The September intake in Canada, also called the fall intake in Canada, is the main and biggest admission cycle of the year. Most universities and colleges welcome their largest batch of students at this time.
Applications for the September intake in Canada open about a year before classes. The University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia close most undergraduate applications on 15 January 2027. Others, like the University of Alberta, stay open till 1 March 2027.
In this article, you'll find the deadlines for September intake in Canada, a month-by-month timeline and the top universities. You'll also see eligibility rules, documents, study permit steps and how September compares with January.
September Intake in Canada for Indian Students
Canada plans to take in 150,000 new international students a year in 2027 and 2028. Seats are limited. The September intake in Canada gives Indian students the widest shot at them.
A few things make September a strong pick:
Course choice: Most bachelor's, master's, diploma and PhD programmes take new students in fall.
Funding: Many entrance scholarships line up with the fall cycle.
Full academic year: You start with everyone else, so orientation, clubs and co-op terms (where your programme has them) follow the normal calendar.
No PAL for grad students: Since 1 January 2026, master's and PhD students at public institutions don't need a Provincial Attestation Letter.
Work while you study: You can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes, and full-time in scheduled breaks.
New to Canada as a study option? Our guide on Study in Canada covers fees, universities and visas.
This table shows the fall intake in Canada at a glance.
Aspect
Details
Intake Name
September Intake (Fall Intake)
Classes Begin
September 2027
Applications Open
Late September to October 2026 at many universities
Deadlines
Vary by university, college and programme, mostly January to March 2027
Courses
Bachelor's, master's, diplomas, certificates and PhD
Proof of Funds
CAD 23,448 (₹16,06,657) for living costs, plus tuition and travel
Work While Studying
Up to 24 hours a week off campus
Ideal For
Students who want the widest choice of programmes
September Intake in Canada Application Timeline
Most students need about a year to prepare for the September intake in Canada. At the University of Toronto, applications open in late September 2026. Offers then go out in rounds from late January to May 2027.
Use this month-by-month plan for a September 2027 start.
Timeline
What Students Should Do
June to September 2026
Research courses, shortlist schools and take IELTS, TOEFL or PTE
Late September to October 2026
Applications open at most universities
October 2026 to January 2027
Submit applications, early for competitive courses
February to March 2027
Meet later deadlines, like 1 March at the University of Alberta
Late January to May 2027
Track your portal and receive decisions
March to June 2027
Accept an offer, pay the deposit and get your PAL if you need one
April to July 2027
Apply for your study permit
July to August 2027
Book housing and flights
September 2027
Classes begin
Your exact dates depend on your school. Missing a single September intake Canada deadline can push you to the next intake, so keep a dated list. Want to compare all three start dates? Read our guide onIntakes in Canada.
The next section tells you when to begin.
When Should You Start Preparing for September Intake?
Start 12 to 15 months before the September intake in Canada.That's June to September 2026 for 2027. It lets you do a test retake and slow paperwork.
Do the following steps in order:
Shortlist first: Pick courses and schools that suit your marks and budget.
Mark your dates: For each school in your list, observe the deadlines for September intake in Canada.
Take your tests: Book IELTS, TOEFL or PTE early. Add GRE or GMAT only if your course asks.
Gather papers: Ask for transcripts and reference letters well ahead.
Plan your money: The study permit alone needs proof of CAD 23,448 (₹16,06,657) for living costs.
September Intake in Canada Application Deadlines 2027
Canada has no single national deadline. Each university, college and often each programme sets its own. Most deadlines for September intake in Canada fall between January and March 2027.
The two sections below explain the pattern and why your course page matters most.
Typical Application Deadline Timeline
Most universities follow a similar rhythm, even when the dates shift a little. U of T suggests applying by 7 November 2026 for early consideration. At many top universities, the last date to apply for September intake in Canada sits between 15 January and 1 March 2027.
This table shows the usual stages.
Stage
Typical Period
Applications Open
Late September to October 2026
Early Consideration
Around November 2026 (7 November at U of T)
Main Deadlines
January to March 2027
Admission Decisions
Late January to May 2027
Offer Acceptance
By the date in your offer letter
Study Permit Preparation
Once you have your Letter of Acceptance
Why You Should Check Course-Specific Deadlines
The deadlines for September intake in Canada aren't the same even inside one university. A school can set separate dates for the application, documents, supplementary forms and scholarships. Some of these land months apart.
These real Fall 2027 examples show the difference:
University
Application Deadline
What Else to Note
University of Toronto
15 January 2027
Apply by 7 November 2026 for first-round consideration. Arts & Science documents are due 1 February 2027.
University of British Columbia
15 January 2027
Some programmes stop taking applications on this date.
University of Alberta
1 March 2027
Applications opened on 1 October 2026.
Keep these points in mind too:
Programme rules: Every September intake Canada deadline is set per programme, so two courses at one school can differ.
Applicant type: International students applying to Ontario universities often fall under a separate OUAC group, with dates that can differ from the popular 15 January date.
Seat limits: Some programmes close early once they fill up.
Late applications: A few schools accept late forms if seats remain. Competitive courses rarely do.
The last date to apply for September intake in Canada is really the one on your course page. Applying for a master's? Graduate deadlines often fall between December and January, and our guide onMasters Intakes in Canada has the details.
Top Universities for September Intake in Canada
McGill University is Canada's top-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings 2027, at 30th in the world. The University of Toronto is 32nd, and the University of British Columbia is 45th. The University of Ottawa made Canada's top 10 for the first time this year.
These ten universities are popular picks for the fall intake in Canada.
All ten take new students in the September intake in Canada. You can compare more options in our list ofUniversities in Canada.
Eligibility for September Intake in Canada
Eligibility for the September intake in Canada depends on your level of study. There's no national grade or English score rule. Each school sets its own.
The four checks below cover the basics.
Undergraduate Eligibility
You need Class 12 or an equivalent first. McGill, for example, sets a minimum of a B+ equivalent, and most programmes want more. UBC asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0.
Most universities look for:
Class 12 or an equivalent qualification
Grades that meet the programme's cut-off
IELTS, TOEFL or PTE scores
Subject prerequisites, like Maths for engineering
Postgraduate Eligibility
You'll need a recognised bachelor's degree in a related subject. Grade and English rules change from school to school. Some programmes also want GRE or GMAT scores.
Most programmes ask for:
A recognised bachelor's degree
A relevant academic background
IELTS, TOEFL or PTE scores
GRE or GMAT, where the programme asks
Diploma and Certificate Eligibility
Colleges set their own entry rules for diplomas and certificates. Post-graduate certificates usually need a finished degree or diploma. Shorter diplomas may accept Class 12.
Check these before you apply:
The academic qualification the course needs
Any programme-specific prerequisites
The English score the college asks for
Additional Requirements
Some courses ask for more than marks and test scores. Design courses often want a portfolio. MBA programmes usually look for work experience.
Watch out for these:
Portfolio: For art, design and architecture.
Work experience: For MBA and some professional programmes.
The September intake in Canada application works in six clear steps. You apply to your school first. The study permit comes once you have your Letter of Acceptance.
Go through them in order.
Shortlist Universities and Courses
Start with 5 to 8 schools that fit your marks, budget and career plans. Make sure each course runs a September intake in Canada. Some programmes also open in January, while others start only in fall.
For each school, check:
Is your course open for September 2027?
Do you meet the entry rules?
When is the application deadline?
Are there scholarships for international students?
Check the Application Route
Your route depends on your province and level of study. Ontario undergraduate applications go through OUAC. UBC, the University of Alberta and McGill use their own systems.
Keep these routes in mind:
Ontario universities: Undergraduate forms go through OUAC. At U of T, you can apply to up to three programme areas.
Other provinces: Apply on each university's own portal.
Graduate programmes: Apply directly to the university or department.
Your documents tell the school who you are. Start collecting them at least three months before your first deadline. Transcripts from Indian colleges can take a few weeks.
Keep these ready:
Transcripts and degree certificates
English test scores
SOP or statement of intent
Letters of recommendation
CV or resume
Passport
Submit the Application
Complete the form, upload your documents and pay the price. Aim to complete well before the Canada deadline for September intake on your course page. Don’t wait until the last deadline to apply for September intake in Canada, as the portals tend to slow down at the end.
Before you hit submit:
Fill in every section.
Upload all documents.
Pay the application fee.
Save your confirmation email.
Track the Application
Your work doesn't stop after you apply. U of T sends offers in rounds between late January and May. Other schools follow their own schedule.
Keep checking:
Your portal every week
Emails asking for more documents
Interview invites
Offer letters and reply dates
Once you pick an offer, accept it and pay the deposit. That's also when your school starts the PAL request, if you need one.
Apply for the Student Visa
In Canada, the permit you need is called a study permit. Apply as soon as you have your Letter of Acceptance. Processing times change often, so check the live estimate on the IRCC website.
Start with the fees:
Study Permit Cost
Amount
Application Fee
CAD 150 (₹10,278)
Biometrics Fee
CAD 85 (₹5,824)
Total
CAD 235 (₹16,102)
For applications made on or after 1 September 2026, you must show at least CAD 23,448 (₹16,06,657) for first-year living costs outside Quebec. Tuition and travel come on top of that.
A few rules to keep in mind:
PAL: Most undergraduate and college students need one. Master's and PhD students at public institutions don't.
Quebec: Going to McGill or another Quebec school? You need a CAQ first, and Quebec asks for CAD 24,617 (₹16,86,757) for living costs.
Proof of funds: A GIC is one option, not a must. Bank statements, an education loan or proof of paid tuition also count.
Longer courses: Be ready to explain how you'll pay for the years after the first.
At the border: You get a letter of introduction first. Your actual study permit is issued when you land in Canada.
PhD applicants: Those applying from outside Canada get a 14-day processing standard.
The September intake in Canada is the main one, and January (winter) is the second. January admission is more limited and changes a lot by programme. Thesis-based master's programmes open far less often in January.
The table below compares both intakes.
Factor
September Intake
January Intake
Academic Start
September
January
Course Availability
Widest choice
More limited, varies by programme
University Options
Most universities take students
Fewer schools and programmes
Competition
Can be higher
Varies by programme
Scholarships
Most funding options
Fewer options
Ideal For
Students ready to apply early
Students who miss the fall cycle
Missed the fall intake in Canada? Read our guide onWinter Intake in Canada to see your next option.
Tips to Prepare for September Intake in Canada
Most fall intake in Canada plans go wrong on dates and money, not marks. A little planning fixes both. Start early and check every date twice.
This table sums up what to do and why it helps.
Tip
Why It Helps
Start 12 to 15 months early
Leaves room for test retakes and slow paperwork
Track all deadlines for September intake in Canada in one sheet
Application, document and scholarship dates can differ
Apply in early rounds
U of T considers early applicants from the first round
Leave a buffer before each September intake Canada deadline
Portals and payments slow down near the end
Check scholarship dates separately
Award deadlines can come before application deadlines
Line up funds early
You need CAD 23,448 (₹16,06,657) for living costs, plus tuition
The September intake in Canada gives you the widest choice of programmes and the biggest batch. It's the main way into most Canadian universities and colleges.
Dates matter most here. The last date to apply for September intake in Canada at U of T and UBC is 15 January 2027. The University of Alberta stays open till 1 March 2027.
Start early and track every September intake Canada deadline. Sort out your funds before your offer arrives, and you'll be ready to land in September 2027.
When should I apply for September intake in Canada?
The best time is early in the cycle, between October and December 2026. Applying early can put you in the first round of offers. U of T, for example, reviews applications sent by its recommended date of 7 November 2026 from the very first round.
Is September intake available in Canada?
Yes. The September intake in Canada, also called the fall intake in Canada, is the main admission cycle of the year. Most universities and colleges open their widest range of bachelor's, master's, diploma and PhD programmes in this cycle.
When can I apply for September intake in Canada?
You can apply as soon as your university's portal opens, usually in late September or October of the year before. U of T opens fall 2027 applications in late September 2026, and University of Alberta opened on 1 October 2026.
When to apply for September intake in Canada?
It depends on your level of study. Undergraduate students should aim for the January to March 2027 deadlines. Many graduate programmes close earlier, between December 2026 and January 2027.
What is the last date to apply for September intake in Canada?
There's no single last date, since each university sets its own. The deadlines for September intake in Canada range from 15 January 2027 at U of T and UBC to 1 March 2027 at University of Alberta. Some programmes, like certain ones at UBC, may accept late applications if seats remain, though late applicants may not get the same priority.
Do students from India follow the same deadlines at Ontario universities?
Not always. Ontario undergraduate applications go through OUAC, and students schooled outside Ontario usually apply as Group B. Group B deadlines can differ from the common 15 January date, so check each university's page.
How many programmes can I apply to at the University of Toronto?
You can apply to up to three programme areas at U of T. Each one counts as a separate application. Some programme areas also need a supplemental application, like a profile or statement of interest.
Does the proof of funds amount change every year?
Yes. IRCC updates it every 1 September. The amount rose from CAD 22,895 to CAD 23,448 (₹16,06,657) for applications made on or after 1 September 2026, so check the current figure before you apply.
What IELTS score do I need for the fall intake in Canada?
There's no national English score, so each university sets its own. UBC, for example, asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 90 or PTE 65. It doesn't accept IELTS General.
Can I work while studying in Canada?
Yes. Most study permit holders can work up to 24 hours a week off campus once classes begin. You can work full-time during scheduled breaks, like winter and summer holidays.
When should I book housing for the September intake in Canada?
Book as early as you can, ideally right after you apply. At U of T, the residence application deadline is 31 March. Waiting until after the September intake Canada deadline season can leave you with fewer housing choices.
