Canada attracts over 650,000 international students every year with a majority coming from India. In recent years, there has been a huge surge in the number of applicants willing to study in Canada which has made it even more popular than the UK and US among study abroad destinations. As it can be understood, with the increasing number of applicants, the level of competition also increases which is why it is important to note the Canada intake months and apply timely.
Your choice remains limited to 3 Canada intakes i.e. Fall, Winter and Summer. If you are unable to make your mind as to which of the Canada intakes is suitable for you, then read through this article to learn about the available intakes, deadlines and admission journey.
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Table of Contents |
Canada Universities Intakes: September vs May vs January Intakes
Canadian universities invite applications for 3 semesters i.e. Fall, Winter and Summer. The fall semester commences in September, winter in January and Summer in May.
Fall is the most popular intake among international students for admission to Canadian universities. The next best option for students who have missed the fall intake in the winter intake. It must be noted that not all courses are offered for the summer intake.
Before we dive deep into Canada intakes, let us discuss the differences between them:
|
Feature |
September Intake |
January Intake |
May Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Also known as |
Fall intake |
Winter/Spring intake |
Summer intake |
|
Popularity |
Primary intake |
Secondary intake |
Available for limited universities only |
|
Program availability |
All programs are available |
Available for the majority of programs |
Only available for selected programs |
|
Number of applications |
Largest number of applications received |
Applications received are fewer than in the fall intake. Usually preferred by late applicants. |
Very limited applicants |
|
Scholarships and financial aid |
Maximum financial aid and scholarships are provided. |
There are just limited scholarships and financial help available. |
At least financial aids and scholarships are provided. |
|
Application deadline |
December - March |
September - November |
October - February |
In the following sections, we shall take a look at each Canada study intake closely:
All About the September Intake in Canada
September is the main Canada intake for admission. All universities in Canada accept applications for this intake. Since a maximum number of applications are received for the September intake, admission is quite competitive especially at top universities and therefore you must apply early.
You can start applying from December of the previous year for admission to September intake which means the process is currently taking place.
Why Study in Canada During September 2025 Intake?
The September intake in Canada is a highly preferred intake because of numerous courses available for September intake in Canada, along with a humongous amount of job and career opportunities. Additionally, students get a lot of time on their hands to settle in, and adjust to the academic environment in Canada. Also, the Spring season in Canada is much easier to adapt to, as compared to winters in Canada!
Top Universities for September Intake in Canada
Take a look at the list below to learn about top universities for September Canada intake:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- Universite de Montreal
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- University of Ottawa
- University of Calgary
Admission Timeline for September Intake in Canada
As stated above, universities in Canada have started accepting applications for the September 2025 intake already. Understand the admission timeline for September intake in Canada to be on the right track throughout the application process:
|
Months |
Timeline |
|---|---|
|
August to October 2024 |
Research universities and gather information about admission requirements and deadlines |
|
December 2024 |
Shortlist universities and prepare for standardized exams |
|
January to March 2025 |
Appear for standardized exams and apply to shortlisted universities |
|
April 2025 |
File for a student visa and show up for an interview. |
|
May to July 2025 |
Appear for interviews or group discussions, wait for admission decisions, and complete enrollment if accepted |
|
August and September 2025 |
Check visa paperwork, apply for scholarships or loans, arrange housing, and prepare for departure |
Step-by-step Guide to Apply in the September Fall Intake Canada 2025
Once you decide to enroll in the September intake in Canada, follow these admission steps/requirements and begin your application process.
- Explore the various university options as mentioned below or others, select a particular course, fee structure, payment method, etc.
- As per university requirements, take tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, PTE, DET, etc.
- Apply to the universities with documents, including academic resume/CV, academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, SAT/GMAT/ACT/GRE scores, statement of purpose (SOP), letter of recommendation (LOR), and others.
- You can also apply to the universities well before the deadline for September intake Canada with a conditional offer letter in case a vital exam score is absent.
- After receiving the letter of acceptance from a university, you can apply for the Canadian student visa.
All About the January Intake in Canada
Also referred to as the secondary intake, the winter intake in Canada is the second most popular choice among students. However, not all programs are available for Canada January intake 2025 deadline and the total number of seats for winter intake Canada is also quite less compared to the fall intake.
Some students see this as an advantage as there are less number of applicants which means less competition. The January intake in Canada 2025 is still the next best alternative if you have missed the fall deadline. Universities also welcome applications for courses that have vacancies.
Suggested: How to Survive Winters in Canada?
Top Universities for January Intake in Canada
Most universities with 2 yearly intakes invite applications for the January intake i.e. the winter 2025 intake Canada. The universities listed below accepted applications for the winter 2025 intake Canada:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- Universite de Montreal
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- Queen’s University
- University of Ottawa
- Centennial College
- Carleton University
- University of Manitoba
Admission Timeline for January Intake in Canada
The deadline for January intake in Canada will vary from institution to institution. You must keep an eye on the official website of the university to check when the applications are available as admissions take place on a first come first serve basis for deadlines for January intake in Canada.
Here’s the timeline for the winter intake Canada :
|
Months |
Timeline |
|---|---|
|
January to April 2024 |
Research universities and programs, check deadlines and eligibility criteria |
|
July to August 2024 |
Prepare for entrance exams, finalize university choices, and submit a visa application |
|
September to October 2024 |
Submit admission applications and gather supporting documents |
|
October to November 2024 |
Wait for admission decisions, confirm admission if accepted, and arrange housing |
|
December 2024 to January 2025 |
Prepare for travel to Canada |
All About the May Intake in Canada
The Canada summer intake or the May intake in Canada is available only at select institutions and for limited programs of which majority are short term courses, diplomas or certificates.
Students who have personal constraints or are awaiting results apply before the deadline for May intake canada. There is generally more seat availability as the number of applicants are very limited.
Top Universities for May Intake in Canada
Some Canadian universities offer part-time and non-degree programs for the Canada summer intake or the May intake in Canada. Here are the few universities that offer summer intake:
- University of British Columbia
- University of Manitoba
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- Ryerson University
Admission Timeline for May Intake in Canada
The last date for May intake in Canada is scheduled in the end of February or beginning of March. You must check the final application deadline on the university’s website.
If you are looking forward to applying before the deadline for May intake Canada for admission in 2025, then by now you must apply for the student visa and be prepared to appear for standardized exams.
The admission timeline discussed below is with reference to May intake 2025:
|
Months |
Timeline |
|---|---|
|
May to June 2024 |
Check universities and programs offered for May intake |
|
July to October 2024 |
Prepare and appear for standardized tests |
|
November 2024 to February 2025 |
Gather supporting documents and apply for admission |
|
February to March 2025 |
Wait for acceptance letter, confirm enrollment, check visa documents, and apply for accommodation |
|
April to May 2025 |
Book tickets and prepare to arrive in Canada |
Suggested: Colleges Accepting TOEFL in Canada
Which Canada Intake to Choose As An International Student?
The most relevant choice for international students seeking admission in Canada is the Fall intake. It is better than the other available intakes in every way. You may find the January or May intake suitable if you are looking for a course in particular.
Take a look at the factors that must be considered while choosing Canada intake:
- First of all, you need to check the availability of the course you intend to enroll in.
- Next, you must check the application deadline and see if you have sufficient time to gather all documents and apply.
- You must have all your academic records and entrance test results handy to be able to apply. If you are awaiting the results for any examination, it is better to apply in the next intake as your application might be waitlisted.
- You must also glance through the financial aid opportunities for the chosen intake.
- Don’t forget to check the acceptance rates for your chosen intake.
- Most importantly you must be prepared to enter the course at the given time as it will be a big shift for you.
- Talking about student life, Canada witnesses harsh winter which is why some students avoid enrolling during the January intake.
Suggested: Know all about the Entrance Exams to Study in Canada
From the Desk of Yocket
It is one of the most sought-after locations for studying overseas since the quality of the Canadian educational system is well-known globally. To land in your ideal university, make sure you pick the correct semester intake for yourself and follow the correct admission schedule.
Recall that applying to Canadian institutions can be a challenging process, but you can negotiate it satisfactorily with enough preparation and direction. At Yocket Premium, we are here to support you all through the process. Our advisers may offer individualized guidance on selecting the appropriate intake, getting your application ready, and fulfilling all criteria. Please contact our Yocket Counsellors without delay for more information or help with your application procedure. We are dedicated to enabling you to realize your dream of studying in Canada!
