Are you thinking of studying in Canada next year? Fall 2025 may be your best entry point. It’s when campuses come alive—new courses open, student services ramp up, and international arrivals peak.
For many, this intake offers a smooth academic and social start. But it’s not just about timing—it’s about preparation. Knowing when and how to act can make the difference between securing your spot or missing out. Here’s what you need to know to plan.
About Fall Intake in Canada
Every year, a large wave of international students arrives in Canada just as the leaves begin to turn. This marks the start of the Fall intake, also referred to as the September intake, which remains the most commonly chosen period for students entering Canadian universities and colleges. It’s not just tradition — it’s structure. Most Canadian institutions are built around a fall-to-spring academic calendar, and this intake forms the backbone of that cycle.
Because of that, almost all programs — from engineering and business to arts and health sciences — are open during this time. It’s the starting point for undergraduate and graduate degrees and many diploma and certificate programs.
More scholarship options tend to be released in tandem with this intake, and support services on campus usually peak during this period, making it a practical option for international students adjusting to a new country.
Benefits of Fall Intake
- Most programs are open for admission across undergraduate, graduate, diploma, and certificate levels.
- Higher number of available seats compared to other intakes.
- Greater access to financial aid and entrance scholarships.
- Better on-campus housing availability and support services.
- Aligns with co-op and internship timelines for many programs.
- Orientation activities and peer support systems are well established in the Fall.
- Easier integration with the academic calendar and hiring cycles.
Comparison with Other Intakes
Canada typically offers three academic intakes: Fall (September), Winter (January), and Spring/Summer (May).
Fall remains the most robust — most programs are open, and admission capacity is highest. Winter is more limited. Not all programs accept new students in January, though some do, particularly in business, computer science, and a few liberal arts fields. The May intake tends to be the narrowest, often focused on short-term or specialized diploma and certificate programs.
Some applicants prefer the Winter or Spring intakes due to personal timing or test score delays. Still, those considering research funding, scholarships, or academic networking will usually find more opportunities in September.
Timeline for Canada’s Fall Intake 2026
- Before you apply (once you have a school offer)
Get your letter of acceptance (LOA) from a designated learning institution (DLI). If you need one, obtain a provincial attestation letter (PAL) / territorial attestation letter (TAL) from the province/territory where you’ll study (your school will tell you how to request it).
You generally must submit the PAL/TAL with your study permit application (not later), and applications submitted without it may be returned.
For the 2026 cap year, a PAL/TAL (unless it has its own expiry date) is valid until Dec 31, 2026 when it was issued between Jan 1, 2026 and Dec 31, 2026, and it must be valid at the time you apply.
- Apply for the study permit (do this as early as you can after LOA)
IRCC says to apply as soon as you receive your LOA; processing times vary by visa office and you can check them online.
IRCC also notes you should apply before you travel to Canada.
- After you apply
If anything is missing, submit it through your online account or web form—IRCC says they won’t process a study permit until a complete application is submitted, and waiting to send documents can delay processing.
- Biometrics (if IRCC asks for them)
Pay the biometrics fee when you apply (to avoid delays), then you’ll receive a biometric instruction letter and go to an official collection site.
- 2026 cap note (applies during calendar year 2026)
IRCC states that 309,670 study permit application spaces will be available under the 2026 cap for PAL/TAL-required students (the maximum IRCC will accept for processing in 2026), with provinces/territories distributing their allocated spaces to DLIs.
Timeline for Fall Intake
Deadlines for Fall Intake in Canada
Application deadlines depend heavily on the institution and the program type. However, for Fall 2025, most undergraduate and graduate programs will close applications between December 2024 and March 2025.
More competitive programs, especially those at top-tier universities, tend to have earlier deadlines. Some might close as early as mid-January 2025, while community colleges or less competitive institutions may accept applications in April or May, depending on seat availability.
Graduate programs may also have separate timelines for international and domestic applicants, and some may offer rolling admissions, though space for international students fills up quickly.
Best Institutions for Fall Intake 2026
Below is a list of institutions that regularly accept international students during the Fall semester, along with their general application deadlines. Be aware: exact dates may change, and applicants should double-check with each school.
For Top Universities Offering Fall Intake
Each school has specific admission cycles for programs, so if you’re applying to more than one, track deadlines carefully and plan your test dates and document preparation early.
For Intake Comparison
