Canadian universities have three admission periods for international students: Fall (Sep/Oct), Winter (Jan/Feb), and Summer (April/May). This blog focuses on the Winter intake in Canada, and the required details for admission.

Table of Contents
1. Which Canadian Universities Are Best for the January (Winter) Intake?
2. What Is the Deadline to Apply for the Winter Intake in Canada?
3. Is It Harder to Get a Visa for the Winter Intake Compared to Fall Intake?
4. Which Courses Are Most Popular During the Winter Intake?
5. Are There Enough Scholarships Available for the Winter Intake in Canada?
Applying for the winter intake could be a smart move, giving you some advantages over the busier fall intake in Canada. First off, there are often fewer applicants, which might improve your chances of getting into competitive programs. It also lets students who missed the May/Spring intake in Canada application deadlines, or need more prep time, start studying sooner rather than waiting a full year. In addition, kicking things off in the winter can mean a less hectic arrival and help avoid the chaos at the start of the academic year. Moreover, if you're considering applying for the winter intake in Canada, here are some things to keep in mind:
| Category | Details |
| Winter Intake | The term refers to the January start date, offering an alternative to the main September/Fall intake. |
| Application Deadline | Typically falls between September and November of the previous year, though it can vary by institution and program. |
| Starting Date of Classes | January of the following year. |
| Benefits |
|
| Popular Courses | Options are more limited than Fall intake, but can include:
|
Most winter semesters start in January. The application deadline for January intake Canada universities are from September to December. This table provides essential information to help you plan your application process for the upcoming winter semester at each university.
| University | QS World Ranking (2026) | Winter Intake Deadline (2026) |
| University of Toronto | 20 | September |
| McGill University | 27 | August 1, 2025 |
| University of British Columbia | 40 | January 15, 2026 (some programs) |
| University of Waterloo | 119 | February 1, 2026 |
| McMaster University | 167 | October 5, 2025 |
| Queen's University | 191 | November 20, 2025 |
| Dalhousie University | 281 | November 15, 2025 |
Here are ten popular courses for international students starting in January intake Canada, look below:
To be considered for winter intake in Canada, you'll need to meet academic and language requirements and submit a solid application. This means sending transcripts, test scores, and proof of funds. What you need depends on your education, and the paperwork is for the application and visa process. Here’s a more detailed view:
Application:
Financial:
Visa and Permit:
Applying to study in Canada for the winter intake takes several months. There are steps from finding programs to getting ready to go. Here’s how to handle the application:
| Timeline | Key Stage | Essential Actions |
| April - May | Research & Shortlisting |
|
| June - August | Document & Test Prep |
|
| August - October | Application Submission |
|
| October - November | Offers & Study Permit |
|
| November - December | Finances & Logistics |
|
| January - February | New Beginnings |
|
Also Read: Intakes in Canada
To get into a Canadian university for the winter intake, you need to watch deadlines, requirements, and paperwork. Experts can help you with this and compare Canadian options to other countries like UK intakes. By planning and getting advice from experts, you can see options in different countries, have a complete application, and have a better chance of getting in. Looking at several countries gives you more choices, and experts can help with things from application to visa.
There are many January intake universities in Canada offer many programs, but the best one for you depends on what you want to study and what you need. Top schools that offer January admissions include the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.
The application deadline for the winter term in Canada (which starts in January) is usually between September and November of the year before. But each university and program sets its dates.
Getting a visa for the winter intake in Canada isn't necessarily harder. Visa approval depends more on each applicant's background and their program. Visa processing might be quicker for the January semester because there are fewer applicants compared to the fall, which is very competitive and has many more applicants, which can mean longer wait times. Your profile is the key to getting a visa, not the time of year you apply.
The courses that people take most in the Jan intake in Canada are often in fields with strong job markets, such as Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Business, Management, and Health Sciences.
No, there aren't enough scholarships for the January intake Canada. Most scholarships are for the fall semester. While some scholarships are available for the winter term in Canada, students should check with their specific program and school for the latest details and think about applying early.
We are available in :
BangaloreAhmedabadJaipurHyderabadKeralaPuneChandigarhMumbaiGurgaonChennaiKolkataTrivandrumNoidaKochiCalicutKottayamKollamThrissurIndoreUdaipurdisclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.