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Canada Intakes 2022: Updated Guide

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Candidates intending to take up higher education in Canada should be aware of the admission intakes. These intakes are distributed across the academic year and usually range between two and four months. Foreign institutions conduct admissions in a particular cycle, which are popularly known as intakes.

Different Canada intakes correspond to different academic sessions of the country. Applicants should know about all the components associated with the application processes to ensure higher chances of acceptance. International students aiming to take up undergraduate or postgraduate courses can go through the following sections to learn about various intakes in Canada. 

Canada intakes

Overview of Various Canada Intakes

There are three major intakes followed by Canadian institutions for admission purposes: Fall, Winter and Summer intakes. The Fall intake is usually the most popular among international candidates applying to Canadian institutions. These sections offer a detailed guide on each Canadian intake:

Canada IntakesDurationDescription 
Fall (Primary intake)September to early JanuaryThe Fall intake is the most sought-after Canadian intake among Indian students. The Fall semester usually starts in the month of September, during which various leading Canadian institutions offer numerous courses across different disciplines.
Winter (Secondary intake)January to MayThis intake typically starts in January. International students who couldn’t enrol during the fall intake choose this one for admission.
SummerMay to AugustThe Summer intake is available for very few study programs and institutions. It begins during April or May.

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Canada Intakes 2022: Updated Guide

 Application Deadline for Different Intakes

While choosing an admission intake, candidates should consider the application deadline for each course and institution. Different institutions come with different deadlines. These timelines are usually communicated at least a year in advance to let candidates prepare accordingly. 

These are the deadlines for each Canadian intake:

  • Fall Intake: From December to March
  • Winter Intake: From September to November
  • Summer Intake: February

Deadlines also vary on the type of study course one pursues. Depending on the course, the application deadlines are as follows: 

Name of the CourseIntake to be Followed  
UndergraduateWinter intake
Fall intake
PostgraduateWinter intake
Fall intake
MBARound 1 takes place in Fall intake
Round 2 takes place in Winter intake
And Round 3 occurs in Summer intake

In addition, the application deadlines for Canadian short diploma courses are also different. These deadlines will, however, vary from universities to colleges.

Pros and Cons of Various Canada Intakes

Students making study abroad plans for Canada need to carefully weigh the advantages and drawbacks of each intake to make an informed choice regarding admission. Here is a detailed rundown on the benefits and shortfalls of different 

Canada intakes:

Fall Intake

The Fall intake is highly popular among international candidates looking to pursue higher studies in Canada. 

Advantages

  • Candidates can choose from a wide range of courses that are offered by different institutions during this intake.
  • Students get enough time and scope to familiarise themselves with the new environment. 
  • One can enjoy excellent scholarship opportunities.
  • Students can get ample time to prepare a perfect application.

Drawbacks

Since a lot of candidates apply during this phase, applicants can face stiff competition that can impact the chances of acceptance.

Winter Intake

The Winter intake is also a popular period to apply for admission at Canadian institutions.

Advantages

  • Students get enough time for visa applications and study permit applications.
  • An extended period to prepare a suitable university application will provide a better chance to secure admission.

Drawbacks

Canadian winter can be quite harsh. There are limited courses provided by institutions during this time. 

Summer Intake

This is the least popular of all the Canada intakes and is not exactly a suitable time to apply.

Advantages

This intake sees applications from a considerably lower number of international students. Naturally, the competition is relatively lower, ensuring better chances of obtaining an acceptance offer.

Disadvantages

  • Students usually prefer to take a spring break.
  • Only a handful of institutions in Canada offer study programs during this intake.
  • Candidates will get only short duration diploma courses in this intake.

Courses Available in Different Canada Intakes

All major study programs in Canada are usually open through the Fall intake. Admission for courses such as MBA, MS, MA is conducted mainly in this cycle. The Winter intake provides an additional window for universities to either fill up the remaining seats or to carry out admission for specialised courses.The Summer intake is meant for short-term courses such as diplomas, certificate programs, summer courses, etc. Here is a list of courses that one can apply for during different intakes:

Courses OfferedIntake  
All kinds of programs (undergraduate and postgraduate)Fall
Selected study programsWinter
Short-term coursesSummer

 Candidates have to select the admission intake as per the courses they wish to enrol into.

How to Choose the Best Canada Intake?

Although the admission process is not long, the steps involving the application can be pretty tedious. One has to begin the process well in advance to apply within the stipulated admission deadline. It can be confusing for many candidates to find the most suitable intake to apply for a university in Canada. One needs to consider these factors while figuring out the best intake:

  • Availability of the chosen study course
  • Academic records
  • Application deadline
  • The acceptance rate at the shortlisted universities
  • Entrance test result dates
  • Readiness to join the program and others
Canada intakes

Conclusion

Candidates should carefully choose the intakes for admission to a foreign university. The entire application procedure will depend on the chosen admission intake. Those intending to study in Canada in the upcoming year should check details of Canada intake 2022 and stay updated with the information as released by the universities.

1. What is the best time to apply for a Winter intake in Canada? 

Ans: Students planning to take admission in Winter intake should ideally apply during June and July of the previous year. The Canadian universities usually begin their application procedure during this time of the year. Applicants can start working on their SOPs, LORs, or work profiles and also book slots for language proficiency tests around this time. 

2. When does Fall intake begin in Canada?

Ans: The Fall intake begins in September each year. Regular classes start from September, and applicants receive their confirmation letters by April. This allows enough time to prepare visas, travel documents, and book flights. 

3. What is the most popular intake for MBA programs in Canada?

Ans: MBA is one of the most preferred courses in Canada among Indian students. The Fall and Winter intake are the best time to apply for an MBA course in Canada. Some of the top universities offering MBA study programs in Fall intake are the University of Toronto, McGill University, York University and more.

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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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