Canada, the second-largest country in the world, is one of the top study-abroad destinations for international students. It offers world-class education, quality lifestyle, global recognition and multiple job opportunities to international students. Consequently, Canadian universities witness heavy competition from international students to study in Canada. So, it is necessary for the students, who are dreaming of studying in Canada, to have a clear understanding of the types of intakes in Canada and their key features.
Popular Intakes in Canada 2025
Canadian universities offer three intakes in a year:
- Fall/ September intake.
- Winter/January intake.
- Summer/May intake.
Before delving deeply into the three Canada Intakes 2025, let’s have a quick comparison of them:
| Intakes | Programs offered | Tentative deadlines | Highlights |
| Fall Intake | Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses | December to March | Major intake. Highest number of applications, courses, universities, and scholarships. |
| Winter Intake | Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses | September to November | Secondary intake. Moderate number of applications and courses. |
| Summer Intake | Diplomas | January and February | Tertiary intake. Only a few universities provide this intake. |
Exams required to study in Canada
Here is a list of tests that you need to take if you want to study in Canada.
- IELTS( International English Language Testing System):
It tests a candidate’s English proficiency in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Most Canadian universities accept IELTS academic band scores of a minimum of 6.0 or 6.5 for admission purposes.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
It also tests a candidate’s Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing skills in English. Top universities in Canada prefer candidates with a TOEFL score of 110 or above.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English):
It is an English language proficiency test accepted by most Canadian universities. They prefer candidates who scored a minimum of 50-70 or above.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination):
It is an entrance test for students who want to pursue their Graduation in foreign countries. Some Canadian universities accept this exam to measure the capability of their applicants.
- GMAT (Graduate Management Assessment Test):
Most of the Business schools in Canada prefer candidates with a minimum GMAT score of 550 or above. Some top universities, such as McGill University, prefer to have candidates who have scored more than 650 on the GMAT.
- SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test):
Some universities accept SAT scores for getting admitted into a Canadian University. Universities like Toronto, McGill, Ottawa, etc. prefer SAT scores of 1300 or above.
Fall Intake in Canada 2025
Fall intake, commonly known as September intake, is the primary intake at Canadian universities. International students must know the key dates and deadlines for the fall intake in Canada to study in top universities in Canada.
Application Process Timeline: Fall Intake
| Timeline for Fall Intake 2025 | Things to Do |
| 2024 April- 2024 August | Research and shortlist Canadian universities and courses. |
| 2024 September- 2024 November | Take entrance tests (GRE, GMAT, and SAT) and English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE). |
| 2024 November- 2025 January | Complete your application to Canadian universities. |
| 2025 January- 2025 February | Check your email, accept offer letters from the university, and respond to your emails. |
| 2025 February- 2025 April | Apply for a study permit in Canada and settle your finances. |
Top Canadian Universities: Fall Intake 2025 in Canada
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- University of British Columbia
- University of Waterloo
- University of Ottawa
Courses for Fall Intake in Canada
Bachelor’s degrees
- Software Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Life Sciences
- Data Sciences
- Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Civil Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Environmental Science
- Architecture
- Economics and Financial Science
- Law
- Financial Marketing
- Contemporary Arts
- Banking and Insurance
- Business Administration
- Asset Management
Master’s degrees
- Data Science
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Pharmacology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Architecture
- Business Administration
- Contemporary Arts
- Literature History
- Life Science
- Environmental Science
- Law
- Designing Arts: Illustrations and Digital Animation
Diploma
- Film Screening: Direction and Animation
- Designing Arts: Illustrations and Digital Animation
- Literature History
- Visual effects
- Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Financial Marketing
Application Process: Fall Intake in Canada
- Research: Students must begin their research about Canadian universities and courses at least 6-10 months before the application deadline. So, to secure their admission to a fall intake in Canada, students need to begin their research by April- August of the previous year.
- Take tests: Once students shortlist universities, they must take entrance tests (GRE, SAT, GMAT) and English language Tests (IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL) during September -November of the previous year of the application deadline.
- Submit Application: Application dates may vary for each Canadian university. So, students must ensure that they don’t miss their preferred university’s application dates. Set reminders for the tentative dates and complete your application at the earliest.
- Wait for a response: Once you submit your application to the universities, you should check your emails regularly. You will receive emails from your universities regarding the status of your application.
- Apply for a study permit: If you receive offer letters from the universities of your choice, you must apply for a study permit to study in Canada. Once you receive the study permit, the authorities will issue a student visa and an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) with your study permit.
(Note: Study permit is not your visa. But you need it to stay and study in Canada.) - Settle finances: You have to find and apply for scholarships or educational loans to fund your studies in Canada.
Documents Required: Fall Intake in Canada
- Academic certificates
- An updated CV
- A valid passport
- SOP and LOR
- Test results (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, or PTE)
- Financial statements (To prove that you can manage your expenses in Canada).
Scholarships for Fall Intake in Canada
- India First Year Excellence Scholarship.
- IDRC Research Awards.
- Rotary Foundation Scholarship- Global Grants.
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship.
- BrokerFish International Student Scholarship.
- B. J. Seaman Scholarship.
- Aga Khan Academy Renewable Scholarship.
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program.
- Arthur J. E. Child Scholarship in Business.
- Karen Mckellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award.
You can have a look at the universities offering scholarships in Canada.
Winter Intake in Canada 2025
Are you thinking why is the Winter Intake Important? Well, winter intake is popularly known as January intake in Canada. It is considered as the secondary intake because it is a good opportunity for the students who missed their admission in the fall intake.
Application Process Timeline: Winter Intake 2025
| Timeline of Winter Intake | Things to do |
| April- June (2024) | Research and shortlist universities and programs. |
| July- September (2024) | Take necessary tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Do the essential paperwork. |
| September – December (2024) | Complete the application. |
| November (2024) -January (2025) | Receive emails and offer letters. Arrange funds. Apply for a Visa |
| January- February (2025) | Once you receive your visa, book your tickets. |
Top Canadian Universities for Winter Intake in Canada
- McGill University
- University of Montreal
- University of Toronto
- Queen’s University
- Bow Valley College Calgary
- Concordia University of Edmonton
- University of Calgary
- NorQuest College- Wetaskiwin Campus
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Edmonton
- Alexander College- Burnaby Campus
- British Columbia Institute of Technology- Burnaby Campus
- Capilano University
- College of New Caledonia- Prince George
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
- University of Lethbridge -Lethbridge Campus
- Coast Mountain College- Terrace Campus
Courses for Winter Intake in Canada
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Law
- Psychology
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Fashion Designing
- Hospitality
- Business
- Accounting
Application Process: Winter Intake in Canada
- Shortlist universities and courses: Students must research the Canadian universities and courses that are available for the winter intake. Then, you have to shortlist the universities and courses that are in tune with your interests, profile, and budget.
- Take tests: Go through the shortlisted universities’ websites to learn about the necessary tests and documents required to get admission to that university. Then, take the necessary tests (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE, and GMAT) and arrange the essential documents.
- Submit Application: Students can open the university’s official website and can directly fill in the application form. Attach all the necessary documents with the application and then submit it.
- Check Email: Applicants have to check their email regularly. You may receive emails from your respective universities regarding your admission status. Once you receive an offer letter, you have to arrange the funding for your study in Canada.
- Apply for a Canadian student visa: Once you arrange funding for your studies, apply for a Canadian study permit. You’ll receive a student visa or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) with your study permit.
Documents required: Winter Intake
- A valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- Course completion certificates
- SOP
- 2 or 3 LORs
- An updated copy of your resume
- Passport-sized photographs
- Results of English Language Proficiency Tests
- Extracurricular activities certificates. (If you have any.)
Scholarships for Winter intake in Canada
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto.
- UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships for Developing Country Students.
- University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence.
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award.
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships.
- Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence.
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia.
- International Undergraduate Student Bursary at the University of Manitoba.
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship.
Summer Intake in Canada 2025
Summer intake in Canada is also known as May intake. Universities offer mostly diploma and short-term courses in this intake.
Application Timeline: Summer Intake in Canada
| Timeline | Things to do |
| By the end of February- beginning of March | Visit the university’s website and check the application key dates. |
| July-October | Take English language proficiency tests. |
| November- February | Arrange all the essential documents and apply for the university and course of your choice. |
| February- March | Check your email regularly. Accept offer letters.Apply for a study permit. |
| April- May | Find accommodation. Pack your things. Book your tickets to go to Canada. |
Top Universities Offering Summer Intake in Canada
- Seneca College
- Lakehead University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Waterloo
- Centennial College
- University of Windsor
- University of Canada West
- Niagara College Canada
- Ryerson University
- University of Fraser Valley
Courses Offered during Summer Intake in Canada
- Art Fundamentals
- Creative writing
- Agricultural Economics
- Business
- Creative Arts and Media
- Computer Systems Technician
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics
- Management
Application Process Timeline: Summer Intake in Canada
- Shortlist universities: Students must research the Canadian universities and courses for the summer intake.
- Start preparation: As most Canadian universities follow a “first come, first serve” policy, students must apply at the earliest possible. So, students must hold all the necessary documents and test results. If they don’t possess the required documents, they have to arrange them before the application portals open.
- Take tests: After shortlisting the university and course, students have to take the necessary tests (IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL) for their admission.
- Complete application: Students can apply for the universities of their choice when the application portals open. Keep all the documents and details with you.
- Wait for the response: Students will receive emails regarding their application status from universities.
- Attend interviews: Some universities prefer an in-person online interview before they finalize your admission. So, prepare for the interview well and give your best shot.
- Apply for a study permit: Once you receive a confirmation from a Canadian university regarding your admission, you can apply for a study permit. You will receive a visa with your study permit approved by the Canadian government.
- Arrange funds: You have to arrange sufficient funds for your studies in Canada. As you won’t be able to apply for scholarships in the May intake, you have to find other sources of funding. Once you get sufficient funds, and arrange accommodation facilities, you can book your tickets to Canada.
Documents Required: Summer Intake in Canada
- Academic transcripts
- Standardised test scores
- SOP
- LOR
- Financial transcripts
- Immigration document
- Health insurance
- A valid passport
- An updated copy of resume
Scholarships for Summer Intake in Canada
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
- Humber International Entrance Scholarships
- Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
- University of Waterloo International Doctoral Student Award
Final Thought
The prime benefits of intakes 2025 in Canada-based universities are they open their doors to international students three times a year in the form of intakes: fall, winter and summer. So, finalising an intake that suits your interest, profile, and budget is crucial in deciding your future.