Indian students going for the main October intake in the UK, it's usually called September start too need to get moving early because this is the big one with pretty much every course available. Undergrad, masters, everything kicks off then, but the whole thing starts rolling months before. As education consultants handling tons of UK files from India, we know the steps that keep things straightforward and avoid last-minute panic. Let me take you through it properly.
Get Your Research Done First
Begin with figuring out what you actually want to study and where. October intake has the lot business, engineering, computer science, nursing, psychology, arts, whatever. Make a shortlist of 5-10 universities that match your marks, budget, city preference, and career plans.
Look up entry rules carefully: for undergrad, most want 70-80% in 12th boards, masters around 55-60% in your degree, plus IELTS usually 6.0-7.0 overall. MBAs often ask for 2-3 years work, creative courses need portfolios.
Keep an Eye on Those Deadlines
Undergrad goes through UCAS: Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry, vet science close mid-October 2025. The main equal consideration date is end-January 2026, and you can still apply till June 2026, but earlier is way better for choices.
Masters applications are direct to each uni deadlines scatter from December 2025 right up to summer 2026. Popular courses and top unis fill fast, so don't wait.
Safe play is to Apply for October intake in UK before Deadline 2026 get your stuff in by late 2025 or early 2026 latest, depending on the program, to leave room for offers and visa processing.
Put Together and Send Your Application
For undergrad: UCAS portal opens around May 2025 for registrations, submissions start September 2025. Nail that personal statement, it's huge get a solid reference from school, pay the fee.
Masters: straight on uni websites. Upload marksheets, CV, statement of purpose, references, English test scores.
Sort documents well ahead: passport, academics, IELTS (book the test 3-6 months early because slots vanish).
Hang Tight for Offers and Reply Quick
Offers trickle in over weeks or months could be conditional (hit predicted grades) or unconditional.
Respond fast, especially undergrad where you pick firm and insurance choices.
Once you have an unconditional offer, the uni sends a CAS letter that's your golden ticket for visa.
Sort the Student Visa
With CAS in hand, apply online for a Student route visa up to 6 months before the course starts.
Prove funds: remaining tuition plus living costs (£1,334 per month if London, £1,023 elsewhere, for up to 9 months).
Book appointment at VFS centre in India for biometrics standard processing 3 weeks, but peaks get longer, so don't leave it late.
Pay the visa fee (around £524) and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Last Bits Before You Fly
Book tickets, fix accommodation, uni halls if possible, or private.
Go for any pre-departure sessions.
Arrive a week or two early, October means crisp autumn weather, perfect for settling before classes hit.
Pulling It All Together
October intake gives you the full uni experience proper freshers week, all clubs and societies active, maximum course options. But it's competitive, so starting early makes everything smoother.
If you're confused about which unis suit your profile, how to write SOPs, or checking documents, contact best study in UK consultant in India for proper guidance and shortlisting.
Always verify the latest deadlines, fees, rules on UCAS, uni individual pages, or UKVI site things change a little every year. It's already the end of 2025, but you still have a good amount of time for the 2026 intake, just don't take too long to decide.
