USA Intakes 2026 for Bangladeshi Students: January, May & September
The USA has three main academic intakes: Fall, Spring, and Summer. The Fall intake (starting around August/September) is the most popular and offers the widest range of courses and opportunities. The Spring intake begins in January and is less competitive than the Fall session, while a limited number of universities offer the Summer intake (starting around May) for specific programs.
This guide outlines the most important university admissions and deadlines in the USA for 2026, explains the visa process, and highlights scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students.
How Many Intakes Are There at US Universities?
US universities primarily offer three main intakes: Fall (September), Spring (January), and Summer (May). The Fall intake is the most popular and offers the widest course selection. At the same time, Spring is a good option if you miss the Fall intake, and Summer is available for a limited number of courses at certain institutions. Let’s explore the comparison among all the USA intakes.
Intake Session | Start Month | Popularity & Availability | Who Should Apply? |
Fall | September | High (Most popular) | Students aim for top scholarships, a wide variety of courses, and a standard academic start. |
Spring | January | Medium | Students who missed the fall deadlines or require additional time for language/test preparation are eligible. |
Summer | May | Low | Students are pursuing short courses, specific programs, or accelerated degrees. |
Understanding US education intakes helps you time your application strategically. The primary comparison is between fall and spring intakes.
Fall (September) Intake in the USA
The Fall (September) Intake in the USA is the main academic term for universities, typically starting in late August or early September and running through December.
Approximately 80% of all international students begin their studies through the Fall intake, and almost all fully funded scholarships in the USA for Bangladeshi students are awarded during this cycle.
Advantages of the USA Fall Intake
The main advantages of the USA Fall intake are the widest selection of courses and universities, more scholarships and funding opportunities, and a better alignment with internship and job offerings. Let’s explore the benefits of the Fall intake in the USA.
- Quick transition for recent graduates: The fall intake is often a natural transition for students who graduate from high school or undergraduate programs in the spring or summer session.
- Enough preparation time: Application deadlines for fall intake admission are usually between November and February of the previous year, giving applicants ample time to prepare for tests, gather documents, and write essays.
- Better networking: A large student gathering in the fall provides more opportunities to network and build connections with peers and faculty.
- Increased scholarship opportunities: A huge number of scholarships is allocated to fall applicants, making it a better time to apply for financial aid.
Disadvantages of Fall Intake in the USA
The main disadvantages of a fall intake in the USA are higher competition for admission and scholarships due to more applicants. The earlier application deadlines leave less time to prepare for standardised tests and applications. Let’s explore some other disadvantages of the USA Fall intake.
- High competition: Fall is the most popular intake, and almost 80% of applications are submitted through this intake, which increases competition for admission and scholarships.
- Early deadlines: Application deadlines for the fall intake often occur between December and March of the previous year, leaving less time to prepare for entrance exams like GMAT, GRE, etc.
- Job and internship competition: More applicants in the fall can lead to more competition for on-campus jobs and internships compared to other intakes in the USA.
Popular Universities for the Fall Intake in the USA
Popular universities for the fall intake in the USA include MIT, Harvard University, and Stanford University, which are frequently ranked among the top universities globally. Let’s explore the most popular USA universities for Fall intake 2026.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- Princeton University
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Yale University
- Columbia University
- University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania
Most Demanding Courses in the USA for Fall Intake
The most demanding courses for Fall intake in the USA include computer science and IT, engineering, business, data science, and medicine/pharmacy. These fields consistently show high demand and are popular choices for both undergraduate and graduate students. Let’s have a look at the popular courses in the USA for the Fall intake.
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Data Science
- Social science
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Nursing
Application Timeline for the Fall intake in the USA
The application timeline for the Fall intake in the USA typically starts in the previous year, from September to December, with the application period ending between December and March. Let’s check the actual timeline for the USA Fall intake Admission from Bangladesh.
Timeline | Activities |
February–March (of the previous year) | Start preparing for the entrance exam (e.g., GRE, TOEFL) and start networking. |
April–June | Take the required tests like IELTS, PTE or Duolingo and finalise your shortlist of universities |
July–September | Gather all necessary documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose |
October–December | Submit applications, especially to meet early action deadlines. |
January–March | Submit applications for Regular Decision deadlines and continue monitoring university websites |
March onwards | Receive acceptance letters and review admission offers |
After acceptance | Accept an offer, pay the deposit to secure your seat, and apply for your student visa. |
Spring (January) Intake In the USA
The Spring intake in the USA is the second major admission period for universities, with classes typically running from January to May. It’s a second opportunity for students who missed the primary Fall intake to begin their studies, though the number of available courses and scholarship slots may be smaller compared to the Fall semester.
Advantages of Spring Intake in the USA
The advantages of a spring intake in the USA include lower competition for admissions, which increases your chances of acceptance. It also provides more time to prepare your application, research universities, and prepare the necessary documents.
- Lower competition: Fewer students apply for the spring intake, meaning there are more spots available in programs and less competition for admission.
- More time to prepare: You have additional months to improve standardised test scores, write compelling essays, and gather all required documents like letters of recommendation and transcripts.
- Faster admission decisions: Admission decisions are sometimes released in a shorter time frame compared to the fall intake.
Disadvantages of USA Spring Intake
The main disadvantages of a USA spring intake include fewer programs and universities, limited internship and on-campus job opportunities and potentially more competitive admissions for popular courses.
- Students must complete nine months of study before becoming eligible for internships through Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
- This can be a disadvantage for spring admission, as they may not be eligible for internships during the summer after their first semester, when many internships are offered.
- Funding opportunities like graduate assistantships are more abundant in the fall when new positions are often created.
Popular Universities for Spring Intake in the USA
Popular universities with a spring intake in the USA include Cornell, Stanford, Yale, MIT, and Harvard, along with public universities like the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Florida. Let’s explore the popular universities for Spring intake in the USA.
- Cornell University
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- Harvard University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- University of Florida
- Texas A&M University
Demanding Courses for Spring Admission in the USA
Demanding courses for spring admission in the USA include Computer Science, Data Science, and engineering fields like Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil. Other popular and in-demand options are Business Administration and Healthcare. Let’s explore some demanding courses for Spring admission in the USA.
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Data Science and Business Analytics
- Engineering
- Financial Engineering
- Quantitative Finance
Application Timeline for USA Spring Intake
The application timeline for a US Spring intake typically runs from July to December of the previous year, with the class starting in January. Key steps include researching universities and programs, taking standardised and English proficiency tests, submitting applications, and then securing your visa. Let’s explore the Spring admission timeline in the USA.
Timeline | Activities |
July–August 2025 | Shortlist universities and programs, check admission requirements, and note deadlines |
September–October 2025 | Take standardised tests (GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT) and English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS) |
October–November 2025 | Submit applications; applying early often increases admission chances. Look for scholarships and begin tracking replies from universities |
November–December 2025 | Accept or defer any offers received and begin the student visa application process |
December 2025 | Prepare for and attend your visa interview. Start making arrangements for accommodation and other legal formalities |
January 2026 | Book your flight and prepare for your departure to the US |
Summer (May) Intake in the USA
The May or summer intake in the USA generally starts in May and ends in August, offering a shorter, less competitive academic term with fewer programs compared to fall and spring. It is a good option for students who want to start their studies sooner and graduate faster, or those who missed earlier intakes and want to avoid waiting a full year.
Advantages of Summer Intake in the USA
The main advantages of a summer or May intake in the USA include less competition for admission, smaller class sizes leading to more personalised attention, faster degree completion by getting ahead on credits, and the opportunity for internships or specialised courses. Let’s explore the advantages of the Summer intake in the USA.
- Faster graduation: You can get a quick start on your studies, potentially finishing your degree sooner.
- Unique courses and flexibility: Some specialised courses are only offered during the summer.
- Improved GPA: Taking classes in the summer can help raise your overall CumulativeGrade Point Average (CGPA).
Disadvantages of Summer Intake in the USA
The main disadvantages of a summer intake in the USA include a limited number of available courses, fewer scholarship opportunities, and limited on-campus accommodation and social events due to a smaller student body.
- Limited housing and social life: On-campus accommodation is less available, and fewer students mean limited social opportunities and a feeling of isolation.
- Potential for logistical issues: If you continue into the summer semester, you may need to arrange new accommodations twice.
- Less common for full programs: Summer intake often focuses on short-term, accelerated programs rather than full academic degrees, although some institutions do offer full programs.
Popular Universities for USA Summer Intake
The Summer intake in the USA is less common, so fewer universities offer admission programs through this intake. Let’s explore the popular universities for the SA Summer intake.
- Stanford University
- Boston University
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of California, Berkeley
- Columbia University
- Princeton University
- University of California, Riverside
- University of Southern California
Demanding Courses in the USA for Summer Intake
Some demanding study fields for May admission in the USA include Engineering, Business and IT. Let’s explore demanding courses in the USA for the Summer intake.
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Data Science and Business Analytics
- Business and Management
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
Application Timeline for the Summer Intake in the USA
The application timeline for the Summer Intake in the USA is generally from January to March, with the intake period itself starting in May. Let’s explore the key dates for Summer intake admission in the USA.
Timeline | Activities |
April – August 2024 | Research universities, application deadlines, and scholarship opportunities. |
September – November 2024 | Take English proficiency tests (like TOEFL or IELTS) and prepare for the student visa requirements. |
November 2024 – January 2025 | Submit applications to universities, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Apply for scholarships if available. |
February – March 2025 | Receive admission offers. Confirm your enrolment and arrange financial documents. |
April – May 2025 | Apply for the US student visa (e.g., F-1 visa), finalise accommodation, and book flight tickets. |
May – June 2025 | Classes begin, and you will likely attend an orientation session. |
USA University Application Process & Timeline
The journey from research to flying out is precise. Follow this application timeline for US universities to stay on track:
- Research (12-18 months out): Select courses and universities.
- Exams (10-14 months out): Complete IELTS/TOEFL and GRE/GMAT.
- Application (6-12 months out): Submit your USA university application before the USA university application deadlines.
- Acceptance & I-20: Receive your Letter of Acceptance and the essential I-20 form from a USA university.
- Visa Preparation (3-6 months out): Pay the SEVIS fee for a USA student visa, complete the DS-160 form for a USA student visa, and prepare for the interview.
Admission Requirements for USA Universities
Meeting the admission requirements for USA universities requires strong academics and clear English proficiency.
Level | Academic Requirement | English Proficiency (Key Exams) | Other Tests |
Bachelor’s | High school/HSC (GPA/CGPA) | IELTS (6.0-6.5) or TOEFL (70-90) | SAT/ACT (optional for some) |
Master’s | Bachelor’s degree (CGPA 3.0+) | IELTS (6.5-7.5) or TOEFL (80-100+) | GRE/GMAT (Program-dependent) |
USA Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students
Don’t let the USA tuition fees for international students scare you. The USA is the land of opportunity, which includes financial aid.
The vast majority of USA scholarship opportunities for 2026 are merit-based and available for the fall intake. Your financial requirements for a US student visa will be significantly reduced if you secure a scholarship, which can range from a small fee waiver to fully funded scholarships in the USA for Bangladeshi students.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs for International Students
The cost of studying in the USA in Bangladesh varies greatly by institution type.
Institution Type | Estimated Annual Tuition (USD) | Estimated Annual Living Costs (USD) |
Public University | $18,000 – $35,000 | $12,000 – $20,000 |
Private University | $30,000 – $50,000+ | $12,000 – $20,000 |
Low-cost universities in the USA | $10,000 – $18,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 (often in smaller cities) |
The total cost in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) can vary significantly depending on the current exchange rate, so it is advisable to budget between $30,000 and $50,000 (approximately 33 Lakh to 55 Lakh BDT) annually, all-inclusive, before accounting for scholarships.
Post-Study Work & Career Opportunities in the USA
Studying in the US is an investment, and the returns are excellent. Here are the post-study and career opportunities for all intakes in the USA.
- On-Campus Jobs for International Students: Permitted for up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
- Practical Training: Utilise OPT and CPT in the USA for authorised, degree-related work experience during and after your studies.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities in the USA: After graduation, you are typically eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), extended to 24 months for STEM fields.
- H1-B Visa: OPT provides a pathway to the H1-B visa after study in the USA, a crucial step toward long-term employment.
Estimated Expenses for Studying in the USA
Studying in the USA is not budget-friendly, but strategic planning can reduce your expenses. Let’s explore the overall expenses for studying in the USA.
Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Annual Tuition & Fees | $15,000 – $50,000 |
Annual Living Costs (Rent, Food, etc.) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
SEVIS Fee & Visa Application | $510 + $185 = $695 |
IELTS/TOEFL Exam Fees | $200 – $275 |
Health Insurance (Mandatory) | $1,500 – $3,000/year |
Budgeting effectively for the cost of studying in the USA in Bangladesh starts with securing your I-20 early.
Are you prepared to secure your spot for the 2026 academic year?
Would you like us to find the specific application deadlines for the top five most popular US universities among Bangladeshi students for the Fall 2026 intake?
Navigating the US college admissions process can be challenging for international students. AIMS Education, a reputable US education consultancy in Bangladesh, has the expertise and experience to make the process more manageable. We specialize in matching students with suitable US universities based on deadlines and admission criteria. Here is what kind of help you’ll get from AIMS Education.
- We match you with the ideal US university intakes and deadlines.
- We guide your USA university application to make it stand out.
- We help maximize your chances of receiving scholarship opportunities in the USA.
- We provide expert assistance with visa documentation and conduct mock interview sessions to help you prepare effectively.
Prepared to start your higher education journey in the USA for the upcoming intake? You can book your session with AIMS Education, and one of our education experts will contact you within 24 hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Intake in the USA
How many intakes are there in the USA?
There are typically three admission intakes in the USA: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Which intake is best for the USA?
The best intake for the USA is generally the Fall intake, because it aligns with the academic year and offers the widest selection of courses, scholarships, and on-campus job prospects.
Which month is the spring intake in the USA?
The spring intake in the USA typically starts in January and runs through May.
Is the spring intake good in the USA?
Yes, the spring intake can be good in the USA, offering advantages like less competition, more time for preparation, and a smoother adjustment period
When to apply for fall 2026 in the USA?
The application period for the Fall 2026 intake is over for most universities, as deadlines typically range from November 2025 to March 2026
Which month is the summer intake in the USA?
The summer intake in the USA usually starts in May and lasts until August.
