ApplyBoard

Students: How to Find Programs by Start Date on ApplyBoard

Author ApplyBoard |
Listen to article

Choosing when to start your international education journey is just as important as choosing where to go. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional Fall start, a mid-year Winter intake, or a flexible Spring/Summer session, aligning your application with the right timeline is key to a stress-free transition.

With the ApplyBoard Search tool, you don't have to guess which programs are open. You can filter thousands of options by their specific start dates in seconds, ensuring your study abroad plans stay right on track.

A smiling student with glasses using a smartphone, surrounded by a pink world map and floating circular profile photos of diverse international students connected by dashed lines.

Understanding Global Intakes

It’s important to remember that academic calendars vary significantly depending on your destination country. For example:

  • Canada and the USA: The primary intake is September (Fall), with secondary options in January (Winter) and May (Spring).

  • Australia: Because the seasons are reversed, the academic year typically begins in February, with a second major intake in July.

  • United Kingdom: Most programs begin in September/October, though many postgraduate programs now offer January starts.

Step-by-Step: How to Filter by Start Date

Ready to find your perfect match? Follow these simple steps to filter programs by intake:

  1. Log In: Sign in to your ApplyBoard account.

  2. Open Search: From the left-hand menu, select Search to open the search page.

  3. Open the Start Date Filter: Look for the "Start Date" dropdown menu in the top search bar (next to Field of Study).

  4. Select Your Year and Month: * Use the left and right arrows to toggle between calendar years (e.g., 2026, 2027).

    • Click on the specific month(s) you wish to start your studies. Selected months will be highlighted.

  5. Apply and Search: Click the Search (magnifying glass) button to refresh your results and see programs that fit your specific timeline.

A screenshot of the ApplyBoard program search interface showing the Start Date filter open with September 2026 selected in a calendar-style layout above a grid of university program results.

  ApplyBoard Tip: Popular programs for the September intake can fill up 8–10 months in advance. We recommend filtering for your desired intake early to ensure you meet all visa and admission deadlines!

Find the Perfect Intake for Your Goals

Don't miss out on your preferred start date! Log in to your account or create a new profile to filter thousands of programs by their exact start dates and stay ahead of application deadlines.