---
title: "Application Cycles, Intakes, and Start Dates"
slug: "application-cycles-intakes-and-start-dates"
updated: 2026-04-09T17:56:18Z
published: 2026-04-09T17:56:18Z
canonical: "help.ocas.ca/application-cycles-intakes-and-start-dates"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.ocas.ca/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Application Cycles, Intakes, and Start Dates

The terms that we use to describe the education year, and when programs begin within a year can be confusing. Here are some definitions and examples that might help.

## Application Cycle

Each application covers a 12-month period that goes from August of one year and July of the following year. This is an application cycle.

When you create an application, you begin by selecting an application cycle. For example, you might create an application for the August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027 time period.

## Intake

Within each application cycle there are key periods when you can begin a program; these are called intakes. Each program can have several intakes; for example, Fall intake (September), Winter intake (January) or Spring/Summer intake (May).

## Start Date

Each program has a specific date on which you will begin the program courses. For example, the first day of class for the Fall intake might be September 8, 2026.