January: What Canadian Families Need to Know Right Now
January is a critical checkpoint for families with students applying to university or college. While many application deadlines have already passed, this month often determines whether applications move forward smoothly—or become delayed due to missing information. Parents and students should expect increased communication from universities and colleges, including requests for additional documents such as transcripts, proof of current enrolment, mid-year grades, or supplementary forms.
It’s especially important to monitor email accounts closely during January. Schools and scholarship providers often send time-sensitive requests, and messages can easily land in spam or junk folders. Families should also log into provincial application portals such as OUAC, ApplyAlberta, or other provincial systems to confirm that each application is marked as complete. A submitted application is not always considered complete if documents are still outstanding.
January is also one of the busiest months for scholarships and entrance awards. Many major awards open or close during this time, and several require parent involvement to verify financial, residency, or household information. Even families who assume they may not qualify should review eligibility criteria, as many scholarships are based on program choice, region, leadership, or community involvement—not just income.
This month is also a good time to begin early conversations about financial planning. Families should be aware of upcoming tuition deposits, residence application deadlines, and housing fees, as these often arrive shortly after offers are released. For students applying internationally or considering U.S. schools, January may also include important timelines related to FAFSA or other financial aid processes.
Staying organized and responsive in January can make a significant difference. Keeping application portals, passwords, documents, scholarship deadlines, and emails organized in one place helps reduce stress and ensures that no important steps are missed as decisions and offers begin to roll out later in the spring.
— The Campus Plan