Prep IQ Study Abroad

Intakes & Deadlines

Track application windows with the source, course, intake, timezone and last-checked date visible. A generic season label is not a substitute for a confirmed deadline.

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Detailed guide

What to know and what to do next

Track application windows with the source, course, intake, timezone and last-checked date visible. A generic season label is not a substitute for a confirmed deadline.

Step 1

Distinguish intake from deadline

An intake is a start period; an application deadline is the last time an application is accepted under a particular route. Courses may close early or use separate dates for scholarships, accommodation and visa steps.

Record programme and campus for each date.
Differentiate application, deposit and scholarship deadlines.
Check whether dates apply to domestic or international applicants.

Step 2

Prioritise dates by dependency

Some tasks cannot start until another step is complete, such as receiving an offer or meeting a deposit condition. Work backwards from the course start date and allow time for document preparation and official processing.

Identify the earliest deadline that affects eligibility.
Allow time for test results and document corrections.
Recheck dates before paying application or deposit fees.

Step 3

Keep deadline data trustworthy

Every displayed date should come from the relevant institution or authorised source and have a review timestamp. Expired, unknown or conflicting dates should be labelled instead of silently shown as current.

Save the exact official source URL.
Record the date checked and responsible reviewer.
Set a recheck action when an intake or policy changes.

Step 4

Distinguish every date by what it controls

A course start date, application deadline, scholarship deadline, document deadline, deposit date and visa appointment are different milestones. Build the timeline backward from the intended start while allowing time for documents, test results, references and official decisions. Never copy a deadline from an unrelated course or prior intake.

Label each deadline by purpose.
Record source, time zone and last checked date.
Add reminders before dependent tasks are due.

Step 5

Manage changes and dependencies

Deadlines can move, and some application steps cannot start until another step is complete. Review official updates and institution messages regularly. If a critical date is uncertain, ask the responsible office and document its answer; do not treat a booking request or saved draft as confirmation that a submission has been accepted.

Track dependencies between tasks.
Check official update and correction notices.
Escalate conflicts before the deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Is an intake month the same as an application deadline?

No. The start date and the deadline are different and must be stored separately.

What should I do if two official pages show different dates?

Ask the institution for clarification and avoid presenting either date as confirmed until resolved.

Is a deadline from last year still valid?

No assumption is safe. Verify the current intake date from the institution or official application authority.

What if an official page and an email conflict?

Contact the responsible office with both references and retain the written clarification before acting.

Next step

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