Intakes in Canada 2025 – 2026 | September, January & May

Canada offers a wide range of educational opportunities for international students, with various intakes in Canada throughout the year. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming intakes in 2025:

Fall Intake (September – November)

• Known for: The fall intake is most popular for undergraduate and graduate programs, especially for students who want to experience Canadian winter and start their studies early.
• Key Dates: The application deadline typically falls between January and March.

Winter Intake (January- March)

• Popular for: The Winter intake is usually famous for post graduate programs. However, students can even apply for language courses and some undergraduate programs.
• Key Dates: The application deadline for this intake usually falls between October and December.

Summer Intake (May- July)

• Popular for: The summer intake is known for undergraduate programs, language courses and shorter term programs like diplomas and certificates.
• Key Dates: The application deadlines typically falls between February and April

Important Considerations for choosing an Intake:

• Program Availability: The availability of intakes can vary depending on the program and university.
• Visa Processing Times: It’s essential to apply for your study permit well in advance to avoid delays.
• Accommodation: Securing admission can be easier during certain intakes, especially in popular cities.
• Cost of Living: The cost of living can fluctuate depending on the season and the location.
• Job Market: Consider the job market and potential employment opportunities during different seasons , especially if you plan to work part time or full time.
• University Specific Requirements: Some universities may have specific deadlines or requirements for different intakes, so it’s important to research individual university policies.

Eligibility Criteria for September Intake in Canada

The admission criteria might vary from one university to another, however the overall eligibility criteria for September Intake in Canada is:

Why Choose Global Opportunities: Upcoming Intakes in Canada?

Global Opportunities is one of the best Canada Education Consultants providing study abroad services for the past 23+ years across India. We have an excellent team of experienced Canadian counselors who are there to guide you at every step of your study abroad journey be it selecting the right course, university admission for the upcoming 2025 intake to ensuring confirmed student visa permit.

To know more about “how to apply” for your desired Canadian university and course offering contact Global Opportunities on + 91 8282828219.

FAQs

What are the intakes in Canada?

The main intakes in Canada are Fall intake (September), Winter Intake (January), and Spring/Summer Intake (May). Some of the factors to consider while choosing an intake are program availability, deadlines, scholarships and climate preferences, etc.

Are there more opportunities for scholarships during the Fall intake in Canada?

Yes, the Fall intake in Canada offers the most scholarship opportunities for international students. Universities allocate a significant portion of their funding for this intake, including merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and program-specific awards. Additionally, many external scholarships align with the Fall intake timeline. To maximize your chances, research scholarships early, meet application deadlines, and ensure you have a strong academic and extracurricular profile.

Is Winter intake in Canada suitable for international students?

Winter intake in Canada is definitely a very good option for international students, especially for those who missed their Fall intake or need additional time to prepare their applications. While it offers fewer program options compared to the Fall intake, many popular programs are still available in this intake, meaning that students still have a chance to apply for their preferred university course in Canada.

What is summer intake in Canada?

The summer intake in Canada is one of the final intake season for the academic year in Canada. This intake being the last resort, a very few colleges and universities open admissions for international students. Some of the vocational programs or diploma certification courses are open for admissions.

Which intake is best for Canada?

The best and ideal intake for Canada according to a majority of international students is the Fall intake (September). This intake offers the widest range of programs, scholarships and extracurricular opportunities. If by any chance the student was not able to apply for Fall intake the next best alternative becomes the Winter intake (January) and for short term courses like diplomas and certification students should consider applying for the summer intake (May).

What should I know about the January intake in Canada?

The January intake is the second major admission cycle in Canada and this offers opportunities for international students like smaller class sizes with more personalized learning experiences. In addition to this students should be prepared for the winter season, as temperatures can be quite cold across most of Canada during this time.

When should I start preparing for September intake in Canada?

In general consideration for September intake in Canada preparation should begin at least 12-18 months in advance. This timeline includes researching programs, preparing standardized test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE), writing application essays and gathering recommendation letters. Early preparations ensure students have enough time for visa applications and financial planning.

Are there fewer scholarships available for the winter or spring intake in Canada?

Yes, scholarships tend to be more abundant for the Fall intake (September), because that is the period where most universities allocate their funding for merit based and need based scholarships. The Winter and spring intakes have fewer scholarship opportunities, as many awards are tied to the larger student intake in the Fall. Therefore, it is important to research beforehand about your program’s specific financial aid options or consult a trusted study abroad consultancy for maximum efficiency.

How should Indian students apply for the May intake in Canada, considering the recent changes in India Canada relations?

The May intake (Spring/Summer intake) in Canada can still be an excellent option for Indian students, however recent changes in the India- Canada relations may require extra attention to the application process and visa procedures. Some of the best ways to apply is to start the application process early, double check the university and program availability, ensure complete and accurate documentation, regularly monitor updates from the Canadian embassy and plan in advance for visa processing delays by keeping a track on the IRCC website.

What are the popular January intake universities in Canada?

Some of the popular January intake universities in Canada are Capilano university onshore – 2025 followed by university of Alberta and various others. It is best to note here that due to modifying India Canada relations the university intake dates could change, it is best to consult with the Global opportunities team for up to date information.