Intakes in Canada 2027-28: Fall, Winter and Summer Dates, Deadlines and Universities

There are three primary intakes in Canada: Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer. The seasons begin in September (Fall), January (Winter), then May or June (Spring/Summer). The Application deadline and course choices vary from intake to intake. 

Intakes in Canada 2027-28 at a glance

Compare the main intakes in Canada for 2027-28, including start dates, application periods, course availability, and which students each intake may suit. 

Intake	Classes start	General application window	Programme availability	Best for
Fall 2027	August-September 2027	September 2026-March 2027	Widest course and scholarship options	Students seeking more choices
Winter 2027	January 2027	Some deadlines fall in September-November 2026	Selected programmes; some deadlines have passed	Students ready to start in January
Summer 2027	May-June 2027	Varies; some deadlines fall between January and March 2027	Limited courses and scholarships	Students seeking an alternative start date
Winter 2028	January 2028	Often May-August 2027	Selected programmes	Students needing more preparation time

Firstly, know the admission period for your desired course in Canada in 2027-2028. The deadline and places available for application may vary among different university programs. Here is an article with detailed information about Canada intakes, application deadlines, eligibility, documents needed, and how to apply. 

How Many Intakes Are There in Canada?

Canada has a total of three intakes that are Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer. However, Canadian universities have different admission schedules, and the number of available courses can vary by intake. Before choosing when to apply, compare the start dates, course options, scholarships, and admission requirements for your preferred programme. The following tables summarise these details for each intake.

Here is what you need to know about each Canada intake 2027.

Fall Intake in Canada 2027

The Fall intake in Canada, or the September intake in Canada is a popular choice as it gives international students the greatest choice of courses and universities. 

Here are the full details for the fall intake in Canada:

Feature	Details
When Does It Start?	August or September 2027, usually September.
Popular Courses Available	Business, engineering, computer science, MBA, postgraduate diplomas, and PhD programmes.
Pros	More course options, universities and scholarship opportunities.
Cons	High competition and early application deadlines.

Winter Intake in Canada 2028

It is designed for students who require additional time to get their applications ready for school or who were not in a position to apply on time for Fall admission. 

The following table includes all the information about the winter intake in Canada:

Feature	Details
When Does It Start?	January 2028.
Popular Courses Available	Business, IT, computer science, selected engineering programmes, and diplomas.
Pros	More time to prepare documents and another chance if you miss Fall admission.
Cons	Fewer courses and potentially fewer scholarships.

Summer Intake in Canada 2027 and 2028

The Summer intake offers limited course options for students who want to start their studies in May or June. 

The table below may give you an idea of the summer intake in Canada:

Feature	Details
When Does It Start?	Usually May or June.
Popular Courses Available	Selected business courses, diplomas, certificates, and vocational programmes.
Pros	An additional start date and options for selected courses.
Cons	Limited degree options and fewer scholarship opportunities.

Understand the May Intake in Canada in detail

Next Intake in Canada: Winter (January) and Summer (May) 2027

As of October 2026, some Winter 2027 application deadlines have passed, but a few colleges are still accepting applications. Summer 2027 may be another option for students who missed the January intake. Deadlines and course availability vary by institution and programme.

Check the Winter and Summer 2027 application deadlines for Canadian colleges, including past deadlines and programmes that accept applications until seats are filled. 

College	Winter 2027 deadline	Summer 2027 deadline
SAIT	30 October 2026	International applications not available for this term
Columbia College	13 November 2026	12 March 2027
Douglas College	30 September 2026 (passed)	31 January 2027
Cape Breton University	15 October 2026 (passed)	15 February 2027
Seneca Polytechnic	Applications accepted until programmes fill	Applications accepted until programmes fill

Can you still apply? Check colleges such as Seneca Polytechnic, which accepts applications until programmes fill. Apply as soon as possible, confirm that your chosen course has seats available, and allow sufficient time for study permit processing. These dates are programme-specific and may change.

Suggested Read: Cost of Studying in Canada for International Students

Fall vs Winter vs Summer Intake in Canada: Which Is Better?

It is generally best to apply to the Fall intake if the student would like to have the maximum choice of courses offered. However, the ideal Canada intake may depend on the timelines of students' current studies, the availability of the programmes of interest, and the amount of preparation time. 

1. Usual start:

• Fall intake: August-September
• Winter intake: January
• Summer intake: May-June

2. Course availability:

• Fall intake: Usually the widest range of courses.
• Winter intake: Moderate, depending on the course.
• Summer intake: Usually limited.

3. Scholarships:

• Fall intake: Often more entrance awards to choose from.
• Winter intake: Depends on the university and course.
• Summer intake: Often fewer options.

4. Competition:

• Fall intake: Can be high for popular programmes.
• Winter intake: Varies by course.
• Summer intake: Varies by course.

5. Best suited to:

• Fall intake: Students ready to begin in September.
• Winter intake: Students who need more preparation time.
• Summer intake: Students whose preferred course offers summer admission.

University-wise Application Deadlines for Intakes in Canada 2027-28

Application deadlines for Canada intakes for Indian students vary by university, course, degree level, and applicant category. The dates below are based on official university pages available as of October 16, 2026. 

Here’s a table showing application deadlines for international students for intakes in Canada, depending on the intakes in Canada:

University	QS World University Rankings 2027	Fall 2027 deadline	Winter 2028 availability
McGill University	#30	January 15, 2027, for several undergraduate programmes. Explore McGill University-Admissions	Check programme-specific availability.
University of Toronto	#32	January 15, 2027, for several undergraduate programmes.	Check programme-specific availability. Explore University of Toronto-Dates & Deadlines
University of British Columbia	=45	January 15, 2027, for the main September 2027 undergraduate cycle.  Visit UBC-Dates & Deadlines	Check programme-specific availability.
University of Alberta	#96	March 1, 2027, for most programmes; exceptions apply.	Deadlines vary by programme and applicant type. Review University of Alberta-Dates & Deadlines for Admissions
University of Waterloo	=113	February 1, 2027, for most programmes except Engineering; January 15, 2027, for most Engineering programmes.	Most first-year undergraduate programmes admit students for September only.  Check University of Waterloo- Application & Document Deadlines

Suggested Read: Universities in Canada with No Application Fees

Universities and Colleges Offering Fall, Winter and Summer Intakes

Not all universities offer all 3 intakes for every course. Based on the university and course availability, admissions may be open in September, January, or May. Some universities also offer a summer intake in June. The availability of each intake depends on the course requirements, seat availability, and the university’s admission schedule.

Universities Offering Multiple Intakes

When choosing alternative Canada intakes, check out these institutions. Before applying, please verify the intake of the specific programme. Here’s a table showing the best universities in Canada with their intakes.

University	Intakes to check	What to know
University of Alberta	Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer	Publishes term-specific deadlines for undergraduate programmes
University of British Columbia	Fall and selected summer-term options	Check the faculty and programme for the available start term
University of Ottawa	Fall and selected Winter programmes	Winter admission is available for some programmes, not all
York University	Fall and selected Winter and Summer programmes	Deadlines and course availability vary by applicant type and programme
Laval University	Fall, Winter and Summer	Applications open on different dates for each term; many programmes are taught in French

Also Read: Universities in Canada accepting three years bachelors

Colleges Offering Multiple Intakes in Canada

Canadian colleges can provide two or more start dates for diplomas, certificates, and career programs. But international student admission depends on the course, seats in the class, and the policy followed by the college.

Here’s a table showing the best colleges with their intakes to go for:

College	Intakes to check	What to know
Seneca Polytechnic	January, May and September	Selected programmes accept applications; seats may fill quickly.
Douglas College	January, May and September	Deadlines vary by intake; limited-enrolment programmes may close early.
Columbia College	January, May and September	Publishes intake-specific deadlines for international applicants.
George Brown College	January, May and September	Application cycles open at different times for each intake.
SAIT	January, Spring and September	Not all programmes offer every intake; international availability varies by term.

If you are interested in shorter programmes, you can also consider:

• Canada short term courses
• Vocational courses in Canada for international students

Intakes in Canada by Course: Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and PG Diploma

This information is dependent on the course and level of study in Canada for Indian students. For instance, a university can start offering a bachelors degree in September, but a masters programme may begin in September and January only. 

The following data includes complete information about Canada intakes for Indian students based on your academic level and the information you would require before applying to the specific intake.

Course type	Intake information	What to verify
Bachelor's degree	Fall is generally the main intake; selected programmes also offer Winter or Summer admission	Course availability, Class 12 results, subject requirements and application deadlines
Master's degree	Fall is common; selected programmes offer Winter or Summer starts	Bachelor's degree, minimum grades, prerequisites and whether the course accepts January entry
MBA	Fall is common; some universities offer additional start dates	Work experience, GMAT/GRE if required, English test and interview requirements
PG diploma	Fall and Winter are common at some colleges; Summer may be available for selected courses	Course duration, eligibility, international admission, fees and study permit requirements

Have a look at some of the best courses to study in Canada

Which Intake Should You Choose by Student Profile?

You need to know which Canada intake to use based on your education, test scores, and plans. However, make use of the instructions below to help you determine which intake focus to examine initially.

• Students Applying After Class 12: Fall has more undergraduate course options. Make sure to meet the admission requirements and deadlines prior to applying.
• Final-Year BTech and Bachelor's Students: The university offers good opportunities for students who can apply in Fall 2027, including final-year BTech and Bachelor's students who are still unsure what to do. If your final October results are delayed and you are admitted in January, you should think about applying for this course in Winter 2028.
• Individuals with work experience who are looking into a master's or MBA: Research the experience requirements, tuition cost, and course availability before you apply.
• Students awaiting IELTS Score or final result: Select an intake that provides sufficient time to fill out your application. 

You may check out some courses in Canada:

• PG Diploma Courses in Canada
• Degree or Diploma in Canada

Application Timeline for Intakes in Canada 2027-28

Spending some time before the application date may give you time to complete the required documentation and to get your application in on time. Please see the relevant university's websites for the actual deadline dates, which can vary by course, by university, and intake.

The following timeline is a rough guide for students aiming to apply for Canadian universities and colleges for the 2027-28 academic year.

Fall Intake Timeline 2027

Get ready for Fall 2027 university admission by shortlisting, applying to universities, and completing admission procedures. 

Before the start of the institution in September 2027, use the timeline below to plan. 

Estimated Period	What to do
October-December 2026	Shortlist universities, check course requirements, and prepare documents
December 2026-March 2027	Submit applications according to university deadlines
January-May 2027	Respond to admission decisions and complete any remaining requirements
After receiving an offer	Follow the university's instructions for accepting the offer and obtaining any required provincial attestation documents
Before travelling	Apply for the study permit, arrange accommodation and prepare for enrolment

Winter Intake Timeline 2028

If you are interested in courses for general intake in Winter 2028, start researching courses in early 2027. This will allow time to prepare documents, meet deadlines, and fulfill admission and study permit requirements before January 2028. 

Here’s a timeline to help you plan your application for winter intake: 

Estimated Period	What to do
January-April 2027	Identify courses that accept January 2028 students
May-August 2027	Prepare and submit applications according to each university's deadlines
August-October 2027	Complete pending documents and respond to admission decisions, where applicable
After receiving an offer	Follow the university's instructions for accepting your offer and obtaining required documents
Before January 2028	Complete the study permit process and prepare for travel

Some universities will likely open or close the Winter 2028 applications earlier or later than this proposed timeline. Be sure to consult the course page and allow ample time for your study permit application. 

Summer Intake Timeline 2028

For Summer intake 2028, it is recommended to begin researching universities and courses offered by mid-2027. The deadlines for applications differ from one institution to another, so please apply by the application deadline for the course and ensure that sufficient time is provided for processing your study permit. 

The table below gives a quick overview of the summer intake timeline:

Estimated Period	What to do
June-September 2027	Research universities and identify courses that offer a Summer 2028 start
September-December 2027	Prepare documents and submit applications where the application window is open
January-March 2028	Check admission decisions and complete outstanding requirements, if the programme timeline allows
Before the course starts	Complete study permit requirements and prepare for travel

These are for general planning. The dates given may change from time to time for some applications from Summer 2028, since they may open or close outside of these dates. Please refer to the university's official calendar. 

Eligibility for Intakes in Canada 2027-28

Academic eligibility for admission to programs or courses in Canada is dependent upon each specific institution, program, and level. Academic and English language qualifications will be required.

These requirements apply to all intakes. There is no change for applying for a particular intake, but check the official university website before sending your application.

Undergraduate Eligibility

Bachelors in Canada candidates should expect to provide the following information:

• Completion of Class 12 or equivalent.
• Compulsory subjects: Maths for engineering and some science subjects, subjects for business degrees, etc.
• Proof of English (or French) language skills depending on the language of instruction.
• Portfolios or tests

Students can apply during Class 12 at some universities. In those cases, admissions are based on their results.

Check Out: Bachelors in Specialized Fields in Canada

Masters Eligibility

Most students who want to pursue a masters degree in Canada will require:

• A recognized bachelors degree in any related field.
• Marks and grade points that cover course requirements.
• As necessary, it includes relevant prerequisites or prior study.
• English or French language test results (where applicable).
• A letter of motivation, references or research proposal (depending on the programme).

Depending on the course, some work experience may be required or certain academic prerequisites. Research programmes can also require a research proposal or the identification of a supervisor.

Also Read: Masters in Specialized Fields in Canada

English Language and Other Test Requirements

The other test requirements are for the English Language.

International students might have to take an English language proficiency test accepted by the university. There are several standard English exams such as:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL (iBT)
• PTE
• Duolingo Exam

Some universities and programs have specific requirements for the highest grade or type of test that may be accepted. Students may be exempted, depending on previous study, as determined by some institutions.

Some programmes, including the MBA, may also call for GMAT and GRE scores and/or interviews or work experience. Please look at the course page before taking a test.

Documents Required for University Applications

The following are required for all University Applications.

General documents that are needed are:

• Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets are required for undergraduate applications.
• Copy of bachelors degree certificate and transcripts for post-graduate applications.
• Submit your passport details and other personal information. 
• Provisional certificates
• If applicable, results of English language tests.
• Personal statement/SOP (refer to this statement of purpose format for detailed guidance)
• Recommendation letters, if needed (check out the correct LOR format)
• Submit a CV/resume for selected programmes.
• Where applicable, Portfolio, research proposal, and/or entrance test scores.
• The university will confirm that your application fee has been paid. 

The university may ask for a visa certificate, a copy of your university degree, or other supporting documents. Please do as directed on your programme.

Documents Required for a Canada Study Permit

Once they are admitted, they normally will have to create paperwork for their study permit application. These may include:

• Passport or travel document that is suitable for use.
• A letter of acceptance from the school code/school designee (DLI). 
• Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), where applicable. 
• A Tuition Deposit and Living/Travel Expense Letter of Financial Commitment or Financial Guarantee (FOF).
• Any other document that IRCC may need for a qualification and/or for the applicant's case. 
• Biometrics, medical examination, or other documents as required. (Know about what is biometric for Canada visa in detail).

Read the guide to a 

• Student visa for Canada
• Canada Post Study Work Visa

Proof of Funds for a Canada Study Permit 2027

Students applying for a Canadian study permit must show they have enough money to pay for their tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses. They must be able to cover these costs without depending on a job in Canada.

For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, students studying outside Quebec must show the following amount for living expenses:

Family members	Required funds (CAD/INR)
1 person	CAD 23,448 (₹15.92 lakh)
2 people	CAD 29,192 (₹19.82 lakh)
3 people	CAD 35,888 (₹24.38 lakh)
4 people	CAD 43,572 (₹29.59 lakh)
5 people	CAD 49,419 (₹33.56 lakh)
6 people	CAD 55,736 (₹37.85 lakh)
7 people	CAD 62,054 (₹42.13 lakh)
Each additional member	CAD 6,318 (₹4.29 lakh)

Students can show proof of funds through bank statements for the last six months, education loan letters, or scholarship letters. A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is optional and is not required for every student.

PAL/TAL Exemption: From January 1, 2026, eligible students applying for master's or doctoral degrees at public designated learning institutions (DLIs) do not need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). Different rules may apply in Quebec.

Source:

Scholarships by Intake in Canada

Scholarships in Canada vary by intake, university, and programme. International students applying for the Fall (September), Winter (January) and Summer (May) intakes can explore entrance awards, merit-based scholarships and financial-need-based funding. 

Here are some of the scholarships in Canada by intake. 

Fall Intake (September)

The following scholarships support international students beginning undergraduate studies in September, with funding based on academic merit, leadership skills, and financial need. 

Scholarship name	Eligibility criteria	Coverage offered
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship - University of Toronto	Undergraduate degree and excellent academics required.	Covers tuition, books, incidental fees and residence support for four years.
UBC International Scholars Program	High academics, leadership experience, and financial need.	Need-based funding that can cover tuition and living expenses, depending on assessed need.
Douglas International Education Regional Entrance Award	B-equivalent GPA or higher and strong English-language scores.	CAD 1,000-2,000 (₹67,910-₹1.36 lakh).

Summer Intake (May)

Here are some of the scholarships that offer funding opportunities for eligible international students starting in May, although awards and programme availability may be limited. 

Scholarship name	Eligibility criteria	Coverage offered
Douglas International Education Regional Entrance Award	B-equivalent GPA or higher and strong English-language scores.	CAD 1,000-2,000 (₹67,910-₹1.36 lakh), one-time award.
Dr. Guangwei Ouyang International Education Entrance Scholarship - Douglas College	Strong academics and involvement in school, community, or personal development.	CAD 2,500 (₹1.70 lakh), one-time award.
New Onshore International Student Scholarship - George Brown Polytechnic	Enrolling full-time in an eligible programme.	CAD 2,000 (₹1.36 lakh), paid in two instalments of CAD 1,000.

Winter Intake (January)

Students planning to start their studies in January can explore these scholarships, which offer financial support based on academic performance and the university's eligibility requirements. 

Scholarship name	Eligibility criteria	Coverage offered
International Student Leadership Award - Toronto Metropolitan University	First-year undergraduate students with at least an 86% admission average and leadership experience.	CAD 10,000 (₹6.79 lakh), one-time award.
International English Admission Scholarship - University of Ottawa	Eligible English-taught undergraduate programmes with at least an 80% admission average.	CAD 7,500 (₹5.09 lakh) per term; up to CAD 60,000 (₹40.75 lakh) over four years.
Douglas International Education Regional Entrance Award	A B-equivalent GPA or higher and strong English-language scores.	CAD 1,000-2,000 (₹67,910-₹1.36 lakh), one-time award.

Suggested Read: Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

How to Apply for Intakes in Canada?

If you are applying for a competitive course or want to clear an educational loan, it is advisable to apply early. A university does not grant a study permit.

To apply for the desired intake in Canada, follow these steps:

1. Select a university and course. Compare programmes based on level of education, budget, career, and location.

2. Look if there are intake limitations and request deadlines. Find out if the course will open for Fall 2027, Winter 2028, or Summer 2028.

3. Complete necessary paperwork. Organise the required documents (transcripts, passport, language test scores, and more) that are needed for the university.

4. Submit the university application. Complete the online application form, attach documents (if applicable), and submit the application fee.

5. Read the offer of admission. Please check the conditions of acceptance, fees, and deadline for receipt of your Letter of Acceptance (LoA), and instructions for access.

6. Read once again the conditions that apply to an existing study permit. Check the official IRCC website to see what is required to apply for a study permit and prepare them.

7. Provide the biometrics if required. Follow directions in the application.

8. Track your application. Select and/or consult additional documents as required.

9. Travel plan and sign up at the institution. After receiving your study permit, arrange for accommodation, transport, and registration at the university.