When Do September Intake Classes Begin in the UK?
September intake classes in the UK usually begin between mid-September and early October, with most universities starting in the third or fourth week of September. Some institutions, particularly those running foundation or pre-sessional programmes, may bring students in as early as late August for preparation weeks before the main term starts.
Most universities hold orientation and welcome events in the days before lectures begin, which gives new international students time to register, find their way around campus, and meet other students before the academic workload kicks in.
Short Note:
Nigerian students should plan to arrive at least one week before the course start date to sort out accommodation, register with a GP, open a bank account, and settle in without rushing.
What Is the CAS Deadline for the UK September Intake?
For the September entry, the CAS is generally given between May and August, after a student has accepted their offer, met all academic conditions, and paid the required tuition deposit.
This gives Nigerian students a reasonable time to get the visa process moving, but it still requires everything else to be ready the moment the CAS arrives.
Once the CAS is received, the student visa application goes in immediately. Nigerian students must also book a TB test at an IOM-approved clinic before the application can be submitted, and standard visa processing takes three to four weeks.
Short Note:
Applying for the visa between May and June, rather than waiting until July or August, is strongly recommended, as the July to August period is the busiest time for UK visa applications and processing times can be extended.
