aecc logo

Prepare for Your Canada Studies with Upcoming Intakes!

Learn everything you need to know about intakes in Canada and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.

Last updated9th Jul 2025
8 mins read
3.67K views
Ankit Dogra
Published by Ankit Dogra

Canada & UAE Marketing Specialist | Manager - Client Relations & SES

Students wishing to gain admission and study in Canada have the opportunity to choose from numerous intakes available annually, giving them the liberty of deciding when their academic journey begins. Intakes in Canada have a well-defined timeline with fixed deadlines within which an application should be made. The three major intakes are Fall, Spring, and Summer.

The Fall intake, starting in September, is the most coveted as all programs and courses of universities and colleges are offered. The Spring intake, which takes place in January, offers another entry point for students looking for mid-academic year starts. Finally, the Summer intake in May or June caters to students looking for shorter terms or specific programs.

Which Canada Intake to Opt for Higher Education?

While choosing a Canada intake for higher education, students should consider their academic goals, preferred starting time, and course availability as well.

Intake Name

Description

Month

Fall Intake

The Fall intake, which starts in September, is the most favored and dominant intake among foreign students. This is the intake when the greatest number of courses and programs are available at the institutions. Students seeking Fall intake get the added benefits of more scholarship availability, campus life at its peak, and getting to begin at the academic year’s start.

September

Spring Intake

The Spring intake, which starts in January, suits those who missed the opportunity for the Fall intake or those who need more time to get everything ready. Although fewer programs are offered in the Spring intake compared to the Fall intake, it still offers a significant variety of options.

January

Summer Intake

The Summer intake, which arrives in May or June, is less common but highly suitable for those who would like to pursue short-term courses of a few months or certain programs. This intake is considered to be well-suited for those who desire an easier and quicker adjustment into the academic environment and can prove to be helpful for students who wish to commence their studies during a relatively less hectic time of the year.

May/June

Canada Intakes Admission Deadlines

While planning for studies in Canada, it is important to have knowledge of the Deadlines for Canada intakes. In Canada, there are basically three intakes: Fall intake, Spring intake, and Summer intake.

Canada Intakes

Programs

Admission Deadlines

Fall Intake

Undergraduate programs, Graduate programs, Postgraduate programs, Professional degrees, and Diplomas.

Universities and colleges typically begin accepting applications in December, with deadlines extending into March. Early applications are encouraged due to the competitive nature of this intake.

Spring Intake

Applications open around August, and deadlines generally fall between October and November. It's crucial to check specific deadlines for each institution, as they may vary.

Summer Intake

Institutions begin accepting applications in January, with deadlines typically in February. Due to the limited number of programs, early application is advisable to secure a spot.

Fall Intake in Canada

Benefits

  • The Fall Intake is for a number of undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, as well as diploma programs for students looking for admission to Canadian universities and colleges. It allows choosing from a far-reaching variety across disciplines.
  • Scholarship opportunities in most colleges and universities are widely available, especially for a fall intake student. This gives them more chances to fund education and cut costs down to a minimum.
  • By commencing studies in the Fall, one can stay involved totally with campus activities, clubs, societies, and sports teams right from the beginning of the academic year to experience a vibrant social and academic atmosphere.
  • Since the Fall Intake falls within the regular academic cycle, students are eligible to take up internships and co-op placements during summer breaks, gaining practical experience toward employability by businesses.

Application Procedure

  • Look for Canadian universities offering your desired program. Also, consider reputation, location, and facilities.
  • In line with your career aspirations and academic interests, pick a program: undergraduate, graduate, or a diploma course.
  • Check the fee structure of tuition fees for international students and the available modes of payment, with the terms and conditions.
  • Appear for tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or DET to fulfill language proficiency criteria.
  • If required for the course, prepare and sit for GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT.
  • Gather your documents, including your resume, transcripts, test scores, SOP, and LORs.

Universities Accepting Fall Intake

All colleges and universities in Canada offer a Fall intake, allowing international students from various backgrounds and disciplines to commence their studies during this period.

Winter Intakes in Canada

Benefits

  • This is an opportunity for students who missed the cutoff earlier or would want to start their program later than the traditional fall intake.
  • Just like fall intakes, many universities will have a large number of programs available, giving students the opportunity to major in a variety of fields.
  • The winter cohorts will be relatively smaller compared to fall intakes. With smaller class sizes, there is the advantage of getting greater attention from professors, as well as enjoying greater access to resources.
  • Programs commencing in winter are also in sync with the industrial internship cycle. So some students can take work-integrated learning early in their academic careers.

Application Procedure

  • Research and look for programs in universities accepting winter intake. Search based on your objectives of acquiring an education and your career goal.
  • Academic Transcripts, Proof of language proficiency tests like IELTS/TOEFL, Standardized test scores GRE/GMAT, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation and Resume/CV.
  • Pay the exact amount of fee as per the demand of the university.
  • All the documents should reach the admission officer of that particular university within the specified deadline.

Universities Accepting Winter Intake

In Canada, all colleges and universities offer a Winter intake, providing international students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines the opportunity to begin their academic journey during this season. This intake ensures that students can enrol in various programs, accommodating their educational aspirations and timelines.

Summer Intake in Canada

Benefits

  • Some colleges offer intakes in summer with fast-tracked or condensed programs that allow students to finish their courses at a much faster pace.
  • Summer intake provides an additional admission option to students who have missed the fall intake or winter intake or would like to begin their studies earlier.
  • A few programs commencing in summer may have a more significant focus on peak internship or co-op cycles, thereby providing students with early work experience.
  • Summer sessions usually have specialized courses or electives that are not really available during the regular school year, which is an experience that affords a student a greater specificity in university coursework.
  • Due to the fact that not more than a handful of students sign up for the summer session, classes are generally smaller and students can get greater personalized attention from professors and foster better relationships with them.

Application Procedure

  • Identify universities offering winter intake and determine programs that satisfy your academic and career goals.
  • Academic transcripts, proof of Language proficiency-IELTS/TOEFL, Standardized test scores GRE/GMAT, Statement of Purpose- SOP, Letter of Recommendation-LOR, and Resume/CV.
  • Online application forms of university can be filled or centralized application portals like ApplyAlberta or OUAC could be used for applications.
  • Having chosen a university, the applicant has to pay the requisite application fee in accordance with the university.
  • All the documents should be uploaded or sent to the admission office of the university on the due date.
  • The status of the application is to be continuously monitored by the applicant through online portals or the modes of communication imparted by the university.

Documents Required to Apply for Canadian Institutions

Here are the documents required to apply for various programs in Canadian universities:

  • Letter of Acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
  • Transcripts of recent secondary or post-secondary qualifications
  • Language Test Scores: IELTS 6.0+ in each section or TEF score of 7.0+ in each section equivalent to CLB
  • Proof of payment of first-year tuition fees
  • Living outside Canada at the time of visa application
  • A medical exam before application, if required
  • Police Certificate before application, if required
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN $10,000
  • Acceptance Certificate for Quebec (CAQ) for Quebec studies
  • Valid eTA or Visitor Visa

Conclusion

The intakes in Canada provide international students with many opportunities to start their studies. There are three major intakes in Canada—while each of these intakes has its own advantages, fall is when most of the studies start and is the most popular among these. Around 70% of all admissions are accepted during the fall intake. Students can select from these intake options depending on their requirements.

Ready to embark on your educational journey in Canada? Discover the best intake that suits your academic goals with AECC. Whether you're aiming for the Fall, Spring, or Summer intake, we offer comprehensive support to guide you through the application process, Deadlines for Canada intakes, and visa requirements. Contact AECC today and let us help you make your dream of studying in Canada a reality!

Share to
Ankit Dogra
Published by Ankit Dogra

Canada & UAE Marketing Specialist | Manager - Client Relations & SES

With over a decade of experience in the overseas education sector, Ankit Dogra is a marketing and student recruitment specialist with deep expertise in the Canada and UAE markets. He has a proven history of success at top multinational companies like AECC, ApplyBoard, and IDP Education.

What makes Ankit's perspective unique is his holistic understanding of the entire student journey. Beyond just admissions, he leads the Student Essential Services (SES) vertical, which includes crucial support like education loans, accommodation, GIC accounts, and money transfers. This means he doesn't just help students get into university; he helps them build their new life abroad.

As a Manager at AECC, Ankit is responsible for growing student enrollment numbers from the South Asia region for Canada and the UAE. His extensive background in digital marketing, certified by a Digital Marketing Course, allows him to provide the most current and effective advice for students navigating the modern, online world of university applications.

Ankit can help you with

  • Navigating Beyond Admissions: Get expert advice on the "next steps" after your acceptance letter, including securing an education loan, finding accommodation, and setting up your finances.
  • Understanding Canada & the UAE: Benefit from his focused expertise in the Canadian and UAE education markets to make informed choices about your future.
  • Building a Digital-First Application: Use his certified digital marketing knowledge to understand how to present yourself effectively online to universities and admissions teams.
  • Making a Smooth Transition: Leverage his experience with Student Essential Services to ensure every aspect of your move abroad is planned and stress-free.

Ankit holds an MBA in Marketing, which, combined with his extensive hands-on experience, makes him a powerful guide for any student's international education journey. 

TalkChatEnquire