Should I study my Master’s in the UK in January 2026 – and what scholarships are available?

Written By Paul Hebron
Image of the word January, the next intake for international students after September.

As the September 2025 intake approaches, many international students are preparing to begin their Master’s degree in the UK. But what if you’re not quite ready in time? Whether it’s due to visa delays, final results, or simply needing more time to plan, starting your postgraduate degree in January 2026 could be a perfect alternative.

Why choose a January intake for a Master’s in the UK?

More UK universities now offer a January intake for international students, providing greater flexibility for postgraduate study. This alternative start date is ideal if:

  • You missed the September 2025 intake.

  • You're waiting on final exam results or English language test scores.

  • You need additional time to arrange funding, visas, or accommodation.

A January-start Master’s programme allows you to avoid a full year’s delay and still begin your studies within the 2025–26 academic year. Over half of UK universities now offer January starts, and some have even introduced a third Spring intake in response to global demand.

While January intakes are slightly smaller, they often include a university’s most popular postgraduate courses – particularly in areas like business, computing, engineering, and education. However, courses requiring lab access, such as medicine and biomedical sciences, are less commonly available with a January start.

Can I defer my offer and scholarship from September to January?

If you’ve received an offer to study in September 2025 – particularly with a UK university scholarship – and are considering deferring until January 2026, it’s essential to check with your university.

Although January 2026 falls within the same academic year, not all scholarships are transferable across intakes. Some scholarships are limited to specific start dates or may be awarded on a competitive basis for each cohort. Be sure to:

  • Read the terms and conditions of your award.

  • Contact the admissions or international office for confirmation.

  • Understand any implications for tuition fee payments, visa timelines, or accommodation.

Remember, universities often prioritise filling places for the immediate intake, so they may not actively promote deferrals – but it’s still worth asking if January is a better option for you.

What scholarships are available for January 2026?

For the January 2025 intake, Scholarship Scanner identified 67 UK universities offering scholarships for international students. Based on this, we expect a similar number of institutions to provide a wide range of funding opportunities for those planning to start their Master’s in January 2026.

Many universities have already started to confirm which Master’s courses will be available for a January 2026 start, and some are now publishing details of their scholarships for international students.

Common types of funding include:

  • Automatic tuition fee discounts for eligible international students.

  • Merit-based scholarships for academic achievement or relevant experience.

  • Country-specific bursaries for applicants from selected regions.

  • Alumni discounts for previous graduates of the same institution.

At Scholarship Scanner, we are tracking all the latest updates on January 2026 Master’s scholarships in the UK. As more universities confirm their courses and funding opportunities, our Scholarship Directory will be updated regularly to help you find the right match.

Summary: Is January 2026 right for you?

Choosing to study your Master’s degree in the UK from January 2026 gives you flexibility and a second chance if you’ve missed the September start. While not all courses or scholarships will be available, a growing number of UK universities now cater to this alternative intake.

Key points to remember:

  • January intakes are ideal if you're not ready for September.

  • Many popular postgraduate courses are available in January.

  • Scholarships may be transferable – but always check with the university.

  • New scholarship opportunities are now being announced for January 2026.

We understand the challenges that international students face when applying to UK universities. Scholarship Scanner provides expert advice on applying to UK universities, and our scholarship blog shares latest updates on UK university funding opportunities. Our website can also help you to start your UK scholarship search and find the best financial support for your studies.