Winter Intake in Canada 2026: Universities, Deadlines, Application

Canada Winter Intake starts from January to April or May every year. Indian students who missed fall intake deadlines can apply for admission to this intake. Students will have fewer choices of courses, and competition to get enrolled during the winter intake in Canada. 

Missed your September deadline? Do not need to worry. Winter intake in Canada is your second chance. This admission cycle starts in January 2026. This intake is the second most popular intake in Canada for Indian students who want to study in Canada.

Are you still studying for IELTS or TOEFL? Maybe you are waiting for your final marks. The Winter Intake in Canada is your best backup plan. You do not have to wait a full year. You can save time and start your career early.

Application process usually starts in June or July 2025. Many top colleges offer seats during this period. Competition is often lower than the September intake. This gives you a better chance of getting an offer letter. In this article covers all information about winter intake in Canada 2026. It includes deadlines, universities, and steps to apply.

Winter Intake in Canada 2026: An Overview

The Winter Intake in Canada is an admission period that starts in January and ends in April. It is also known as the "January Intake."

Think of it as a "second chance." If you missed the main September (Fall) admission, you do not have to wait a whole year. You can apply for this intake to save time and start your classes early. The table below gives you a simple overview of the Winter 2025 intake.

Universities with Winter Intake in Canada

Before we move to deadline for winter intake in Canada, let us look at some of top universities with winter intake in Canada. It is important to note that universities in Canada, which offer winter intake, have different deadlines for different courses. It is advised that students check deadline for winter intake in Canada from official webpage.

Deadline for Winter Intake in Canada

As mentioned above, winter 2026 intake Canada means the beginning of the academic year from January to April. If you are applying for the winter intake in Canada, ideally speaking, you must begin your preparation at least 9-12 months before the intended intake. Let us consider the month of April 2026 as your starting point (9 months).

1) April to May 2025

• During this period, you need to do your ground research by shortlisting the universities and courses.
• Carefully note the eligibility for each programme such as exams, documents, deadlines, etc.
• Make a note of the tuition fee and the cost of living in Canada. Take note of your finances and gather information about scholarships and study abroad loans.

2) June to July 2025

• Take the exams that are required for your admissions.
• Standardized tests include the ACT and SAT for UG courses and the GMAT and GRE for PG courses.
• English language tests include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.
• Start preparing your application documents that include:
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Admission Essays
  • Updated Resume or CV
  • Academic Transcripts
• Certain courses might require extra application materials such as creative samples. Make sure to check their requirements.

3) August to September 2025

• File your documents.
• Apply to the winter intake universities in Canada through their application portals.
• Apply for scholarships in Canada. Make sure to the scholarship applications very seriously as these can be an excellent chance to reduce the cost of studying in Canada. If the scholarship amount is sufficient, you might skip doing part-time jobs in Canada and focus only on your academics.

4) October to November 2025

• Find accommodation if you are planning to stay outside of the university accommodation.
• Apply for the Canada student visa once you have received an acceptance for a designated learning institute (DLI).

5) November to December 2025

• Make all the final preparations.

6) January 2026

• Start your academic journey in Canada.

The table given below is a summary of the details given above:

Documents Required for Winter Intake in Canada 2026

Required documents for the winter intake in Canada may vary. However, here are some common documents that are typically required:

• Academic transcripts
• English language test scores
• Standardized test scores
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume/CV
• Admission essays
• Identity proof
• Fee

Advantages of Winter Intake in Canada

Check out the point wise advantages of winter intake in Canada. Many students focus only on the September intake. It makes January intake a smart move for you.

• Less Competition: Fewer applicants apply during winter intake than during fall intake.
• Sufficient time for visa processing: Winter intake allows a good time for international students to complete visa application process.
• Planning: Winter intake provides flexibility for students who may have missed Fall intake or need more time to prepare for their studies. 
• Scholarships: For students enrolled in winter intake, there are still some top scholarships for Canada available.