An intake is the start date of a new academic term. In Nepal, most colleges admit students once a year. In the USA, universities run three intakes: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Each intake has its own deadlines, course options, and scholarship chances.
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Explore our full Study in USA guide for the complete admissions process, or keep reading to understand which intake fits you best.
Intakes in USA: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Here are the three intakes in USA universities, explained simply:
Fall Intake
Fall is the most popular intake in USA universities. It starts in late August or early September. Most programs, scholarships, and on-campus jobs open up during this intake, which is why the majority of international students, including most Nepali students, apply for it.
Spring Intake
Spring is the second-largest intake in USA universities. It starts in January. If you miss the Fall deadline or need more time to prepare your documents and test scores, Spring is a strong backup. Course options are moderate compared to Fall.
Summer Intake
Summer is the smallest intake, starting in May or June. Fewer programs and fewer scholarships are available. Most students use this intake only when they’ve missed both Fall and Spring, or for short certificate courses.
This table compares all three intakes in USA at a glance (insert as a WPBakery table element):
| Feature | Fall Intake | Spring Intake | Summer Intake |
| Term starts | Late August / early September | January | May / June |
| Typical application window | 8–12 months ahead (roughly Sept–Jan) | May–September | October–February |
| Course availability | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
| Scholarship opportunity | Best chance — most funding released | Fewer than Fall | Very limited |
| Applicant volume | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
Application windows vary by university. Always confirm exact deadlines on the university’s official admissions page.
Intakes in USA from Nepal: What You Should Know
According to the Open Doors 2024/25 report, published by the Institute of International Education and the U.S. Department of State, over 24,000 Nepali students were enrolled in U.S. institutions in 2024/25, making Nepal one of the top source countries for U.S. universities. Most apply for the Fall intake, since it lines up with the end of the Nepali academic year and gives more time for SEE/+2 result processing, English test scores, and visa scheduling.
For students applying to Intakes in USA from Nepal, the biggest bottleneck usually isn’t the university deadline, it’s visa processing time. Start your SEVIS fee payment and visa interview scheduling as soon as your I-20 arrives, since U.S. embassy interview slots in Kathmandu can book out weeks in advance.
How to Choose the Right Intake in USA
Consider these factors before picking an intake in USA:
- Course availability: Fall offers the widest range of programs. Confirm your specific program is open in the intake you’re targeting.
- Academic readiness: You’ll need your +2 or bachelor’s transcripts, plus IELTS, PTE, GRE, or GMAT scores completed.
- Scholarship priority: If funding matters most, Fall intake gives you the best odds.
- Personal timeline: If your documents and test scores are ready now, apply for the nearest Fall intake. If you need more prep time, Spring is a safer target.
- Visa processing window: Fall sees the highest visa interview volume at U.S. embassies. Apply for Spring or Summer if you want a shorter wait for an interview slot.
Which US Universities Accept Which Intake
Here’s a general breakdown of intake availability at well-known U.S. universities. Policies can change each admission cycle, so confirm directly with the university before applying.
| University | Intake |
| Harvard University | Primarily Fall; very limited Spring seats; no Summer admission |
| Stanford University | Primarily Fall; limited Spring seats; no Summer admission |
| MIT | Fall intake only |
| Yale University | Primarily Fall intake |
| University of California system | Fall and Spring intake |
| Georgia Tech | Fall (primary) and Spring; no Summer intake |
| University of Texas | Fall, Spring, and Summer |
| Stony Brook University | Fall, Spring, and Summer |
| University of Arizona | Fall and Spring intake |
| Boston University | Fall and Spring intake |
Documents Required for Intake in USA
Regardless of which intake in USA you choose, most universities ask for the same core documents:
- Academic transcripts (+2, Bachelor’s, Master’s)
- English proficiency test score (IELTS or TOEFL)
- GRE, GMAT, or SAT score, if required
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Resume or CV
- Valid passport
- I-20 form from the admitting university
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
Two fees catch most first-time applicants off guard: the SEVIS I-901 fee, currently $350 for F-1 students, and the DS-160 visa application (MRV) fee, currently $185, per Study in the States. Pay the SEVIS fee at least three business days before your visa interview and keep the receipt; you’ll need it at the embassy.
Frequently Asked Question
How many intakes are there in USA universities?
Most U.S. universities run three intakes: Fall (August/September), Spring (January), and Summer (May/June). Fall offers the most programs and scholarships, while Summer offers the fewest.
Which intake in USA is best for Nepali students?
Fall intake is best for most Nepali students. It aligns with the Nepali academic calendar, offers the widest course selection, and has the most scholarship funding available.
Can Nepali students apply for the Spring intake in USA?
Yes. Spring intake is a strong option if you miss the Fall deadline or need extra time for IELTS, PTE, or document preparation. Course options are more limited than in the Fall.
What is the SEVIS fee for a USA intake?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is currently $350 for F-1 students, paid before your visa interview, per the U.S. Department of State. It’s separate from the $185 DS-160 visa application fee.
How early should I apply for Intakes in USA from Nepal?
Apply 8–12 months before your target intake. This gives enough time for admission decisions, I-20 issuance, SEVIS fee payment, and a U.S. embassy visa interview slot in Kathmandu.
Conclusion
Choosing the right intake in USA can shape your entire study abroad journey. Fall remains the strongest intake for course variety and scholarships, but Spring and Summer are valid options depending on your timeline. What matters most is matching the intake to your readiness, your documents, test scores, and visa timeline, rather than picking based on what’s fastest.
Need help mapping out your Intakes in USA from Nepal application timeline? Book a free consultation with ICCC or browse our free SOP and document checklist resources.
Sources: Open Doors Report Institute of International Education & U.S. Department of State · Study in the States U.S. Department of Homeland Security · U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs