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Migration Overseas
Study in Canada
Find approved colleges and universities in Canada for your international study permit. Verify DLI status, explore PGWP eligibility, and plan your Canadian education journey.
Everything you need to know about DLIs in Canada
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a post-secondary education institution in Canada officially approved by IRCC to accept international students on study permits. Only students accepted by a DLI-approved institution can apply for a valid study permit to study in Canada.
Each province and territory maintains its own list of approved DLIs. An institution must meet specific criteria including academic quality, financial stability, and student support services to be designated. Private schools, language programs, and secondary schools may or may not be designated depending on provincial regulations.
You can only apply for a Canadian study permit if your school is designated. Studying at a non-DLI institution makes you ineligible for a study permit.
Graduates from DLI institutions are eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies.
Canadian work experience through PGWP can lead to permanent residence through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Official IRCC verification tool
To check if your desired institution is a designated learning institution:
Important: Always verify before accepting an admission offer. An institution may have been removed from the DLI list due to non-compliance.
Explore DLI options across Canada's provinces and territories
Ontario has the most DLIs in Canada with 140+ approved institutions including prestigious universities, colleges, and specialized programs across Toronto, Ottawa, and other cities.
80+ DLIs including UBC, Simon Fraser University, and renowned colleges like BCIT. Strong focus on STEM programs and professional training.
70+ DLIs including McGill and Concordia universities. Note: Different rules apply for international students in francophone institutions.
60+ DLIs with strong universities (University of Alberta, University of Calgary) and vocational training centers.
35+ DLIs including University of Winnipeg and Red River College. Smaller market with more personalized support.
Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and other provinces have 20-40+ DLIs each. Check provincial education ministry websites for complete lists.
Different education pathways in Canada
Offer bachelor's degrees, master's programs, and doctorates. Examples: University of Toronto, McGill, UBC, University of Alberta. Usually 2-4 year programs. PGWP duration: 3 years for 2+ year programs.
Provide diploma and certificate programs, often practical and career-focused. Examples: Seneca College, Humber College, Conestoga College. Usually 2-3 year programs. PGWP duration: Equals the program length.
Vocational training programs in specialized fields. Only certain private colleges are designated. Duration varies. Verify DLI status carefully as not all private institutions are approved.
May be designated if approved by provincial authorities. Language-only programs may not be eligible for PGWP. Check DLI status before enrolling in language programs.
Most popular institutions among Indian applicants with strong academic reputation
UniversityPGWP Eligible
Location: Toronto, Ontario | Ranked #1 in Canada | Strong in Engineering, Business, Medicine
UniversityPGWP Eligible
Location: Montreal, Quebec | Prestigious research institution | Focus on Medicine, Engineering, Commerce
UniversityPGWP Eligible
Location: Vancouver, BC | Top engineering and applied sciences programs | Beautiful campus setting
CollegePGWP Eligible
Location: Kitchener, Ontario | #1 choice for Indian students | Strong in Engineering Technology, IT
CollegePGWP Eligible
Location: Toronto, Ontario | Large Indian student body | Programs in IT, Business, Health Sciences
CollegePGWP Eligible
Location: Toronto, Ontario | Practical hands-on learning | Popular with Indian IT professionals
CollegePGWP Eligible
Location: Toronto, Ontario | Industry partnerships | Strong in Business, Health, Technology
CollegePGWP Eligible
Location: Vancouver, BC | Applied science and technology focus | Excellent placement rates
UniversityPGWP Eligible
Location: Edmonton, Alberta | Strong Engineering and Business programs | Lower tuition than Ontario
UniversityPGWP Eligible
Location: Calgary, Alberta | Energy sector focus | Growing Indian student community
Work in Canada after your studies
Programs must be at least 8 months long and full-time to qualify. Must be completed at a DLI-designated institution. Includes diplomas, degrees, and specialized certifications.
Language-only programs, bridge programs, English language courses, and programs shorter than 8 months are typically not PGWP-eligible. Check your program's eligibility.
Duration equals the program length: Program 2 years = 2-year PGWP. Maximum 3 years for any program. Minimum 6 months for short programs.
Required for your study permit application
Your DLI number is an 8-digit code that appears on your Letter of Acceptance from the institution. Steps to find it:
Understanding changes in designation status
Institutions can lose DLI status if they fail to comply with requirements. If this happens to your school:
Pro tip: Verify DLI status is CURRENT before accepting any admission offer. Check the IRCC website regularly if concerns arise during your studies.
Common questions about DLIs and study permits
Yes, you still need to apply for a study permit separately. DLI designation means your institution is eligible to accept international students, but you must submit your own application with proof of acceptance, proof of funds, and other required documents.
You cannot get a valid study permit for a non-DLI institution. Some exceptions apply for K-12 (secondary schools) and certain other cases, but for post-secondary education, DLI designation is mandatory.
Universities offer degree programs and research opportunities (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) while colleges focus on practical, career-oriented diplomas and certificates. Both can be DLI-designated. Choose based on your career goals and academic interests.
PGWP duration equals your program length (minimum 8 months, maximum 3 years). If your program is 2 years, you get a 2-year PGWP. You can work anywhere in Canada during this period and gain valuable Canadian experience.
Language-only programs are generally not PGWP-eligible. However, if you complete a DLI-eligible academic program (diploma/degree) at an institution that has language programs, you'll get PGWP for the academic program.
Yes! Canadian work experience through PGWP helps you qualify for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) in Express Entry or provincial nominee programs. A 1-year PGWP can be a direct pathway to permanent residence.
Visit www.canada.ca/DLI and use the official search tool. Enter the institution name or province to see the current approved list. Always verify before paying tuition fees or accepting offers.
Active students typically get a grace period to complete their studies. You should contact IRCC immediately and explore options like transferring to another DLI or applying for a restoration of status. IRCC may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
Some private colleges are DLI-designated, but not all. You must verify through the IRCC search tool. Only attend private institutions that have confirmed DLI status. Verify the 8-digit DLI number on your acceptance letter.
Our education counselors can help you choose the right DLI institution that matches your goals and budget. Get personalized guidance on study permits and pathway to PR.
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