StudyCanada guide · reviewed October 2026
Choose a study pathway
Start with the qualification and skills you want to gain. Compare the subject, teaching language, delivery format and location before choosing an institution.
University, college, vocational, secondary and language programs serve different goals. A familiar school name does not establish whether a particular campus or program fits your project.
- Write down your goal
- Compare at least three programs
- Check the institution’s own admission pages
Official resources
My study plan →Read the current guide on this topic →Historical record
The original text is preserved below.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN CANADA
Canada For All Seasons
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTER
mid March - mid June
mid June - mid Sept
mid Sept - mid Dec
mid Dec - mid March
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Clocks are turned forward by one hour the first Sunday of April, and turned back one hour the last Sunday of October.
CANADA SPANS 6 TIME ZONES
Canada spans 6 time zones. From East to West, they are Newfoundland Time Zone, Atlantic Time Zone, Eastern Time, Central Time, Mountain Time Zone and Pacific Time Zone.
SCHOOL TERMS IN CANADA
A full academic year in Canada, for colleges and universities, usually begins after Labour Day weekend (1st weekend of September), and finish in April the next year.
Fall Term: Usually after 1st weekend of September till Christmas.
There is usually a Christmas break before Winter term starts.
Winter Term: Usually 1st week after New Year's till April/May.
Spring/Summer Term: Usually during the Summer holidays between May to August.
Please note that every school starts and ends on different dates.
High school and private school terms differ slightly according to individual schools.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN CANADA
NEW YEAR'S DAY
GOOD FRIDAY
EASTER MONDAY
VICTORIA DAY
CANADA DAY
LABOUR DAY
THANKSGIVING DAY
REMEMBRANCE DAY
CHRISTMAS
BOXING DAY
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