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Upcoming US Intakes 2026 for Nepali Students

intakes-usa_2025

Choosing the right intake can make a big difference in your study abroad experience, especially if you are planning to apply to universities in the United States (US). Whether it is about visa processing, course availability, scholarship options, or exposure to the multicultural environment at the international education hub, timing matters more than many students realise.

In the United States of America, universities generally offer three main intake periods—January, May, and September. Each one has its pros and cons, and the best option depends on your academic goals, financial situation, and readiness to move.
Choosing the right intake can shape your academic journey and future career. This guide is specifically designed to help Nepali students understand the upcoming intakes in the USA in 2026, so you can plan your move wisely.

Major Intakes to Study in the USA: January, May & September

Understanding the basics of major USA university intakes in 2026 is key to planning your study abroad timeline. Here's a simple explanation to help you get started.

  • January Intake (Spring Intake): This starts in the early part of the year, perfect if you miss the September intake or need more time to prepare.
  • May Intake (Summer Intake): This is the least common but still offered by some universities, mainly for short-term or specialised programmes.
  • September Intake (Fall Intake): The most popular intake, with a wide range of course options and scholarships available.
A similarity between all the intakes is that all of them require international students to spend 8-10 or a maximum of 12 months to prepare for the admission process to universities. The preparatory timeline includes every step from choosing your course and college, sorting out funds, appearing for standardised exams, arranging documents, applying for the university, and visa filing. Make sure that you have enough time to reapply for the visa in case of rejection.
Whether you are eyeing the Spring, Summer or Fall intake in the USA, knowing the timing and opportunities available in each can help you plan better.

January vs May vs September Intakes in the USA 2026

Each study intake in the USA — Spring, Summer, and Fall — has pros and cons, depending on your goals, availability, and preferences. Here is a comparison of the main USA university intakes in 2026 to help you make an informed decision:

Parameters

Spring Intake (January Intake)

Summer Intake (May Intake)

Fall Intake (September Intake)

Reason to Consider

Ideal for late applicants; fewer students mean more personalised support

Good for short-term courses or language prep

Widest Programme choice; highest scholarships; lots of student activities

Availability of Programmes

Moderate

Limited

Extensive

Classes Begin

Generally, the first week of January

Generally, the first week of May

Generally, the first week of September

Number of Applications / Competitors

Fewer

Very Few

Very High

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Limited but available

Minimal options

Plenty of options

These comparisons can help you decide which USA intake fits your academic and personal timeline best.

Need help with applications to top-tier universities in the USA? AECC offers personalised, one-on-one counselling, profile evaluation, SOP and application support, and visa guidance—designed for students targeting top universities in US. Speak with AECC Nepal today to get started.

Popular US Universities with their Intake Seasons

Many top universities in the US offer admissions to international students in more than one intake season. The application window for high-demand courses offered by such universities generally remains open during the popular intakes, i.e., Fall and Spring, while unconventional courses are generally offered in the Summer intake.

Here's a quick look at their intake schedules in 2026 to help you plan ahead:

Top US Universities Offering Admission in Spring Intake

Top US Universities Offering Admission in Fall Intake

Brown University

CalTech

Case Western Reserve University

Columbia University

Cornell University

George Mason University

Iowa State University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Princeton University

Northeastern University

Stanford University

Purdue University

University of Kansas

Rice University

University of Pennsylvania

University of Arizona

University of South Florida

University of Texas

Yale University

These universities have consistent intakes in the USA for international students, making them some of the top choices for Nepali applicants.

Which US Intake should Nepali Students choose in 2026?

Choosing an intake depends on where you are in your academic and financial planning. For example, if you need more time to appear for standardised exams, prepare for your visa or even save up, an intake that is coming up in the next 8-12 months might suit you better. But if you want more course options and better access to funding, then you should consider applying in the September intake.

Points to consider before deciding:
  • Time needed to prepare for English language tests (like IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT)
  • Visa processing timelines from Nepal as well as identifying your preparedness for the visa interview
  • Availability of your preferred course or major
  • Application deadlines for the chosen course
  • Time required to arrange application documents
  • Chances of receiving scholarships or financial aid
  • Weather conditions and your ability to adapt
As discussed above, the time required to cover all these aspects step by step is generally 8 to 12 months given that you allow nearly 3-4 months for a thorough course, college and scholarship research, 3-4 months for exams, and then about a month for documents arrangement and university application, a few weeks for meeting the requirements of visa filing and interview preparation, and then looking for accommodation, while financial preparation goes simultaneously.

Steps to Apply for USA Intakes

From choosing the intake to flying to your dream university, applying to a US university can be understood in a step-by-step approach. Here is a clear breakdown:

  • Choose your preferred course and university.
  • Identify which intake suits you.
  • Check the official website for course availability and deadlines.
  • Prepare for and take standardised tests (IELTS Academic, TOEFL, SAT, GRE)
  • Collect required documents like transcripts and recommendation letters.
  • Write and finalise your Statement of Purpose (SOP).
  • Apply through the university's online portal.
  • Wait for the offer letter and accept it.
  • Apply for your US student visa (F-1) and appear for the interview.
  • Book your flight and plan your accommodation.
Staying organised and following each step carefully can improve your chances of getting into your preferred university and intake. The earlier you start, the smoother the process will be.

Admission to US Universities: Intake Timelines 2026

Universities have different timelines for each intake which may further vary for specific courses. Missing these could delay your study plans by several months. Check out the:

US Intake 2026

Summer Intake

Spring Intake

Fall Intake 2026

Application Start

October 2025

Generally opens around July/August 2025

Typically opens in late September or October of  2025

Admission Decisions

February 2026

Rolling basis, or by December 2025/January 2026

December 2025 (Early Decision/Action)

March/April 2026 (Regular Decision)

Classes Commence

May 2026

January or February 2026

Late August or early September 2026

Please note that all timelines are based on previous university admission cycles and may vary. To stay updated on the exact deadlines for USA intakes in 2026, regularly check the official websites or get in touch with our counsellors.

Eligibility Criteria for USA Intakes 2026

Universities follow standard eligibility guidelines, but some requirements may vary slightly depending on the course and university. Given below are the general eligibility criteria for USA intakes in 2026:

  • Completion of 10+2 or equivalent (for undergraduate applicants)
  • Bachelor's degree (for postgraduate applicants)
  • English proficiency test scores (IELTS Academic/TOEFL iBT)
  • Standardised test scores (SAT/GRE/GMAT if required)
  • Strong academic transcripts
  • A valid passport and ability to fund your studies
Criteria vary with courses and universities. It is advisable to double-check the exact admission requirements on the official programme page before you apply.

Documents Required for Admission to the USA

The generic list of documents required for admission to the USA remains the same, which includes:

  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • English proficiency test scorecards (IELTS Academic/TOEFL)
  • A valid passport
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Essay
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
  • CV/Resume (for postgraduate applicants)
  • Standardised test scores (SAT/GRE/GMAT)
  • Proof of funds or financial documents
Having these ready in advance helps you meet all deadlines smoothly. It is advisable to cross-check the exact documents required as per the chosen course on the official university website.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Nepali Students

Studying in the US can be expensive, but there are many ways Nepali students can reduce costs through scholarships and financial aid. Some of the popular scholarships, fellowships and awards offered by the US or Nepali government are:

  • Fulbright Foreign Student Programme
  • Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programme
  • Illinois State University International Awards
  • AAUW International Fellowships (for female students)

While these grants can ease your financial stress and help you focus on your studies, it is advised to begin your research early to avoid missing out on US scholarship application deadlines. Thoroughly check the eligibility criteria and the amount for which you are applying to plan your finances accordingly.

Common Myths About USA Intakes

Let's clear up some common myths and misconceptions about the USA intakes for international students. Knowing these facts will help you avoid mistakes and pick the right path:

Myth

Fact

Fall intake is the only good option

Fall has more Programmes, but Spring and Summer are also viable

Fewer intakes mean easier admissions

Competition is still high across all intakes

Scholarships are only for September applicants

Some aid is available for other intakes too

May intake is useless

May is ideal for short or certificate Programmes

You can apply any time

Each intake has strict application deadlines

Choosing the right intake plays a big role in how smoothly your study abroad journey goes. Whether you apply for the Fall, Spring, or Summer intake, understanding your options and timelines is key. Planning early means less stress, better preparation, and more chances to get scholarships or financial aid.

Need help sorting everything out for the Upcoming Intakes in the USA in 2026? AECC Nepal is here to support you through the process, from shortlisting universities to helping with visa applications. Don't wait until the last minute. Book a free consultation today.

USA Intakes 2026 for Nepali Students FAQs

How many student intakes are available in the USA?

The USA offers three major intakes for international students: Spring (January), Summer (May), and Fall (August/September). While Fall is the most common among international students, each intake has its advantages depending on course and university availability.

Which US intake is the best option?

The Fall intake is often considered the best as most universities open a wider range of programmes, offer more scholarships, and host major campus events during this period. It is also when most students begin their academic year. Please note that this intake also comes with a lot of competition due to a higher number of applications.

In which month does the Fall intake begin in the USA?

The Fall intake typically starts in August or September, depending on the US university. It is the primary intake with the highest number of courses and student enrolments. To join the courses beginning in August or September, you must begin your application preparation by the end of the previous year.

What is the acceptable study gap for admission to US universities?

US universities generally accept a study gap of up to 2–5 years in the international student profiles, provided they can justify it with valid reasons such as work experience, additional studies, or personal circumstances. Requirements may vary by university and course.

Is IELTS mandatory for obtaining a USA student visa?

While IELTS is not a mandated visa requirement, most universities will ask for proof of English proficiency, and the same can be provided at the time of visa filing. Popular exams accepted as proof of language proficiency include IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT among others.

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