Intakes in Canada

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There are three different intakes in Canada for International Students. Fall, Winter and Summer Intake. In some universities of Canada, intakes may also be named as a semester. Canada intake for international students are described below:

  • Fall intake for Canada starts in September and it is the primary intake.
  • Winter Intake for Canada starts in January and it is the Secondary Intake. That would mean that most of the universities offer all their courses in Fall/September Intake as it is the primary intake and Winter/January Intake is for the students who missed their chance in Fall. Many universities offer a large number of courses in January/Winter Intake in Canada.
  • Summer Intake for Canada would start in May, and the courses offered there are far and few. MBA Intakes in Canada are the same as above, and so are the intakes in Canada for Masters.

Intakes in Canada

Major Intakes in Canada 2022 Starts in Details about Study Intakes in Canada
Fall Intake September Primary Intake, Universities offer all the courses to international students
Winter Intake January Secondary Intake, A large number of courses available for students who missed fall intake
Spring Intake May Only Few Courses Available, Not all universities offer courses in Spring Intake

Fall Intake in canada:

Duration: September, October, November,  December

Fall Intake is also known as September Intake.

This intake includes the most number of institutes offering the largest number of seats available in all the courses, compared to the other two Intakes.

It is the primary intake for the students who want to study in Canada. Most Students prefer fall intake to start their studies in Canada, as it will give them enough time to be conditioned to the studies and the environment. This will put these students, 4 to 5 months ahead of the students joining in winter intake. Apart from that, the weather in fall is more pleasant compared to the winter.

When should I apply for September intake in Canada ?

You can apply for September intake in Canada from August 2022 to October 2022. Check the deadline of the universities you want to study in and apply at least a month before your deadline. Don’t delay in replying to university emails.

Deadlines for September intake in Canada: Deadlines for application for this intake generally fall between December and March. However, it varies from institute to institute.

Winter Intake in Canada:

Duration: January, February, March, April

Winter intake in Canada is also known as January Intake.

This intake can be considered as the continuation of the fall intake. A fewer number of institutes offer courses in winter intake compared to the fall intake.

When should I Apply for January Intake in Canada?

Mostly, the students who have missed the admission in fall intake would opt for winter intake. They will have another chance to continue their studies without waiting for a whole year. The atmosphere in winter gets very cold and it is not pleasant to start in such conditions. Moreover, students will have to adapt to the environment at the institute quickly, compared to the students from the fall intake.

Deadlines for January Intake Canada:​ Deadline to this intake generally fall between September and November. However, it varies from institute to institute.

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Spring Intake in Canada:

Duration: May, June, July, August

Spring intake in Canada or summer intake in Canada is also known as May Intake.

This is the least preferred intake of all the intakes in Canada that are available. Not many colleges offer a course during the spring session, and the ones that offer are very few.

Most of the students prefer going back to their homes or take a spring break off during summer. It is not a compulsory semester. Students can still take the courses if they want to, but as said earlier, there are not many options to choose from.

When should I Apply for spring 2022 intake in Canada ?

Most spring Intake colleges in Canada 2022 will have their deadline set in the month from October to February, but you should always keep an eye on the university's website for updated May 2022 Intake in Canada deadlines. Apply before the due date.

Deadline for May Intake Canada: The final dates to apply for May Intake are generally fall in February. However, the dates may change from institute to institute.

Deadlines for Diploma Courses in Canada: Intakes for 2022

There are three college intakes in Canada for Diploma Courses. They are not much different from University Intakes in Canada. Here is the list of them and deadlines to apply for Intakes in Canada:

  • January Intake Deadlines: August - September
  • May Intake Deadlines: January - February
  • August / September Intake Deadlines: February / April

6 Steps to Study in September intake in Canada 2022

For either bachelor studies or a Masters in Canada, the first thing you require is an action plan. Here is an application timeline to give you an idea study in Canada If you have plans to go to about what to do and in which month to do!!!

Step 1: January 2022

  • Begin early and by August, shortlist 8-12 universities that you will apply to. Visit university websites and note application requirements, due dates etc.
  • By September, be familiar with bank loan options and scholarships to support your studies.
  • Start by downloading admissions brochures from the university websites. Most brochures are out over a year sooner.
  • Do some initial research on different accommodation options

Step 2: Crack the exams: January 2022 to March 2022

  • Prepare for required standardized tests like GMATGRESATTOEFL or IELTS – relying upon the course and university.
  • By June-July or three months before the test date, enrol for GMAT/GRE.
  • Register for TOEFL/IELTS no less than a month prior to the test date.
  • Take the required tests around September and do plan for buffer time in case you need to retake the test.

Step 3: Its application time: February 2022 to March 2022

  • Shortlist the universities and prepare for your application. Think hard about what makes you unique as an applicant and sketch out your strengths and self-appraisal.
  • Contact your professors and direct managers for the required 2-3 reference letters. At least a month before your application due date.
  • Start drafting your SOP and essays. Give a month’s time to structure these documents appropriately.
  • Apply before the due date!

Step 4: What next: April 2022 to May 2022

  • Don’t delay replying to college emails. Also, there will be quite a few!
  • Appear for personal/video interviews. These are planned around January to March.
  • Once you get acceptance letters, make your decision as quickly as possible.
  • Depending on the deadline, inform the universities of your decision.
  • You will need to pay a non-refundable deposit to affirm your admission.

Step 5: Visa and money matters: May 2022 to July 2022

  • Search for and begin applying for external scholarships in Canada (if relevant).
  • Apply for a student loan, after you get your acceptance letter.
  • Assemble paperwork for your student visa. Check visa prerequisites.
  • You need to check and apply online for the Canada study visa September intake 2020
  • Apply for a student visa in time. Remember the time taken for visa processing!

Step 6: Get ready to fly: July 2022 to August 2022

  • Book airline tickets.
  • Organize an International Debit/Credit card.
  • Gather all the documents and their photocopies, to take along.
  • Check out the Pre-departure checklist!

Universities for September intake Canada

  • Dalhousie University
  • Columbia College
  • Fraser International College
  • George Brown College
  • Lakehead University
  • Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT)
  • Navitas International College Of Manitoba (ICM)
  • Saskatchewan Polytechnic University

6 Steps to Study in January Intake in Canada 2023

If you want to study in Canada and planning to go for January 2023 intake in Canada, here is the study in Canada timeline for January 2022.  Information about courses in Canada for January 2023 intake, When to apply for January 2023 intake in Canada, and all about last dates to apply for January 2023 intake in Canada.

Step 1: Start Now!

  • Most colleges have a first come first basis admission policy for January intake in Canada, and you would want to start your application process as early as possible. Keep in mind the deadlines universities in Canada for January 2023 intake and start accordingly.

  • Before that, shortlist the colleges and universities that you are interested in. Do thorough research on the list of colleges in Canada for January 2023 intake and then, see what are the courses in Canada for January intake 2023, see the ones that suit you the best to your academic and career goals. Each institute will have its own deadlines for the January intake for Canada in 2023, and that should be considered before planning.

Step 2: Appear for the Exams: July 2022 to August 2022

  • Prepare for like GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS, two months before the test. Give appropriate exam as per your university requirements. required tests
  • You should be taking your IELTS/TOEFL exam, depending on the course and university requirements, latest by August 2022, before applying for the institutes.
  • Keep in mind that it will take around two weeks for the results of the test to be declared, and a buffer month should be kept, too, in case you want to retake the test because of any unforeseen or undesired result.

Step 3: Start Applying to Colleges: August 2022 to September 2022

  • Look for winter 2023 intake colleges in Canada, shortlist the colleges and Universities before the due dates for the respective institutes. Prepare your final application. The application must portray you as a unique applicant and it should be highlighting your strengths.
  • Contact your Managers and professors for the reference letters. Start working on your SOP (Statement of Purpose). All these documentation processes should start at least a month before the due date of the application.
  • Most January intake colleges in Canada 2023 will have their deadline set in for September. Some might go as late as mid-November, but you should always keep checking the Universities deadlines for Jan 2023 from university website Apply before the due date.

Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews: September 2022 to October 2022

  • Colleges will email you after you have applied for the courses. Do not delay in replying to them. Appear for personal or video interviews if needed.
  • If you are accepted into a college/university, make a quick decision. Reply to them as soon as you decide. Some of them follow first come first serve policy. Do not wait for the deadlines of January intake colleges in Canada to reply.
  • You will have to pay a non-refundable confirmation deposit, once you affirm your admission with a college/university. (Read more: Cost of Study in Canada)

Step 5: Apply for Visa / Education Loan: October 2022 to November 2022

  • As soon as you get the acceptance letter, apply for a student’s loan without any delay. Some processes take time, and a candidate should always consider that before planning for the timeline.
  • Document all the paperwork required for your student visa requirement. Apply for the student visa for Canada in time. The processing for a visa will also take some time.
  • If applicable, apply for an external scholarship as well, as soon as you get the acceptance letter from the college/university. For More Read: Student Visa in Canada

Step 6: Tickets and Departure: November 2022 to December 2022

  • You are almost ready to fly! Book airline tickets. Most sessions for the courses will start in early January, so it is advisable to reach Canada by December and look for accommodations on or off the campus.
  • Before flying, gather all the necessary documents and their photocopies.
  • Organize an international Credit / Debit card before departure, and make sure you have marked every checkbox in your pre-departure checklist. Get ready to study in Canada intake 2022.

How to apply to universities in Canada and Tips to Get Accepted

List of colleges in Canada for January 2023 intake

Here we have mentioned January intake universities in Canada for international students:

  • Fanshawe College
  • Cape Breton University
  • Douglas College
  • Lambton College
  • Mount Saint Vincent University
  • Carleton University
  • Centennial College

6 Steps to Study in May intake in Canada 2023

If you want to study in Canada and planning to go for May intake in Canada 2023 , here is the study in Canada timeline for May 2022.  Information about courses in Canada for May 2023 intake, When to apply for May 2023 intake in Canada, and all about last dates to apply for May 2023 intake in Canada.

Step 1: May Intake 2023 - Start Now!

  • Most colleges have a first come first basis admission policy for the admission, and you would want to start your application process as early as possible. Keep in mind the deadlines for May 2023 intake for Canada and start accordingly.
  • Before that, shortlist the colleges and universities in Canada that you are interested in. Do thorough research on the list of colleges in Canada for May 2023 intake and then, see what are the courses in Canada for May intake 2023, see the ones that suit you the best to your academic and career goals. Each institute will their own deadlines for the May Intake for Canada in 2023, and that should be considered before planning.

Step 2: Appear for the Exams - August 2022 to September 2022

  • Prepare for required tests like GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL and IELTS, two months before the test. Give appropriate exams as per your university requirements.
  • You should be taking your IELTS/TOEFL exam, depending on the course and university requirements, latest by October 2022, before applying for the institutes.
  • Keep in mind that it will take around two weeks for the results of the test to be declared, and a buffer month should be kept, too, in case you want to retake the test because of any unforeseen or undesired result.

Step 3: Start Applying to Colleges: October 2022 to December 2022

  • Look for May Intake colleges in Canada 2023, and shortlist the colleges and Universities before the due dates for the respective institutes. Prepare your final application. The application must portray you a unique applicant and it should be highlighting your strengths.
  • Contact your Managers and professors for the reference letters. Start working on your SOP (Statement of Purpose). All these documentation processes should start at least a month before the due date of the application.
  • Most May Intake colleges in Canada 2023 will have their deadline set in for October to February, but you should always be checking the university website for updated May 2023 Intake in Canada deadlines. Apply before the due date.

Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews: December 2022 to January 2023

  • Colleges will email you after you have applied for the courses. Do not delay in replying to them. Appear for personal or video interviews if needed.
  • If you are accepted into a college/university, make a quick decision. Reply to them as soon as you decide. Some of them follow a first come first serve policy. Do not wait for the deadlines to reply.
  • You will have to pay a non-refundable confirmation deposit, once you affirm your admission to a college/university.

Step 5: Apply for Visa/Education Loan - January 2023 to February 2023

  • As soon as you get the acceptance letter, apply for a student loan without any delay. Some processes take time, and the candidate should always consider that before planning for the timeline.
  • Document all the paperwork required for your student visa requirement. Apply for a student visa in time. The processing for a visa will also take some time.
  • If applicable, apply for an external scholarship as well, as soon as you get the acceptance letter from the college/university.

Step 6: Tickets and Departure - March 2023 to April 2023

  • You are almost ready to fly! Book airline tickets. Most sessions for the courses will start in early May, so it is advisable to reach Canada by April and look for accommodations on or off the campus.
  • Before flying, gather all the necessary documents and their photocopies.
  • Organize an international Credit / Debit card before departure, and make sure you have marked every checkbox in your pre-departure checklist.

Universities for Spring intake in Canada

  • Mount Saint Vincent University
  • Brock University
  • University of the Fraser Valley
  • Kwantlen Polytechnic University
  • Capilano University
  • New York Institute of Technology
  • Lakehead University

Complete Guide to Study in Canada for International students

Which intake to opt for?

It may be quite confusing for you to decide the intake that suits you best. We will help you choose the intakes. You should consider the following factors for it

  • Availability of your preferred course
  • Acceptance rates
  • Your academic records
  • Entrance test scores
  • Availability of Job opportunities
  • Your readiness to join the program.

However, most of the international students prefer or choose the September intake. January and April intakes are also considered good for many programs. If you do not have your scorecards ready until the application date, it is better to skip the current intake and apply for the next intake.

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