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How Many Intake in Canada?

7 min read
Blog Summary Find out how many intakes Canada offers to international students, allowing flexibility in choosing the right start date for your studies.
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If you have chosen to study in Canada, you must file your applications within the time frames specified, which are strictly followed. To pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in Canada, specific entrance intakes are distributed across the academic year and available for two to four months. Canadian universities accept applications for admission throughout particular periods throughout the year (known as intakes); the most common inputs in Canada are autumn, winter, and summer intakes.

Because different intakes in Canada correlate to different academic periods, candidates must be aware of all aspects of the application procedure they must complete to be considered for admission. This article discusses the intakes in Canada and other factors to consider while applying. We hope to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what various inputs are, why it is important, and what can be done if a student misses the fall intake to study abroad.

Intakes in Universities in Alberta

Alberta is home to several top universities and colleges that are top-ranked as well. A few of them are given below.

  • Bow Valley College
  • Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
  • University of Lethbridge
  • Red Deer College
  • Lakeland College
  • Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Top Universities to Study in Alberta, Canada

We have gathered a list of the top universities in Canada so that you can make wise decisions while applying for your preferred course.

Universities 

QS Rankings 2023 

Popular Courses

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD)

Bow Valley College

NA

Business Administration

CAD 16,502 - CAD 49,505

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

NA

Architecture 

CAD 16,502 - CAD 18,152

University of Lethbridge (Only UG)

NA

Computer Science

CAD 13,201 - CAD 24,752

Red Deer College

NA

Engineering 

CAD 11,551 - CAD 14,851

Lakeland College

NA

Technology 

CAD 11,551 - CAD 13,201

Intakes in Universities in Ontario

Ontario has risen to be a hot pick among international students pursuing their higher education in Canada. One of the primary reasons is the number of reputed universities they have. A few such universities are listed below for your reference.

  • Sault College
  • Seneca College
  • Conestoga College
  • Durham College
  • Lambton College
  • Niagra College Main Campus
  • Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Wilfrid Laurier International College
  • Fleming College
  • Georgian College
  • St Laurence College
  • York University
  • Brock University
  • Algonquin College

Top Universities to Study in Ontario, Canada

The information would be insufficient if we do not provide details about the top universities, their popular courses and average annual tuition fees. As such, we have gathered this information and have tabulated them below.

Universities 

QS Ranking 2023

Popular Courses

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD)

Sault College

Business, Computer Science

CAD 11,551 - CAD 18,152

Seneca College

Arts, Engineering

CAD 11,551 - CAD 23,102

Conestoga College

Journalism, Finance

CAD 11,000 - CAD 27,000

Durham College

Architecture, Medicine

CAD 6000 - CAD 11,000

Lambton College

Data Science & Analytics, Accounting

CAD 10,000 - CAD 13,000

Niagara College Main Campus

Animation, Design

CAD 13,201 - CAD 24,752

Toronto Metropolitan University

801-1000

Commerce, Nursing

CAD 12,000 - CAD 31,000

Wilfrid Laurier International College

Mathematics, Biology

CAD 29,000 - CAD 35,000

Fleming College

Agriculture, Geography

CAD 8251 - CAD 24,752

Georgian College

Tourism & Hospitality, Design

CAD 16,000 - CAD 29,000

St. Lawrence College

Environmental Studies, Graphic Design

CAD 15,000 - CAD 22,000

York University

456

Social Studies, Law

CAD 31,000 - CAD 38,000

Brock University

1001-1200

Biotechnology, Biology

CAD 29,703 - CAD 31,353

Algonquin College

Journalism, Sciences

CAD 16,000 - CAD 23,000

Intakes in Universities in British Columbia

British Columbia is yet another popular place among international students studying in Canada. With several top-ranked universities that are equally well-reputed, this province is one of the first choices among international students studying abroad. A few popular ones are listed below for your convenience.

  • Coast Mountain College
  • University Canada West
  • University of Fraser Valley
  • Thompson River University
  • Royal Roads University
  • Alexander College

Top Universities to Study in British Columbia, Canada

Though we have gathered a list of some of the top universities you can consider, the information provided would be incomplete without giving you the details about the tuition fees, popular courses etc. You will find the table below helpful.

Universities 

QS Rankings 2023

Popular Courses

Average Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD)

Coast Mountain College

Business, Engineering

CAD 13,201 - 16,502

University Canada West

Arts, Management

CAD 7000 - CAD 39,000

University of Fraser Valley

Agriculture, Social Studies

CAD 3300 - CAD 18,152

Thompson Rivers University

Tourism & Hospitality, Sciences

CAD 14,851 - CAD 26,403

Royal Roads University

Business, Communication Studies

CAD 22,000 - CAD 54,000

Alexander College

Science, Business

CAD 14,851 - CAD 49,505

Winter Intake in Canada (January Intake)

If you missed the autumn deadlines, the following admission period is winter. Although fewer courses are available during winter intake than in autumn, some institutions accept applications for various programmes during winter intake. Winter intake is also sometimes referred to as January intake or secondary intake.

The January intake is the least well-known of the three intakes in Canada. The January intake, in particular, includes numerous specialist programmes and a few courses where seats are still available. Students should remember that the qualifying requirements and application procedure are the same for all intakes in Canada.

January Intake Colleges in Canada

Most institutions with two intakes each year welcome applications for the January intake, often known as the winter semester. 

The following institutions accepted applications for the winter 2022 intake in Canada:

  • The University of Toronto
  • Carleton University
  • University of British Columbia
  • McGill University
  • University of Ottawa
  • Carleton University
  • Queen's University
  • Cape Breton University
  • Douglas College
  • Mount Saint Vincent University
  • Fanshawe College
  • Centennial College
  • Lambton College
  • University of Manitoba

January Intake in Canada: Eligibility Requirements

  • Your IELTS/PTE exam results or language competence score.
  • A total IELTS score of 6 is required for graduate programmes, while a total IELTS score of 6.5 is required for postgraduate programmes.
  • Students can still enrol in study programmes.
  • A $10,000 GIC certificate is required.
  • A completed application form to the DLI or recognised learning institute
  • Keep track of everything you'll need for your student visa. Apply for a student visa to Canada as soon as possible. The visa application procedure will take some time as well.
  • Prepare for examinations such as the GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS two months in advance.
  • Give the required test under the standards established by your university.

Summer Intake In Canada (May Intake)

The summer intake begins in April/May and is the least popular among overseas students.

Because there are fewer candidates, most institutions offer short-term courses, diploma courses, and restricted full-time courses during this intake. Summer intake is a unique intake that allows overseas students to catch up with their peers over the summer holiday. This intake is excellent for those international students whose admissions have been postponed due to delayed results or personal circumstances. 

May Intake Colleges In Canada

Various Canadian institutions offer part-time and non-degree programmes for the Canada summer intake. 

Here are a few universities that have summer admissions:

  • Algonquin College
  • Seneca College
  • Centennial College
  • University of Fraser Valley
  • Vancouver Community College
  • Northern College
  • University of Waterloo
  • Ryerson University

May Intake in Canada: Eligibility Requirements

For May, the admissions process is not overly complicated. You must research the eligibility criteria at the institutions where you desire to apply and provide original physical copies of documents. 

Here are some of the documents you will require:

  • TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, and GMAT score sheets, whichever is relevant.
  • SOP or Statement of Purpose.
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
  • Optional essays or research projects may be required as well.
  • Academic transcripts of your X and XII courses, as well as additional degree courses.
  • A valid passport photocopy
  • Resume/CV.
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Certificates of participation in extracurricular activities

Fall Intake in Canada (September Intake)

The September intake, often known as the autumn intake, is the most significant intake for applying to universities in Canada and receives a considerable number of applications from overseas students. Its deadlines range from December to March, depending on the university and discipline, and begin in September.

If you want to apply for the September intake in Canada, make sure you have all of your paperwork ready at least 3-4 months before the application window starts. Language proficiency test results and admission essays such as the Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are examples of these materials. Students often receive acceptance letters in April or the following months, after which they may apply for a student visa.

September Intake Colleges in Canada

Check out the list below to learn about the best universities in Canada for the September 2022 intake:

  • The University of Toronto
  • University of British Columbia
  • McGill University
  • University of Calgary
  • University of Ottawa
  • Carleton University
  • Humber College
  • University of Windsor
  • Sheridan College
  • McMaster University
  • Niagara College
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Waterloo
  • Queen's University
  • Ryerson University
  • Simon Fraser University
  • University of Manitoba

September Intake in Canada: Eligibility Requirements

If you want to apply for the September intake in Canada, make sure you have all of your paperwork ready at least 3-4 months before the application window starts.

  • Learn about the test scores required for admissions, such as IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, and GRE, based on the course you want to take and the university that offers it.
  • Register for examinations such as the GMAT/GRE three months in advance, say by June-July.
  • Register for tests such as TOEFL/IELTS a month before the planned exam date.
  • The scorecards of the exams you have taken are required by the Canadian universities to which you plan to apply to. Therefore it is best to take these examinations while keeping in mind that the scorecard must be ready at the time of application.
  • Scorecards are a vital requirement for all Canadian universities, and candidates must plan appropriately.

Masters Intake In Canada

To pursue a Masters degree in Canada, specific admission intakes are allocated throughout short periods of the academic year and are open for two to four months. Because different intakes in Canada correlate to different academic periods, candidates must be aware of all aspects of the application procedure they must complete to be considered for admission.

A master's degree is a very popular degree in Canada. Thousands of international students apply to the country to pursue Masters or MS programmes and their many specialisations. This programme is offered at several institutions between September and January intakes. The former intake is chosen by both international students and major universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, British Columbia, York University, and Queen's University.

Deadlines for All the Intakes

The college session for the autumn admission would begin around September, typically 2-3 months after the conclusion of one's prior degree. This ensures you won't be wasting time in between degrees.

As a result, if you do not want to miss the Fall intake deadline, constantly visit your selected institution's official website for acceptance dates. Here is a chart that shows the different application processes for various intakes of study abroad programmes to give you a rough sense of the dates for multiple intakes:

Intakes

Deadlines

Fall Intake (September)

Varies between November

till January

Winter Intake (January)

Varies between September

and December

Summer Intake

Late April

Which Intake in Canada to Choose?

The vast majority of candidates in Canada shift between the September and January intakes to determine which is best for them. While the admissions procedure is not particularly lengthy, the entire process of applying to colleges is time-consuming. It begins with studying the institutions you intend to use, researching courses, and their eligibility requirements, and delivering examinations right when you get on campus. Even so, you will be needed to present original physical copies of the papers you have supplied. As a result, many colleges urge students to begin this procedure as soon as feasible. However, it also depends on the candidate's suitability and which window is appropriate for their selected degree and university.

I hope this essay helped you understand the differences between various intakes and make an informed selection. The excellence of Canada's education system is renowned internationally and is one of the most famous studies abroad locations, so be sure you select the perfect semester intake for yourself. Also, adhere to the correct admission deadline to get into your preferred university.

Still unclear about anything? Well, not to worry. Contact AECC and get your queries answered today!

AECC is one of the world's leading educational consultancies with versatile expert professionals ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey to achieving your dream.


Frequently Asked Questions

How many intakes are available for international students in Canada?
Canada typically offers three major intakes for international students: Fall intake (September), Winter intake (January/February), and Summer intake (May/June). However, the availability of intakes may vary depending on the institution and the specific program of study.
Are there any advantages to applying for a specific intake in Canada?
Each intake has its advantages. The Fall intake aligns with the start of the academic year and offers a wide range of program choices. The Winter and Summer intakes provide flexibility and may be suitable for certain programs or students with unique preferences.
What should international students consider when choosing an intake in Canada?
Students should consider program availability, their academic and personal readiness, visa processing times, and weather preferences when choosing an intake. It's important to plan well in advance to meet application deadlines.
Do all Canadian institutions offer all three intakes, or does it vary?
The availability of intakes may vary by institution and program. While many institutions offer all three intakes, some programs or universities may have limited intake options.
Are there any specific application deadlines or requirements for each intake in Canada?
Yes, each intake has specific application deadlines and requirements. It's crucial for international students to check the deadlines of their chosen institution and program and ensure they meet all requirements for their desired intake.
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