Study in Canada - Admission Cycle (2021-22)

Canada in recent years has emerged as a preferred destination for international students to pursue their higher education. The country with its high quality of life, safe environment, warm and friendly people, quality, and budgeted education attracts foreign students to gain world-class experience in a developed country.

The Canadian government's post-study work and internship opportunities and liberal immigration policies are another reason for international students to accomplish their future goals of a better life.

The admission cycle of Canadian universities offers three intakes for international students; Fall, Winter, and Summer. Students through these intakes can take admission in undergraduate courses, post-graduate courses, diploma courses, and Ph.D. programs.

• Fall: This admission intake starts in the month of September and is popular among the students
• Winter: This admission intake starts in January and is perfect if one missed the September intake
• Summer: This admission intake starts in the month of May.

Canada Admission Cycle- Different Intakes

Among the three intakes, Fall offers admission to all the major programs such as MS, MBA, Degree courses. The January intake usually fills the vacant seats left during the Fall intake or gives admissions into specialized programs offered by certain universities and colleges. The summer intake is for short-duration c

Courses like diploma courses, student exchange programs or summer programs offered by institutions.

Steps to Admission in Canadian Universities

For each admission cycle in Canada students need to plan months in advance. Admission and seats are offered on a first come first basis in all the semesters/intakes. It's better if students start their application process months in advance to grab a seat in their favorite program and college/university.

Step 1. Information collection (10-12 months prior)

• Gather information about universities and colleges that students wish to apply to.
• Find the courses, last date of application, fee requirements
• Download information brochures from the university websites
• Check for scholarship and bank loan options

Step 2. Preparation and cracking of examination (10-12 months prior)

• Start preparation for standardized tests like GMAT, SAT, IELTS (Academic), PTE (Academic), TOEFL
• Enroll for the language proficiency tests like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE at least a month prior to the exam date.
• Keep a buffer time to re-register for standardized tests if the marks/grades are poor in the first attempt.
• Improve the score to better the chances for preferred university admission.

Step 3. Filling up of Application Form (6-8 months prior)

• Finalize course and university preferences. Prepare for the application process.
• Start drafting the statement of purpose (SOP), university-specific essays, self-appraisal forms for the admission process.
• A month before the application due date, get in touch with teachers, professors, direct managers to obtain 2-3 reference letters.
• Arrange all the documents required for the application process

• Submit application before the due date.

Step 4: Be Alert (4-6 months prior)

• Reply to college mails.
• Appear for telephonic or video interviews.
• Once you receive an acceptance letter, don’t delay further and inform your decision to the college authorities.
• Pay the initial admission fee to confirm your seat in the Canadian college/university

Step 5. Obtaining Visa and Money Arrangement (3-4 months prior)

• Apply for an education loan.
• Apply for scholarships
• Apply for your student’s visa on time.

Step 6. Departure Preparation (2-3 months prior)

• Book airline tickets
• Finalize initial accommodation options (Airbnb, on campus, hotel etc.)
• Arrange for international Debit/Credit card
• Collect all the documents/photocopies required to carry along
• Check pre-departure list
  
  

Following are the universities/colleges along with their admission cycle in Canada

* Please note, some universities may not offer admission to international students in this intake

Positive and Negatives of Different Admission Cycle in Canada

Each admission cycle in Canada has some positives and negatives. Here is a list of pros and cons for different intakes. Students can make their admission decisions based on the few below.