Fall, winter, and summer intakes are the three options for international students in Canada. The fall intake, which begins in September and accepts a large number of international students, is the first admission of the year. In January, the second intake, often known as the winter intake, takes place. As opposed to the fall intake, the intake features a smaller number of university and course possibilities. The third intake takes place in May. There are only a few universities and course possibilities for the incoming class in the third intake (usually short-term courses only). Now, let’s take a look at each of the intakes in Canada and learn more about them for the year 2024!
| Fall Intake | Winter Intake | Summer/Spring Intake |
| Primary Intake | Secondary Intake | Available for selected universities only |
| Also called as September Intake | Also called as January Intake | Also called as May Intake |
| Application deadline: December – March | Application deadline: September – November | Application deadline: October – February |
| All programs are available (undergraduate and postgraduate) | Available for selected study programs | Only available for limited programs (short-term courses such as diplomas, certificate programs) |
| Available for selected universities only | This intake has seen fewer applications compared to the fall intake, often appealing more to late applicants. | Very few applicants |
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Fall Intake in Canada 2024
- Duration: September, October, November, December
September is one of the Canada intakes for masters. In comparison to the other two intakes, this intake includes the biggest number of institutes offering the largest number of seats available in all programmes. It is the main entry point for students wishing to study in Canada. Most students prefer to begin in the fall since it comes with various benefits of studying in Canada. This will put these pupils four to five months ahead of the winter incoming kids. Aside from that, the autumn weather is more pleasant than the winter.
Admission Timeline for the Canadian Fall Intake 2024:
| Target Month(s) | Notes |
| May to June | Finalise your shortlist of schools you will apply to. Also, use this time to prepare for any standardized exams required for admission. |
| July to October | Finalise your shortlist of schools you will apply to. Also use this time to prepare for any standardized exams required for admission. |
| November 2023 to February 2024 | Take required exams. Submit applications to the universities on your shortlist. |
| February to March 2024 | If required, complete any interviews, group discussions, or other assessments requested by the universities. Then await the admission decisions and confirm enrollment if you are accepted. At this point, you may also be notified about qualifying for entrance scholarships. |
| April to May 2024 | Confirm your student visa paperwork is in order. Apply for external scholarships or student loans if you need additional funding. Arrange housing for when you arrive in Canada. |
Colleges Available for Fall /September Intake in Canada:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Calgary
- Niagara College
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- University of Ottawa
- Toronto Metropolitan University
Deadline for September/Fall Intake 2024 in Canada:
The deadline for this application is usually from December to March. It does, however, vary from one college to the next.
Winter Intake in Canada 2024
- Duration: January, February, March, April
In Canada, winter intake is also known as January Intake. This intake might be seen as a continuation of the previous one. In comparison to the fall intake, fewer universities offer courses in the winter.
Admission Timeline for the Canadian Winter Intake 2024:
Students who did not receive admission in the fall intake are more likely to enrol in the winter intake. They will be able to continue their education immediately rather than needing to wait a year. The atmosphere becomes exceedingly cold in the winter, and it is not comfortable to begin in such conditions. Furthermore, as opposed to students from the fall intake, students from the winter intake will have to swiftly adapt to the institute’s environment.
| Target Month(s) | Notes |
| January to April | Start researching universities and programs accepting May intake applicants. |
| July to August | Plan and take GMAT, GRE, or TOEFL/IELTS as required. |
| September to October | Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and other documents. Submit applications by deadlines. |
| October to November | Arrange travel, and accommodation, and finalize logistics. Get excited for your Canadian adventure! |
| December 2023 to January 2024 | Arrange travel, accommodation, and finalize logistics. Get excited for your Canadian adventure! |
Winter/January Intake Colleges in Canada:
- Douglas College
- Lambton College
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- Carleton University
- Centennial College
- University of Toronto
- Queen’s University
- McGill University
- University of Ottawa
Deadline for Winter/January Intake 2024 in Canada:
The deadline for this application is usually from September to November. It does, however, vary from one college to the next.
Summer/May Intake in Canada 2024
- Duration: May – August
The May intake in Canada for 2024 is offered at selected institutions and is limited to certain programmes, with a focus on short-term courses, diplomas, and certificates. The Canada May intake is well-known for its diverse range of diploma courses. This semester primarily admits students to diploma programmes and summer vocational programmes. However, getting a post-graduation work permit in Canada after studying in this intake is difficult. The Canada May intake is well-known for its diverse range of diploma courses. This semester primarily admits students to diploma programmes and summer vocational programmes.
This is the least desirable of all the input options available in Canada. There aren’t many colleges that offer a course during the spring semester, and those that do are few. The majority of students prefer to return home or take a spring break during the summer. This is not a required semester. Students can still enrol in the courses if they like, although as previously stated, there are limited possibilities.
Admission Timeline for the Canadian Summer Intake 2024:
| Target Month(s) | Notes |
| May to June | Finalise your shortlist of schools you will apply to. Also, use this time to prepare for any standardized exams required for admission. |
| July to October | Finalise your shortlist of schools you will apply to. Also use this time to prepare for any standardized exams required for admission. |
| November 2023 to February 2024 | Take required exams. Submit applications to the universities on your shortlist. |
| February to March 2024 | If required, complete any interviews, group discussions, or other assessments requested by the universities. Then await the admission decisions and confirm enrollment if you are accepted. At this point, you may also be notified about qualifying for entrance scholarships. |
| April to May 2024 | Confirm your student visa paperwork is in order. Apply for external scholarships or student loans if you need additional funding. Arrange housing for when you arrive in Canada. |
List of Colleges for May 2024 Intake in Canada:
- Vancouver Community College
- Centennial College
- Northern College
- University of Waterloo
- Toronto Metropolitan University
Deadline for Summer/May Intake 2024 in Canada:
The majority of Summer/May Intake schools in Canada 2024 will have deadlines from January to February, but you should always check the university’s website for current May 2024 Intake in Canada deadlines. Before the deadline, submit your application.
Which Is The Best Intake For You?
You may find it difficult to choose the intake that suits you best. The best way to make a decision on which intake is the one for you is by checking the availability of your preferred course, the acceptance rates and job opportunities at the university that you plan on attending. Based on this, you can even plan for your Canada student visa. The majority of international students prefer September or January intakes but if you do not have your scorecards ready by the application date, it is better to skip the current intake and apply for the next one.
FAQs
1. How many intakes do Canada universities have?
Usually just 3 – Fall, summer and winter intake. However, in rare cases, certain universities also offer spring intake.
2. Which is the best intake for you?
Usually, September intake in Canada is considered the best for many international students since the majority of the Canadian universities offer courses in this entry.
3. Can I start my programme in Canada if I miss the deadline for the preferred intake?
Yes, you have two more chances to apply. However, this choice does not apply to all the universities.
4. How does the choice of intake affect my chances of securing scholarships or financial aid for studying in Canada?
September intake offers the most scholarships or financial aid in Canada.
Related Blogs:
1. SOP for Canada Student Visa
2. Student Life In Canada
3. Cost of studying in Canada
4. Cost of living in Canada
1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
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