Study in Canada: Timeline for January 2024 Intake

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Cyril Zachariah
Updated on Apr 20, 2023 01:21 PM IST

Interested in pursuing higher education in Canada? Check out the timeline to apply for the January 2024 Intake in Canada. Canada's January Intake is the next best option for students who missed the September intake and do not wish to waste another year.

Canada Intake 2024: Timeline for January Session

Being a top study-abroad destination, especially among Indian students, there are several admission intakes in Canada to look out for. Among these intakes, the January intake is considered the secondary intake season, where a variety of bachelor’s, master’s and other university degrees are offered. Moreover, with the increasing number of highly reputable colleges in the country, the January intake in Canada can be the choice for you.

If you are planning to pursue your higher studies in Canada, then it is important to follow a strict timeline to ensure a hassle-free process to avoid needless mistakes. As you will see in this article, a good timeline for January intakes in Canada involves a lot of planning and scheduling the different appointments and tests, as required by an international student in Canada. Even though the January intakes in Canada are considered the secondary intake, it is the best solution for students who were unable to enrol in a Canadian institution in the Fall intake.

With an offering of a wide range of courses and universities, choosing the January intakes in Canada will be can help improve your academic and professional prospects significantly as well. Therefore, read this article to understand the best timeline for January intakes in Canada that you should follow to study in the country this year.

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Popular Intakes in Canada

One of the most attractive destinations for higher education among Indians, Canada is home to many popular universities that offer different degrees and programs thrice a year through the Fall (September), Winter (January), and Summer (May) intakes. These can be understood as follows:

  • The first intake of students aspiring to study in Canada takes place during the month of September of each academic year, commonly called the Fall or September Intake in Canada.
  • The second intake in Canada takes place in the month of January of eachacademic year, also known as the Winter or January Intake in Canada.
  • The third admission intake where international students find themselves enrolling across different Canadian institutes is held during the month of May of each academic year, called the Summer or May Intake in Canada.

Note: The major Canada Intake 2024 is the Fall Intake followed by the Winter Intake. Summer Intake in Canada usually offers a limited number of courses and programmes that are either short-term or not-so-popular.

Want to Apply in January Intake in Canada?

About January Intakes in Canada 2024

The January intakes in Canada in the upcoming academic year will be the perfect option for the students who either missed out on the fall intake or those who do not wish to face a lot of competition getting into their dream university abroad. In most cases, those applying include students who do not wish to delay starting their higher studies abroad.

Universities across the country offer a range of bachelor’s, master’s and other higher education level courses during the January intakes in Canada. However, the variety of courses available will be less than the offerings available during the Fall intake. Therefore, before applying to any university in Canada, be sure to confirm if your desired course or programme is offered during the January intake session.

As outlined above, one of the benefits of choosing the January intakes in Canada is the low competition, in terms of the number of international students applying, compared to the Fall intakes. In addition to the low enrolment competition, students also face lower competition in finding job opportunities after graduation as they graduate at a different time period, thus, allowing for possibly better career prospects as well.

Canada January 2024 Intake Timeline: Overview

With a variety of academic and professional requirements to meet, it always pays off to start the admission process for Canadian universities almost a year before planning to pursue higher education. Refer to the table for the Canada January Intake 2024 deadline, as outlined below to plan your application year:

Timeline

Activity

April - June 2023

Research and Analyse Your Options

July - September 2023

Prepare and Attempt Standardised Tests

September - December 2023

Complete Application Forms

November 2024 - January 2024

Reply to emails from universities

January - February 2024

Settle your Finances

January - February 2024

Apply for Student Visas

Each step of the application process is crucial. If you do not want to miss the deadlines, it is recommended to seek professional assistance in taking the steps mentioned above.

Timeline for January 2024 Intake Canada

The application process starts as early as a year before the actual Canada January Intake 2024 deadline for submission of the completed application forms. Therefore, if you are interested in pursuing higher education in the country, you must begin your application process as soon as possible.

Timeline for January Intake in Canada

Please note that this timeline serves as a guide only for early admissions. If you wish to try for the late admissions, you would be required to fulfil a lot of mandatory requirements in a substantially lesser timeframe. Hence, it is highly recommended to stick to this timeline for better results.

Steps-By-Step Guide To Apply In Canada January (Winter) 2024 Admission Intake

The foremost step is to confirm the deadlines for January 2024 intake in Canada for submitting your application forms and completing all the prerequisites for the admission process. Among the things that you need are standardised test scores, visa documentation, etc.

1. Research and Analyse Your Options (April - June 2023)

Start with completing your research and finding out the best universities for you. List out the possible universities in the world that you would like to enrol in and pursue the program of your choice.

  • List down the universities and colleges where you wish to pursue your course.

  • If you are confused about the choice of course you should shortlist, list down the possible degrees and programs on offer that is similar to the program you wish to pursue.

  • While checking out the courses, you must also look out for the different scholarships and financial aid offered by the university, as in most cases, international higher education can be heavy on the pockets.

2. Prepare and Attempt Standardised Tests (July - September 2023)

The scores of standardised tests such as SAT, IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc., are an important admission requirement of the universities abroad.

  • Prepare and apply for various standardised tests, especially for IELTS or TOEFL, which are English Proficiency Tests that are mandatorily required by different universities.

  • Some programmes and universities require their applicants to have attempted other standardised qualifying tests such as SAT, GMAT or GRE, among others as part of their admission requirements. Therefore, go through the admission requirements for the different courses you wish to pursue at the university of your choice.

  • You will need time to prepare for these tests as cut-offs and minimum score requirements of these tests are usually high. Therefore, prepare for the tests as early as possible and attempt the test as soon as possible.

  • In some cases, you may receive the results of the test after a few days, weeks or even months. Therefore, when you apply for the tests, keep in mind that you may need time before the deadline to receive the respective score sheets.

  • For IELTS and TOEFL, candidates must register for the test at least a month before the test date.

  • For GRE and GMAT, candidates must register at least three months before the test date.

Note: Planning and scheduling your tests is crucial to your admission to a university or college during Canada's January Intake. Therefore, when applying for the test ensure that you have enough buffer time to receive the test scores and send them to the university itself.

3. Complete the Application Forms (September - December 2023)

After attempting the tests, you need to apply to the college or university you previously shortlisted. This should be completed before the stipulated deadline as any application sent in afterwards will be rejected.

  • Visit the official website of the university of your choice and fill out the application form available under their admission page.

  • Enter all the necessary details and upload the necessary documents, as specified by the admission committee itself.

  • Ensure that the details that you have entered are correct and complete as per your knowledge. Rectify all mistakes and spelling errors that may have occurred during the application process before submitting the same.

  • Many colleges also require their applicants to submit letters of recommendation (LORs) and essays along with the application form. Therefore, take a minimum of one month to acquire the letters of recommendation and structure and form the essays required by the university.

Your Statements of Purpose (SOPs) or essays, as specified by the university, must be properly structured and include the necessary details outlining your objectives and purpose for joining the programme. You will need over one month to complete and properly structure admission essays and SOPs in a professional manner. Therefore, take help and submit the application forms with the necessary documents within the stipulated time.

Get Expert's Advice on SOPs/Resumes for January Intake in Canada!

4. Reply to College Emails (November 2023 - January 2024)

After submitting the application forms with the necessary documents, the universities and colleges will go through your application form, SOP or Essay and all other requisites, and classify you as qualified or unqualified for admissions. All communications in all cases will be made through emails and other modes of communication that have been registered in your name.

  • Be vigilant and keep yourself updated on all communication modes, i.e. email and mobile phones.

  • You will receive emails regarding your selection for the programme and the next steps you need to take in order to complete the admission process. In these, you may be required to participate in Personal Interviews or Video Interviews.

  • Keep yourself free and ready to participate in the respective interviews and selection processes, as your performance in these parameters will determine your admission to the programme and university.

  • There will be a given deadline to reply to the emails that you receive from the universities. Therefore, reply to these emails within the stipulated deadline.

5. Settle Your Finances (January 2024 - February 2024)

After being selected for admission to the programme, it is time to complete the financial aspect of your admission to the university. These financial decisions need to be completed before you commence your studies at the respective universities.

  • After sitting for the Personal Interviews or Video Interviews, the universities will shortlist and select the eligible students and communicate the relevant information to those selected.

  • Selected candidates will receive formal communications, informing them of their selection and the steps that they need to take in order to complete their admissions through an offer letter.

  • Candidates will be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit to the university, as specified by the university. The deposit will be considered as a confirmation of the offer letter and that you are ready to commence your education at the respective university.

  • Here, candidates will again be required to confirm their responses and pay the non-refundable deposit within a given deadline.

Meanwhile, go through the scholarship opportunities in Canada as well as different financial aids and awards offered in by the university. As international education does not come by cheap, you might need to apply for loans to meet the financial requirements. To reduce this burden, apply for education loans and financial aid options available, thus, making your life easier as well.

6. Apply for Visa (January 2024 - February 2024)

Once you have provided your confirmation to the university by paying the non-refundable deposit, it is time for you to apply for Student Visas and other travel documentation processes. Each country requires international travellers to possess valid identification and travelling documentation to legally stay in the country.

  • Apply for student visas and complete the application processes.

  • Visa applications and completion may take time, sometimes up to three months, therefore, apply as soon as possible.

After completing the documentation processes, you will be ready to fly to your dream country.

The January Intake in Canadian universities, as stated above, comes second in priority to the Fall Intake in Canada wherein Canadian universities offer up all their courses. In other words, international students planning to apply during the winter intake in Canada will have fewer options compared to the September intake in Canada.

The subsidiary nature of the Winter intake in Canada usually results in a small number of courses being offered by universities across Canada. In some cases, universities end up offering a handful of degree programmes during the January intake in Canada. Therefore, if you are planning to apply during this intake, make sure that your desired university is still keeping its admission open to your desired course during the January 2024 Intake Canada.

Or, register with us now! And get expert guidance from experienced our study abroad education counsellors who can help you shortlist, prepare, apply and enrol in your dream course and university.

January Intakes in Canada Merits and Demerits

If you have decided to use the January Intakes in Canada to enrol yourself in Canadian universities and colleges, then here are some of the Pros and Cons of applying during the winter intakes in Canada.

Pros/Advantages to Applying in January Intakes in Canada

  • Students receive additional time to enhance their knowledge and skills needed for a Canadian Student Visa.

  • Similarly, students again have more time to spruce up their college applications.

  • Lower competition compared to the Fall Intake, thus increasing the chances of admissions.

Cons/Disadvantages of Applying in January Intakes in Canada

  • Students would end up having to travel during cold and harsh Canadian winters, thus forcing themselves to acclimatise themselves quicking to entirely new weather and environment.

  • Decreased competition leads to a less diverse classroom. In other words, the chances of you being among a mere handful of international students, or worse, the only international student in any class rise.

  • Fewer options in terms of degree programmes as well as universities that are open for admissions.

List of Colleges in Canada for January 2024 Intake

Given below is the list of popular colleges in Canada for January 2024 intake along with the courses they offer and their estimated tuition fee:

Name of University/ College

Location

Annual Tuition Fee (in CAD)

St. Clair University

Windsor

12,000 - 17,250 approx.

Humber College

Toronto 11,750 - 16,500 approx.

Centennial College

Toronto 11,000 - 23,125 approx.

University of Saskatchewan

Saskatoon 12,500 - 43,000 approx.

McMaster University

Hamilton 16,250 - 85,1250 approx.

Durham College

Oshawa 12,500 approx.

Fanshawe College

London

11,000 - 25,250 approx.

Dalhousie University

Halifax

8,250 - 38,500 approx.

George Brown University

Toronto

13,000 - 28,250 approx.

Vancouver Island University

Nanaimo

11,250 - 26,125 approx.

Scholarships for January Intake in Canada

Some of the popular Canadian scholarships that are available for aspirants and eligible students to study in Canada in the January 2024 intake are enlisted below:

List of Scholarships

Expected Application Due Date*

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Programme at the University of Toronto

January 16, 2024

Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

November 15/December 1, 2023

Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia

November 15/December 1, 2023

University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

December 1, 2023

Vanier College Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

November 1, 2023

University of Waterloo International Masters Award of Excellence

December 2023

Humber College International Entrance Scholarships

Last day of May 2023

UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships for Developing Country Students

February/March 2024

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

February 2024

*The scholarship deadlines mentioned in the table above are tentative and are subject to change at the discretion of the institution offering the scholarship.

From browsing the different colleges in Canada to even checking out different scholarship awards available to international students, it is important for students to abide by a timeline for January intakes in Canada. This will allow them to not only improve their chances of enrolment but also reduce the stress that comes with applying to study abroad. It is extremely important to plan all your steps beforehand to avoid any mistakes that could cost you from studying in Canada and delay your academic and professional journey, subsequently.

And thus, with this expansive understanding of the January intake timeline to study in Canada, you should have a better chance of enrolment this year. Keep this page bookmarked for when you begin your study abroad application process and improve your chances of enrolment that bit more.

Have doubts about the various intakes or application processes to study in Canada? Send us your queries regarding international admissions or international education by writing to us atabroad@collegedekho.com. Our team of experts will be happy to assist you.

Wish to Pursue Higher Education in Canada?

FAQs

Why should I study in Canada during the January intake?

The January intakes in Canada is one of the better options for international students for several reasons including having extra time to gather the necessary documents and information to apply to the best universities in Canada. Moreover, the level of competition that students will face during the January intakes in Canada will be far less than the fall intake, thus, having a better chance of admission in Canada.

Do international students need test scores for January intakes in Canada?

Yes, all international students who are applying for courses across different disciplines and levels in Canada must present valid test scores in the accepted standardised tests. Some of the accepted test scores in Canada that international students may be asked to present include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, GRE and GMAT scores.

Is the Jan intake better than the September intake in Canada?

While both the intakes present their own pros and cons, the Jan intakes in Canada are perfect for those who missed out on applying for their desired programme in the country during the fall admission sessions. Moreover, some courses may only be offered during the January intakes in Canada, therefore, applying during this intake may be your only option.

Can I get admission in Canada with a 6 band in IELTS?

Yes, if you are planning to apply for higher studies in Canada, a minimum band score of 6 in IELTS is enough for you to receive the appropriate student visa in Canada. However, university-wise requirements may differ, therefore, check the university requirements, before applying with an IELTS 6 band score.

Should I go for January intake in Canada?

If you are interested in studying in Canada this year itself without having to waste an entire year you should definitely apply for admissions during the January Intake. However, it is important to check whether your desired university is accepting international student applications for your desired course. If you have missed the application deadlines for the fall semester, then applying for the winter semester is the best option for you.

Which universities have winter intake in Canada?

Some of the universities that offer admissions to international students during the winter intake in Canada include Queen’s University, Fanshawe University, Cape Breton University, Centennial College, Lambton College, and Carleton University, just to name a few. Register with us now to find out which Canadian universities are accepting applications right now!

Which month is fall intake in Canada?

The fall intake in Canada is usually also known as the September Intake in Canada. In other words, the Fall intake is conducted for classes that are scheduled to begin in the months of September or October each academic year. It should be noted that the fall intake in Canada is the primary intake and the most number of courses and universities will be offered during this intake.

When should I apply for winter intake in Canada?

Usually, the application timeline for the January intake in Canada will vary between universities, however, we recommend filling out the application form between the months of September and December before the commencement date of the January sessions. The application deadlines for different courses during the January intakes in Canada may also be different, therefore check the individual admission deadlines before applying for your desired programme.

Can I apply for January intakes in Canada in December?

Depending on the application deadline at your desired university in Canada, you may be allowed to apply for the January intakes in Canada. At most universities in Canada, the application deadlines are usually between the months of December and January. Connect with our team of study abroad experts to find the best universities in Canada for you.

What is the deadline for winter intake in Canada?

The deadline for winter intakes in Canada is usually scheduled in the months of September to November. The January Intake deadlines in Canada will vary between colleges and universities as well as courses. Register and connect with our team of experienced study abroad counsellors and learn about the different January admission deadlines in Canada.

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