Home › Intakes & Deadlines › Canada
Canada2026 intakes22 universities
Canada University Intakes & Application Deadlines (2026)
When to apply to study in Canada — the intake seasons, a clear application timeline, and typical deadlines for top universities. Free.
▶ Find your universities (free predictor)⚡ Quick answer: The main intake in Canada is Fall (September), with Winter (January) and a smaller Spring/Summer (May) intake. Apply roughly 6–12 months before your intake — the best programmes and scholarships close first. Always confirm exact deadlines on each university's official page.
Intake seasons in Canada
Fall is the primary Canadian intake with the most programmes and funding. Winter (January) is a solid second option; Spring/Summer is limited. Note: the Student Direct Stream closed in November 2024, so apply through the regular study-permit stream and start early.
Application timeline — work backwards from your intake
- 12–18 months before: shortlist universities and take a free IELTS / PTE / TOEFL mock to find your gap, then book the real test.
- 8–12 months before: prepare your SOP and recommendation letters, finalise your test scores, and submit applications — apply early for scholarships.
- 3–6 months before: accept your offer, arrange proof of funds, and apply for your student visa (prepare for the visa interview).
- 1–3 months before: book travel and accommodation, and complete pre-departure steps.
Intakes & typical deadlines — top Canada universities
| University | Intakes | Typical deadline |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Fall (Sep) | Dec–Jan |
| McGill University | Fall (Sep) | Jan–Mar |
| University of British Columbia | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Dec–Jan |
| University of Alberta | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Rolling |
| Western University | Fall (Sep) | Jan–Mar |
| University of Waterloo | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Feb 1 (Fall) |
| Université de Montréal | Fall (Sep) | Feb 1 |
| McMaster University | Fall (Sep) | Jan–Feb |
| University of Calgary | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Rolling |
| University of Ottawa | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Rolling |
| Queen's University | Fall (Sep) | Feb |
| University of Manitoba | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Feb 1 (Fall); Sep 1 (Winter) |
| Dalhousie University | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Rolling |
| Simon Fraser University | Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan) | Rolling |
| University of Victoria | Fall (Sep) | Rolling |
| University of Saskatchewan | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Jan 15 (Fall); Sep 1 (Winter) |
| York University | Fall (Sep) | Rolling |
| University of Guelph | Fall (Sep) | May 15 (Fall) |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Feb 1 (Fall); Sep 1 (Winter) |
| Concordia University | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Rolling |
| Carleton University | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan) | Rolling |
| Conestoga College | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan), Spring (May) | Rolling admission |
Indicative for 2026 — deadlines vary by programme and change yearly. Always confirm on each university's official admissions page.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main intake in Canada?
- The main intake in Canada is Fall (September), with Winter (January) and a smaller Spring/Summer (May) intake. Fall is the primary Canadian intake with the most programmes and funding. Winter (January) is a solid second option; Spring/Summer is limited. Note: the Student Direct Stream closed in November 2024, so apply through the regular study-permit stream and start early.
- When should I apply for a Canada university?
- Start 12–18 months before your intake: take your English/admission tests early, then apply roughly 6–12 months ahead. Top universities and scholarships close first, so earlier is always safer.
- Are these Canada deadlines exact?
- They're indicative typical deadlines and vary by university and programme — always confirm the exact date on each university's official admissions page before applying.