Summer Intake in the USA: 2025

When planning to study in the United States, most international students consider the Fall (August/September) or Spring (January) intakes. However, some U.S. universities also offer a Summer intake (often called the May intake) as an additional start term. This article explains what the summer intake is and addresses common questions – from timelines and admission requirements to pros/cons, universities offering Summer 2025 admissions, visa considerations, and tips for success.

What is the Summer intake in the USA?

The Summer intake in the USA refers to the academic term that begins in May or June, depending on the university. Unlike the Fall (August/September) and Spring (January) intakes, the Summer intake is typically shorter and offers limited course options. Summer is a less common intake for degree programs, but ideal for students looking to gain extra credits, participate in specialized courses, or explore study abroad programs without committing to a full semester or degree program.

A summer term in the U.S. is typically shorter in length (often 8 to 12 weeks) with an accelerated course schedule, meaning material is covered more quickly​.

Benefits of Applying for the Summer Intake

Choosing a summer start can offer several advantages for international students:

• Less Competition & Higher Acceptance Chances: Summer intake tends to have fewer applicants, since most students target fall. This means competition for admission is lower, which can translate into higher acceptance rates. 
• Smaller Class Sizes & More Attention: With a smaller cohort of students on campus, summer classes are often much smaller than the packed lectures of the fall semester. Professors may only have a handful of new students to teach, so you can enjoy more personalized attention and one-on-one time with faculty​.
• Early Access to Internships and Campus Opportunities: By enrolling in summer, you become an active student during a period when many of your peers have not yet arrived. For example, you could qualify for on-campus summer research projects or internships that start in June/July, giving you practical experience early on. 
• Potential Cost Savings: Depending on the program structure, a summer term might carry slightly lower costs. Some universities charge reduced tuition for summer courses or have shorter sessions.
• No worries of student Visa: For part- time studies or short term courses like in the summer intake, you can go with the B- 2 visa or ESTA visa instead of the F1 visa.

Types of programs offered in summer

Because summer admissions are not the norm, it’s useful to understand what kinds of programs are typically available. These include:

• Language and Cultural Programs – For students looking to improve their English skills while exploring American culture.
• STEM and Research Courses – Hands-on training and lab work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• Business and Management Courses – Focus on leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship.
• Arts and Humanities Programs – Covering literature, history, philosophy, and more.
• Internship and Work-Study Programs – Providing real-world experience in industries like tech, finance, and healthcare.

Summer Intake Universities in the USA

University	Courses	Tuition Fees	Deadline
Harvard University	Arts, Writing & Humanities Business & Economics Computer Science, Math & Engineering Foreign Languages Sciences	$3,850- $7,750	June 17, 2025
Stanford University	Natural Sciences Creativity and Design Innovation & Entrepreneurship Math and Data Science Computer Science and Engineering	$1,447 per unit	May 23, 2025
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Economics Health Sciences and Technology Materials Science and Engineering Mathematics Mechanical Engineering	$4,020	Mar 30, 2025
University of California Berkeley	Arts and Literature Biological Science Historical Studies International Studies Philosophy and Values Physical Science Social and Behavioral Science	$615 per unit	Varying (some deadlines stretch till July)
Columbia University	Columbia Writing Academy NYC Computer Summer NYC Residential Summer Online Summer CSPA Journalism Workshop	$999- $3,960	Feb/ Mar, 2025

Eligibility Requirements for Summer Intake

• Undergraduate: Equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma (12 years of schooling) with strong grades. Standardized tests like SAT/ACT (if required)
  Graduate: Recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. GRE/GMAT score (if required).
• Transcripts must meet GPA/course prerequisites
• English Proficiency: TOEFL (min iBT 80), IELTS (min 6.5), or accepted alternatives like Duolingo/PTE.

Documents required

• Official transcripts (in English or translated).
• Test score reports (SAT/ACT, GRE/GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS).
• Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
• Resume/CV (mainly for graduate applicants).
• Passport copy (valid at least 6 months beyond start date).
• Proof of financial support (bank statements/sponsorship letter).
• Application fee ($50–$150) and required photos/forms.
• Portfolio  (if required)

Application Timeline for Summer Intake

Here’s a concise timeline to guide you through the process:​

• August – October:
  Begin researching universities offering summer intake and identify programs aligning with your interests.​
• November– January:
  Prepare for and take standardized tests like SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and English proficiency exams (TOEFL, IELTS) as required.
• December– February:
  Gather necessary documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and financial proofs.
• January– March/ May: (Applications are currently open for 2025 intake)
  Submit applications via university portals or centralized platforms like the Common Application.
• February – April:
  Monitor application portals and emails for admission decisions; respond promptly to any additional information requests.​
• March – May:
  Upon acceptance, proceed with visa applications, arrange housing, and prepare for your move to the USA.​

**Note: Application deadlines vary by university and program. For instance, some universities have deadlines ranging from March to May 2025. Always check specific deadlines for each institution.

Learn about other Intakes in the USA.

Scholarships for Summer Intake Students

• New York University (NYU) Summer Scholarships: NYU provides scholarships for students enrolling in their summer sessions. Details and eligibility criteria can be found on NYU’s official website.
• CIEE Summer Study Abroad Scholarship– The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) offers a variety of scholarships and grants for summer study abroad programs, including merit-based and need-based awards. These scholarships can help offset the cost of summer studies in the USA.
• AAUW International Fellowships-The American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides international fellowships for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the USA. While these fellowships are generally for the academic year, you should verify if funds can be applied to your summer study program. ​
• SIT Study Abroad Scholarships– SIT Study Abroad provides need-based scholarships and grants for international students participating in their summer programs. Average awards range between $500 and $3,000, making summer study more accessible.

Explore more Scholarships to study in the USA.

Conclusion

The summer intake in the USA is an unconventional but valuable pathway for international students. It offers a chance to begin your academic journey in a quieter setting, with potential benefits like easier admissions and closer faculty interaction. By understanding the timeline, preparing thoroughly, and staying proactive, you can turn a summer start into a strong foundation for your entire degree program. 

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