Canada also known as Great North is one of the top destinations for international students to pursue their higher education Canadian universities offer a wealth of courses which help international students to secure great jobs post their studies. If you are looking for admission into a Canadian university you need to understand what the upcoming intakes in Canada for 2025 are and 26. The Canada intakes for students vary based on the level of education, with undergraduate and postgraduate programs primarily available in Fall, Winter and Spring.
Total intakes in Canada
Canadian universities offer three major intakes for international students which are Fall Intake, Winter Intake and Summer Intake. Understanding the study intakes in Canada is essential for international students planning their academic journey. Most intakes in Canada universities align with global academic calendars, making it easier for international students to transition smoothly. The students need to understand that the number of intakes in Canada varies by university, but most institutions offer at least two major intakes: Fall and Winter.
|
Major intakes in Canada
|
Month |
Other Names |
|
Fall Intake |
September |
Primary Intake, Autumn Intake |
|
Winter Intake |
January |
Secondary Intake |
|
Summer Intake |
May |
Spring Intake, Limited Intake |
-
Fall Intake in Canda (September): This the most popular intakes of Canada, with the widest range of programs and scholarship opportunities.
-
Winter Intake in Canada (January): A secondary intake with fewer program options but still a good alternative for students who missed the Fall intake.
- Spring Intake in Canada (May): The least common intake, with limited program availability, but a viable choice for students seeking faster enrollment and reduced competition.
If you're wondering about all intakes in Canada, most universities primarily offer Fall and Winter Intakes, while Summer has limited programs. However, deciding on the best intake to study in Canada depends on factors like university availability, preferred program, and visa processing time.
All three Canada intakes for international students come with unique opportunities and timelines hence it is essential for the students to understand various intricacies of these 3 intakes to make an informed decision about their educational journey.
Different intakes in Canada at a glance:
|
Stage |
Fall Intake (September) |
Winter Intake (January) |
Summer Intake (May) |
|
Research & Preparation |
April – June (Previous Year) |
July – September (Previous Year) |
October – December (Previous Year) |
|
Standardized Tests |
May – August (Previous Year) |
August – October (Previous Year) |
November – January |
|
Application Submission |
October – January |
June – October (Previous Year) |
November – January |
|
Admission Decisions |
February – April |
October – November |
January – March |
|
Visa Application |
April – June |
August – October |
February – March |
Let us understand each intake in detail with a note of list of universities and the procedure to apply for each intake
Fall intake or September intake
Fall intake which starts from September is the most popular intake for all international students because Majority of the program and universities offer admissions during this period. As this intake aligns with the traditional academic calendar, many students prefer this intake. If you are looking for Canada intakes for masters or any undergraduate course, Fall intake is the best.
Benefits of September intake Canada:
Fall intake comes with various benefits such as broader range of programs, many participating universities and higher admission rate.
-
Multiple course availability: Most of the courses are open for admission during this intake thus providing students with many options.
-
Higher Success rate: Students who apply for this intake have a high success rate as there are numerous universities you can apply to.
-
Better scholarship Opportunities: Many universities and institutions allocate a significant amount of funds for Fall intake, increasing the chances of financial aid.
Also Read: Education Loan for Canada
- Robust Campus Activities: Starting in Fall allows students to participate in various campus events, orientations, and extracurricular activities, facilitating better integration into the university community.
Fall Intake (September) - Time line:
-
Reasearch / Background work : You should start your research at least 10- 12 months in advance The ideal time to begin your research is between April and June of the previous year.
-
Take Standardized Tests (IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT): Once you finalize the university understand the requirements. Some universities require English proficiency tests ( like IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE) while others also need Standardized Tests scores ( GRE/ GMAT). Take the exams between May and August of the previous year.
-
Application Submission: Once you are ready with the test scores submit your applications between October and January. Ensure you application is completely filled with all the details.
-
Admission Decisions: Expect responses between February and April.
- Visa Application: Start the visa process between April and June.
List of Universities for Fall Intake in Canada:
|
University |
Application Deadline |
Approx. Annual Tuition Fees (CAD) |
|
University of Toronto |
Mid-January to Early February |
$45,000 – $65,000 |
|
McGill University |
15-Jan |
$19,000 – $50,000 |
|
University of British Columbia |
15-Jan |
$40,000 – $58,000 |
|
University of Alberta |
1-Mar |
$30,000 – $50,000 |
|
Western University |
1-Feb |
$32,000 – $49,000 |
|
University of Montreal |
1-Feb |
$16,000 – $27,000 |
|
McMaster University |
15-Jan |
$28,000 – $45,000 |
|
Dalhousie University |
1-Apr |
$19,000 – $32,000 |
|
University of Windsor |
1-May |
$20,000 – $35,000 |
|
University of Saskatchewan |
1-May |
$20,000 – $30,000 |
|
York University |
1-Feb |
$30,000 – $40,000 |
|
Queen’s University |
1-Feb |
$25,000 – $55,000 |
|
Simon Fraser University |
31-Jan |
$30,000 – $40,000 |
|
Concordia University |
1-Feb |
$20,000 – $35,000 |
|
Carleton University |
1-Apr |
$26,000 – $38,000 |
|
Ryerson University (TMU) |
1-Feb |
$29,000 – $38,000 |
Winter Intake or January intake Canada:
For those students who might have missed the Fall Intake, Winet intake serves as a secondary option. It also helps those students who require additional time for application processing. Though there are fewer courses available in Winter Intake, the process is less competitive.
Benefits of Winter Intake:
-
Smaller Class Sizes: With fewer applicants, students might benefit from more personalized attention.
-
Additional Preparation Time: Allows students extra months to strengthen their applications or improve language proficiency.
- Lesser Competition: Considering the preferences of the students, Winter intake is usually less competitive. Hence those who apply for this intake have brighter chances.
When to Start the Process:
-
Research and Preparation: Begin 12-15 months before the intended intake.
-
Standardized Tests: Complete standardized tests like IELTS, PTE, GRE etc. at least 12 months prior which comes to around August – October (Previous Year).
-
Application Submission: Aim for 10-12 months before the intake (typically between June and September).
-
Admission Decisions: Expect responses around 8-9 months before the intake. Which is typically October to November.
- Visa Application: Start the visa process 6-7 months in advance.
List of Universities Offering Winter Intake in Canada
|
University |
Application Deadline |
Approximate Annual Tuition Fees (CAD) |
|
University of Montreal |
1-Sep |
$15,000 – $25,000 |
|
McGill University |
1-Aug |
$18,000 – $48,000 |
|
University of Waterloo |
1-Sep |
$20,000 – $40,000 |
|
University of British Columbia |
15-Jan |
$35,000 – $55,000 |
|
Lakehead University |
November–December |
$22,000 – $28,000 |
|
York University |
1-Nov |
$30,000 – $35,000 |
|
Concordia University |
1-Nov |
$20,000 – $26,000 |
|
Carleton University |
Varies by program |
$25,000 – $35,000 |
|
University of Ottawa |
Varies by program |
$25,000 – $40,000 |
|
Queen’s University |
Varies by program |
$25,000 – $55,000 |
|
University of Manitoba |
Varies by program |
$15,000 – $25,000 |
|
Cape Breton University |
Varies by program |
$17,000 – $22,000 |
|
Mount Saint Vincent University |
Varies by program |
$15,000 – $22,000 |
|
Simon Fraser University |
Varies by program |
$27,000 – $36,000 |
|
University of Saskatchewan |
Varies by program |
$20,000 – $30,000 |
|
Vancouver Island University |
Varies by program |
$16,000 – $22,000 |
|
Centennial College |
Varies by program |
$14,000 – $19,000 |
|
Humber College |
Varies by program |
$15,000 – $20,000 |
|
St. Clair College |
Varies by program |
$13,000 – $18,000 |
|
Durham College |
Varies by program |
$14,000 – $19,000 |
|
Lambton College |
Varies by program |
$13,000 – $18,000 |
|
Fanshawe College |
Varies by program |
$14,000 – $19,000 |
|
Douglas College |
Varies by program |
$15,000 – $20,000 |
|
George Brown College |
Varies by program |
$14,000 – $19,000 |
Summer Intake (May) in Canada:
The summer Intake which is also called May Intake in Canada is the least common intakes available in Canada. This is because it offers limited program availability. It is often chosen by students interested in short-term courses, certifications, or those who missed the earlier intakes.
Benefits of May intake in Canada:
-
Focused Attention: The batch size of summer intake is usually less which can further lead to more personalized interactions with faculty.
-
Accelerated Programs: Opportunity to enroll in shorter courses or intensive programs.
- Higher Success Rate: Considering the lesser competition, the chances of students getting enrolled in this intake is higher.
When to Start the Process:
-
Research and Preparation: Begin 12-15 months before the intended intake.
-
Standardized Tests: Complete these at least 12 months prior.
-
Application Submission: Aim for 10-12 months before the intake (typically between August and December).
-
Admission Decisions: Expect responses around 8-9 months before the intake.
- Visa Application: Start the visa process 6-7 months in advance.
List of Universities Offering Summer Intake in Canada:
|
University |
Programs Available |
Intake Month |
|
University of Waterloo |
Select undergraduate & graduate programs |
May |
|
University of Calgary |
Limited courses & postgraduate programs |
May |
|
Toronto Metropolitan University |
Some undergraduate & diploma programs |
May |
|
Trent University |
Various undergraduate courses |
May |
|
University of Alberta |
Few master's & professional programs |
May |
|
University of Ottawa |
Select bachelor's & master's programs |
May |
|
University of Manitoba |
Summer session courses available |
May |
|
University of British Columbia |
Special summer courses & programs |
May |
MBA and Specialized Intakes
The MBA intakes in Canada primarily occur during the Fall and Winter Intakes, with some institutions offering limited Summer admissions.
MBA intakes in Canada
|
University |
Intakes Available |
Approximate Tuition Fees (CAD) |
|
University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management |
Fall (September) |
$131,120 |
|
Western University – Ivey Business School |
Fall (September) |
$120,500 |
|
McGill University – Desautels Faculty of Management |
Fall (September) |
$99,500 |
|
York University – Schulich School of Business |
Fall (September), Winter (January) |
$106,900 |
|
UBC Sauder School of Business |
Fall (September) |
$90,057 |
|
University of Alberta – Alberta School of Business |
Fall (September), Winter (January) |
$60,000 |
|
McMaster University – DeGroote School of Business |
Fall (September) |
$86,000 |
|
University of Ottawa – Telfer School of Management |
Fall (September), Winter (January) |
$64,000 |
|
Concordia University – John Molson School of Business |
Fall (September), Winter (January) |
$41,500 |
|
HEC Montréal |
Fall (September) |
$54,000 |
Conclusion:
In a nutshell, Canada intake months are September, January and May. Landing in the best university in next intake for Canada requires thorough research and preparation. By weighing pros and cons of each intake and getting a clear idea of the type of program and University that suits you, you can take an informed decision that benefits your prospects.
Complementary Read:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What are the three intakes in Canada?
A. The three Intakes in Canada are Fall Intake (September Intake) Winter Intake (January Intake) and Summer Intake (May Intake).
Q. Which intake is best for Canada?
A. The Fall intake which starts in September is the best Intake in Canada, because of wide range of course availability and Universities offering admissions.
Q. How many intakes are there in Canada?
A. There are mainly 3 Intakes in Canada which are Fall Intake (September Intake) Winter Intake (January Intake) and Summer Intake (May Intake)
Q. Which intake is less competitive in Canada?
A. Summer Intake is less competitive in India because of limited course availability and a smaller number of universities offering programs during this Intake
Q. Which intake is best for Indian students?
A. Identifying the best university for Indian students depends on various factors such as one’s affordability, type of program required, and preparation time left. However, the best Intake for all international students lies to be September Intake or Fall Intake because of higher chances of admissions.
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