📅 Study Abroad Intake Planner
Pick your country and intake (Fall 2027, January 2027 and more) and get a month-by-month countdown: tests, applications, deposits, funds, visa and arrival, with what you should already have done.
Key visa timing rules
| Country | Earliest visa application | Earliest arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK | Up to 6 months before the course starts | 1 month before (courses over 6 months) |
| 🇺🇸 USA | Visa can be issued up to 365 days before the program | 30 days before the program start |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | Up to 5 months before the course starts | Before the course start date |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Once you have your CoE | Usually up to 90 days before the course |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Once you have your LOA (and PAL if needed) | No fixed limit; arrive before your program starts |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Once you have admission and funds; book the appointment early | Register your address within 2 weeks of moving in |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start preparing for a Fall 2027 intake?
About 15 months ahead (around May–June for an August or September start the following year). If you are starting later than that, prioritise your English test and applications now. Shortlist first, take your English test about a year before, and apply 8–10 months before for the US and Canada or 6–9 months before for the UK and Australia.
How early can I apply for a student visa?
UK: up to 6 months before your course starts. US: the F-1 can be issued up to 365 days before your program, but you can enter only 30 days before. Ireland: up to 5 months before your course. Canada, Australia and New Zealand: apply as soon as you have your acceptance documents (LOA and PAL, CoE, or offer).
When should I start the UK 28-day funds clock?
The money must be held for 28 consecutive days, and that period must end no more than 31 days before you apply. Start about 2 months before your planned visa application date to be safe.
What are the German application deadlines?
Typically 15 July for the winter semester (October) and 15 January for the summer semester (April), but many master's programs close earlier. Get your APS certificate first, and uni-assist advises applying at least 8 weeks before the deadline.
Is it too late to apply if I am 4 months from the intake?
Often yes for the US, Canada and Germany, where applications and visas take longer. For UK and Australian courses with rolling admissions it can still work if seats are open and you can meet the visa and funds rules quickly. Otherwise aim for the next intake.
Sources
Figures on this page were checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official site before you apply.