Intakes to Study in Canada 2024: Deadlines and Universities

Canada, the second-largest country in the world, is one of the top study-abroad destinations for international students. It offers world-class education, quality lifestyle, global recognition, and multiple job opportunities to international students. Consequently, Canadian Universities witness heavy competition from international students to study in Canada. So, it is necessary for the students, who are dreaming of studying in Canada, to have a clear understanding of the types of intakes in Canada and their key features.

Popular Intakes in Canada 2024.

Most of the universities abroad conduct admissions in specific academic cycles that are popularly known as intakes. Similarly, Canadian universities offer three intakes in a year:

1. Fall/ September intake.
2. Winter/January intake.
3. Summer/May intake.

Before delving deeply into the three intakes, let’s have a quick comparison of them:

Exams required to study in Canada

International students who want to study in Canada have to take some tests based on their program of study. Canadian universities prefer their students to be proficient in both language and subject. So, they categorise tests into Language tests and Academic tests. Here is a list of the tests that you need to take if you want to study in Canada.

1. IELTS( International English Language Testing System): It is a standardised English language proficiency test that is accepted globally. It tests a candidate’s English proficiency in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Most Canadian universities accept IELTS academic band scores of a minimum of 6.0 or 6.5 for admission purposes. 
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): It is another widely accepted English Language proficiency test. Similar to IELTS, it also tests a candidate’s Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing skills in English. Top universities in Canada prefer candidates with a TOEFL score of 110 or above. However, some particular courses in some other unpopular Canadian universities accept candidates with a minimum of 80-90 or above TOEFL scores.
3. PTE (Pearson Test of English): It is another English language proficiency test accepted by most Canadian universities. They prefer candidates who scored a minimum of 50-70 or above.
4. GRE (Graduate Record Examination): It is an entrance test for students who want to pursue their Graduation in foreign countries. Some Canadian universities accept this exam to measure the capability of their applicants, whereas some other universities don’t insist on having a GRE score for admission.
5. GMAT (Graduate Management Assessment Test): It is an entrance test taken by students who want to pursue any business or management-related course. Most of the Business schools in Canada prefer candidates with a minimum GMAT score of 550 or above. Some top universities, such as McGill University, prefer to have candidates who have scored more than 650 on the GMAT.
6. SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test): It is a program-specific requirement in Canada. So, some universities accept SAT scores, and some universities that do not require SAT scores. But, you can increase your chances of getting admitted into a Canadian University with your SAT scores. Universities like Toronto, McGill, Ottawa, etc. prefer SAT scores of 1300 or above. 

Fall Intake in Canada 2024

Fall intake, commonly known as September intake, is the primary intake at Canadian universities. It is the major intake of the Canadian academic year as it offers innumerable academic programs and scholarships, and incorporates numerous top universities in Canada. As Canada is emerging as the primary dream study destination for international students, the competition is heavier than in other countries. So, international students must know the key dates and deadlines for the fall intake in Canada.

Application Timeline: Fall Intake 2024

Top Canadian Universities: Fall Intake 2024

Courses available for Fall Intake 2024

Bachelor’s degrees

• Software Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Data Sciences
• Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Civil Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Environmental Science
• Architecture
• Economics and Financial Science
• Law
• Financial Marketing
• Contemporary Arts
• Banking and Insurance
• Business Administration
• Asset Management

Master’s degrees

• Data Science
• Nursing
• Engineering
• Pharmacology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Architecture
• Business Administration
• Contemporary Arts
• Literature History
• Life Science
• Environmental Science
• Law
• Designing Arts: Illustrations and Digital Animation

Diploma

• Film Screening: Direction and Animation
• Designing Arts: Illustrations and Digital Animation
• Literature History
• Visual effects
• Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Financial Marketing

Pros and Cons of Fall Intake

Pros of applying to Fall intake in Canada

• Availability of a large number of courses.
• Opportunity to get admission to top Canadian universities.
• Students can begin their studies at the beginning of the Canadian Academic year.
• Pleasant climate.

Cons of applying to fall intake in Canada

• Students can expect heavy competition.
• The application period is very short.

So, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the application process and the documents required for the fall intake.

Application Process: Fall Intake in Canada

1. Research: Students must begin their research about Canadian universities and courses at least 6-10 months before the application deadline. So, to secure their admission to a fall intake in Canada, students need to begin their research by April- August of the previous year.
2. Take tests: Once students shortlist universities, they must take entrance tests (GRE, SAT, GMAT) and English language Tests (IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL) during September -November of the previous year of the application deadline.
3. Submit Application: Application dates may vary for each Canadian university. So, students must ensure that they don’t miss their preferred university’s application dates. Set reminders for the tentative dates and complete your application at the earliest.
4. Wait for a response: Once you submit your application to the universities, you should check your emails regularly. You will receive emails from your universities regarding the status of your application. 
5. Apply for a study permit: If you receive offer letters from the universities of your choice, you must apply for a study permit to study in Canada. Once you receive the study permit, the authorities will issue a student visa and an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) with your study permit.
   (Note: Study permit is not your visa. But you need it to stay and study in Canada.)
6. Settle finances: You have to find and apply for scholarships or educational loans to fund your studies in Canada.

Documents Required: Fall Intake in Canada

• Academic certificates
• An updated CV
• A valid passport
• SOP and LOR
• Test results (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, or PTE)
• Financial statements (To prove that you can manage your expenses in Canada).

Scholarships for Fall Intake in Canada

• India First Year Excellence Scholarship.
• IDRC Research Awards.
• Rotary Foundation Scholarship- Global Grants.
• Ontario Trillium Scholarship.
• BrokerFish International Student Scholarship.
• B. J. Seaman Scholarship.
• Aga Khan Academy Renewable Scholarship.
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program.
• Arthur J. E. Child Scholarship in Business.
• Karen Mckellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award.

Universities Offering Scholarships in Canada

Winter Intake in Canada 2024

Winter intake is popularly known as January intake in Canada. It is considered as the secondary intake because it is a good opportunity for the students who missed their admission in the fall intake. Though the programs offered are lesser in this intake, scholarships, career opportunities, and internships are almost the same as those of the September intake.

Application Timeline: Winter Intake 2024

Top Canadian Universities for Winter Intake in Canada

• McGill University
• University of Montreal
• University of Toronto
• Queen’s University
• Bow Valley College Calgary
• Concordia University of Edmonton
• University of Calgary
• NorQuest College- Wetaskiwin Campus
• Northern Alberts Institute of Technology (NAIT) Edmonton
• Alexander College- Burnaby Campus
• British Columbia Institute of Technology- Burnaby Campus
• Capilano University
• College of New Caledonia- Prince George
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
• University of Lethbridge -Lethbridge Campus
• Coast Mountain College- Terrace Campus

Courses Available: Winter Intake in Canada

• Medicine
• Engineering
• Architecture
• Law
• Psychology
• Economics
• Computer Science
• Fashion Designing
• Hospitality
• Business
• Accounting

Pros and Cons of Winter Intake

Pros of applying to winter intake in Canada:

Students will get more time to prepare for their applications. So, it’s an ideal opportunity for them, who missed out on the fall intake, to secure a seat in Canadian universities.

Cons of applying to winter intake in Canada:

The number of universities taking part in this intake is fewer than the fall intake. Moreover, the variety of courses offered may be lesser compared to the fall intake. So, only very few options are there for the students.

Application Process: Winter Intake in Canada

1. Shortlist universities and courses: Students must research the Canadian universities and courses that are available for the winter intake. Then, you have to shortlist the universities and courses that are in tune with your interests, profile, and budget.
2. Take tests: Go through the shortlisted universities’ websites to learn about the necessary tests and documents required to get admission to that university. Then, take the necessary tests (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE, and GMAT)  and arrange the essential documents.
3. Submit Application: Students can open the university’s official website and can directly fill in the application form. Attach all the necessary documents with the application and then submit it. 
4. Check Email: Applicants have to check their email regularly. You may receive emails from your respective universities regarding your admission status. Once you receive an offer letter, you have to arrange the funding for your study in Canada.
5. Apply for a Canadian student visa: Once you arrange funding for your studies, apply for a Canadian study permit. You’ll receive a student visa or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) with your study permit.

Documents required: Winter Intake

• A valid passport
• Academic transcripts
• Course completion certificates
• SOP 
• 2 or 3 LORs
• An updated copy of your resume
• Passport-sized photographs
• Results of English Language Proficiency Tests
• Extracurricular activities certificates. (If you have any.)

Scholarships for Winter intake in Canada 

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto.
• UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships for Developing Country Students.
• University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence.
• Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award.
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships.
• Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence.
• Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia.
• International Undergraduate Student Bursary at the University of Manitoba.
• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship.

Summer Intake in Canada 2024

Summer intake in Canada is also known as spring intake or May intake. This intake is considered the tertiary intake in Canada as it is the least popular intake among international students. Some universities offer mostly diploma and short-term courses in this intake. 

Application Timeline: Spring Intake in Canada

Top 10 Universities Offering Summer Intake in Canada

• Seneca College
• Lakehead University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Waterloo
• Centennial College
• University of Windsor
• University of Canada West
• Niagra College Canada
• Ryerson University
• University of Fraser Valley

Top Courses Offered during Summer Intake in Canada

• Adult Education
• Art Fundamentals
• Creative writing
• Agricultural Economics
• Business
• Creative Arts and Media
• Computer Systems Technician
• Accounting and Finance
• Economics
• Management

Pros and Cons: Summer Intake

Pros of applying to Summer intake in Canada:

Students can use this intake as an interim before applying to the next academic year’s intake. Moreover, the number of applications is usually the least in this intake. So, the competition is less. As a result, the probability of getting admission to Canadian universities is higher in this intake.

Cons of applying to summer intake in Canada:

Summer intake in Canada has only limited course varieties and seats. Moreover, a student won’t be able to access internships and other scholarship options if he or she begins their studies in Canada in the May intake.

Application Process: Summer Intake in Canada

1. Shortlist universities: Students must research the Canadian universities and courses for the summer intake.
2. Start preparation: As most Canadian universities follow a “first come, first serve” policy, students must apply at the earliest possible. So, students must hold all the necessary documents and test results. If they don’t possess the required documents, they have to arrange them before the application portals open.
3. Take tests: After shortlisting the university and course, students have to take the necessary tests (IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL) for their admission. 
4. Complete application: Students can apply for the universities of their choice when the application portals open. Keep all the documents and details with you.
5. Wait for the response: Students will receive emails regarding their application status from universities. 
6. Attend interviews: Some universities prefer an in-person online interview before they finalize your admission. So, prepare for the interview well and give your best shot.
7. Apply for a study permit: Once you receive a confirmation from a Canadian university regarding your admission, you can apply for a study permit. You will receive a visa with your study permit approved by the Canadian government.
8. Arrange funds: You have to arrange sufficient funds for your studies in Canada. As you won’t be able to apply for scholarships in the May intake, you have to find other sources of funding. Once you get sufficient funds, and arrange accommodation facilities, you can book your tickets to Canada.

Documents required: Summer Intake in Canada

• Academic transcripts.
• Standardised test scores
• SOP
• LOR
• Financial transcripts
• Immigration document
• Health insurance
• A valid passport
• An updated copy of resume

Final Thought

Canadian universities open their doors to international students three times a year in the form of intakes: fall, winter, and summer. Each of the intakes has pros and cons. So, finalising an intake that suits your interest, profile, and budget is crucial in deciding your future. 

Texas Review: Right Choice for Your Canadian Dream

Texas Review, one of the best study abroad consultants in India, takes pride in treating our clients with utmost care in each step of studying abroad. We always try to provide the best service in helping you to choose the best university in Canada by considering your profile, academics, interests, and budget. We assist you from your shortlisting of universities and courses till you successfully begin your academic venture in Canada. 

What do we offer?

• Visa documents assembling
• Scholarship Counselling
• Online/ Offline Coaching
• Professional team and resource
• Scrutinize your application
• Education fairs
• Post-submission services
• Interview Preparation
• Regular follow-ups to check progress
• Post landing services

The post Intakes to Study in Canada 2024: Deadlines and Universities appeared first on Texas Review.