The UK bundles its spring and summer starts into what everyone usually calls the April or May intake, with courses kicking off anytime between April and June. It’s the smaller one compared to September or January, but it’s a handy lifeline for Indian students who missed the earlier deadlines or just need extra time to get things sorted. April and May aren’t worlds apart they overlap quite a bit but some unis tend to start things earlier in April while others go for May. For masters programs, it really boils down to deadlines, what’s available, and how smoothly you settle in.

Application Deadlines and Planning Time

April-start courses generally have deadlines towards the end of 2025 or early 2026. That gives you a few more months to pull documents together, retake tests if you need to, or line up your funds.

Generally, students who seek admission for the April intake in the UK are quicker to get offers, thus having the visa processing done without the last-minute stress that usually accompanies it. Many courses might have cut-offs a little later, but the shorter gap can still feel tight if you’re cutting it close.

Weather and Adjustment on Arrival

If you land in April, you get proper spring weather, milder temps, less rain, longer days, which makes those first weeks a lot easier, especially if you’re coming from India’s heat and not used to UK cold.

May can be hit or miss sometimes warmer, sometimes still unpredictable but April arrivals usually find the shift smoother on the climate front.

Course Availability and Choices

A few universities roll out more masters programs in April, especially foundation or pre-masters pathways if you need that extra support.

Pure May starts tend to be narrower, focusing on specific postgrad options. Things like business, IT, data science, or health show up in both, but April often gives a touch more variety at places like Brunel, Coventry, or Greenwich.

Access to Campus Resources and Events

April starters arrive when the academic year is in full swing career fairs, societies, support services are all peaking.

You can jump into networking from day one. Many arrivals might miss some wrap-up events at the end of the year, though most uni. put on summer orientations to bring everyone up to speed.

Accommodation and Cost Considerations

Both dodge the September madness, so housing is easier and usually cheaper than peak times.

April might have a slight edge with more options still available mid-year. Fees and living costs stay the same whichever you go for.

Visa Processing and Intake Overlap

Visa timelines are pretty similar for both, and you get the off-peak perks over September.

A lot of “April/May” intakes blur the lines; some courses start late April, others early May so always check the exact dates.

Scholarship and Funding Availability

Funding doesn’t change much between April and May, automatic international awards, merit bursaries, or external ones like Chevening cover spring starts.

Strong profiles get looked at the same way. Students planning to apply for may intake in UK 2026 before deadline keep an eye on any uni-specific pots.

Putting It Together

April nudges ahead a bit for the more organized timeline, nicer weather when you get there, and slightly more choice or campus buzz, great if you like getting ahead.

May fits if deadlines were tight or a particular course only runs then. The two aren’t miles apart in quality, what you get at the end, or support.

Neither is clearly “better”, it depends on how ready you are and the exact program. Indian students often apply for April intake admission in UK for that earlier buffer, or apply for may intake in UK 2026 before deadline if it suits better.

Just check university sites carefully for the precise start dates and what’s on offer, as “spring intake” labels can vary. A bit of proper research lines the option up with your timeline and goals, both give valid ways to a UK masters.