Updated: 8 September 2026 · SpecTa Education
When should you start applying for the February or September 2027 intake in Australia and the UK?
For the February 2027 intake in Australia, start preparing documents from early 2026 and submit university applications around February–August 2026; the Subclass 500 visa now requires proof of funds of AUD 29,710 per year and IELTS 6.0. For the September 2027 intake in the UK, apply via UCAS September 2026–January 2027, then apply for a student visa after receiving your CAS. Prepare for IELTS 2–4 months beforehand.
Use 2026 as your preparation year for both 2027 intakes; university applications come first, then visa applications after you receive an offer.
Key facts
| Visa application charge Australia Subclass 500 | AUD 2,000 per primary applicant (2026, raised from AUD 1,600) |
|---|---|
| Minimum living costs for Australia visa | AUD 29,710 per year (Outside tuition and travel; higher if bringing dependants) |
| Minimum IELTS for Australia visa | 6.0 overall (Previously 5.5; universities usually 6.0–7.0+) |
| Australia tuition | AUD 20,000–45,000 per year (Total 3-year bachelor's around AUD 120,000–200,000) |
| UK tuition | GBP 15,000–35,000 per year (London living costs higher) |
| UK Graduate Route | 2 years (3 for PhD) (Post-study work permission) |
| IELTS preparation time 5.5→6.5 | 2–4 months (Estimate for majority of Indonesian learners) |
Australia February 2027 intake: application window
Most Australian universities have a main February intake. For February 2027, submit university applications around February–August 2026; earlier is better for competitive courses and scholarships. After receiving an offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), apply for the Subclass 500 student visa.
- Start collecting academic transcripts and passport in early 2026.
- Check university-specific deadlines; medicine and law often close earlier.
- Visa processing can take several weeks to months, so apply as soon as you have your CoE.
UK September 2027 intake: UCAS and visa timeline
Apply through UCAS from early September 2026 until the January 2027 equal-consideration deadline. Some courses and universities accept later applications, but popular choices may close. After you accept an unconditional offer and pay any required deposit, the university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS); use the CAS to apply for a Student visa. The Graduate Route offers 2 years of post-study work (3 for PhD).
2026 visa and evidence changes for Indonesian applicants
For Australia, Indonesia moved from Level 1 to Level 2 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework in 2026. This means most applicants must now provide financial evidence and a valid English test result. The Subclass 500 visa application charge is AUD 2,000 per primary applicant (up from AUD 1,600). Minimum living-cost evidence is AUD 29,710 per year, plus tuition and travel. Minimum IELTS is 6.0 overall (previously 5.5).
- Genuine Student (GS) requirement: answer targeted questions about course choice and ties to Indonesia.
- Financial evidence: cash, loan, or scholarship evidence.
IELTS preparation timeline
Prepare for IELTS 2–4 months before your application deadlines if you need to move from 5.5 to 6.5. Universities require Academic IELTS; Australia's visa minimum is 6.0 overall, and UK universities typically require 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate and 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate. Book a test date with enough time for a possible retake.
Scholarships and next steps
LPDP, Australia Awards and Chevening deadlines change annually, so align scholarship applications with university applications. Full scholarships exist for some destinations, but funding is competitive. A free consultation can help you build a personal timeline.
Key takeaways
- Start IELTS and document preparation at least 9–12 months before the 2027 intake.
- Australia Feb 2027: apply to universities around February–August 2026; UK Sep 2027: UCAS September 2026–January 2027.
- Australia visa now requires AUD 29,710/year proof of funds and IELTS 6.0 because Indonesia is Level 2.
- UK offers Graduate Route 2 years after graduation (3 for PhD).
- SpecTa free consultation helps you build a personal timeline and scholarship strategy.
Related questions
Can I apply after the UCAS January deadline?
Many UK universities still accept international applications after January, but popular courses may close. UCAS Extra and Clearing provide later options.
What is a CAS and when do I get it?
A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is issued by the university after you accept an unconditional offer and pay any required deposit. You need it before applying for the UK Student visa.
Do I need IELTS before applying to universities?
Not always. You can apply with predicted grades and take IELTS later, but Australia's visa now requires a valid English result at visa stage, and UK universities may make offers conditional on IELTS.
How long does the Australian student visa take?
Processing times vary, but applying as soon as you receive your CoE is recommended. Budget at least 2–3 months to be safe.
What if my IELTS is 5.5?
You need at least 6.0 overall for the Australia visa, and UK universities usually require 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate. Allow 2–4 months of focused preparation to move from 5.5 to 6.5.
Sources
- Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500)
- UK Government – Student visa
- IELTS – Official Website
- UCAS – Official Website
- LPDP – Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan
- Australia Awards Indonesia
Book a free 20-minute consultation to map your Australia or UK 2027 application timeline.