Spring Intake in Canada 2025-26: Deadlines, Universities and Courses

Spring Intake in Canada 2025-26: Deadlines, Universities and Courses

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Mar 15, 2025 04:10 PM IST

Spring intake in Canada starts from May. Spring intake in Canada, also referred to as the May intake in Canada, is the final semester of the academic calendar in the universities of Canada. Weather conditions in Spring intake in Canada are relatively cold, with July having the highest temperatures. July and August are Summer months, and there are numerous short-term courses provided by most universities. Overseas students interested in studying in Canada can opt for Spring intake to apply to universities in Canada since the rate of acceptance is high. Also, the students planning to study in Canada shoud be well-aware about the Canada Spring intake 2026 deadline. Not many universities provide spring intake in Canada, but only a limited number of universities do. The number of courses available in Canada's spring intake is lower than in the Fall and Winter intake.

This Story also Contains
  1. Canada Spring Intake 2026 Deadlines
  2. Top Universities in Canada for Spring Intake 2026
  3. Planning for Spring Intake in Canada
  4. Applying for Spring Intake in Canada
  5. Why to Choose Spring Intake in Canada
  6. Intakes in Canada 2026
  7. Popular Scholarships to Study in Canada
Spring Intake in Canada 2025-26: Deadlines, Universities and Courses
Spring Intake in Canada 2025-26: Deadlines, Universities and Courses

Read the complete article to find out more about Spring intake in Canada 2026, application for spring intake, when to appear for IELTS, universities with Spring intake in Canada, Canada spring intake 2026 deadline etc.

Canada Spring Intake 2026 Deadlines

It is essential for students to know the Canada spring intake 2026 deadlines in advance. Generally, your study abroad process should start at least 12 months prior to the commencement of the Summer Intake in Canada. The Spring Intake in Canada 2026 deadlines are provided in the table below:

Month

Action Required

September 2025 – January 2026

Apply to Canadian universities offering spring intake courses

January 2026 – February 2026

Accept admission and apply for your Canada student visa

March 2026 – April 2026

Make all the necessary arrangements such as accommodation, tickets, etc

May 2026

Start your study abroad journey

*Note: The official dates for Canada spring intake 2026 deadlines are yet to be out. These are the assumptions based on previous years.

Top Universities in Canada for Spring Intake 2026

Although the commencement of classes for Canada spring intake 2026 falls in May for most universities, but the application deadlines are different. Some universities may close applications early by a year, while others accept applications till the course start dates for spring intake in Canada. Refer to the following table to know which universities are offering spring 2026 intake Canada.

Universities Offering Canada Spring Intake 2026

University Name

Deadlines

Top Courses to Study

University of British Columbia

January 15, 2026

  • Business Administration

  • Electrical and Computer Engineering

  • Agricultural Economics

  • Applied Biology

  • Civil Engineering

University of Toronto

January 15, 2025 (Extended for some Programs)

*For 2026, dates are yet to be out

  • Kinesiology & Physical Education

  • Medical Radiation Sciences

  • Nursing

  • Physician Assistant

McGill University

October 1, 2024

*For 2026, dates are yet to be out

  • Executive MBA

  • M.Eng Aerospace Engineering

  • M.Mgmt Analytics

Ryerson University

Early November

  • Business

  • Communication and Languages

  • Health and Sciences

Information

University of Manitoba

February 1, 2026

  • Management

  • Dentistry

  • Medicine

  • Nursing

  • Pharmacy

University of Fraser Valley

October 1 to February 1

  • Business Administration

  • Computer Science

  • Biochemistry

  • Economics

Seneca College

Early January

  • Accounting and Finance

  • Art Fundamentals

  • Business

  • Electronics Engineering Technology

Lakehead University

April 1, 2025

  • Academic Writing

  • Creative Writing

  • Professional Writing

  • Literary Studies

  • Global Literatures in English

Trent University

February 1, 2025

  • Management

  • Chemistry

  • Psychology

  • Pharmacology for Health Professionals

  • Financial Accounting

University of Waterloo

Varies

  • Applied Mathematics

  • Chemistry

  • Civil Engineering

  • Electrical and Computer Engineering

  • Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

Planning for Spring Intake in Canada

What is the best way to plan for successful admission in Spring 2026 intake in Canada? The answer is to plan early. Experts suggest that preparation must begin at least 12 months ahead of time for the actual spring intake in Canada 2026. Below is the indicative planning for various steps to apply for 2026 Spring intake in Canada.

Step 1: April 2025 – June 2025 (Research Universities and Courses)

Step 2: July 2025 – September 2025 (Appearing for Exams Required to Study in Canada, IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT/GRE)

Step 3: September 2025 – January 2026 (Start sending applications to Canada universities offering Spring intake 2026)

Step 4: January 2026 – February 2026 (Reply acceptance of admission offer and apply for Canada Study Permit)

Step 5: March 2026 – April 2026 (Make accommodation and travel arrangements to arrive in Canada)

Step 6: May 2026 (Classes Begin)

Also Read:

Masters in Canada

Top Universities in Canada for Masters

Applying for Spring Intake in Canada

Before deciding to apply for spring intake in Canada 2026, prospective students must know the exact details of the deadlines for spring 2026 intake Canada to selected universities. It is advisable to apply as early as possible to the 2026 spring intake Canada to accommodate unexpected delays (Canada student visa), prepare all documents and score high in required exams. All these will improve the chances of success.

1. Research Universities and Courses: Start by conducting adequate research about universities in Canada and various courses. Take QS, THE or other rankings, curriculum, cost of education, location, etc, into consideration. Make a list of universities/courses to apply for.

2. Check Entry Requirements: Understand eligibility criteria of shortlisted universities. Ensure to meet requirements of academic merit, English proficiency levels, professional experience (if applicable), and other relevant requirements.

3. Prepare Documentation: Most universities require academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency(IELTS/TOEFL), GMAT/GRE/LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, financial support, and proof of professional experience. Ensure to check the required documents and prepare them well in advance, as any gaps result in delays.

4. Apply for a Study Permit: Start applying for a Canada study permit immediately after getting an admission offer from a Canadian university. Arrange necessary costs to study in Canada. Here also, significant delays are possible in receiving a Canada study visa. In general, it takes up to 6 weeks to get it.

5. Prepare for Departure: Once a Canada study permit is approved, it is time to plan for travel to Canada. An important step here is to arrange accommodation in Canada. There is no problem if students opt for on-campus accommodation. However, in the case of off-campus accommodation, arrange for temporary accommodation for an initial stay in Canada through online booking websites like Airbnb, booking, agoda, etc.

Also Check: Why Study in Canada

Why to Choose Spring Intake in Canada

Prospective students must take the following factors into account when deciding whether the spring intake is the best for them.

Courses Availability: Number of courses on offer during Spring intake in Canada universities is limited. Often, some universities have Spring intake for short-term courses of 2 months duration. Few universities offer full-time courses during Spring intake in Canada.

Scholarship Availability: There are fewer opportunities to receive financial aid in the form of scholarships in Canada, grants and other financial awards from universities in Canada during Spring intake in Canada.

Weather in Canada: Spring intake lasts from May to August in Canada. While the first two months of this period see mildly cold temperatures, July and August are Summer months. Spring intake definitely offers nice weather compared to Winter intake in Canada.

Acceptance Rate: Due to less number of courses on offer, the number of applicants tends to be low for Spring intake in Canada. Therefore, acceptance rates tend to be high.

Timeline: Spring/Summer intake in Canada offers plenty of space for students to send admission applications compared to Fall/Winter intake in Canada. This is beneficial for students who are graduating in the summer in their home countries. For example, students who are graduating in Summer 2023 have 12 months to apply for Spring intake in Canada.

Intakes in Canada 2026

Universities in Canada offer three intakes for admissions. All these intakes constitute an academic year in Canada. Every academic year in Canadian universities starts with the Fall or September intake. But spring intake means which month in Canada? May is the month of Spring intake in Canada.

Intakes in Canada 2026

Canada Intakes 2026

Application Timelines

Duration

Fall or September Intake

October – November (A year before the start of the actual term)

August/September–December/ January

Winter or January Intake

August – November (Previous Year)

January–May

Spring or May Intake

September – February (Previous Year)

May-August

Popular Scholarships to Study in Canada

  1. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute– UG, PG, Doctoral, and Fellowships

  2. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan– Advanced course studies and research at the Master’s and Ph.D. levels.

  3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program– Graduate Studies in Canada.

  4. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship– Studies in Quebec.

  5. Ontario Trillium Scholarship– Doctoral studies in an Ontario university.

  6. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships– PG courses in social sciences, natural sciences, or healthcare research.

  7. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships– Doctoral degree at a Canadian institution.

  8. Partnership Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada– PhD studies.

Short-Term and Diploma Courses for Spring Intake in Canada

Course Name

Details

Human Resource Management Certificate by York University

Duration: 9 months

Fees: CA$18,999

Digital Marketing and Social Media by Trebas Institute

Duration: 8 Months

Fees: NA

Business Administration by York University School of Continuing Studies

Duration: 8 Months

Fees: CA$15,199

Mediaeval and Early Modern Literature by Lakehead University

Duration: 6 Weeks

Type: Online

Professional Management Courses by University of Calgary

Duration: 8 Months

Fees: NA

Canada is increasingly becoming a favorite destination for study abroad aspirants. Knowing the admission cycle in Canada is very important in this regard as it varies from that of other countries. Also, preplanning increases the chances of success in gaining admissions. Prospective students who wish to apply to Canada at their own pace may choose the 2026 Spring intake in Canada and should know the Canada Spring intake 2026 deadline, making sure that their choice of courses are available.

Also Check:

Best Student Cities in Canada for International Students in 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is January Fall or Spring in Canada?

January is the time of Winter intake in Canada universities that lasts till April. Fall intake in Canada is from September to December/January, while May-August in Canada is Spring intake in Canada. 

2. What is Spring 2026 intake in Canada?

Spring intake 2026 in Canada is the last intake session in an academic year of Canadian universities that lasts from May-August. However, only a limited number of programs are on offer during Spring intake in Canada. Applications may begin to be accepted 10-12 months ahead of time for some universities. 

3. Which is better, Spring or Fall intake in Canada?

International students who are aiming to study core study programs must aim for Fall intake in Canada as all major programs of study are on offer during Fall intake in Canada. However, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, etc also offer full time courses in Spring intake as well.

4. What are the cons of Spring intake in Canada?

The disadvantages of Spring intake in Canada are less number of courses on offer, reduced placement drives, less number of scholarships and limited number of universities offering admission. However, Spring intake acceptance rates are the highest due to less competition. 

5. When should I take the IELTS to apply for the Spring 2024 Intake in Canada?

The ideal time to take IELTS for applying to Spring Intake 2026 in Canada is between July 2025 – September 2025. It is suggested to start preparation in July month of the previous year and give tests by September. However, prospects may start preparation earlier.

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Questions related to

Get answers from students and experts

hi ,

yes , you can pursue undergraduate degree in AI ML in Canada with 65% in 12th grade , bit your options may be limited since many top universities require a minimum of 75-70% , however with some colleges or universities with flexible admission requirements may accept you .

eligibility criteria for AI /ML in Canada

academic requirement - Most top universities require 70-80% in 12th PCM for direct admission.Some colleges/universities accept students with 60-70% in 12th PCM.

English proficiency test -

(if your schooling was in English, some institutions may waive this)

  • IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL: 80 – 90 (iBT)
  • PTE: 50+

mathematics requirement

Since AI & ML are math-heavy, having good grades in Math (especially Calculus) will strengthen your application.


hope this helps


Hi Madhvi,

With 42% in 12th, admission to universities in Canada can be challenging, as most require at least 50-60%. However, you still have options:

  1. Diploma Programs – Some colleges like Seneca, Humber, or Centennial offer diploma courses with flexible entry requirements.

  2. Foundation Programs – You can take a pathway course in Canada to improve your academic profile before entering a degree program.

  3. Private Colleges – Some private institutions accept lower percentages, but research them well before applying.

  4. Improve Academics – Consider reappearing for 12th exams or taking additional certification courses to boost your profile.

Also, ensure you meet the IELTS/TOEFL score requirements for student visas.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

After completing a BBA in Finance, top programs in Canada include MBA (Finance), Master of Finance, Master in Financial Analytics, CFA certification, or PG diplomas in Financial Planning, Investment Banking, and Risk Management. Choose based on career goals, budget, and university reputation.

Hello there,

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is primarily an entrance exam for medical courses in India. If you're considering studying medicine in Canada, here are some key points to consider:

NEET and Medical Studies in Canada:

  1. Not Required for Admission : NEET is not required for admission to medical schools in Canada. Canadian medical schools have their own admission criteria, which typically include undergraduate degree requirements and standardized tests like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

  2. Eligibility for International Students : To apply to medical schools in Canada, you usually need to complete a bachelor's degree (often with a focus on science) and achieve a good score on the MCAT.

  3. Application Process : Each Canadian medical school has specific admission requirements. It's important to research individual schools to understand their criteria, including GPA requirements, volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

  4. Recognition of Indian Medical Degrees : If you complete your medical studies in Canada, your degree will be recognized, but if you study medicine in India, you’ll need to go through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exams to practice in Canada.

    Recommendations:

  • Research Canadian Medical Schools : Look into the specific requirements for the medical schools you are interested in.

  • Prepare for MCAT : If you're aiming for medical school in Canada, focus on preparing for the MCAT and meeting the prerequisite courses for admission.

    Conclusion:

NEET is not necessary for studying medicine in Canada. Instead, focus on completing an undergraduate degree, taking the MCAT, and meeting the admission requirements of Canadian medical schools.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello Aspirant

Foreign Universities require a candidate to have a 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized University/college with enough credits. The problem that many Indian students face is that they have a degree in bachelor's but in a 3-year course. This stops them from pursuing further studies at a foreign university. Still, some universities offer bridge courses for such students. For this, they need to reach their universities 2-3 months prior and do the Bridge course. But all of this depends on the university. This is why NEP introduced the new 4-year bachelor's course.

The best course of action is to go to the Canadian Universities' websites that you wish to join and contact their admissions office via mail and talk to them about your situation, they'll help you out with it. Also, when you sit for their interviews and have a valid answer for your gap year after your Bachelor's, it would be great if you have work experience for that duration.

Hope this helps.

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