Canada master's application timeline for Fall 2028

• Audit grades, background and budget List your GPA, school background, internships or research, and total budget. Sort targets into reach, match and safety tiers. Jul 2027
• Shortlist 3-6 programmes Record entry requirements, tuition and last cycle's pace for each programme so nothing surprises you late. Sep 2027
• Confirm intake and rounds on official sites Opening dates and rounds differ across programmes within the same university. Always check the admissions page. Oct 2027

• Book your English test Seats fill fast in peak season, so book 1-2 months ahead. Confirm which tests and scores your programmes accept. Aug 2027
• Sit a first attempt Get a first score early enough to leave room for score reports and a retake. Oct 2027
• Keep a retake window A retake usually needs 4-6 weeks. Do not leave your only attempt to the week before a deadline. Dec 2027
• Send official scores Most universities require scores sent directly by the test provider. Look up each school's code and arrange delivery early. Jan 2028

• Transcripts and enrolment proof Request sealed bilingual transcripts from your registrar. Current students need an enrolment letter; graduates need degree certificates. Dec 2027
• Tailor your personal statement per programme Write to each programme's prompts and keep track of which version goes where. One generic essay for every school reads poorly. Jan 2028
• English CV Keep it to one page. Quantify internship and research outcomes and state your own role clearly. Jan 2028
• Contact referees Usually two letters. Ask 4-6 weeks ahead and send referees your CV and programme list to write from. Jan 2028
• Credential evaluation if required WES or ECE evaluations take weeks. Order one only after confirming the programme requires it. Dec 2027

• Create application accounts Every university runs its own portal. Track accounts, deadlines and rounds in one spreadsheet. Dec 2027
• Submit in batches Rolling programmes favour early submissions, and round-based ones reward the first round. Feb 2028
• Pay application fees Log each fee and keep payment receipts. A failed payment leaves the application incomplete. Feb 2028
• Apply for scholarships separately Major scholarships often need a separate application with an earlier deadline. Do not assume automatic consideration. Jan 2028

• Prepare for English interviews Business and competitive programmes often interview online. Prepare your introduction, motivation and programme-fit answers. Apr 2028
• Respond to document requests Watch both email and the portal. Supplement requests have their own deadlines and can sink a late response. May 2028

• Compare your offers Compare tuition, funding, curriculum, career support and city costs, not just rankings. Jun 2028
• Pay the deposit in time Deposit windows are often just 2-4 weeks and the sums are large. Sort out funds and payment methods early. Jul 2028

Study permit processing is volatile. Start the moment the offer lands, not in peak season.

• Prepare visa documents Beyond the admission letter and proof of funds, most provinces require a PAL. Ask your school about its allocation process. May 2028
• Lodge the visa application File the study permit online with your admission letter, PAL and proof of funds. Jun 2028

• Secure housing On-campus housing windows are short and competitive. Start watching the moment you accept an offer. Jul 2028
• Flights and insurance Work backwards from the enrolment date. Buy insurance that meets school or visa requirements. Aug 2028
• Enrolment and tuition Track enrolment, course selection and tuition deadlines. Missing registration can cost you the place. Sep 2028