Spring Intake in Canada 2024: Best Universities & Deadlines

Spring intake in Canada starts in May and is often called the Summer intake. Not all universities offer this lesser-known intake, so it gets the lowest number of admissions annually. 

Spring intake in Canada is considered the tertiary intake. Primary intake in Canada is in the fall, the secondary in Winter. Here’s an overview of intakes in Canada. 

Intake	Nature of the Intake	Admission Timelines
January/Winter Intake	Secondary	August-January
September/Fall Intake	Primary	December-March
May/Spring Intake	Tertiary	January-February

Even though fewer students prefer Spring intake in Canada, it is considered an excellent backup for those who missed the first two intakes. 

Spring intake in Canada starts in May and goes on till August. The admissions begin between October and December. If you plan to apply for May intake in 2024, you must start preparing between July and August. 

Since the May intake is considerably smaller, the deadlines expire fast. It’s best to keep an eye on the deadline and apply fast. One way to monitor the deadlines is to check the website often.

In this blog, we’ll explore the timelines, universities and everything else you need to know. 

List of Universities Accepting Spring Intake in Canada

University of Waterloo

• Ranks #154 in the world as per QS world university rankings 2023.
• Offers one of the largest co-op programs in the world
• Known for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields

Deadline for Spring intake: December 1st

University of Fraser Valley 

• Promotes hands-on learning and practical application of subjects
• Close ties with industries 
• Offers a range of programs and flexibility to choose courses

Deadlines: Applications open in October

Centennial College

• Focuses on career-oriented education and industry relevance
• Has excellent course options for co-op education 
• Celebrates diversity and has an inclusive campus

Deadlines: Applications open in October

Seneca College

• Offers modern facilities and labs that reflect real industry environments
• Embraces diversity and offers a wide range of international initiatives
• Has a strong focus on applied research, partnering with industry and community organizations

Deadlines: November 1st

Lakehead University 

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines
• It has research centres and institutes focused on areas that include sustainable energy and environmental studies.
• Located in a scenic destination, offering students a different experience.

Deadlines: April 1st

Is Spring Intake in Canada the Right Intake for you? 

What’s right for you depends on various factors. Though Spring intake is not largely preferred by students, it could be your best option if you’ve skipped the fall and winter intake.

Here are some key points to consider: 

1. Availability of courses: Not all programs and courses are available during the May intake. Popular programs and advanced specialisations are only available in the Spring intake. Since it’s a smaller intake, ensure that the course you’re interested in is available in universities before you settle on this intake. 
2. Timelines: Spring intake definitely allows for more time to gather your documents, sort your finances and file an application. If you need more time to apply, then spring intake in Canada may be the best option for you. 
3. Smaller classes and less competition: Students are fewer in spring intake, which means it’s easier to get an admission considering you’ve met all the requirements. The classes are smaller, and you might have a better chance of interacting with faculties. If this suits you, then go for it! 
4. Career opportunities: Fall intake usually aligns better with job recruitment cycles. However, May intake also has a considerable number of opportunities. We highly recommend researching more about job opportunities before settling in on this intake. 

Choosing an intake is a tough decision and a crucial one. Want to know if you’ve made the right decision? Book a 5-minute FREE call with our experts today, tell them your requirements, and they’ll tell you which intake is right for you!

Timeline: When Should you Apply for May/Spring Intake in Canada?

The timeline for your journey depends on which phase of application you are. The ideal time to start prepping for Spring intake in Canada is at least a year before the commencement of your term. 

You might have to jog the process to meet the deadlines if you’re late. We highly recommend talking to an expert to understand your next steps. 

Until then, here’s a sample timeline for your reference. 

Month	To-do list
May-June	-Research universities-Shortlist universities, or let us do it for you! -Find out the Eligibility & requirements for each university
July-September	-Take English proficiency tests-Take Entrance exams (if any)
September-December	-Gather all the documents-Apply to universities, or let us do it for you!
January-February	-Compare and accept an admission offer-Apply for a visa or avoid the hassle and let leap do it for you!
March-April	-Apply for scholarships-Find accommodation
May	Enjoy the start of your exciting journey!

Final Thoughts

Spring intake in Canada is certainly a good choice. The weather is pleasant during May, unlike the harsh winters. It also offers flexibility, additional preparation time, and potential advantages like smaller class sizes, but ensuring that your desired program is available during this intake is crucial. 

To apply to Spring intake universities in Canada, you must meet eligibility requirements that include English proficiency test scores, entrance exams, and minimum academic requirements. 

Each university and course will have a varying set of requirements and will require multiple set of documents.

Talk to our counsellors today and have the application process simplified for you! Book a free call now. 

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