February Intake in Australia: Timelines, Top Universities

What is February Intake of Australia?

The February intake of Australia is the primary intake of Australia and is considered one of the best intakes compared to July and November. In most cases, all courses are open for admission during this intake, and all Australian universities, including Go8 universities, offer admission to students. So, applicants looking to apply to Australian universities can consider applying for the primary intake of Australia, that is, the February intake. Refer to the corresponding sections for additional details. 

Benefits of Applying to Australian Universities in Feb 2026

There are a couple of benefits to apply for the February intake of Australia, which have been described in detail in the following section:

• The Feb intake of Australia is the primary intake, and almost all Australian universities offer admissions during this time. Thus, there are more options to choose from.
• The majority of applications are filed in December and January to be considered for the February intake in Australia. Compared to other Australian university intakes, a huge turnout is recorded for domestic and international students. Thus, it is highly popular, promising better opportunities ahead.
• There are higher chances of selection during the primary intake in Australia because all major universities offer admission across all their popular courses. There might be exceptions for MBA admissions during this time.
• Also, applicants can get a scholarship or any other type of funding if they are selected for the February intake of Australia across any of its universities. 
• Finally, though there is high competition, the maximum admissions are recorded for the February intake in Australia. The chances of admissions opening in other intakes of Australia are sometimes lesser. 

Thus, these reasons add to why international applicants should plan to send their applications to Australian universities during their primary intake season. 

Pre-Application Preps for Australia February 2026 Intake 

Start early and by August 2025 if you want to apply for Australia Feb 2026 intake and check out the following pre-application preparations that applicants must make to apply for the February intake: 

• Shortlist 8-12 Australian universities that you will apply to for the February 2026 intake. Visit university websites and note application requirements, deadlines, etc.
• By September, be familiar with bank loan options and scholarships to fund your studies in Australia. 
• Begin by downloading admissions brochures from the university websites. Most brochures are out more than a year earlier. 
• Do some initial research on various accommodation options.
• Prepare for required standardised tests like GMAT or GRE for PG admissions and usually no exam for UG admissions.
• Choose any English language tests to prepare and submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, depending on the course and university.
• By June - July or three months before the test date, register for GMAT / GRE if applying for a postgraduate course in Australia.
• Register for TOEFL / IELTS / PTE at least a month before the test date.
• Take the required standardized or English language tests around September. Plan for buffer time in case you need to retake the test.
• Shortlist the colleges and prepare for your application. Consider what makes you unique as an applicant and sketch your strengths and self-assessment.
• Contact your professors and direct managers for 2-3 reference letters at least a month before your application deadline.
• Each university's application deadline for Australia's February intake 2026 would vary. Hence, applicants must be cautious when applying.
• Begin drafting your SOP and essays. Give a month to structure these documents properly, and only then submit them.
• Apply before the deadlines to avoid last-minute hassle!

When to Apply for Australia February Intake?

Often, students are challenged with questions like when can I apply for February intake in Australia 2026? The following table sheds light on the series of approximate timelines that have been set for Australia's February intake for international students:

If students cannot submit their applications for Australia's February intake, they have the next best option to apply in the July intake. The Australia July intake is the next intake for Australia, also called the secondary intake, which accepts admission applications from international students in the middle of the year. Additionally, applicants can opt for the November intake in Australia if they are unable to attend the July intake. So now, students know when to apply for the February intake in Australia in 2026. 

After Applying to Australian Universities for Feb Intake 2026

• Ensure there is no delay in replying to college e-mails, as there will be quite a few.
• Appear for personal or video interviews, which may be scheduled between January and March for the February 2026 intake in Australia.
• Depending on the institute, you will receive your acceptance letter, known as the CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment), in November or December.
• After receiving CoE, you can apply for an Australian student visa.
• Notify the universities of your decision to accept admission, taking into account the respective deadlines.
• You must pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm your admission at Australian universities.
• Search for and begin applying for external scholarships (if applicable).
• Apply for a student loan, after you get your acceptance letter from the university.
• Gather paperwork for your student visa. Check visa requirements.
• Apply for your student visa in a timely manner. Please note the time required for visa processing.
• Focus more on Genuine Student Requirements, which is an important aspect of the Australian student visa application; hence, the statement must be drafted with a lot of care.
• Arrange for Overseas Student Health Coverage.

Top Australian Universities to Apply to This February 2026

Applicants willing to apply to Australian universities for Feb 2026 intake can take a look at the following universities and the popular courses offered during the February intake at these universities for international students:

The deadline for February intake in Australia may vary per university and course of admission. Most of the February intake deadlines fall in the middle of February itself or towards the end of the month. Thus, applicants must check for the Australian intake in which their chosen course is offered, as it is possible that courses offered for the July intake may not be offered for the February intake. Hence, one must be doubly sure of the choices they make. 

Do you require admission or application-related assistance? Sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling and request a callback for expert advice. Applicants can also send in their queries in the comments box below. 

Check Points to Consider Before Flying to Australia

• Book airline tickets within time and prepare accordingly.
• Arrange for an international debit or credit card to be used in Australia or at international airports where the applicant will travel.
• Collect all the documents and their photocopies, which you can take along with essential personal items for use.
• Check out the Pre-departure checklist for Australia for international students heading there for their studies. 

Do you have more queries for admissions in Australia? Sign up using this link for free to receive Shiksha Abroad Counselling and request a callback from our counsellors.