Canadian universities are now accepting applications for the Winter (January) 2027 intake. Great news for graduate students: Master's and PhD applicants are exempt from the national study permit cap and do not need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), making the process significantly easier.
Key Dates
- Applications open: April–August 2026 (varies by university)
- Application deadline: September–November 2026 (varies by university)
- TMU guaranteed consideration date: October 15, 2026
- Classes begin: January 2027
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Up to 3 years
Top Universities to Apply To
University of Toronto
Canada's highest-ranked university and one of the world's top 20. Over 700 graduate programmes across arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, and business.
Apply at U of T ➔University of British Columbia (UBC)
Located in Vancouver, consistently ranked among the world's top 40. Strong in computer science, engineering, forestry, and business.
Apply at UBC ➔McGill University
Located in Montreal, one of Canada's most prestigious universities. World-renowned for medicine, law, engineering, and the sciences.
Apply at McGill ➔Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
Located in downtown Toronto with strong industry connections. Programmes in business, engineering, media, and creative industries. January intake applications open.
Apply at TMU ➔University of Alberta
One of Canada's top research universities. Strong in engineering, sciences, health, and business. Located in Edmonton with lower living costs than Toronto or Vancouver.
Apply at Alberta ➔Why Canada?
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — up to 3 years after graduation
- Express Entry gives extra points for Canadian education and work experience
- Clearest student-to-permanent-resident pathway of any major country
- Master's and PhD students exempt from study permit cap
- Welcoming, multicultural society with high quality of life