A Guide To Intakes In Canada

Canada has become one of the most popular choices for students when they decide to study abroad. Canada has plenty of opportunities for students both study and work wise. Canada has some of the most diverse courses offered, from medicine and engineering all the way to art and tourism. There are many things to consider when applying to universities, like the course, the fees, the duration and most importantly, the intake. 

Types of Intakes in Canada

There are three main intakes offered in Canada: the Fall Intake, The Winter Intake and the Spring Intake. Most Universities offer only two intakes in Canada, the Fall and the Spring Intake, while some of the top universities also offer a third Winter Intake. Having enough knowledge of these intakes is very important as this will help you decide which intake is right for you. One advantage of having multiple intakes is that if your application isn't accepted in one intake, you can always apply for the next one. Here are the 5 best cities in Canada for abroad studies.

Fall Intake in Canada

The Fall Intake is definitely the most popular, and this is when most of the students apply. It starts in September. This intake not only has the most courses available to the students but also has the most scholarships and facilities offered. As there usually are only a limited number of seats available, the competition is intense as most international students choose the Fall Intake. The universities offer the most support and coordination to the international students in this intake. Getting accepted in the Fall Intake also ensures that the students have enough time to complete their courses with ease.

Advantages

• The first is the enormous quantity of student seats available in this cycle. This is the best intake to strive for, as top universities open all of their courses to overseas students during this cycle. It is common for all major courses, including MS, MA, and MBA courses, to be available during this period. 
• In addition, students who enrol in Canada during the September or Fall semesters have more time to adjust to the country's climate than those who enrol during the winter intake, which begins four to five months later.
• Students enrolled in fall semesters have improved access to internship programs and off-campus employment options.

Applications and Deadlines for Fall Intake in Canada

It is advised to apply a year before the Fall Intake in Canada actually starts. So, If you want to apply for September 2024, September 2023 would be the right time. The deadlines for applications close in October of the year before usually but can vary from university to university. Applying way in advance is always the better option. Another thing to remember is that there is a limited number of seats with high competition, so the applications might close earlier than anticipated. 

Top Universities for Fall Intake in Canada

All the universities in Canada usually offer the Fall Intake as it is the main intake. Here are some of the universities that offer the Fall Intake in Canada.

1. University of Toronto
2. Queen's University
3. Western University
4. McGill University
5. University of Montreal
6. University of Alberta

Winter Intake In Canada

The Winter Intake in Canada is also called the January Intake and is basically just a continuation of the Fall Intake in Canada. Usually, for the Winter Intake, not as many courses are offered compared to the Fall Intake, and the universities offering this intake are fewer. The students who missed the Fall Intake are usually the ones who apply for the Spring Intake. This is your chance to continue your studies without having to take a year off if you miss the Fall cycle. The students will not only have to start in harsh weather, but they will also be a few months behind the students who started classes in September. Finding accommodation for international students in Canada can be hard sometimes, so plan.

Advantages

• In addition to your standard courses, some specialty programs in Canada offer admittance during the winter intake.
• Less competition
• Fewer students in the class mean greater chances for teacher-student contact.
• A second chance to join a course without having to wait a full year

Applications and Deadlines for Winter Intake in Canada

For the Winter Intake in Canada, it is best to keep all your documents ready for the courses you want to apply to. If the deadline for the Fall Intake in Canada is missed, this is the intake that they should apply for. The applications usually end around September and November, but it varies from college to college, so it is best to check the official websites for specific dates. 

Top Universities for Winter Intake in Canada

This intake is smaller compared to the Fall Intake in Canada and is a second chance for students who couldn't apply before. Some universities that offer the Fall Intake in Canada are: 

1. Humber College
2. Centennial College 
3. Algonquin College
4. St. Lawrence College
5. Red Deer College
6. University of Waterloo
7. University of Calgary
8. University of Alberta

Spring Intake in Canada

The Spring Intake in Canada is also called the Summer intake or the May intake and is the least popular intake among all the other intakes in Canada. Very few universities in Canada offer the Spring Intake, and even when the universities do offer it, the courses available are not many. As Spring is not a compulsory semester, many students don't opt to study in these months and tend to go home. Since there are plenty of short-term courses available during Thai time, it is a good idea to enrol in an additional course to strengthen your credentials. 

Advantages

• Selecting a short-term course in the Spring is a smart idea if you want to explore a new subject or aren't sure what kind of long-term study you want to pursue. 
• As fewer students are applying for this intake, your class size may be limited, which gives you excellent opportunities for one-on-one interactions with faculty. 
• Some courses may only be offered during this phase, so if you have a specific course in mind that is off the beaten path, do check if it is offered with fall/winter intakes or during summer. 

Applications and Deadlines for Spring Intake in Canada

The deadlines for applications for the Spring Intake in Canada are usually October to February. Still, as not many universities offer this intake anyway, it's better to check with the university for the exact dates. Certain language or vocational programs are usually offered for the Spring Intake. This intake is for students who have other plans for the winter or Fall Intake or if they want to complete their course quickly. 

Top Universities for Spring Intake in Canada

Not many universities offer courses during the Spring Intake, but here are a few that do:

1. Mount Saint Vincent University
2. Brock University
3. University of the Fraser Valley
4. Kwantlen Polytechnic University
5. Capilano University
6. New York Institute of Technology 
7. Lakehead University

Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing an Intake

Deciding which intake to apply for can seem overwhelming and confusing, especially when there are multiple options to choose from. There should also be a few factors to consider before you choose one. 

1. Research and understand the advantages and the disadvantages of all the intakes.
2. Research the colleges and courses you want to apply to.
3. Research what facilities the colleges can offer.
4. Gather information about the duration of courses and tuition fees.
5. If you're looking for scholarships or financial help, make sure to apply in time.

Application Process for Intakes in Canada

Depending on whatever intake you choose to apply for, your application date may vary. You must stay informed about the deadlines for applying to the college or courses of your choice. The applications must be filled in correctly and on time. Having all the documents ready is recommended so you have a higher chance of securing a spot in one of the universities, as there is usually a lot of competition. 

1. Thorough research is needed first to find the courses that you want to apply to and what universities would be right.
2. Checking the eligibility criteria is very important to know if you can apply for the course. 
3. Tests like the GRE, GMAT, SAT or IELTS must be given, and the results must be out. 
4. Documents like your mark sheets, degree, passport, LOR and SOPs must be ready.
5. Applying to universities is fairly easy if your documents are all in place.
6. After getting your offer letter, you can start applying for a visa. 

Here is all the information on the different kinds of intakes in Canada. Be sure to be fully informed about the details of these intakes so you can make the right decision for you. Now that you know all about the intakes in Canada, you might want to get a headstart on booking student accommodation in Canada. Luckily, amber has plenty of options for you to pick from. You can also read our blog on the 10 best universities in Canada.