The summer intake in Canada is one of the least popular sessions to apply as far as international students are concerned. It is because fewer universities offer courses and admissions in this period. Canada usually witnesses a deluge of applications in its fall semester and the winter intake. However, the summer intake is popular among those considering certificate, short-term and other diploma courses.
Fewer colleges and universities provide the summer intake in Canada. There are fewer courses available. Most programs are short-term, diploma, or certification types. People looking for these avenues in Canada will prefer applying in the summer intake. A limited number of people apply for universities at this time, lowering overall competition and making it easier to get into your chosen institution.
The summer semester is not compulsory in Canada, and many universities usually offer language courses for non-native English students.
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Merits and demerits of the Canadian summer intake
There are several merits and demerits worth keeping in mind. Here’s taking a closer look at the same.
Merits:
● There is lower competition for applying at universities and colleges.
● Students have a higher chance of getting admission into their chosen courses and institutions.
Demerits:
● There are fewer summer intake universities in Canada and limited course availability.
● Least preferred intake for applications, meaning that many added funding options, student initiatives, etc., may be unavailable. Timeline for Canadian summer intake
The summer intake spans the entire stretch between May and August. With regard to deadlines for this intake, it usually comes around the January and February periods. It is vital to understand that the actual deadline may vary across institutions in Canada. At the same time, each applicant should have documents ready while applying to several courses in this intake.
The admission procedure and application forms for summer intakes usually begin early. The whole procedure starts almost one year before submitting the original application form. If you are desirous of studying in Canada at the time of the summer intake, then you should commence the procedure as quickly as you can.
Here is a step-by-step guide that you should keep in mind:
● April to August
You should first find out the universities that offer summer intake options and finalize your choices. Shortlist a minimum of four-five institutions, and note down their application deadlines and other submissions requirements. It automatically ensures a smoother procedure for your applications.
● September to December
Standardized tests may be needed at various universities. If your university needs the scores in these tests, you should start appearing for examinations like GMAT, SAT, GRE, ACT, and others at this time. Scores in tests such as IELTS or TOEFL are also needed at many institutions.
● January to February
This is the time to start applying to all the universities that you have finalized. You can directly apply through the official websites and attach all the required documents.
● February to March
It is the time when you will start getting responses from the colleges/universities you applied to. They usually need a few weeks before replying. Submit all the other important information that the institution may ask for.
● April to May
Once you have an offer letter from your university, you can start applying for the study visa, along with arranging for your finances. You can apply for an education loan and complete all the formalities within this period if you need the same. Multiple scholarships are also offered to applicants by several universities in Canada. You should note all the available scholarships and apply for the same in advance. About the visa, keep a buffer period of three-five weeks for processing.
Universities offering summer intake admissions in Canada
Quite a few universities offer admissions to students during the summer intake. Some of the top names include the following:
● University of Manitoba
● University of Ottawa
● University of Waterloo
● University of Calgary
● Carleton University
● Ryerson University
● University of Alberta
● The University of British Columbia
● Trent University
● University Canada West
Some of the top courses available during the summer intake include fashion design, business, architecture, engineering, computer science, hospitality, economics, accounting, psychology, law, medicine, and more.
The actual deadline for applying is February at the most. Most institutions may ask for applications to be submitted by mid-January for admissions during the summer intake.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the information about the summer intake in Canada, you can go ahead and prepare your application strategy. Check whether your chosen university offers the summer intake, whether you are eligible, and whether you will get the course you desire. If all your requirements are met, you should apply without any hesitation. It is because you will find it easier to get admission into your chosen institution since the overall number of students applying at this time is on the lower side.
The summer or spring intake, or the May intake, as it is also known, is good for specific purposes. It will benefit those looking to complete certificates, diplomas, and other short-term courses in Canada. Institutions majorly offer these types of courses at this time. It is also the least preferred application timeline for most students since a limited number of institutions offer this intake, and the course options are also limited. At the same time, the May-August intake means lesser competition and more chances of getting admission into your chosen educational institution.
Which colleges are open for May 2022 intake in Canada?
There are many universities offering admissions during the summer intake in Canada. Some of them include the University of Waterloo, University of Calgary, Ryerson University, Trent University, University of Alberta, University of Ottawa, University of Manitoba, University of British Columbia, and many others. Keep checking the official websites for updated information. Admission details and deadlines are subject to change.
In Canada, the May intake has less chance of getting admission. Is this true?
The May intake or summer intake in Canada is usually a period that students do not prefer. Very few institutions offer courses in this intake, and the options are also limited. This intake covers the entire duration between May and August. Getting admission may seem tougher with a lower volume of institutions and courses. However, from another perspective, it is possible to get admission more easily into your chosen courses in Canada during the summer intake. Overall competition is substantially lower, and not many students apply. From this point of view, it gives you a higher chance of admission!
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.