Canada is a popular destination for international students because of its high-quality education, diverse culture, and welcoming environment. If you are considering studying in Canada, you should know the various intakes available to international students. The primary intakes in Canada are the Fall and Winter intakes, with some institutions offering a Summer intake for select programs. Each intake has advantages, and it is critical to research and consider which intake best suits your academic goals and personal circumstances.
Canada has three significant intakes: fall, winter, and summer. Each lasts for two to four months. These Canada intakes are spread throughout the academic year, allowing students to select anyone based on program availability, acceptance rates, etc. Foreign institutions admit students during specific admission cycles, known as intakes.
Intakes in Canada 2024
Canada usually has two main intakes for international students:
- Fall Intake in Canada 2024: Most Canadian universities and colleges accept students during the fall semester. However, the fall semester typically begins in September, giving students ample time to prepare for the academic year. The Fall intake also allows students to participate in all aspects of the academic year, including extracurricular activities, cultural events, and research and internship opportunities.
- Winter Intake in Canada 2024: The winter intake is smaller and less frequent than the autumn intake. The Winter semester typically begins in January, making it an excellent option for students who missed the Fall intake or require additional time to prepare for their academic program. The Winter intake also offers more personalised attention and the chance to start over in the new year.
Some universities and colleges may offer Summer Intake for specific programs. Summer intake is less common than fall and winter intakes.
Which intake to Choose?
Choosing the best intake for you can be challenging. When deciding, consider your preferred program’s availability, academic records, entrance test scores, acceptance rates, job opportunities, and readiness to begin the program.
While most Indian students prefer the September intake, the January and April intakes are equally appropriate for specific programs. If you still need to prepare your scorecards, we recommend applying for the next intake instead.
The following is an overview of the intakes available for various programs at universities and colleges:
| Program | Intake | Deadline |
| Undergraduate and postgraduate in a University |
Fall – September Winter – January |
December – March September – November |
| Diploma programs in colleges | January May August/September |
August – September January – February February – April |
Top Universities Offering Fall Intake in Canada
The following are the top universities in Canada, according to the QS World University Rankings 2024.
| University Offering Fall Intake in Canada | QS World University Ranking 2024 |
| University of Toronto | 21 |
| McGill University | 30 |
| University of British Columbia | 34 |
| University of Alberta | 111 |
| University of Waterloo | 112 |
| Western University | 114 |
| University of Montreal | 141 |
| University of Calgary | 182 |
| McMaster University | 189 |
| University of Ottawa | 203 |
Top Courses for September Intake in Canada
The table below lists the top courses and programmes for September intake in Canada 2025:
| Top Courses for September Intake in Canada | ||
| Medicine | Political Science | Physics |
| Microbiology and Immunology | Nursing | Public Health |
| Mathematical and Statistical Sciences | Law | Renewable Resources, Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences |
| Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, etc.) | Education | Computer Science |
| Business (MBA, BBA, etc.) | Chemistry | Communications and Technology |
| Biotechnology | Art and Design | Environmental Studies |
| Food Science and Technology Specialization | Mathematics | Petroleum Engineering |
January/Winter Intake in Canada 2024
| University | Annual Tuition fee in Dollars($) |
| University of Ottawa | 26,354 |
| Mount Saint Vincent University | 40,980 |
| Centennial College | 28,742 |
| McGill University | 56,544 |
| Douglas College | 18,727 |
| Carleton University | 42,873 |
| Queen’s University | 27,513 |
| Lambton College | 25,340 |
When to Apply for Canada Intakes 2024
| Actions | Fall | Winter | Summer |
| Research Course/University | August – October of the previous year | January – April of the previous year | By May of the previous year |
| Shortlist Universities | Within December of the previous year | June – July of the previous year | July- August of the previous year |
| Fulfil Eligibility Criteria | January-February the year applying | August, the previous year | August -September of the previous year |
| Apply for a student visa | From February – April of the year of applying | From June – September of the previous year | By January of the year of applying |
| Appear for the standardised tests and English Proficiency tests | Within April of the year of applying | From August – September of the previous year | By January of the year of applying |
| Find out supporting documents | May July of the year of applying | September – October of the previous year | From February – March of the year of applying |
| Apply | August to October | September to November | April to May (variable) |
Benefits of Intakes in Canada 2024
Each intake offers distinct advantages to students. Here are some of the benefits of each intake:
| Benefits of Fall Intake | The fall intake is usually the largest of the year, and there is a greater variety of courses and programs available. Longer break: If you start in the fall, you will have more time off over the summer before starting your second semester or year. Better weather: Fall in Canada is usually mild and comfortable. |
| Benefits of Winter Intake | Greater Flexibility: Summer classes and activities often last for fewer weeks, so students have more time to manage their employment and other commitments.Special Programs: Certain colleges offer special summer courses or internships that aren’t offered during other intakes. Summer enrollment allows students to finish their degree requirements more quickly and graduate earlier. |
| Benefits of Summer Intake | Greater Flexibility: Summer classes and activities often last for fewer weeks, so students have more time to manage their employment and other commitments.Special Programs: Certain colleges offer special summer courses or internships that aren’t offered during other intakes.Summer enrollment allows students to finish their degree requirements more quickly and graduate earlier. |
Documents for Intake in Canada
For different intakes in Canada, students must have relevant documents such as:
- Formal education
- Bachelor’s degree with a specific CGPA and academic courses (typically 3.0 out of 4.0)
- Academic or professional experience (course-related)
- GRE or GMAT scores (may vary according to university and course)
- English language proficiency test scores: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Exam (the IELTS Exam is most preferred for visa applications).
- latest resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- LORs (letters of recommendation)
- Admission essays
Wrapping Up !!
Canada offers a variety of intakes for international students, including Fall, Winter, and Summer. Fall intakes allow students to prepare for the academic year and participate in extracurricular activities. Winter intakes are smaller and less frequent, starting in January and offering personalised attention. Some universities may offer Summer intake for specific programs. The application deadlines vary by institution and program, and students should contact the institution directly for admission and application requirements. Benefits of each intake include longer breaks, better weather, smaller class sizes, easier housing availability, winter sports access, and greater flexibility. Top universities offering fall intake include the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of Alberta.
FAQs
Which intake is best for Indian students in Canada?
The Fall intake (September) is the best for Indian students in Canada due to the broader range of courses, scholarships, and campus activities available. However, students can get the best university for themselves by making informed decisions.
How many intakes are there in Canada?
Canada typically has three intakes: Fall (September), Winter (January), and Summer (May). Fall is the most popular among international students. Additionally, students can make admissions based on their preferences and look for the different courses available.
When should I apply for the 2024 intake in Canada?
For the 2024 Fall intake, start applying by September 2023, ensuring you meet all deadlines and have ample time for visa processing. However, the deadlines for each university are different. You must check the official website to know.
Can I get Jan’s intake in Canada?
You can get the January intake in Canada, but course availability might be limited compared to the Fall intake. Furthermore, the Jan month intake is best as almost all courses are open for admission.
Kanishka Garg specializes in crafting informative content on study abroad education. Her passion lies in simplifying the journey for students through SEO-optimized articles and blogs. Kanishka’s commitment to clear communication and her deep understanding of international admissions processes make her blogs essential for students aiming to gain insights into top universities worldwide. With Kanishka’s blogs, students can confidently get solutions to the complexities of applying to their dream universities and achieve their academic aspirations abroad.
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