Winter 2026 Intake in Canada: Courses, Costs & Deadlines

Canada is one of the best countries to study abroad for international students. Canada offers three intakes for international students. Winter is the second primary intake in Canada with shorter course offerings than the September intake. 

The winter season is very cold in Canada. The average temperature ranges between -2°C and -10°C. It can be sometimes very tough for international students to continue their classes. However, the  Winter intake in Canada is suitable for those who have missed the Fall intake. 

In this blog, we will discuss the Winter 2026 intake in Canada, available courses, universities, benefits and deadlines. So, if you want to study in Canada for the upcoming January month, this blog will help you a lot.

What is Winter Intake in Canada?

Are you familiar with Winter intake in Canada? Winter is the month of January and February in Canada. It is known as the coldest time of the year. Winter admission in Canada usually falls between the start of January and mid-February. So, the Winter semester is also known as the January intake in Canada.

However, if you have missed the Fall 2025 intake, the Winter 2026 intake in Canada will be the best option for you. Because you can take this admission intake without waiting a year long for the next September intake in Canada. The entry requirements for the Winter intake in Canada in 2026 will be the same as other intakes in Canada. However, the course options maybe shorter than the primary intake, but mostly the business courses remain available through this intake.

Benefits of Winter 2026 Intake in Canada

January or Winter 2026 intake is especially effective for those who want to study in Canada but haven’t applied for the Fall intake or who think that he/she needs more time to prepare for admission in Canada. Check out the benefits of the Winter 2026 intake in Canada from here.

• You will face less competition
• Chances of admission become easier
• The visa ratio is high
• Enough time for researching about the university

Application Deadline for January 2026 Intake at Canadian Universities

The Winter 2026 intake deadline at Canadian universities for international students ranges between August 2025 and mid-January 2026. Starting your application early is always a wise decision when making a plan to study abroad. The standard processing time for a student visa in Canada is 3 months. So, if all your papers are ready you should start your application process for your preferred intake before the deadline.

Timeline for Winter 2026 Intake in Canada

You must maintain a schedule while preparing to study in Canada through this intake. The timing and the activity must match together. You should start planning a year before you start to study in Canada. Good preparation can make it easy. If you want to study in Canada in 2026, you should make the process like this.

• From April to June 2025, you should do research on the universities of Canada and shortlist the most preferred ones.
• The English language test is very important while studying in Canada. So take the test between July to September 2025.
• After taking the English language test, you should make an application to your desired universities in Canada. So, from September to December, complete making applications to the universities of Canada with the required documents.
• After applying, from November to January, you will get the confirmation after the statement through an email.
• And lastly, from January to February, you should make financial arrangements and visa applications.

Available Courses for Winter 2026 Intake in Canada

Unlike the September intake, you will get fewer course options for the January 2026 intake in Canada. Check out the available courses you can apply for winter admission in Canada.

• Law
• Medicine
• Business
• Hospitality
• Engineering
• Architecture
• Accounting
• Economics
• Psychology
• Fashion Designing
• Computer Science

How Much Does it Cost to Study in Canada for Winter Intake 2026?

The cost to study in Canada for the Winter 2026 intake depends on the tuition fees and one year of living expenses in Canada. In Canada, tuition fees range between CAD 15,000- and CAD 20,000. The minimum living expenses in Canada is CAN$20,635. You have to pay more for every single person accompanying you.

Available Scholarships for January 2026 Intake in Canada

Are you dreaming of studying in Canada with scholarships? The main attraction of the students is the scholarship opportunities while making decisions on studying abroad. Different countries offer different types of scholarships. Check out the popular scholarships for the Winter 2026 intake in Canada.

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Programme at the University of Toronto
• Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia
• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
• University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence
• UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships for Developing Country Students
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

Downsides of Canada’s Winter Intake

Winter is the less popular intake in Canada than the September intake. However, the university authority gives an extra opening for international students who have missed the September start in Canada. However, there are some downsides to taking admission to Canada’s Winter intake. 

• You may not get the desired course
• Winter intake weather in Canada may not be suitable for you
• Fewer universities are available
• As you will start your education in the middle it can take you more time to graduate

What Should You Do if You Miss the Winter Admission Deadline in Canada?

Canada has three admission intakes for international students. So, if you have missed the Winter season in Canada you can easily apply for the Summer intake. The Summer intake in Canada starts in May and runs till December. Or if you have missed the Winter 2026 intake in Canada you can wait a little more for the September 2026 intake. 

At AIMS Education we always ensure all our students get the visa on time. So, if you are struggling with preparation at the right time, just send us a callback request so that one of our expert team can help you. 

How Can AIMS Education Help?

We have British Council certified counsellors who are working relentlessly to help you. They will assess your file and suggest the best university and course according to your budget and goal. They will make applications for you and ensure your offer letter from the university. If you consult AIMS Education, you will be able to track your application anytime you need it.

We provide personalized guidance and the highest visa success guarantee to our students. You don’t have to wait a long or make an appointment to contact us. You can just submit the enquiry form with the required information or you can simply leave a comment with your queries, our expert team will catch you soon. 

Final Words

Canada is a dream higher education destination for international students. The country offers three popular intakes and top-quality education to the students. Due to the flexibility Canada is becoming very popular nowadays. Making a hassle-free application and securing guaranteed offer letters is an amazing thing. Right? So, if you are planning to make an application for the January/Winter 2026 intake in Canada, you can always contact AIMS Education for better guidance.

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