Canada is a popular destination for international students, known for its high-quality education, diverse culture, and welcoming environment. If you are considering studying in Canada, it's important to be aware of the different intakes available for international students. The main intakes in Canada are the Fall intake and the Winter intake, with some institutions offering a Summer intake for select programs. Each intake has its own advantages, and it's essential to research and consider which intake aligns with your academic goals and personal circumstances.
Unlike a single intake in Indian universities, Canadian colleges and universities offer three intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The three intakes available in Canada are:
Canada generally has two main intakes for international students:
Fall Intake in Canada 2025: The Fall intake is the primary intake for most universities and colleges in Canada. The fall semester usually starts in September, which gives students ample time to prepare for the academic year. The Fall intake also allows students to experience the full academic year, including extracurricular activities, cultural events, and opportunities to participate in research and internships.
Winter Intake in Canada 2025: The Winter intake is a smaller intake and is typically less common than the Fall intake. The Winter semester usually starts in January, which makes it a good option for students who missed the Fall intake or require more time to prepare for their academic program. The Winter intake also offers more personalized attention and the opportunity to start fresh in the new year.
Some universities and colleges may also offer a Summer Intake for specific programs. However, Summer intake is less common than the Fall and Winter intakes.
It is important to note that the application deadlines for each intake can vary by institution and program. International students are encouraged to check with the specific institution for its admission and application requirements for the intake they are interested in.
In Canada, universities and colleges offer multiple intakes throughout the year, including fall, winter, and summer. Each intake has its own unique benefits for students. Here are some of the advantages of each intake:
Benefits of Fall Intake:
Largest Intake: Fall intake is typically the largest intake of the year, with a larger selection of courses and programs available.
Longer break: If you start in the fall, you get a longer break over the summer before starting your second semester or year.
Better weather: Fall weather in Canada is generally mild and comfortable.
Benefits of Winter Intake:
Smaller Class Sizes: Winter intake tends to have smaller class sizes, which can lead to more personalised attention from professors.
Easier to find Housing: Students starting in the winter may find it easier to secure housing because there is less competition for off-campus accommodations.
Chance to explore Winter Activities: Winter intake students have the opportunity to participate in winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
Benefits of Summer Intake:
More Flexibility: Summer courses and programs may be shorter in duration, which can provide students with more flexibility to balance work or other commitments.
Special Programs: Some universities offer unique summer programs, such as field courses or internships, that are not available during other intakes.
Quick Graduation: Students who start in the summer can complete their degree requirements more quickly and graduate earlier.
Ultimately, the best intake for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. It's important to consider factors like program availability, your personal schedule, and your preferences for weather and activities when choosing an intake.
It can get a bit confusing to choose the intake that’s best for you. Consider factors like the availability of your preferred program, your academic records, entrance test scores, acceptance rates, job opportunities and your readiness to join the program whilst making a decision.
While most Indian students prefer the September intake, January and April intakes are equally good for certain programs. We suggest, if you do not have your scorecards ready, it’s better to skip the haste and apply for the next intake.
Here’s an overview of the intakes available for different programs in universities and colleges:
Program | Intake | Deadline |
Undergraduate and postgraduate in a | Fall – September | December - March |
Diploma programs in colleges | January | August - September |
*Deadlines vary basis institution and your program. Please speak with your IDP counsellor for more information.
Missed the last intake to study in Canada? IDP is there to answer all your common questions, such as:
Are deadlines flexible?
Deadlines are flexible in Canadian educational institutions but only for diploma courses in Canada
and post-graduate diplomas provided there are still seats left in the course you desire to pursue.
What if I have missed my deadline?
In case you have missed your deadline, you need to contact your institution and ask about the last call for admission in April and May as this might be your last chance to get into your choice of Canadian institution.
In order to make a well-informed decision, you can book a free counselling session with our experienced counsellors who can advise you on available intakes, course selection, application submission, and student visa requirements for Canada.
Oues1: Are all programs available in all intakes?
Ans: No, not all programs are available in all intakes. Some programs may only offer one intake per year, while others may offer multiple intakes.
Ques 2: Are there any specific application deadlines for each intake?
Ans: Yes, each intake will have its own application deadline. Typically, the application deadline for fall intakes is in the early spring, the deadline for winter intakes is in the fall, and the deadline for summer intakes is in the early spring.
Ques 3: Can international students apply for all intakes?
Ans: Yes, international students can apply for all intakes, but it's important to check with the institution to ensure that they accept applications for the specific intake you are interested in.
Ques 4: Are there any advantages to starting in a particular intake?
Ans: Yes, each intake has its own advantages. For example, fall intake is the largest intake and offers a wider selection of courses and programs, while winter intake often has smaller class sizes and may be easier to find housing.
Ques 5: Can students change their intake after applying?
Ans: It depends on the institution's policies. Some institutions may allow students to defer their admission to a different intake, while others may not allow changes once an offer of admission has been accepted.
Ques 6: Is it more difficult to get admission in a particular intake?
Ans: It's not necessarily more difficult to get admission in a particular intake, but some intakes may be more competitive than others, depending on the program and the number of applicants.