All students know there are benefits to applying early, but not everyone understands what these benefits are, or how an early application can make all the difference.

Here is the most important thing to remember: Seats are limited!

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Deferrals happen every year, which means that students who have already been granted admission in previous semesters are moved forward for any number of reasons, automatically limiting the number of seats for new applications.

International students need to apply between 10 and 12 months before a semester begins, for several reasons. Educational institutions in Canada follow different recruitment cycles, but they all need to plan strategically for upcoming semesters and assign resources based on the number of students applying. Some institutions issue offer letters to students only after collecting all applications, but many issue these letters as soon as they process an application. Applying early often means an institution will review your application sooner rather than later. This also increases the chances of winning potential scholarships and securing seats.

Students in Canada assume that applications will be a lot easier given that they are already in the country. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Here’s what our highly trained and experienced counsellors say about the right time to apply. Applying later may result in students being waitlisted or rejected, with nonrefundable application fees.

Finally, here’s an important point to consider: Early applications are more relevant to colleges than universities. Applying as soon as seats are open is good for colleges, whereas universities tend to focus on making a comparative assessment regardless of submission timings.

What are the best times, for international students already in Canada, to apply to a college or university?

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For international students already in Canada, highly competitive programs in public colleges may start taking applications as early as 13 months ahead of program start dates. Intake dates vary by institution, so it is advisable to consult with IDP counsellors as soon as possible.

What are the expected intake times for Canadian colleges and universities?

a. Colleges have three intakes, in September, January, and May, but not all programs run in each intake.

b. Universities for undergraduate programs typically have one or two intakes, in September and January.

c. The academic year in Canada typically starts in September and runs through to the following May. Therefore, for September 2023, the current academic year would be 2023-2024. This academic year will continue until May 2024 when the next academic year, 2024-2025, will begin.

Intake times differ by institution, but January is usually the biggest period for colleges as well as universities. As for other institutions, such as language schools, these seats are often on a first come, first served basis, and can have intakes every month, or even every week!

What should international students in Canada keep in mind while planning to study further?

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Careful planning is essential for international students in Canada to succeed. Their academic path is intricately intertwined with the securement of status as foreign residents. Overlooking opportunities or deadlines can greatly affect their educational journey.

These students must make important decisions, such as choosing the right program for their career goals, determining program start dates, understanding the admission process, meeting requirements to maintain their legal status, and handling financial matters.

Why do students need the help of a counsellor?

A student counsellor is an expert who knows the industry. Counsellors at IDP Canada have a combined industry experience of over 100 years! Counsellors also have partnerships with educational institutions that allow them to follow up and get responses faster than students. They often get offer letters faster too, and can resolve issues more effectively because of established relationships with institutions.

Another advantage of working with a counsellor is access to unique scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by IDP Canada in the past. Lastly, students get expert advice for free! When you work with a counsellor at IDP Canada, you get someone who knows what they are doing, can analyze and assess your documents better, offer useful feedback, and make your application more competitive.

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Why should students apply early with IDP Canada?

Student counsellors at IDP Canada work very closely with leading colleges and universities. As official recruitment partners, our counsellors have access to the latest information related to programs and intake cycles. Our success rate is high because of our solid partnerships, and because we meet the highest industry standards.

Working with a trained counsellor makes for a less stressful experience because IDP counsellors offer 24x7 support, and help students ensure their applications are thorough. IDP Canada has established partnerships with over 140 Canadian educational institutions. In the last five years alone, we have helped over half a million students around the world gain admission to an institution of their choice.

Find out how counselling works, meet our trained counsellors and get help finding a course that is right for you and your needs.