Intakes in Canada at a glance
Quick read
- Canada has three intakes: Fall (September) is the main one, Winter (January) is the second, and Summer (May) runs mainly at colleges.
- Top universities close early: for September 2027, the University of Toronto and UBC both have a final deadline of 15 January 2027, and UBC's scholarship deadline is 15 November 2026.
- Most universities have already closed for January 2027; some colleges and a few master's programmes may still have seats.
- Study permits are capped. Most students need a provincial attestation letter (PAL), although master's and PhD students at public institutions no longer need one from January 2026.
- Apply for the study permit as soon as you accept your offer, because processing can take several months.
Canadian universities and colleges admit most students for September, when every programme starts and scholarships are most generous. January is a smaller second intake, used mostly by colleges and some master's programmes. May starts are limited to selected college diplomas and a handful of graduate courses.
Canada's deadlines are earlier than many students expect. Leading universities close bachelor's applications in mid-January for the following September, and scholarship deadlines can fall in November. Plan backwards from those dates, and leave time for the PAL, if you need one, and the study permit.
Types of intakes in Canada
Fall intake
Main intakeAlso called: September intake
- Classes start
- Early September
- Applications open
- From about September to January of the previous year (universities); colleges often open a year ahead
- Typical deadlines
- Universities: often 15 January to 1 March; scholarships as early as November. Colleges: rolling until programmes fill
- Courses available
- Every bachelor's, master's, diploma and postgraduate certificate
Good for: Most students. It has the most programmes, scholarships and on-campus housing.
Winter intake
Secondary intakeAlso called: January intake
- Classes start
- Early January
- Applications open
- From about March to September of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Usually August to October for international students
- Courses available
- Many college diplomas and postgraduate certificates; some university master's programmes
Good for: Students who missed September or are waiting for results or test scores.
Summer intake
Limited coursesAlso called: May intake
- Classes start
- May
- Applications open
- From about August to January
- Typical deadlines
- Usually December to February
- Courses available
- Selected college programmes and a few university courses
Good for: Students who need a specific college programme that starts in May.
Upcoming intakes in Canada from 23 Oct 2026
January 2027
Closing soonClasses start early January 2027
Apply by: Most deadlines have passed; ask us about colleges with seats left
Only realistic if you already hold an offer, or a college still has places and you can get a study permit in time.
May 2027
Applications openClasses start in May 2027
Apply by: November 2026 to January 2027
Limited to selected college programmes. Check the start date on the programme page.
September 2027
Applications openClasses start early September 2027
Apply by: UBC scholarships by 15 November 2026; U of T and UBC by 15 January 2027
The best intake. U of T recommends applying by 7 November 2026 to be considered in its first admission round.
January 2028
Plan aheadEarly January 2028
Apply by: March to September 2027
Good if you want time to improve your English score or build work experience first.
Status is worked out from the date this page was updated. Courses can close early once they are full, so treat each date as the latest safe point, not a target.
Not sure which intake you can still make?Tell us your course and marks and our counsellor will check which Canada intakes are realistic for you.
Month-by-month plan for the September 2027 intake
September to October 2026
Shortlist programmes, check study permit rules and whether you need a PAL, and book your English test.
By 7–15 November 2026
Apply early to universities with scholarship deadlines (UBC: 15 November 2026; U of T recommends 7 November).
By 15 January 2027
Submit remaining university applications (U of T and UBC final deadline). College applications can follow.
January to March 2027
Send transcripts and documents by each university's document deadline; apply for entrance scholarships that need forms.
March to May 2027
Receive offers, accept one and pay the deposit; ask for your PAL if your programme needs one.
May to June 2027
Apply for the study permit with proof of funds (C$23,448 for one person outside Quebec, plus tuition and travel) and do your medical exam.
July to August 2027
Get your permit, arrange housing and flights, and buy health cover if your province requires it.
September 2027
Arrive, attend orientation and start classes.
How to choose the right intake
- 01
University or college
Universities mostly start in September with January deadlines; colleges run more January and May intakes.
- 02
Scholarship deadlines
Entrance scholarships are linked to September and can close in November, so a September plan gives you the best chance of funding.
- 03
PGWP eligibility
Check that your institution and programme are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit before you accept an offer.
- 04
Permit processing
Study permit times change through the year. A later intake is safer than a rushed application.
- 05
Weather and settling in
A January start begins in the coldest part of the year; a September start gives you time to settle before winter.
Application deadlines at universities in Canada
| University | Intake | Deadline | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | September 2027 (bachelor's) | Recommended 7 November 2026; final 15 January 2027 | Check date |
| University of Toronto (Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship) | September 2027 | School nominations closed on 9 October 2026 | Check date |
| University of British Columbia | September 2027 (bachelor's) | 15 January 2027 | Check date |
| University of British Columbia (International Scholars Program) | September 2027 | 15 November 2026 (application and award form) | Check date |
| York University (President's International Scholarship of Excellence) | September 2027 | Student application by 27 January 2027; nominee form by 4 February 2027 | Check date |
Graduate programmes set their own deadlines, often between December and March for September. Colleges admit on a rolling basis until programmes fill.
Eligibility and documents to keep ready
What you usually need to apply
- Class 12 with good marks for bachelor's; top universities look for high marks in the subjects linked to your programme.
- A recognised bachelor's degree for master's; some programmes ask for a four-year degree.
- IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or another accepted test at your programme's level.
- A provincial attestation letter for most students (not needed for master's and PhD at public institutions).
- Proof of funds for the study permit: C$23,448 for one person outside Quebec, plus first-year tuition and travel.
- A medical exam for most Indian applicants staying more than six months.
Documents checklist
- Passport
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (for master's)
- English test score report
- Statement of purpose or study plan
- Letters of recommendation (for many master's)
- Proof of funds: bank statements, GIC or education loan letter
- Letter of acceptance and PAL, if required
- Medical exam and biometrics receipts
Want us to check your documents?Our counsellor will go through your file before you apply, so a missing paper doesn't cost you an intake.
Intakes in Canada: FAQs
What is the main intake in Canada?
September (Fall). Every programme starts then and most scholarships are linked to it.
Is it too late for January 2027?
For most universities, yes. Some colleges and a few graduate programmes may still have seats; ask us to check before you apply.
When are university deadlines for September 2027?
Many leading universities close bachelor's applications on 15 January 2027, including the University of Toronto and UBC. Scholarship deadlines can be earlier, such as UBC's 15 November 2026.
Do I need a provincial attestation letter?
Most study permit applicants do. Master's and PhD students at public institutions are exempt for programmes starting from 1 January 2026.
How early should I apply for the study permit?
As soon as you have your letter of acceptance and, if needed, your PAL. Processing times vary, so check IRCC's tool.
Does the intake affect the PGWP?
No. What matters is that your programme and institution are eligible and that you complete it while meeting the permit rules.
Sources
- University of Toronto: dates and deadlines (opens in a new tab)
- UBC: dates and deadlines (opens in a new tab)
- York University: scholarships for international students (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: provincial attestation letter (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: proof of financial support (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 23 Oct 2026. Universities change dates every year, so confirm each deadline on the official page before you apply.