Academic Calendar

Intakes & Application Timelines in Canada

Plan your application strategy with our guide to Canada's university intake periods, application deadlines, and critical timelines for international students.

Canada Academic Calendar

For the September 2027 start

Annual Intake Periods

Fall intake (Starts in September. The main intake for most programs.)

Winter intake (Starts in January. Offered by some graduate programs.)

Summer intake (Starts in May. Offered by few programs.)

Key dates for September 2027

UBC bachelor's applications close on 15 January 2027. Waterloo closes on 1 February 2027 for most programs.

September is the main intake (start month) in Canada. Some graduate programs also start in January or May.

Intake Periods

Intakes in Canada

Universities teach in Fall (September), Winter (January) and Summer (May) terms. Few programs let you start in Summer.

Main intake

Fall intake

September

Key Information

Most bachelor's and graduate programs start in September.
Waterloo admits first-year students for September only.
At UBC, Term 1 started on 8 September 2026 for most faculties.

Application Period

UBC: early October 2026 to 15 January 2027

For the September 2027 start.

Winter intake

January

Key Information

Some graduate programs start in January.
McGill graduate, January start, students from other countries: apply by 1 August.
At UBC, Term 2 starts on 5 January 2027 for most faculties.

Summer intake

May

Key Information

Few programs start in May.
McGill graduate, May start, students from other countries: apply by 1 October.

Tip

A study permit is the paper that lets you study in Canada. Choose your start month with it in mind. India: the New Delhi visa office asks you to apply at least three months before you travel.

Critical Timelines

Key Dates for September 2027

Check each university's page before you apply.

Early October 2026

UBC applications opened

For the September 2027 start.

7 November

U of T early date

U of T recommends applying by this date.

15 January 2027

UBC deadline

Also Waterloo engineering.

1 February 2027

Waterloo deadline

Most programs. Documents due 15 February 2027.

After your offer

Study permit

India: apply at least three months before you travel. Students from India and Pakistan also need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) puts it in your passport when it approves your study permit.

Key tasks

• Get your PAL/TAL (a provincial or territorial attestation letter) if you need one. Students in a master's or PhD degree at a public designated learning institution (DLI), a school approved for international students, do not. In Quebec, get the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead.
• Take your medical exam, if you need one.
• Apply online. Give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).

Before classes

Arrive in Canada

At the airport, show your papers. The officer there gives you your study permit.

Check your program

Some programs close earlier than the main deadline.

Academic Structure

How the Academic Year Works

Most universities split the year into terms, which are parts of the school year. UBC calls September to April its Winter Session, with two terms.

Terms (Fall, Winter, Summer)

Waterloo charges tuition one term at a time, with three terms a year.

Key Dates

UBC Term 1 started

8 September 2026

UBC Term 2 starts

5 January 2027

Special Academic Periods & Considerations

Beyond the standard academic calendar, there are several special periods and features to be aware of

Scheduled breaks

Breaks set by your school, such as summer and winter holidays or a reading week.

Student tip

In scheduled school breaks, such as summer, you can work off campus (a job outside your school) for as many hours as you like.

Application Planning

Plans by Student Type

Bachelor's and graduate applicants follow different paths.

Application Process	Undergraduate Students	Graduate Students	International Students
Main deadline for September	UBC: 15 January 2027. Waterloo: 1 February 2027.	McGill, students from other countries: 15 January.	Add study permit time after your offer.