Intake: what it means for students
What it means, who decides it and where to check the official source.
An intake is a start term when a school begins a new group of students in a program; schools publish their own intakes and application windows.
In more detail
An intake is simply a start term. Many colleges and universities begin programs more than once a year, and a program may be offered in some terms and not in others.
Each school has its own application windows, document requirements and seat arrangements for each intake. A program that is open in one term may be closed or full in another, and this can differ between campuses.
Because study permit applications, funding and housing all follow the start term, it is sensible to read each school's own intake page early and plan backwards from it.
Who decides
Each school decides its intakes, programs offered and application windows.
Where to check
- The school's admissions page
Use the school's own website for intakes; Canada.ca covers the permit side.
What to ask a counsellor
- Which intakes does each of my shortlisted programs list, and where is that stated by the school?
- What documents are needed for the intake I am aiming at?
Related terms
Questions about a term?
Bring it to a free counselling session. We explain how schools and programs work and help you prepare questions. We do not give immigration advice.
Independent advice
- Study Master Canada is an independent education counselling firm. We are an authorized agent of certain colleges and universities, directly and through recruitment partners, and the institutions compensate us. Our counselling is free to you.
- We help you choose a program and connect you with the college.
- We do not determine eligibility or funding, and we are not affiliated with any government.
- Regulated immigration work is done only by Visa Master Canada, a licensed RCIC partner, and only when you retain them directly.