- Canada’s university admission process follows three intakes — Fall (September), Winter (January), and Spring (May), with Fall being the most competitive.
- Canadian university application fees range from CAD 100 to CAD 250, varying by institution and programme.
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is required for the Canadian study visa process, serving as proof that the student has adequate funds to cover living expenses.
Studying in Canada provides a transformative journey for all international students including Indians. Over 29 Canadian universities rank in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with four of them — McGill University, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and University of Alberta — securing spots in the global top 100. Also, Canada is the best destination for research in medicine, technology, information technology and agriculture. Compared to the USA and UK, Canada provides flexible and affordable living costs to international students across the globe.Â
Canada’s safe and peaceful environment encourages the global student population to pursue study and post-study employment opportunities without worry.
Admission & Intakes in Canada 2026
Admission in Canada is based on fall, spring & winter intakes. Canadian universities usually accept applications for undergraduate and post-graduate in three different intakes. However, it is essential to know that the availability of these intakes depends upon the university and program of study. The table below highlights the number of intakes in Canadian universities in 2026.
| Types of Intakes | Application Cycle | Commencement of Session | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall/September Intake | September 2025 – January 2026 | September 2025 | Scholarships & study aids available for most courses; primary intake for international students |
| Winter Intake | September – December 2025 | January 2026 | Fewer scholarships and aids available; suitable for students who missed fall deadlines |
| Spring Intake | November 2025 – February 2026 | May 2026 | Scholarships and aids available for selected courses; common for diploma programmes |
Fall intake is the primary intake for admission in Canada. Many international students consider it better to commence their studies in fall intakes in Canada because it is the start of the academic calendar in the country. Winter intake is less common and minor than fall intake because only some universities offer it. Students opt for this if they have missed deadlines or need more preparation time. On the other hand, spring intakes offer admission in Canada for those students who want to apply for diploma programs.
Levels of Programs in Canadian Universities
Admission in Canada is based not only on intakes but also on university programs. Some of them are undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral & post-doctoral degrees. Canada’s education system is not centralised, meaning the Canadian provinces and territories manage the country’s education policy individually. Let us see the details of the programs’ level, duration, and descriptions.
| Level of Programs | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma | 1 year | Technical program |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 3-4 years | Undergraduate Degree Program |
| Bachelor’s Honors Degree | 3-4 years | Undergraduate Degree Program (allowed for specific courses) |
| Master’s Degree (Thesis) | 1-2 years | Submission of thesis along with theory |
| Master’s Degree | 1-2 years | Theoretical program without theory submission |
| Doctorate | 3-5 years | Theory submission, thesis & extensive research on the chosen topic. |
Admission in Canada Simplified for International Students
Admission in Canada differs for different courses & universities. Also, different universities adopt different standards for the same degree program. Hence, it is recommended that students go through the university’s official website. Here are some steps that can help students to get admission to Canadian universities without much hassle.Â
- Research and Evaluate: The basic process for applying to some universities is to evaluate your field of interest, skills, and the subject knowledge you carry. Through this, you will know what field or subject area you can excel in if you haven’t decided on your career.
- Shortlisting: Based upon this, explore the available courses and universities that offer them. Visit their respective websites and go through course details, including curriculum, fee structure, and other benefits like scholarships and the scope of the chosen course. Shortlist 8-10 universities that are supposed to fulfil your career aspirations.
- Check Eligibility Criteria: Since the eligibility criteria for shortlisted courses vary in different universities, reviewing them and arranging necessary documents is essential.Â
- Take Language Proficiency Tests: Depending on the criteria of the desired course, prepare and attempt standardised proficiency tests to gain easy entry into a Canadian university. Some language proficiency tests are IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, and PTE.Â
- Preparation for GIC: GIC stands for Guaranteed Investment Certificate, which is necessary to open a bank account in Canada to get a study visa quickly. It is proof that the student has sufficient funds to finance his expenses.
Let’s Understand the GIC Process
GIC stands for Guaranteed Investment Certificate, which involves application & interview process.Â
- Application Process: Obtain the application packs from the shortlisted universities and submit them well in advance. The application fee typically ranges from CAD 100 to CAD 250, approximately INR 6,200 to INR 15,500 at current exchange rates.
- Interview: Appear in the interview if required or if you have any online invitations. Receive the offer/acceptance letter and prepare to apply for a study visa.
- Visa Process: Visit the official website of the Government of Canada to check eligibility, process, and fees.
Standardised Test Score Required for Admission in Canada
Here are some standardised tests required for admission in Canada:Â
GMAT/GRE: GMAT scores are required to be admitted into management courses like MBA. A score of 600 or above is considered decent for getting admission into MBA courses. GRE scores are required for admission into some programs like engineering, management & business. A score of 320 or above is considered favourable for admission to Canadian universities.Â
Language Proficiency Test: A language proficiency test is required for admission in Canada. Universities accept tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE & Duolingo. A score of 90 or above in TOEFL iBT, & 7.0 or above in IELTS are considered favourable for admission in Canada. In PTE a score of 70 or above is required for admission.Â
Top Universities for Admission in Canada
Some of the top universities for admission in Canada are listed below:
| University | QS World Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|
| McGill University | 27 |
| University of Toronto | 29 |
| University of British Columbia | 40 |
| University of Alberta | 94 |
| McMaster University | 189 |
| University of Montreal | 201–250 |
| University of Waterloo | 154 |
| University of Ottawa | 203 |
Key Takeaways
Canada’s admission process is structured around three intakes — Fall, Winter, and Spring — with Fall being the primary intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Over 29 Canadian universities rank in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with top institutions like McGill (27th) and the University of Toronto (29th) offering globally recognised degrees at significantly more affordable tuition compared to the US or UK.
Getting into a Canadian university requires academic records, standardised test scores (IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 83+), and a GIC-backed financial proof for your study visa. In 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions no longer need a PAL/TAL, making the study permit process faster and simpler.
Start your Canadian university admission journey today with AdmitX — guiding you from shortlisting universities to getting your visa approved. Our services include:
- University Selection Guidance
- SOP ReviewÂ
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FAQs
Which intake is best for me to pursue higher studies in Canada?
Most of the students opt for fall intakes since it offers diverse courses. However, students who could not get into their dream universities during fall intake, also opt for winter & spring intakes.
Is January intake available in Canada?
Yes, Canada offers January intakes for domestic & international students. The application begins in August or September.
How does the grading system work in Canada?
Canadian universities use GPA or Grade point average scale to evaluate students’ performance. The GPAs are expressed in A, B, C, etc with corresponding values.
Is it worth it to study in Canada?
Canada is the best destination for research in medicine, technology, information technology and agriculture. It also provides a secure environment, high-quality education, & smooth visa policy for international students. Also, education is cheaper in Canada than in other leading countries.
What is the cost of studying in Canada?
The average cost of studying in Canada ranges from CAD 13,000-40,000. However, this may vary depending on the course & university.
Which language tests are accepted by Canadian universities for admission?
Most Canadian universities accept IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test for demonstrating language proficiency.
What IELTS score is required for Canadian university admission?
A minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 is generally required, though top universities like the University of Toronto and UBC may require 7.0 or above.
What is a GIC and why is it needed for a Canadian study visa?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is proof of sufficient funds deposited in a Canadian bank account and is required as part of the study permit application process.
Do master's and doctoral students need a PAL for a Canadian study permit in 2026?
No — as of 1 January 2026, master’s and doctoral students enrolling at public designated learning institutions are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement.
Can international students work while studying in Canada?
Yes — international students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
