Intakes in Canada 2024:
Deadlines, Timelines, and More
Canada is a popular study destination for Indian as well as international students. According to an article by Times of India, in 2022, over 41% of all permits, which is 225,835, were granted to Indian students.
The country provides top-notch overseas education with affordable tuition fees when compared to other countries like the USA and the UK. In Canada, students are allowed for part-time jobs. For many such reasons, students plan to study in Canada and apply for three major intakes: Fall, Winter, and Summer.
Understanding the Intake calendar for new academic sessions can be an exhausting process. To ease it down here is a detailed information calendar with all the useful information for students, professionals, and academic enthusiasts.
Timeline for Fall Intake 2025 | Things to follow |
April – August | Conduct research to identify and compile a concise list of top Canadian universities and their respective courses. |
September -November | Take examinations such as GRE, GMAT, and SAT, as well as English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. |
November- January | Finalize the submission of your application to universities in Canada. |
January- February | Keep checking your email inbox, acknowledge and accept offer letters from the university, and promptly respond to correspondences. |
February- April | Apply for a Canadian study permit and organize your financial arrangements. |
Timeline for Winter Intake 2025 | Things to follow |
April- June | Research to compile a list of universities and courses. |
July- September | Take examinations such as GRE, GMAT, and SAT, as well as English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. |
September – December | Complete the application. |
November -January | Keep checking your email inbox, acknowledge and accept offer letters from the university, and promptly respond to correspondences. |
January- February | Once you receive your study permit, book your tickets. |
Timeline for Winter Intake 2025 | Things to follow |
End of February- beginning of March | Visit the university’s website and check the application key dates. |
July-October | Take examinations such as the GRE, GMAT, and SAT, as well as English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. |
November- February | Organize all necessary documents and proceed with the application for your preferred university and course. |
February- March | Keep checking your email inbox, acknowledge and accept offer letters from the university, and promptly respond to correspondences. |
April- May | Once you receive your study permit, book your tickets. |
The SDS is a simplified processing system for study permit applications. It is open to students from select countries like China, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam. To qualify for the SDS, applicants must meet specific criteria including language proficiency and financial capacity.
Consider your program availability, application timelines, and competition comfort level when choosing your intake.
Most students opt either for fall or winter intake. Though there is not much difference between these intakes, however, universities offer different intakes to suit the different needs of the students. Confused about which intake is suitable for you? Here’s a brief comparison between the most popular intakes i.e., Fall and Spring intakes:
Various factors | Fall intake  | Spring intake |
Acceptance by universities | Almost all the universities in Canada offer fall intake. | There can be a few universities that might not offer spring intake. |
Rate of acceptance | The rate of acceptance is low as the competition is higher during fall intake. | The rate of acceptance is higher during spring intake. |
Job opportunities | More internship opportunities are available | Comparatively fewer internship opportunities are available |
More number of scholarships are available | Less number of scholarships are available |
The best time to apply for studies in Canada depends on the intake and your personal schedule. Canada has three main intakes: Fall, Winter, and Summer. Here’s a brief overview to help you decide:
To apply for Canadian intakes, particularly for study abroad programs at universities or colleges, you typically need to provide a set of documents. Here’s the detailed information:
Complete and submit the application form of the respective university or college.
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide results from language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or other equivalent exams.
A written statement explaining why study in Canada, your academic and career goals, and why you chose the specific program and institution.
Typically two or three letters of recommendation from teachers or professors who can speak to your academic abilities and character.
A detailed resume or curriculum vitae outlining your educational background, work experience, and any relevant achievements.
A copy of your passport’s identification page.
Evidence that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. This can include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship award letters.
For certain art or design courses, you may need to submit a portfolio showcasing your work.
Once accepted, you will need to apply for a study permit to enter and study in Canada. This involves providing additional documentation such as a letter of acceptance and proof of financial support.
In some cases, you may need to undergo a medical examination and provide a certificate proving that you are in good health.
Overall, studying in Canada will provide you with a holistic experience, however, the choice of selecting the appropriate university will depend on your personal preferences.
Canadian University Application Deadlines for Fall 2025 Intake (September Start)
University type | Application deadline |
Most universities | December – March 2025 (Note: This is a general range. Specific deadlines can vary) |
Some universities (Summer intake) | January – February 2025 (Note: Not all universities offer a summer intake) |
Please note: Double-check the official university website for the most accurate and up-to-date application deadlines.
Let’s look at the top universities offering admission during these intakes:
University | Annual tuition fee in CAD |
University of Waterloo | CAD 47,560 |
University of Ottawa | CAD 26,354 |
Ryerson University | CAD 38,457 |
McGill University | CAD 56,544 |
University of Alberta | CAD 30,090 |
University of Calgary | CAD 40,103 |
University | Annual Tuition fee in CAD |
University of Ottawa | 26,354 |
Mount Saint Vincent University | 40,980 |
Centennial College | 28,742 |
McGill University | 56,544 |
Douglas College | 18,727 |
Queen’s University | 27,513 |
University | Annual tuition fee in CAD |
Centennial College | CAD 28,742 |
Vancouver Community College | CAD 19,900 |
Ryerson University | CAD 38,457 |
Northern College | CAD 15,451 |
University of Waterloo | CAD 47,560 |
Please note: The tuition fees listed here are subject to change and are at the discretion of respective universities. For the latest updates, check the official website of the desired university.
Intakes in Canada 2025: Deadlines, Timelines, and More
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FAQs
For Canada, the best intake for international students is typically the Fall intake. Most universities and colleges offer a wide range of courses during this time. It allows for a smoother transition and ample time for settling in before the academic year begins.
Most Canadian universities have two primary intakes: the Fall intake in September and the Winter intake in January. Some institutions may offer a third intake, the Summer intake, in May.Â
The Fall intake in Canada refers to the academic semester that typically begins in September. It is one of the main admission periods for international students.Â
The Spring intake in Canada typically starts in January.
The Fall intake in Canada typically starts in September.
International students applying for the September intake in Canada should generally start the application process about a year in advance. The application period typically opens in the previous year, around September or October, and deadlines vary by institution and program.
For the January intake in Canada, international students should begin the application process about a year in advance. The application period usually opens around January or February of the previous year.Â
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