Students who are looking to take admission during the winter intake in Canada can find details of universities, deadlines, and complete steps to study in Canada. Deadlines and eligibility requirements vary across institutions. There are 3 intakes in Canada - Winter, Summer, and Fall.

Winter intake in Canada is a secondary intake that admits students between January and May. It provides an opportunity for students who missed the fall intake to apply for their preferred courses and institutions. It is not a popular choice among international students.

Table of Contents

All about the Winter Intake in Canada (January 2024)
Universities in Canada with Winter Intake
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Winter Intake in Canada
Documents Required for Applying to Winter Intake in Canada
Scholarships for the Canada Winter Intake
Frequently Asked Questions

All about the Winter Intake in Canada (January 2024)

The Winter intake starts between January and May. It is less popular than the Fall and Summer intakes. The January intake offers courses with plenty of seats. The eligibility criteria and application process remain the same for the January intake. The competition during the January intake is lower, and students have a higher chance of getting their preferred courses and institutions. Some universities accepting students for January intake are Carleton University, University of Toronto, Centennial College, Lambton College, McGill University, Queen’s University, Mount Saint Vincent University, Cape Breton University, Douglas College, Fanshawe College, University of Manitoba, University of British Columbia. The applications are usually received between August and December.

Advantages of winter intake in Canada

There is lesser competition for winter intake. So the acceptance rates are higher than the fall intake.
You will have more time to get your study visa.
You can also get more time to do paperwork and prepare for exams.

Disadvantages of winter intake in Canada

You may not get the desired course or college in the winter intake.
International applications are less in winter intake compared to fall intake, therefore less diversity in the classrooms.
The climate during the winter intake will be extremely cold which may be hard to adjust.

Timeline for Winter Intake in Canada

Timeline	Activity
April - June 2023	Research and analyse deadlines, eligibility criteria, scholarships, and shortlist universities.
July - September 2023	Prepare and attempt the English proficiency test. Start paperwork for student visa.
August - December 2023	Start applying to universities.
September 2023 - January 2024	Accept offers and attend interviews.
October 2023 - February 2024	Apply for visa, education loan, scholarship.
January - March 2024	Get ready to travel.

Universities in Canada with Winter Intake

University	Application Deadline
St. Clair College	September 15
Humber College	October 30
Centennial College	October 25
Carleton University	December 1
University of Saskatchewan	September 1
McMaster University	October 5
Lambton College	August 31
Durham College	October 1
Fanshawe College	October 1
Dalhousie University	August 31
Douglas College	December 15
George Brown College	October 2
Mount Saint Vincent University	November 1
University of Ottawa	October 15
Vancouver Island University	September 16
Queen’s University	November 20
Cape Breton University	August 15
University of Toronto	September 15
McGill University	August 1
University of British Columbia	January 15
University of Manitoba	December 1

Here is a list of all the universities in Canada.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Winter Intake in Canada

step-by-step guide to apply for winter intake in canada

Step 1: Research and Planning (April to June 2023)

Many colleges have a first-come-first-served intake policy. If you're planning to study in Canada in the winter intake of 2024, start preparing as soon as possible. Make a list of the colleges and universities and their respective deadlines. You need to be aware of the admission timeline. Narrow down the institutions where you are eligible to apply and those that offer your preferred courses.

Step 2: Exam Preparation (July to September 2023)

Check for the university's admission requirements and prepare for tests like TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, and IELTS. Start preparing at least 2 months before the test date to get enough time to prepare. It will take around 2 weeks to get the test result. Sometimes if you can't attempt the test or if your scores are less, you should have time to retake it. Make sure to clear the test by September 2023 to get admission to your desired institute.

Step 3: Application Submission (August to December 2023)

You should complete your college admission application as soon as possible. Your application should showcase your uniqueness and highlight your skills. Get recommendation letters, from your previous academic institutions. Start working on your personal statement (SOP) at least one month before the deadline as it is an important component of your college application. The majority of the January intake colleges in Canada for 2024 have their application deadline in November. Submit your application between August and September well in advance.

Step 4: Interviews & Acceptance Letters (September 2023 to January 2024)

Once your application process is done, look out for emails from the university. You have to reply to the emails to further continue with the selection process as many colleges admit students on a first come first served basis. If you have received emails from multiple universities, shortlist the ones you want to join. Some universities may ask for a non-refundable deposit to confirm your admission. You have to pay the deposit to secure your seat. Universities will conduct video interviews during this period and selected candidates will receive an acceptance letter.

Step 5: Apply for Visa and Education Loan (October 2023 to February 2024)

Once you receive your acceptance letter, you can apply for a student visa and education loan. This can be a lengthy process, so plan accordingly. You can also apply for scholarships during this time. You have to keep ready all the documents needed for a Canada study visa and loan application beforehand.

Step 6: Get Ready for Departure (January to March 2024)

Get ready to fly! You should book your tickets to Canada and also find accommodation inside or outside your campus. Make a travel checklist to help you get ready for departure. You should have an international credit/debit card to take care of your expenses. Carry sufficient copies of your important documents while travelling.

Documents Required for Applying to Winter Intake in Canada

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo scores for showing proof of English language proficiency.
Standardized test score report of SAT, GRE, GMAT, or ACT.
Official academic transcripts and certificates of extra-curricular activities.
Copy of your valid passport
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose

Scholarships for the Canada Winter Intake

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

Find here the details of all scholarships in Canada for Indian students.

May intake in Canada

September intake in Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I apply for winter intake in Canada?

The winter intake in Canada is from January to April. Study abroad aspirants who want to enroll for the winter semester should apply before November.

2. What is the deadline for winter intake in Canada?

The application deadline for most Canadian universities for the winter intake is between September and November. You have to visit their university website to know the exact deadlines.

3. Is January intake available in Canada?

Yes, colleges in Canada offer bachelor's, master's, and other higher level courses in the January intake. But the number of courses available in the January intake will be less compared to the fall intake.

4. Which month is winter intake in Canada?

Winter intake starts in the month of January and ends in May. Those who missed applying for the Fall/September intake can apply for the January intake.

5. How long is winter intake in Canada?

The winter intake is usually 4 to 5 months long. It starts in January and goes up to April or May.

6. Is January intake in Canada good?

January intake is a secondary intake. It is a secondary preference for those applying for admission in Canada. As lesser students prefer the winter intake, the competition is also less. Before you apply to any university, check which is the best intake season In Canada for international students.

7. Is it possible to get admission in Canada with a band 5.5 in IELTS?

Yes, there are colleges in Canada that offer admission for those who score 5.5 and more. Check for the IELTS 5.5 Band Accepting Colleges in Canada.