Upcoming Intakes in Canada for International Students 2025

Universities in Canada conduct admissions in three different cycles known as intakes. This is done to encourage applications from diverse students with different specific needs. Due to this, intakes to study in Canada not only differ in deadlines but also in courses, universities and popularities.

Each intake in Canada corresponds to a separate academic session. You need to be aware of all the components of the application process for each intake to maximise your chances of admission. Understanding this is also important during research when deciding your course and university. In this blog, we dive deep into intakes in Canada, including their deadlines, application process and other details.

Popular Intakes in Canada

Canada has the following three admission intakes:

1. Fall (September) Intake – Fall intake is the first and primary intake of the academic season. It is naturally the most popular with most courses and universities available during this intake but high competition as applications flood popular universities. Applications start as early as December of the previous year.
2. Winter (January) Intake – Winter Intake is the secondary intake of the academic season and primarily serves as a backup for students who missed the Fall Intake deadline. Some students also defer to Winter intake to get more time to prepare their application or if they don’t get a visa in time. Fewer courses are available during this intake, but it is generally better than deferring to the next academic season.
3. Summer (May) Intake – Summer intake is also known as the Spring intake.

A neat summary of this information is given below.

Intake	Popularity	Course	Course Availability	Application Duration
Fall (September)	Very High	UG & PG	Very High	December – March
Winter (January)	Lower than Fall Intake	Selected UG & PG	High	September – November
Summer (May)	Low	Short-term courses	Limited	January – February

Course Availability for Different Intakes in Canada

All the major programs such as MS in Canada, MBA Courses in Canada, etc. are open for admission in the fall intake. Further, the January intake is a supplementary admissions window helping universities to either fill remaining seats or to conduct admissions for certain specialized courses. A few programs may be open for application in both windows though the number of seats may vary. Conversely, due to the relatively lesser number of applications received, applicants may get the benefit of somewhat lesser competition though offers strictly depend on the quality of your application. Then, the summer intake is left for short-term courses, for instance, exchange and summer programs. Before coming to the intakes in Canada, take a look at the following table which enlists the intake for different phases, courses as well as deadlines. 

Intakes in Canada	Course
Fall Intake	All Programmes (Undergraduate and postgraduate in a University)
Winter Intake	Selective Programmes
Spring/Summer Intake	Short Term Programmes like Diploma programs in colleges

Note: Universities may practice flexible deadlines within these intakes. Students are advised to research specific university dates & deadlines before applying!

September Intake in Canada 2024

As the major intake for applying for a university in Canada, the September intake is also referred to as the fall intake and attracts a large number of applications from international students. Beginning in September, its deadlines span across the months of December to March varying as per the university and course. To apply for the September intake in Canada, make sure that you have geared up all the documents at least 3-4 months before the application window opens. These documents include language proficiency test scores as well as admission essays like Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), amongst others. Students mainly get their acceptance letters by April or the following months that after which you can steer towards the student visa application.

• The University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University
• University of Calgary
• University of Ottawa
• Carleton University
• Humber College
• University of Windsor
• Sheridan College
• McMaster University
• Niagara College
• University of Alberta
• University of Waterloo
• Queen’s University
• Ryerson University
• Simon Fraser University
• University of Manitoba

Fall Intake Benefits in Canada

• In the following six months, students have plenty of time and space to acclimatise.
• The students will remain 4-5 months ahead of the applicants for winter admission by enrolling in a programme in this intake. Thus, there will be intense competition.
• These students from the autumn intake have had a lot of exposure to off-campus employment possibilities and internships.

Steps to Study in September Intake in Canada 

Here is an application timetable to give you an idea of what to do and when to complete it if you wish to study in Canada:

Step 1: Shortlist the Universities (February 2024)

• Begin early, and by August, you should have a list of 8-12 colleges to which you will apply. Visit university websites and take note of application criteria, deadlines, and so on.
• By September, you should be aware of bank loan choices and scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies.
• Begin by obtaining admissions brochures from university websites.
• Take help from our Leverage Edu experts for shortlisting best-fit universities, courses, application procedures, and everything else! Call us on 1800572000!

Step 2: Crack the Exams (January 2024 to March 2024)

• Prepare for standardised examinations such as the GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS, depending on the subject and university.
• Enrol in the GMAT/GRE by June-July, or three months before the exam date.
• Register for the TOEFL/IELTS at least one month before the test date.
• Take the needed tests in September, and leave enough time in case you need to repeat the test.
• Enrol in our Leverage Live classes and get exam ready with top-notch experts and mentors! 

Step 3: Submit Your Applications (February 2024 to March 2024)

• Shortlist the universities and be ready to apply. Consider what distinguishes you as a candidate, and sketch out your strengths and self-evaluation.
• For the needed 2-3 reference letters, contact your professors and direct managers at least a month before the deadline for your application.
• Begin writing your SOP and essays. 
• Allow a month to properly structure these documents.
• Apply before the deadline!

Step 4: Wait for Your Acceptance/Offer Letter (April 2024 to May 2024)

• Post submitting your application to various universities, it’s now time to sit and just wait for universities to evaluate your application and revert based on that.
• The universities meanwhile will schedule online interviews and group discussions. Attend personal/video interviews. These are scheduled to take place between January and March.
• When you receive acceptance letters, make your selection as soon as possible.
• Inform the universities of your decision by the deadline.
• To confirm your admission, you must submit a non-refundable deposit.

Step 5: Student Visa and Finances (May 2024 to July 2024)

• Compile your student visa paperwork. You must verify and apply online for the September intake in Canada for a Canada student visa.
• Look and apply for international scholarships in Canada.
• After receiving your offer letter, apply for a student loan (if one is necessary).

Step 6: Get Ready to Fly (July 2024 to August 2024)

• After completing the aforementioned steps, it’s finally time to book your airline tickets and fly to Canada and start your study abroad journey!

January Intake in Canada

Out of the three intakes in Canada, the January intake is the lesser-known of the two. In particular, the January intake consists of many specialized programs as well as a few courses in which seats have not been completely filled. Students must remember that the criteria of eligibility and the procedure of application remain the same in all intakes in Canada. A few of the universities you should consider while applying in the January intake are:

• The University of Toronto
• Carleton University
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University
• University of Ottawa
• Carleton University
• Queen’s University
• Cape Breton University
• Douglas College
• Mount Saint Vincent University
• Fanshawe College
• Centennial College
• Lambton College
• University of Manitoba

Winter Intake Benefits in Canada

• There will be fewer students in the class, allowing you to talk with your professors.
• The applicants will continue to face stiff competition for admission to the best universities, which gives them additional motivation.

Steps to Study in January Intake in Canada 

If you wish to study in Canada and are intending to enrol in January intake 2023, here is the study in Canada timetable for the same:

Step 1: Don’t Waste Any More Time! 

• In Canada, most colleges have a first-come-first-served admission policy for January intake, so you should begin your application process as soon as feasible. 
• Keep in mind the dates for universities in Canada for the January 2024 admission and begin as soon as possible.
• Prior to that, make a list of the colleges and universities in which you are interested. Conduct thorough research on the list of colleges in Canada for January 2024 intake, and then examine what courses in Canada for January 2024 intake best suit your academic and career objectives.
• Each institute will have its own deadlines for the January intake for Canada in 2024, which should be taken into account when making plans.

Step 2: Crack the Exams (July 2023 to August 2023)

• Prepare for tests such as the GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS two months in advance.
• Give the relevant test in accordance with your university’s criteria. necessary tests
• Before enrolling on the institutes, you need to have completed your IELTS/TOEFL exam, depending on the programme and university requirements, by August 2023.
• Keep in mind that the results of the exam will be revealed in around two weeks, and a buffer month should be preserved in case you need to repeat the test due to an unexpected or undesirable outcome.

Step 3: Submit Your Applications (August 2023 to September 2023)

• Look for winter 2023 admission colleges in Canada and shortlist those before the individual institutes’ deadlines. 
• Finalize your application. The application should show you as a distinct individual while emphasising your skills.
• For reference letters, contact your managers and instructors. Start working on your SOP. All of these paperwork steps should begin at least a month before the application’s deadline date.
• Most January entry colleges in Canada 2024 will have a September deadline. Some may go as late as mid-November, but you should always check the universities’ deadlines for January 2024 on their websites. 
• Remember to apply before the deadline.

Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews (September 2023 to October 2023)

• Colleges will contact you through email once you have applied for the courses. Respond to them as soon as possible. If necessary, appear for personal or video interviews.
• Make a timely choice if you get admitted to a college/university. Respond to them as soon as you have made your decision. Some of them operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not wait until the January admissions deadlines in Canada to respond.
• When you confirm your acceptance to a college/university, you will be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit.

Step 5: Apply for Student Visa / Education Loan (October 2023 to November 2023)

• Apply for a student loan as soon as you receive your admission letter. Some processes take time, and a candidate should always keep this in mind while preparing their schedule.
• Keep track of all the documentation you’ll need for your student visa. Apply for a student visa to Canada as soon as possible. The visa application process will also take some time.
• Apply for an external scholarship, if eligible, as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from the college/university.

Step 6: Get Ready to Fly (November 2023 to December 2023)

• You’re almost ready to take off! Purchase plane tickets. Most sessions for the courses will begin in early January, therefore it is best to arrive in Canada by December and seek housing on or off campus.
• Gather all essential paperwork and photocopies before travelling.
• Before you go, ensure sure you have an international credit or debit card and that you have checked every box on your pre-departure checklist. Prepare to begin your studies in Canada in 2024.

May Intake in Canada 2024

The summer intake begins in the month of April/May and is the least popular intake amongst international students. Most universities offer short-term courses, diploma courses and limited full-time courses during this intake as the number of applicants is less. Summer intake is a special intake that allows international students to catch up with their peers during the summer break. This intake is ideal for all international students whose admissions were deferred either due to delayed results or personal reasons. Here are some colleges and universities in Canada for May 2024:

• Algonquin College
• Seneca College
• Centennial College
• University of Fraser Valley
• Vancouver Community College
• Northern College
• University of Waterloo
• Ryerson University

May Intake Benefits

• The best thing about this season, after a tough winter, is its nice climate.
• The second option is to enrol in a few worthwhile short-term courses while using the interim to apply to full-time programmes for the next intake. You will now have even another choice for your subsequent move in your higher education or job.

For students who have applied under the January intakes in Canada, result notifications are generally released within one and a half to three months.

Pros and Cons of Different Intakes

Intake	Popularity	Pros	Cons
Fall Intake	Highly Popular	Good weather Enough time to familiarize yourself with the environment A head start of 4-5 months for applications Apply for major courses Great funding and scholarship opportunities	Intense Competition A lot of applicants apply during this time
Winter Intake	Popular	Gives you time to prepare for the study permit and visa More time to prepare for the university application	Harsh Canadian winters Less international applicants  Limited courses available
Summer Intake	Least Popular	Least intense competition Better chances of getting the offer	Only Short-terms courses are available Not a mandatory semester Offered by very few universities Students prefer taking a spring break

Deadlines for All the Intakes

When applying for any intake, it is important to check the deadlines for each university and the course. While every school has a different deadline, these deadlines are defined at least a year prior to the date so you have enough time to prepare.

Here are the general guidelines and deadlines for all the intakes:

Intake	Deadline
Fall Intake	Between December and March
Winter Intake	Between September and November
Summer Intake	February

Deadlines for Diploma Candidates for Different Intakes in Canada

There are different deadlines for diploma candidates for different intakes in Canada. These deadlines vary among universities and colleges. They are listed below:

Intake	University Deadline	College Deadline
Fall Intake	Between December and March of the previous year	Between February and April of the same year
Winter Intake	Between September and November of the previous year	Between August and September of the previous year
Summer Intake	February of the same year	Between January and February of the same year

Deadlines for Each Course

Deadlines also depend a lot on the type, of course, you are studying. Here are some of the top courses and their intakes. 

Course	Intakes
UG	Fall Intake Winter Intake
PG	Fall Intake Winter Intake
MBA	Round 1 in Fall Intake Round 2 in Winter Intake Round 3 in Summer Intake

MBA Intakes in Canada

MBA is an extremely popular programme in Canada. Thousands of international students apply to study business management and its various specialisations in the country. Many universities offer September and January intake for this programme. The former is the preferred intake for both international students as well as the top universities like the University of Toronto, McGill, British Columbia, York University and Queen’s University. 

Click here to know more about the January intake in Canada for MBA!

Which Intake in Canada to Choose?

A huge majority of applicants oscillate between the September & January intakes in Canada and choose which one is best for them. While the process of admission itself is not so long, the whole exercise of applying for a university is a tedious process starting from the universities you wish to apply to, researching courses, their eligibility criteria, giving exams to the right when you arrive at the university campus. Even then, you will be required to submit original hard copies of your uploaded documents. So, many universities advise students to start this process as early as possible. However, it also depends on the suitability of the candidate as well as which window is right according to their chosen course and university. If you are sure enough, apply soon and you will hopefully receive your admit notification earlier to pursue higher studies in Canada.

Documents Required

The admission procedure particularly comprises SAT/GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL scores, Statement of Purpose (SOP), and Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and may also include an optional funding essay and research proposal. Along with these aforementioned essentials, the documents you will majorly require are- 

• Transcripts of 10th and 12th and degree courses 
• CV/ Resume
• Photocopy of Passport
• Extra-curricular certificates 
• 2 passport-size photographs

Scholarships for Jan (Winter) Intake 2024 [Open Now]

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto
• Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
• Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia
• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
• Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence
• International Undergraduate Student Bursary at the University of Manitoba
• Humber International Entrance Scholarships
• UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships for Developing Country Students
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

FAQs

The January 2024 intake in Canada is open for international students NOW! Apply today with our Leverage Edu expert and we’ll help you sort out the complex application procedure to help you make your dream a reality! Call us on 1800572000 and start your study abroad journey with us!