Canada Intake 2027 for Indian Students: Fees, Eligibility, Deadlines and Study Permit Timeline

Canadian colleges and universities offer different admission opportunities throughout the year. For Indian students planning for the Canada intake 2027, this guide explains application deadlines, eligibility requirements, tuition fees, living costs and the steps involved in securing a study permit. We also highlight important dates and immigration requirements to check before applying.

What Are the Intakes in Canada for 2027? 

The three main intake periods are January (Winter), May (Spring or Summer), and September (Fall). Each offers different programme options, so your choice should depend on your preferred course and its availability.

• January (Winter): Fewer courses start in January. It works well if you missed September or need a little more time to get your documents ready.
• May (Spring or Summer): May has the smallest choice of courses. Check that your course actually starts in May before you plan around it.
• September (Fall): September generally offers the widest range of programmes, making it a suitable option if you start preparing early. 

Canada Intake Deadlines for Indian Students in 2027

Canada does not have one application deadline for all institutions. Each university or college sets its own deadlines, which may also vary depending on the programme you choose.

• January 2027: Research April to June 2026, apply June to November 2026, and offer August to December 2026.
• May 2027: Research August to October 2026, apply November 2026 to March 2027, and offer January to April 2027.
• September 2027: Research October 2026 to January 2027; apply December 2026 to April 2027; offers February to June 2027.

Examples:

• Toronto Metropolitan University set 15 October 2026 as the guaranteed consideration deadline for January 2027 admission. Since this date has passed, check the university’s official admissions page to confirm whether applications for your chosen programme are still open. 
• Lakehead University recommends that international undergraduates apply by 2 November 2026.
• York University closes January 2027 applications on 18 November 2026. Its May 2027 deadline is 1 April 2027.

January 2027 is closing fast, so if you have not applied yet, look at May and September 2027 instead. Not sure which intake suits you? Reach out to the Edroots Canada study abroad consultation team, and we will help you decide and apply with confidence.

Eligibility to Study in Canada in 2027

Entry requirements change from one course and college to another, so always check the exact course you want.

• Undergraduate: You need a Class 12 certificate, and some courses ask for specific subjects. The minimum marks also differ from course to course.
• Postgraduate: You need a recognised bachelor’s degree, usually in a related subject. Some programmes also require work experience or a portfolio.
• Diploma and college programmes: Class 12 is required for most diplomas, a bachelor's degree is required for graduate certificates, and any course prerequisites must also be met.

Most institutions accept IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT, with scores that vary by programme. Applications usually need transcripts, a passport copy, a statement of purpose, a CV and, for many postgraduate programmes, recommendation letters.

Read to know more: IELTS vs. PTE vs. Duolingo: Which English Test Should You Take for Your Target Country?

Fees and Cost of Studying in Canada

Your first-year cost is tuition plus living expenses, and IRCC asks you to show at least CAD 23,448 for living costs alone. Tuition varies widely by level and university, so check the official fee page of every course you shortlist.

• Tuition: Average yearly fees by level, which vary by programme and institution (source: EduCanada):
• Undergraduate: Approximately CAD 41,746 at universities.
• Postgraduate: Approximately CAD 24,028 at universities.
• College diploma: Approximately CAD 16,000 to 25,000.
• Living costs: CAD 23,448 for one applicant outside Quebec, for applications from 1 September 2026. Quebec has a separate amount.
• Application and permit fees: Each university sets its own application fee. For the study permit, you pay CAD 150, plus CAD 85 for biometrics.
• Health insurance: What you need depends on your province and your university, so check the details before you arrive.
• Proof of funds: IRCC wants to see that you can pay for your tuition, living costs and travel. Bank statements, an education loan or a GIC can all work as proof. Read IRCC’s guidance for the full list.
  

Read to know more: Choosing the Right Province to Study in Canada: A Student Guide

Study Permit Timeline for Canada in 2027: Step by Step

Your study visa process is in nine steps: from your offer letter to your travel. Complete all steps before departure and start your permit file as soon as you receive your acceptance letter, as each intake has a scheduled start date.

You may hear about the Student Direct Stream, but it closed in November 2024. Students from India now apply through the regular route.

1. Offer letter: Your college or university sends you a letter of acceptance.
2. Acceptance and deposit: You accept the offer and pay the deposit they ask for.
3. PAL or TAL: This document is a letter from the province or territory, and your institution helps you get it. You do not need it if you are joining a degree-granting master’s or doctoral programme at a public institution that starts on or after 1 January 2026. Quebec has its own rules.
4. Financial documents: Gather the papers that show you can pay for your studies and stay.
5. Study plan: Explain why you chose this course, why you picked Canada and what you plan to do after you graduate.
6. Application: Fill in and submit your study permit application online.
7. Biometrics and medical: When IRCC asks, give your fingerprints and photo and complete a medical exam.
8. Decision: Wait for IRCC’s decision. Processing times change, so check IRCC for the current ones.
9. Travel: Book your flights and accommodation once your permit is approved.

How this changes by intake:

• January: Apply as soon as you have your acceptance letter and the required documents.
• May: Get your financial and supporting documents ready early, then apply as soon as you are eligible.
• September: Start preparing early, and submit your application as soon as you meet the requirements.

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Which Canada Intake Is Right for You?

We advise choosing your course first and the intake second, as a university may run a programme in only one intake.

• Course availability: Confirm that your exact programme is available in that intake.
• Academic readiness: Check that your results and English score will be ready by the deadline.
• Finances: Confirm you can show tuition, living costs and travel funds.
• Time left: Count how many months you have before the deadline. Your study permit needs time too, so don’t leave it for the end.

Some January deadlines have already passed or are close, so if you are still planning, May or September 2027 is the more realistic choice. Not sure whether to aim for May or September 2027? Talk to our career counsellors, and you will leave with a clear plan for the right intake and the right course.

PGWP and Work Rights: What to Check Before You Pay Tuition

Being a designated learning institution does not make every programme eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Check the exact programme before paying tuition, as eligibility depends on its length, your language scores, and, for some courses, the field of study.

• Language levels: Generally, PGWP applicants need CLB 7 for bachelor's, master's, doctoral and other university programmes, and CLB 5 for eligible college and other non-university programmes. Additional eligibility requirements apply.
• Where to check: IRCC's website on PGWP eligibility has the latest rules. The requirements of your permit will determine your work rights while you study.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to Canada

A few mistakes can delay your application or cost you your intake, and most of them are easy to avoid. Check course availability, deadlines, current fees, financial documents and permit requirements early, so small problems do not turn into costly delays at the last minute.

• Assuming every course starts in every intake: Many courses run in only one intake, so check the exact start dates before you apply.
• Using another university’s deadline: Every institution sets its own dates, so use the one on your course page.
• Relying on outdated fee figures: The old living-cost figure of CAD 22,895 no longer applies. For applications from 1 September 2026, IRCC asks for CAD 23,448.
• Keeping a weak funds trail: Sudden deposits with no explanation raise questions, so keep records that show where your money comes from.
• Leave the permission for the last month: Biometrics and medical requests take time; delay can cost you the intake.

Plan Your Canada Intake 2027 with Edroots

Starting early gives you more choice of courses and fewer last-minute problems. At Edroots, we help you shortlist courses, prepare your applications and file your study permit. Explore how Edroots can guide your Canada study plans, or book a free counselling session with our team to plan your 2027 intake.