Tips for International Students: Applying for a Graduate Diploma or an LLM in Canada

If you’re an international student thinking about applying for a graduate diploma or an LLM in Canada, you may be wondering: Should I apply for the Fall or Winter intake? With overlapping application timelines, you might feel unsure about when to apply – but it all comes down to what works best for your situation.

Start Dates & Deadlines for Your Program of Interest

Depending on your program of interest, you may not need to decide between Fall and Winter and be looking at this year or next year, because not all programs have intakes in both terms:

You’ll also want to consider the application timelines. Our application timelines are the same each year:

Term	Applications Open	International Entrance Awards Deadline	Final Deadline
Fall	October 1	January 15	May 1
Winter	February 1	April 15	September 15

Application Requirements, Early Offers & Language Tests

Our top recommendation for all applicants is to apply as early as possible. Why? Our Admissions Committee reviews applications on an ongoing basis, and most decisions are made before the final deadline. In fact, we often fill all program seats well before the application deadline.

If you need to submit proof of English language proficiency, please ensure you provide a language test with your application. In most cases, we can’t review your application until the required language test is received. However, if you apply before the International Entrance Awards deadline, the Committee will review your application and may issue a conditional offer of admission while we await your language test results

If you apply after the awards deadline, the Committee will only review your application once the language proficiency requirement has been resolved.

Entrance Awards

We’re committed to supporting our international students with substantial financial assistance. OsgoodePD offers two prestigious International Entrance Awards each term:

Each term, we award a minimum of six Excellence Awards (3 for Winter, 3 for Fall) and minimum of twelve Merit Awards (6 for Winter, 6 for Fall), ensuring that both Fall and Winter applicants have an equal chance to receive this valuable financial support.

To be considered for these competitive awards, you must apply by the International Entrance Awards deadline. You’ll be able to submit your award application after you’ve submitted your program application, but keep in mind that the award application deadline is firm. Applications submitted after the deadline will not have access to the awards application.

Study Permit Application

Relocating to a new country is a major life event that requires thoughtful planning. You’ll need to organize your study permit, arrange housing, and finalize personal or professional commitments before starting your graduate diploma or LLM in Canada. How long of a runway you need to prepare is going to be an induvial decision based on your lifestyle and responsibilities (family, career, etc.).

One of the more unpredictable aspects of studying abroad is the study permit application process. Processing times can vary widely depending on where you’re applying from and when you submit your application. To put yourself in the best position, we recommend:

Start Early: Begin gathering the required documents and reviewing eligibility requirements as soon as possible.

Use Trusted Resources: Refer to the official IRCC website for accurate information, or consult a licensed immigration professional, such as an immigration lawyer or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

Leverage Support Services: Many Canadian universities, including ours, provide free access to International Student Advisors and Licensed Immigration Specialists. These experts can guide you through the study permit process, help you understand work regulations, and ensure you maintain your student status.

Stay Proactive: Track your visa application status regularly and respond promptly to any additional requests, such as submitting biometrics. Acting quickly can help prevent delays.