What Are The Major Intakes In Canada 2025?
Canada has two intakes in the year, namely spring and Fall. However, some top colleges & universities in Canada offer three intakes as well. Students need to know about these intakes to help them plan their applications accordingly.
The biggest advantage of having multiple intakes is that students can reapply if they miss out on a chance or are not accepted the first time. For example, if you apply for a course in January 2025 but are not selected, you can use it again in September 2025. If this happens, your applications will be considered more favourably as no Canadian university will want to lose a candidate who wishes to study in Canada.
| Intake | Starts From | Duration | Pros and Cons |
| Fall | September | 4 months (September to December) | This is the primary intake in Canada, and most students looking to apply in Canada do so in this intake. Since almost everyone applies for this intake, there is a very tough competition for acceptance and scholarship. However, if you have a good academic record, then you stand a very good chance of getting admission. |
| Winter | January | 4 months (January to April) | This is the continuation intake for the admission of students for the following fall. The selection criteria and awards offered during this intake are less stringent than in the first (fall) round, as most of the more competitive awards have already been awarded in that round. The competition for acceptance and getting scholarship for Nepalese students in Canada is relatively low during this intake. |
| Spring | May | 4 months (May to August) | The fall intake is the least preferred by most of the students, who prefer to work or travel during this time. Most students either choose to work or go back home during this time, leaving the campuses almost empty. |
January or Winter Intakes In Canada
January and Winter admission is the second most popular of the seven Canadian university and college application sessions. The main difference between a January applicant and September applicant is that January applicants are usually from overseas or from another Canadian province.
Many international students report that they are very easy to secure a place in this session as most of the spots are open. However, there are many universities that charge more fees during the winter session.
Generally, the time factor is a challenge to students enrolling in the Spring intake. After all, they have to complete their studies in cold weather and within a shorter timeframe. Due to the harsh climate and radical culture, many international students struggle with adapting to the Canadian lifestyle.
The most important challenges are weather and culture, as Canada is a really cold country and you’re going to live there for a limited period. As you know, the Fall (September-November) is the best time to come and study in Canada. Still, what’s more, the Canadian government is offering some great scholarships to help international students pay their college fees.
When Should I Apply For January Intake?
The January intake gives students another chance to apply to various universities in Canada if they miss the May or June deadlines. If you’ve been unable to get your applications processed by other universities due to various reasons, this may be the right time for you, too.
You can start preparing beforehand to be ready with all your documents when it comes time to apply. A student must have all their documents prepared by starting their application process as no university will accept incomplete applications.
Duration
Deadline For January Intake In Canada
If you are applying for the January intake, make sure you complete the application process by November. You should also carefully review the university guidelines, as a few best colleges & universities in Canada use an earlier deadline
List Of Colleges In Canada For January Intake
The majority of Canadian universities and colleges offer admissions in January. There are a number of popular colleges and universities among them, including Humber College, Centennial College, Algonquin College, St. Lawrence College, Red Deer College, University of Waterloo, University of Calgary, and University of Alberta.
Steps To Study In January / Winter Intake
The most important thing you need to keep in mind is that it’s all about a first-come, first-served basis. So try your best to apply as early as possible. So follow the guides below to implement your visa applications successfully:
- The first process is to select the colleges and universities even before the application process starts which will give you clear idea about the universities and the courses.
- Between the months of July and August, you should appear for tests such as IELTS, SAT, GRE, GMAT, and so on. Keep in mind that it might take up to two weeks for you to get the results and the credentials of your test scores.
- As soon as you have the credentials in your hands, start the application process. Start from the month of August itself. This is also the time when you need to understand & do your assessment for eligible to study in Canada along withother basic requirements like reference letters, Statement of Purpose (SOP) etc.
- Between the months of September and October, you must have your hands on the acceptance letter provided that you applied beforehand.
- The months like October and November are the time for you to apply for a VISA.
- After getting your hands on the VISA, you could go on and book your flight tickets.
May or Spring Intakes In Canada
May or Spring intake in Canada is the least preferred intake option. This is the time when most of the students go for a spring break to spend time with their families and the campus premises are almost empty. It is for the same reason that very few universities in Canada offer courses for this intake.
Generally, the courses that are available during this time are not so popular ones; and so, the students are forced to choose a program that they may not like. Weather-wise, it’s probably the best time to start your academic journey in Canada.
When Should I Apply For May Intake?
We recommend that you apply to the session by October. Students who apply early are more likely to receive desirable offers and scholarships. Apply between October and December so you can review your options before making a final decision.
The sooner you apply, the higher the likelihood that you will receive better placement and scholarship offers.
Duration
The spring session lasts for a period of four months – May, June, July, and August.
Deadline For May Intake In Canada
The deadline for May intake in Canada is December. However, it is strongly advised that you check the university guidelines, as different universities may offer different guidelines. In the case of a few, the last date happens to be in October itself.
List Of Colleges In Canada For May Intake
The list of colleges in Canada for May intake is quite short compared to other intakes. You can choose from Mount Saint Vincent University, Brock University, University of the Fraser Valley, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Capilano University, New York Institute of Technology, and Lakehead University, for instance.
Steps To Study In May / Spring Intake
The first thing you need is do is to make the list of colleges and universities that might be ideal for your education. It’s crucial to keep the deadline in mind and work accordingly. Remember early application always gives you time. So, follow the steps below and complete your application process.
- Research about the universities in this intake. Start Early as soon as possible to make your processing simple and faster.
- October is the month for you to appear for tests like IELTS, GRE, GMAT, along with the others. Keep in mind that it might take up to two weeks for you to receive your test results.
- Ready your credentials documents, like Statement of Purpose (SOP), Recommendations, and other supporting documents in the month of October.
- As soon as you have the credentials ready, start applying to the universities. Provided that you’re able to apply within the month of October, you should get your acceptance letter by early November.
- January and February is the time when you should apply for VISA, and student loan if needed.
- Once the process is complete, all that you need to do is book your flight tickets, and you’re good to go.
Related more about: Best Colleges & Universities to Study MBA in Canada
September or Fall Intakes In Canada
The September or fall intake in Canada is the most popular intake option in Canadian universities. In this intake every student from world will apply as this intake provides the best scholarships with other facilities.
If you are accepted for this intake, you could finish your studies for the year with ease and comfort. There will be adequate amount of time in your hands to complete your study.
This is because there is a great deal of time available to begin your studies before the end of the year. The weather at this time of year is generally pleasant.
September is the main intake for international applicants to enroll in Canadian universities. Since there are a limited number of spots available for programs and courses, competition is fierce. It’s also the time when universities have the strongest international student support and co-ordination.
When Should I Apply For September Intake
Students need to apply more than a year before the intake starts. Students often have two months to apply for the intake.
Duration The intake lasts for a duration of 4 months – September, October, November, and December.
Deadline For September Intake In Canada
September intake in Canada is normally closed by October of the previous year. However, check with the university, and the deadline could be different among the colleges. Also, remember that this is the most popular intake so that they might close admissions earlier than usual.
List Of Colleges In Canada For September Intake
All the universities in Canada offer admissions in September intake. The list of colleges in Canada for September intake is quite huge.
Some of them include Douglas College, Sheridan College, Mohawk College, George Brown College, Fanshawe College, Western University, University of Ottawa, University of Montreal, and so on.
Related Content: – Cheapest Universities In Canada For International Students
Steps To Study In September / Fall Intake
Fall intake is one of the major intakes to study in Canada. So, there is a tough competition between students to select the best universities and get scholarships. This is the time to get the best scholarship that will help you remove the financial burden of your education. The following steps will guide you to be ready for this intake.
- Choose the University of College you want to apply in before the application process begins, Keep a close watch on the deadline.
- You should have all your test results by the month of August, including academic certificates, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and score credentials, Statement of Purpose (SOP), and recommendations.
- Start applying from the beginning of August itself, and you should have the acceptance letter by the end of the month.
- The next step is to apply for VISA and other loans, which you could start from the month of October.
- Once you get everything approved, the only thing left to be done is book your tickets.
If you’re planning to study in Canada from Nepal, but are concerned about the application process, it’s best to get help from a professional consultancy like Goreto. We are the leading & one of the best consultancy in Nepal for Canada which offers all the information and assistance you require to navigate the application process and find an academic program that’s right for you.
Many students start the application process without having the proper information about Canada intakes, so we make sure they have this vital data for students. Canada student visa experts – Goreto Educational Consultancy works with affordable processing fees, reliable, trustworthy and have all the information you need to apply to Canadian universities. We offer a complete service, with a perfect package which assures every students that they are in the good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many intakes does Canada offer?
Canada has two intakes in the year, namely spring and Fall. However, some top colleges & universities in Canada offer three intakes as well. Students need to know about these intakes to help them plan their applications accordingly.
How much of a gap is accepted for study in Canada?
The acceptance of a gap year or gap period when applying to study in Canada can vary depending on the educational institution and the specific program you are interested in. In general, moderate gaps in your education history are often accepted and not necessarily a hindrance to your application.
It’s essential to check the specific admission requirements of the Canadian institutions you are interested in, as each university or college may have its own policies regarding gap years. If you have a significant gap in your education, you may want to address it in your application by explaining how the experiences during that time have prepared you for your chosen program.
Which is the best intake to go to Canada?
September or fall intake is indeed the most preferred semester for international students in Canada. It aligns with the beginning of the academic year, and many top Canadian universities and colleges offer a wide range of programs and courses during this intake. While the September intake is the most popular, some institutions also offer intakes in January (winter) and May (spring/summer), which can be suitable for students with specific preferences or academic needs.
What is the success rate of a visa from Nepal to Canada?
According to research, the Canada visa success rate for Nepalese applicants experienced a notable increase from 21% in 2021 to 62% in 2022. Additionally, student visa approvals saw a remarkable surge of over 230% between 2019 and 2021, indicating the growing appeal of Canadian education and immigration opportunities for Nepalese individuals.
