Winter Intake in Canada 2026: Universities, Deadlines, Application

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

The application process for winter intake in Canada starts in June or July. Universities abroad offer admissions to international students in different intakes and months. In Canada, the two main intakes are Fall and Winter, with the Summer intake being less popular. In this article, we will cover all the aspects of the Canadian winter intake.

Winter Intake in Canada: An Overview

Winter intake in Canada means the period from January to April (May for certain universities) when universities accept admissions for the winter semester. It is an extension of the fall intake to study in Canada and provides a second chance for students to start their academics. The table given below provides an overview of the winter 2025 intake in Canada:

Note: Students should also be aware of all the study abroad intakes for other countries as well.

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 2025 – 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 2025 – 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 2025 – 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 2025 – 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 2025 – 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:

Note: It is important for students to check the exact deadlines for the course and university they wish to study at. Make sure not to delay your application process.

How to Apply for Winter 2026 Intake in Canada?

The following points will provide an overview of the application process for winter intake in Canada:

• Research: Start by looking into colleges and universities that offer the programmes you are interested in and offer winter intake in Canada 2026. Take into account elements including location, rankings, programme options, and entrance requirements.
• Check the Application Deadlines: Each university will have its own application deadline for the winter 2026 intake Canada. Make sure to note down the deadlines and ensure you submit your application before the specified date. Deadlines typically fall between September and November of the previous year.
• Understand the Eligibility: Familiarize yourself with the admission requirements of each university you are applying to. This may include academic transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of English language proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores).
• Prepare your Application Documents: Gather all the necessary documents required for your application, such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, etc. If a university has mentioned specific guidelines, make sure you adhere to them. Do not deviate from the mentioned guidelines.
• Apply: Online application portals are available for most Canadian universities. Create an account, then finish the application by entering true and thorough details. Upload the necessary paperwork as instructed by the university. Make sure to pay the fee as instructed by the university.
• Track your application: Following application submission, you can get a confirmation email or login information to check the status of your application. Keep an eye out for any university changes or requests for more details.
• Decision: If you receive an offer of admission, carefully review the details and any conditions attached to the offer. Accept the offer within the specified deadline and follow the instructions provided by the university for the next steps, such as paying a deposit or applying for a study permit.
• Apply for a visa: Once you accept the offer, you may apply for a Canada student visa.

Documents Required for Winter Intake in Canada 2026

The specific documents required for the winter intake in Canada may vary depending on the university and program you are applying to. However, here are some common documents that are typically required:

• Academic transcripts: Academic transcripts of your previous educational institutions. Your grades and course credits should appear on these transcripts.
• English language test scores: If English is not your first language, you may be required to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests such as the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo English Test.
• Standardized test scores: Some programs or universities may require standardized test scores, such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT. SAT and ACT are required for the UG courses, and GRE and GMAT are required for PG and Doctoral courses.
• Statement of purpose: A statement of purpose is a written statement describing your academic and professional objectives, your interest in the programme, and how you think it will help you achieve your goals.
• Letters of recommendation: Many universities demand letters of recommendation from professors or reporting managers who can attest to your academic prowess, moral character, and likelihood of success in your chosen field.
• Resume/CV: A student resume is a document summarizing your educational background, work experience, skills, and any relevant achievements or extracurricular activities.
• Admission essays: Many universities require students to submit admission essays. These are focused towards specific questions. It is vital to answer the question and not deviate from what has been asked.
• Identity proof: A valid passport is required in this case.
• Fee: Some universities may require an application fee to process your application. The fee amount and payment methods will vary.

It is important to note that these are general documents, and the specific requirements may vary depending on the university and program you are applying to.

Scholarships for Winter Intake in Canada

The availability of scholarships for the winter intake in Canada may vary based on universities and external organizations. While the winter intake in Canada 2025 may have fewer scholarships compared to the fall intake, there are still scholarship opportunities available. Some scholarships for Canada include:

• Anne Vallee Ecological Fund: It is offered at the University of British Columbia for students studying animal ecology.
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship: Outstanding PhD students undertaking research in the social sciences and humanities are given these awards.
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: Outstanding doctorate candidates who exhibit leadership qualities and a high level of academic success are given these scholarships.
• Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS): International students pursuing a PhD at Ontario universities that qualify may apply for this award.
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program: International students who exhibit outstanding academic accomplishment and leadership potential are given Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship by the University of Toronto.
• Karen Mckellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award: Karen Mckellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is offered by the University of British Columbia for international undergraduate students.

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Advantages of Winter Intake in Canada

Now that students have all information on winter intake in Canada 2026, it is vital to know advantages of winter intake in Canada:

• Less Competition: In general, fewer applicants apply during winter intake than during the fall intake.
• Sufficient time for visa processing: Winter intake allows ample 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. These scholarships may lessen cost of attending school in Canada.

It is important for students to start early for applying for winter intake in Canada to avoid missing the deadlines.