DLI Colleges in Canada : SDS Designated Learning Institutions (DLI Canada)

What is DLI Canada?

A designated learning institution is a college/university authorized by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Students who are going to pursue undergraduate or master’s courses need to get Study Permit. In order to get a Study Permit, candidates need to get an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution. Every designated learning institute (DLI) in Canada is allotted a DLI number. Whereas, Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program under which a fast student permit is given to students from selected countries that are applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary institution.

In this article, we will give province-wise list of  SDS-designated learning institutes (DLI). Candidates applying under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program need to get an acceptance letter from a designated learning institute in order to get Study Permit. In this article, we will cover the major provinces of Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario.

DLI in British Columbia

Candidates who are planning to pursue their higher studies in British Columbia can check the DLI number of their institute. Every year, thousands of international students come to study in colleges and universities located in British Columbia. Schools in British Columbia are ranked among the top-ranked institutes in Canada. Many institutes located here are ranked among the top educational institutes in the world. There are 275 SDS Designated Learning Institutes in British Columbia. British Columbia is the only provincial government that endorses a certain number of schools under an ‘Education Quality Assessment’. The Education Quality Assessment is helpful for international students who wish to study here as they may not have visited their school before, and it offers them some consumer protection.

College/University Name	Location
College of New Caledonia	Prince George
Columbia International College	Vancouver
University of  the Fraser Valley	Abbotsford
Vancouver Community College	Vancouver
Alexander College	Burnaby, Vancouver

Check the complete list of SDS colleges in British Columbia here

DLI in Alberta

Candidates who are planning to study undergraduate or postgraduate courses in Alberta can check the DLI number of their school here. Alberta is one of the most populous provinces of Canada. Apart from this, Alberta is popular among international students as it provides excellent career opportunities to graduates. With its excellent post-graduation employment and immigration opportunities, it is one of the most sought-after locations among international students. The colleges and universities in Alberta are known for their post-secondary courses. There are 156 SDS Designated Learning Institutions in Alberta. 

College/University Name	Location
University of Alberta	Edmonton
St. Mary’s University	Calgary
University of Calgary	Calgary
University of Alberta	Camrose
Mount Royal University	Calgary

Check out the complete list of SDS colleges in Alberta here

DLI in Quebec

Those who are planning to pursue higher studies in Quebec province can check the list of SDS colleges along with their DLI number here. Montreal, a city with one of the highest per capita student population ratios is located in Quebec. Degree and Diploma programs offered in Quebec are recognised globally. Apart from English, students can also pursue their education in French in Quebec. Also, the cost of living in Quebec is also one of the lowest in Canada, so, it’s a perfect study destination for international students. If you have been issued a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) to attend a post-secondary institution in Quebec, your institution is designated. There are 438 SDS Designated Learning Institutions in Quebec. There are 438 SDS Designated Learning Institutions in Quebec. 

College/University Name	Location
Bishop's University	Sherbrooke
McGill University	Montréal
Vanier College	Montréal
Royal Military College Saint-Jean	Saint-Jean-surRichelieu
CDE Collège	Sherbrooke

Prospective students who are planning to study for undergraduate or master’s degrees in Quebec province can check the complete list of SDS colleges and their DLI numbers here

Latest Updated on DLIs in Quebec:

• If your program was completed before 1st September 2023, and if you apply for PGWP Canada within 6 months of completion of your course, you will be eligible for PGWP under this existing scheme.
• If you are already studying in a program that will not be eligible for PGWP Canada after 1st September 2023, the program duration might be counted towards PGWP calculation.
• If you start an academic program after 1st September 2023, you will be eligible for PGWP Canada only if that program is a subsidized program, which is eligible for PGWP.

DLI in Ontario

Ontario hosts the maximum number of international students in Canada. The largest city in Canada, Toronto is in Ontario, so it offers plenty of job opportunities to young graduates. A recent report also suggests that in the last ten years, graduates from universities in Ontario earn significantly higher than in any other province. Also, their employment rate (92%) is the highest in Canada. Students who are planning to pursue higher studies in Canada and whose college falls in Ontario province can check the DLI number of their college below. Ontario has the largest number of SDS Designated Learning Institutes in Canada. There are 526 SDS Designated Learning Institutions in Ontario.

College/University Name	Location
University of Waterloo	Waterloo
Centennial College	Toronto
Georgian College	Barrie
St. Lawrence College	Brockville
York University	Toronto

Check out the complete list of colleges and universities located in Ontario along with their DLI number here

Learn more about the SDS program: FAQs for SDS Canada