Study In Canada

University Intakes in Canada: Summer, Winter, and Fall

5 min read
Blog Summary Want to study in Canada? Learn about the three intakes available for college admissions: Fall (September), Winter (January), and Summer (May). Each intake has its deadlines and application process. Explore top universities for each intake like the University of Toronto, Humber College, and University of Waterloo. Plan ahead, ace your tests, and secure your spot in a Canadian college!

When you look at Canada's education quality, economy, and friendly lifestyle, it is no wonder that many international students want to pursue a university education in the Great North. However, if you decide to study for your university education in Canada, there are more things to consider. Intakes in Canada are one of the things that you need to get familiar with before applying for your favourite university. This blog will provide you with everything you need to know about intakes in Canada and more. Continue reading to get started with your education journey in Canada.

How Many Intakes In Canada?

College intake is another term for College Admission. Countries like Canada and the United States have multiple intakes/admissions in a year. Since the intake period happens at different seasonal intervals, they are defined by the seasons. There are three intakes in Canada (also in the United States). They are 

  1. Fall or September intake
  2. Winter or January intake
  3. Summer or May intake

All three intakes have varied popularity among applicants. Not all universities have every one of these intakes or even offer all of their course in each intake. That said, every intake has its own deadlines, from application to joining. Following are the three intakes in Canada and their unique characteristics and benefits.

Fall Intake in Canada

Fall intake in Canada takes place in the month of September. It is the most popular intake in Canada, to which most international students apply. Therefore all universities and colleges in Canada have fall intake. Because Fall intake is the primary intake, international students can apply for courses of their choice. Also, maximum scholarships and financial aid are given during Fall intake in Canada. 

Fall intake in Canada Timeline

Take Standardised Test (IELTS/TOFEL/PTE/GRE/GMAT)

September - November of the previous year

Submit the Application Form

November - January of the enrolling year

Await and Reply to College Emails

January - February of the enrolling year

Get Finances and Visa in Order

March - April of the enrolling year

Top Universities to Apply During September Intake in Canada

University

Location

Year of establishment

University of Toronto

Ontario, Canada

1827

University de Montreal 

Quebec, Canada

1878

Thompson Rivers University

British Columbia, Canada

1970

Lakehead University

Ontario, Canada

1965

University of the Fraser Valley

British Columbia, Canada

1974

Vancouver Island University

British Columbia, Canada

1969

University of Calgary

Alberta, Canada

1966

Seneca College

Ontario, Canada

1967

Great Plains College

Saskatchewan, Canada

1973

Northern Lights College

Dawson Creek, British Columbia

1975

Winter Intake in Canada

Winter intake in Canada takes place in the month of January. It is also known as the Spring intake. This intake is secondary to the Fall intake considering the number of applications received is lesser than those in the Fall intake. Winter intake in Canada is mostly preferred by late applicants who missed the Fall intake. During this time, a majority of courses are open for application, and financial aids and scholarships are limited. 

Winter intake in Canada

Take Standardised Test (IELTS/TOFEL/PTE/GRE/GMAT)

July - September of the previous year

Submit the Application Form

September -December of the previous year

Await and Reply to College Emails

November - January of the enrolling year

Get Finances and Visa in Order

January - February of the enrolling year

Top Universities to Apply During January Intake in Canada

University

Location

Year of establishment

University of the Fraser Valley

British Columbia, Canada

1974

Humber College 

Ontario, Canada

1967

Centennial College

Ontario, Canada

1966

Durham College

Ontario, Canada

1967

Fleming College

Ontario, Canada

1967

Niagara College

Ontario, Canada

1967

University of Saskatchewan 

Saskatchewan, Canada

1907

St Lawrence College

Ontario, Canada

1967

Fleming College

Ontario, Canada

1967

Cambrian College

Ontario, Canada

1967

Summer Intake in Canada 

Summer intake in Canada takes place in the month of May. This intake is available only for limited universities with selective courses. Summer intake in Canada also sees only a limited number of applications, and the financial aids and scholarships are minimal. 

Summer intake in Canada

Take Standardised Test (IELTS/TOFEL/PTE/GRE/GMAT)

July - October of the previous year

Submit the Application Form

November - February of the enrolling year

Await and Reply to College Emails

February - March of the enrolling year

Get Finances and Visa in Order

April - May of the enrolling year

Top Universities to Apply During May Intake in Canada 

University

Location

Year of establishment

University of Waterloo

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

1957

Lakehead University

Ontario, Canada

1965

St Lawrence College

Ontario, Canada

1967

College St-Michel

Montréal, Canada

1582

University of Ottawa

Ontario, Canada

1848

LaSalle College

Quebec, Canada

1959

Capilano University

British Columbia, Canada

1968

University of the Fraser Valley

British Columbia, Canada

1974

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Surrey, Canada

1981

Trent University

Ontario, Canada

1964

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many intakes are there in Canada?

Like the United States, Canada has three intakes:

  1. Fall Intake
  2. Summer Intake
  3. Winter Intake