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As one of the most popular study abroad destinations, Canadian universities provide more than one intake/admission option to those interested in pursuing higher education in the country. Unlike Indian universities which offer only one admission intake, Canadian universities offer three admission intakes.
These intakes are short time periods throughout the year when applications are accepted, processed and streamlined for a pool of courses offered at Canadian universities. There are three intakes in Canada.
Understanding these intakes in Canada is critical for international students because these intakes correspond to separate academic sessions. Choosing the right session will allow you to make timely changes to your standardised test scores and Canadian study permit.
FALL (Also known as September intake) | September | September–December/early January | The most popular among Indian applicants; the Fall intake begins in September |
WINTER (Also known as January intake) | January | January–May | Although less popular, it is ideal for students who missed the Fall intake. The session officially begins in January |
SUMMER/SPRING (also known as May intake) | May | May-August | Only a limited number of courses (some short-term courses in Canada) are open to international students for Summer enrolment. The session begins in April and lasts until May. |
Which Intake for Me?
You need to decide carefully which intake best suits you. You must consider the fact that the deadlines for applying to an intake are usually a few months before the date of the starting of the semester.
Also, note that
- For a master’s level study, your deadline may vary depending on your program/subject. For example, deadlines for intensely competitive subjects such as Computer Engineering, Data Analytics, or an MBA at a top School can be as early as November of the previous year
- Schools/Departments/Faculty within the same university may have different deadlines
Ideally, if you are aiming for a top Canadian university, you should start your applications 12-15 months before the intake. Universities usually take about 8-10 weeks to process the applications.
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Fall vs. Spring Intake in Canada: Undecided?
We suggest that before you decide on your university intake, consider the following:
MS in Canada |
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PhD in Canada |
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MBA in Canada |
However, a few B-schools such as Sauder School of Business, DeGroote School of Business, Desautels Faculty of Management, Molson School of Business do offer Winter intake for part-time MBA |
So, with Winter/January intake being the harshest time of the year to start class at a Canadian university and therefore a less viable option, the upcoming intakes in Canada for you should be Fall 2022 and Summer/Spring 2022.
Procedure of Choosing Intake
If you are taking February 2023 Intake, here is an overview of the timeline for the February intake:
Step-1: Shortlist universities
Step-2: Attempt Standardized Test
Step-3: Fill Out the Applications
Step-4: Interview And Acceptance
Step-5: Prepare your Travel Documents and Financial Aids
Step-6: February Intake 20
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Courses Available in Different Canada Intakes
Courses Offered | Intake |
All kinds of programs (undergraduate and postgraduate) | Fall |
Selected study programs | Winter |
Short-term courses | Summer |
Fall Intake in Canada
The Fall Intake is the most popular intake for higher education in Canada, according to Canadian universities. In most cases, the maximum number of seats are available in this intake. Over and above that, if you wish to study a unique program with limited seats, this is the best time to apply.
The majority of Canadian universities have application deadlines for the Fall semester between September and December. However, international applicants should apply as soon as possible because only a few seats are available for international students at Canada’s top universities. Universities accept applications during the fall semester, which runs from August to October.
Following are some of the Top Universities in Canada offering admission in the Fall semester and their respective application deadlines:
University | Fall Application Deadlines |
University of Toronto | 13 Jan |
Queen’s University | 1 Feb |
Western University | 1 Feb |
University of Montreal | 1 Feb |
University of Alberta | 1 Jul |
Winter Intake in Canada
The Winter Intake witnesses the lowest number of applications to Canadian universities. The reason for this is that prospective students from warm climate zones find it difficult to adjust to the extremely cold weather.
The Winter Intake starts in January and can last until April. International students who intend to start their studies in the Winter session must apply by the application deadlines in September & November.
University | Winter Application Deadlines |
University of Toronto | 13 Jan |
McGill University | 15 Jan |
University of Montreal | 1 Sep |
The University of British Columbia | 15 Jan |
University of Alberta | 1 Nov |
Scholarships for Winter Intake in Canada
Following is the list of some scholarships for winter intake in Canada:
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at University of Toronto
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
- Humber International Entrance Scholarships
- UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships for Developing Country Students
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at 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 University of Manitoba
Spring Intake in Canada
Duration: May, June, July, August
May intake is also known as spring intake or summer intake in Canada. This is the least popular intake of all the input options available in Canada. There are not many colleges that offer a course during the spring semester, and those that do are rare.
Only a few Canadian universities offer minimal programs during the Spring semester. The session usually starts in April or May. The application deadlines for the Spring intake are typically set for February and March. The dates, however, may differ depending on the university.
Universities for Spring Intake in Canada
University | Spring Application Deadlines |
University of Toronto | 15 Mar |
McMaster University | 1 Apr |
The University of British Columbia | 15 Jan |
University of Montreal | 1 Feb |
University of Alberta | 1 Mar |
MBA Intakes in Canada
In Canada, MBA is a very popular curriculum. Thousands of overseas students apply to the country to study business management and its different specializations. This program is offered at many universities in September and January.
MBA being a highly coveted program around the world due to its promising career outcomes is a very popular degree in Canada. During an academic year, approximately 50 business schools in Canada offer approximately 100 MBA programs.
Some universities provide the MBA degree through excellent accelerated programs, such as the one-year MBA in Canada. The majority of Canadian universities offer MBA programs in the Fall or Winter.
Pros and Cons of Different Intakes in Canada
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 |
How to Apply for Admission Intakes in Canada
Whichever term you choose, try to apply as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that most universities in Canada operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Early applications have a higher chance of being accepted, especially for the Fall session.
Prepare for the standardised tests required to apply to your preferred program at a preferred university in Canada. Generally, undergraduate programs require SAT or ACT scores. GRE or GMAT scores may be required for graduate programs.
Documents Required for Admission Intakes in Canada
The eligibility criteria and supporting documentation for intakes in Canada vary greatly depending on the universities and programs chosen.
The following are the supporting documents for international students applying to Canada’s Top Universities:
- Completed Application forms
- Application fees
- Standardized test scores
- English proficiency test results
- Transcripts of academic work
- CV/resumé
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Personal statement
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Evidence of financial capability
- Health coverage (if required)
- Student permit or visa based on your program of study
- Immigration papers
In addition to the general requirements, graduate programs require a competitive GPA, standardised test scores such as the GRE or GMAT, work experience, and professional LOR(s).