seeking short-term courses rather than long-term ones. 

Top US Universities Offering Admission in Spring & Fall Intakes

Check out the top 10 US universities offering admission to international students in Fall and Spring intake:

Please note, that not all courses may be available for a particular intake, thus, applicants should be aware of the course intake and then apply for admissions accordingly.

Which Intake Season to Choose: Fall or Spring?

Confused about when to begin applying for admission to US universities? Check out the following details on which intake season to choose - spring or fall?

• If you are aiming at the Fall semester, you should start your research in April. Then around June, you should finish the exams required for admission. For the rest of the months, you can devote time to writing essays, SOP, LOR, CV, etc.
• However, if you are planning to apply for the Spring intake in the USA, then research should be done around April, and the exam should be dealt with by June.
• The fall season is the popular choice for study abroad aspirants as the choice of universities is wide as most all the universities open their admission in the Fall intake of USA.
• Another reason for Fall being popular is that students who go in spring intake do not get the chance to intern in the immediate summer break, i.e. in May, as they need to complete at least 9 months in full-time academics. Students in the spring season join the programme in January, whereas those in the Fall join in September, so they are eligible to undergo an internship programme.
• Finally, applicants must know the US university admission deadlines and decide if the preferred course is available in Fall or Spring intake and then take a call for applying to the university. 

Tey to choose High Acceptance Rates Universities in the USA irrespective of your intake. This will also increase your chances of selection to a great extent.

Difference Between Fall Intake & Spring Intake in the USA

Given below are some of the factors that students must consider before choosing the intake in the universities of USA.

This was all about the different intakes in USA. You can choose your course and university first and then understand the intake in which they are available. Once all three aspects are clear i.e. course, university and intake you can go ahead and start preparing you admission applications. Ensure you check the deadlines based on the intake you wish to choose for admission in USA. Once this is done, you can apply.

Do you have more questions about when to apply? Comment below with your queries. For a detailed discussion, sign up for free counselling at https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply, and our team of counsellors will be in touch with you.