How Many Intakes are There in Canadian Universities?
Studying in Canada can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. With multiple intakes, different deadlines, and varying program options, it’s normal to feel unsure about whether to aim for September, January, or May.
Many Nepali students worry about missing scholarships or starting late, and that’s completely understandable. Understanding the intakes in Canada for Nepalese students can make this choice much clearer and help you plan smarter.
In this guide, we’ll explain each intake, compare their benefits, and share tips so you can start your Canadian journey fully prepared, on time, and stress-free!
Why Study in Canada from Nepal?
Canada is one of the top destinations for higher education, offering high-quality programs, global recognition, and strong career prospects. Nepali students choose Canada for its supportive learning environment, safety, and multicultural opportunities. These are the top reasons to study in Canada and why it could be the right choice for you:
- Explore a wide range of programs across world-class universities.
- Access affordable tuition and living costs compared to other top study destinations.
- Gain practical work experience through co-op programs and post-study work permits.
- Immerse yourself in a safe, inclusive, and multicultural society.
- Build a strong international network that supports future career growth.
- Benefit from scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students.
- Enhance your skills and global perspective, making you competitive in the global job market.
How Many Intakes Are There in Canada?
Most Canadian universities have three major intakes: Fall (September), Winter (January), and Spring (May). Each intake has its own advantages, deadlines, and course availability, so understanding the differences is key to planning your study abroad journey efficiently.
Here’s a breakdown of each intake and what it means for Nepali students:
1. September/Fall Intake in Canada
The September intake, also known as the Fall intake, is the largest and most popular intake among international students. Most programs, scholarships, and universities begin during this period, making it the preferred choice for students from Nepal.
Besides having a wide variety of courses, many universities also release scholarships and financial aid at this time, giving students better chances of funding their education.
When should you apply for the September intake in Canada?
Applications usually open 8–12 months in advance, so it is ideal to submit your application by December of the previous year to March of the current year. To meet this deadline, you should start preparing from April to August of the previous year for your research, test results, and financial proofs. This allows you enough time for admissions and visa processing. Missing deadlines can limit your options, especially for competitive programs.
2. January/Winter Intake in Canada
The January intake, also known as the Winter intake, is smaller than the September intake but remains a strong option if you missed the Fall deadline or require additional time to prepare. It is ideal for students who want a less crowded admission cycle or more flexibility in arranging documents, test scores, and finances.
When should you apply for the January intake in Canada?
Applications usually open 6–8 months before the intake, so it is ideal to submit your application by June to October of the previous year. Preparing your documents, test scores, and financial documents during this period ensures a smooth admission and visa processing. This intake is particularly useful if you need extra time to meet eligibility requirements or improve your English proficiency.
3. May/Spring Intake in Canada
The May intake, often called the Spring intake, is the smallest of the three main intakes. While it does not offer the same variety of programs as September or January, it is valuable for students pursuing diplomas, certificate courses, or specific short-term programs.
Program availability is limited, so check carefully for spring intake universities in Canada before planning your application. This intake is ideal for students who missed Fall or Winter deadlines or prefer a more flexible start date.
When should you apply for the May intake in Canada?
Applications generally open 4–6 months before the intake, so it is ideal to submit your application by November and February. Preparing during this window allows time for research, gathering documents, and financial arrangements, helping you avoid last-minute delays.
January vs May vs September Intakes in Canada
For most students, the September/Fall intake is the best choice for studying in Canada from Nepal because it offers the widest range of programs, scholarships, and seats. January/Winter is ideal if you need extra preparation time, while May/Spring works for short-term courses or flexible start dates.
Choosing the right intake can make a big difference in your study abroad journey. Each intake has its own advantages, deadlines, and program availability, so it’s important to align your choice with your readiness, finances, and test scores. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
September (Fall) | January (Winter) | May (Spring) |
| Largest selection of programs across universities | Moderate selection, fewer programs than Fall | Limited selection, mostly diplomas or short courses |
| High availability of scholarships, most of which were released during this intake | Moderate availability, many Fall scholarships already allocated | Low availability, limited funding options |
| High competition due to popularity | Moderate competition | Low competition |
| Ideal for students who are fully prepared with documents, test scores, and finances, seeking maximum options | Ideal for students needing extra time for English tests, finances, or those who missed the Fall | Ideal for students pursuing diplomas, short courses, or needing flexible start dates |
| Submit applications Dec – Mar | Submit applications Jun – Oct (prepare Dec – May previous year) | Submit applications Nov – Feb (prepare Jul – Oct previous year) |
| Best to start preparing from Apr to Aug of the previous year | Best to start preparing from Dec to May of the previous year | Best to start preparing from Jul to Oct of the previous year |
How Many Intakes Are There for Master's in Canada?
Most Canadian universities offer two main intakes for Master's programs: September (Fall) and January (Winter). September intake is the most popular, with the widest selection of programs, seats, and scholarships, while January intake is smaller but ideal for students who need extra time to prepare.
For MBA programs as well, many top Canadian schools also follow these two intakes, though some may offer a May/Spring intake for specific specializations or executive programs.
Start your application 8–12 months before the September intake or 6–8 months before the January intake. Collect all the documents and plan your cost of studying in Canada beforehand. Align your GPA, test scores, and application timeline with the right intake, so that you can maximize your chances of admission and scholarship opportunities.
How to Choose the Right Intake in Canada as an International Student?
To choose the right intake in Canada, consider your academic readiness, English test scores, finances, and visa timeline, and match them with the programs available in September, January, or May. The best intake is the one that fits your preparation and goals, allowing enough time to apply, secure funding, and complete all requirements. These are the things to consider for making that choice with confidence.
1. Check if Your Academic Documents Are Ready on Time
Your readiness depends on whether your transcripts, recommendation letters, and other essentials are prepared. If your paperwork will take longer, consider January or May intakes instead of rushing into September. Submitting incomplete or delayed documents can reduce your chances of admission.
2. Plan Around Your English Proficiency Test Preparation
IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores are a must for Canadian universities. If you still need time to prepare and achieve a higher band score, align your intake accordingly. For example, aiming for September might give you enough months to prepare thoroughly, while January intake can be a safety net if you miss deadlines.
3. Don’t Overlook Visa Processing Timelines
Student visa approvals can take weeks or even months. If you apply late, your intake plan may collapse. That’s why it’s wise to choose an intake that comfortably fits your visa timeline. September intakes usually have the heaviest load, so planning early gives you an edge.
4. Match Your Program Availability With the Intake
Not every intake offers the same courses. September has the widest range of programs, while January and May may only open limited options in certain fields. Always confirm whether your preferred degree is available in the intake you’re targeting before making decisions.
5. Assess Your Financial Readiness Before Committing
Studying in Canada requires upfront funds for tuition, a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate), and living expenses. If you don’t have enough funds saved yet, it might be better to wait for the next intake rather than face rejection due to incomplete financial proof.
6. Align Intake Choice With Your Career Timeline
Think long-term! The intake you choose also impacts your graduation and post-study work visa period. For instance, the Fall intake aligns well with the Canadian job market cycle, giving you better chances to land opportunities after graduation.
Which Intake Is Best for Nepalese Students?
For most Nepalese students, the September/Fall intake is the most popular and often the best choice. It offers the widest variety of programs, more scholarships, and greater seat availability, giving students more flexibility to pick courses aligned with their career goals. Many Nepali students who aimed for the Fall intake have secured admissions in top Canadian universities and even accessed merit-based scholarships because they had enough time to prepare documents, test scores, and finances.
The January/Winter intake is a strong alternative for those who missed Fall deadlines or need extra preparation time. Students who chose the Winter intake have reported smoother visa processing and less competition for limited seats, making it easier to secure admission in programs that still match their interests.
The May/Spring intake is smaller, with fewer programs, but it has worked well for students pursuing short-term courses, diplomas, or specialized programs. Nepali students who took this intake often benefited from a more flexible timeline, giving them extra months to improve their English scores or financial planning before starting their program.
Ultimately, the best intake isn’t about popularity; it’s about your readiness, test scores, finances, and career timeline. Looking at the paths of previous Nepali students, the key takeaway is that careful planning, early preparation, and choosing an intake that fits your personal situation always result in better outcomes than following the crowd.
How to Apply for Canada Intakes in 2026?
Applying for Canada intakes involves choosing your intake, selecting universities, meeting eligibility requirements, submitting applications, and completing visa and financial requirements.
- Identify institutions offering your desired program and check eligibility.
- Verify GPA, English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), and any program-specific prerequisites.
- Schedule and complete language or standardized tests early.
- Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, SOP, and other supporting documents.
- Apply to 3–5 universities to maximize admission chances; follow each school’s portal instructions.
- Choose the best offer and confirm enrollment.
- Submit your Canadian study permit with all required documents.
- Secure tuition, show proof of funds, and plan living expenses.
- Confirm on-campus or off-campus housing in advance.
- Book flights, pack essentials, and attend orientation if available.
Conclusion
Canada offers three main intakes: September, January, and May, and each has its own benefits, deadlines, and program availability. Canadian universities provide you with flexibility and well-categorised options for programs and scholarships to help you make your academic decisions based on your readiness and goals.
Digging into the list of programs and scholarships available to choose the right intake can be a lot more confusing than reading a simple blog. The key is planning ahead, preparing documents, test scores, and finances, and aligning your timeline with your career aspirations. Research calmly and decide wisely!
If you’re still uncertain about deadlines, scholarships, or the best intake for your situation, working with a trusted education consultant in Nepal specializing in Canada admissions, like SAS, can guide you smoothly.
Take action today, plan smartly, and move confidently toward your dream of studying in Canada. With preparation and guidance, your goals are fully within reach!