Fall Intake in Canada 2026: Deadlines, Timeline, Top Universities

Many international students apply during the fall intake in Canada. It is the most popular intake in Canadian Universities and colleges that begins in September of the previous year. It is advisable to apply as soon as possible as universities offer admission on a first come first get basis. 

The Fall intake in Canada, or September intake is main application period. It offers the widest selection of programs at top Canadian universities and colleges. Classes typically commence in September, but the planning should begin much earlier.

For those aiming to start in September 2026 to study in Canada, the application window usually opens around October 2025. You need to be proactive. Most universities set their application deadlines between January and March. While some universities may be flexible and accept applications into April, May, or even mid-June. Always apply early.

Canada remains a hugely attractive study-abroad destination, particularly for students from India, due to its excellent education quality, strong career prospects, and welcoming, diverse campuses.

If your goal is the Fall intake in Canada for 2026, this guide will help you navigate the process. Getting your documents ready on time is key to securing your spot. The popularity of the Fall intake in Canada means competition is high, so start your preparation now!

Why Indian Students Choose Fall Intake in Canada

Fall intake is upcoming intake in Canada for the 2026 intake. There are some benefits of applying under fall intake in Canada. We have mentioned few of them:

• Maximum Courses Open: Top universities (Toronto, UBC, McGill, Waterloo) launch major programs like BTech, MBA, and Data Science.
• Best Scholarships in Canada: Most funding and fee waivers are released for Fall intakes in Canada.
• Affordable vs USA: The cost of studying in USA is around USD 50,000 (INR 43.50 Lakhs) annually for top colleges, which is more expensive than cost of studying in Canada (INR 10.00 Lakhs to 34.00 Lakhs).
• PR & Work Benefits: Up to 3-year PGWP. Simply work, settle, and apply for PR in 2 to 3 years.
• Largest Indian Community: Thousands of Indians, active associations, easier support network make you feel at home in Canada.
• Internships & Jobs Start: Fall intake students get first access to co-ops and campus jobs.

Pro Tip: For STEM, Management, or PR goals, Fall is the best intake.

Timeline for September 2026 Intake (Fall Intake in Canada)

Note that the deadline for fall intake in Canada shall vary from university to university as well as from course to course. So, before you begin the application process, check out the timelines posted by the desired university. Check out the detailed timeline for the September intake in Canada given below.

Some Quick Facts for Fall Intake in Canada 2026

Check some of the highlights of the fall (September) intake in Canada presented below:

• Being the most popular and primary intake in the country, the September intake sees a high demand among prospective students.
• You can apply to a variety of diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s degrees and other most demanding courses in Canada during the fall intake.
• The application deadlines, specific to each university, are usually set around in December. However, it suggested that apply as soon as possible.
• Interested applicants are also going to see a wide range of scholarships, both partial and full during the fall intake in Canada.

Top Universities Offering Fall Intake in Canada

Canada is home to world-class institutions that attract thousands of international students every Fall intake. If you are aiming for global recognition and high-quality education, choosing a top-ranked university is essential. To help you shortlist the best options for your higher studies, we have compiled a list of the top universities in Canada below, based on the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Top Courses for September Intake in Canada

The September intake offers the most extensive range of programs for international students in Canada. No matter whether you want to pursue STEM or prefer Arts and Business, there is a perfect course for you. To help you choose the best path for your career, we have listed the top trending and most sought-after courses available for the Fall 2026 intake in the table below.

You can explore some popular courses to study in Canada after 12th. Make sure you are eligibile to apply for them. 

Admission for Fall Intake in Canada

In this section of the article, let us look at an overview of the admission process and documents required for applying for the Fall intake in Canada. The admission process for the September intake in Canada depends on your academic level, course requirements, and the university you have applied to. However, below are the basic eligibility requirements:

• Formal Schooling: Students need to complete formal schooling with a certain minimum percentage to be eligible to apply for admission to fall intake in Canada. Usually, the minimum percentage required is 70%.
• Bachelor’s Degree: If you are applying for a master’s degree or PG diploma course, you are expected to have a bachelor’s degree with a certain GPA (typically, 3.0 out of 4.0).
• Standardized Exam Scores: Students need to provide scores of certain standardized exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, etc. Their requirement depends on your course.
• English Language Proficiency: Those who come from non-English speaking countries need to provide proof of their English proficiency.

Documents for Fall Intake in Canada

Here is an overview of the documents required for applying for the September 2026 intake in Canada:

• Formal schooling
• Bachelor’s degree with a certain CGPA and academic courses (usually, 3.0 out of 4.0)
• Academic or Professional experience (course-specific)
• GRE or GMAT scores (may vary according to university and course)
• English language proficiency test scores: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Exam (IELTS Exam is most preferred for visa application)
• Latest resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• LORs (Letters of recommendation)
• Admission Essays
• Work Samples + Video Samples (course-specific)

Which Intake Should Indian Students Choose?

There are three major intakes in Canada, i.e. Fall, Winter, and Summer. The majority of international students apply for the Fall intake in Canada. Confused about which intake is best for your study abroad plan? Here’s a quick comparison of upcoming intakes in Canada, tailored just for Indian students who want to study in Canada, to help you decide:

Now that you have a complete idea of the Fall intake in Canada 2026, you need to arrange all the documents and meet all the eligibility requirements well before the admission deadlines. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.