DLI: List of Approved Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada

Are you an international student planning to pursue higher  study in Canada  ? If yes, then you should apply to  DLI approved colleges in Canada . Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs )  are those institutions allowed by the government of a province or territory in Canada to admit international students.

International students wishing to pursue higher education in Canada should keep note that there are two categories of educational institutions in the country: DLIs and non-DLIs. If you want to pursue a course in Canada that is of more than six months duration, then you will be required to obtain a study permit; a study permit is granted for pursuing higher studies at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) only.

What is DLI in Canada?

In Canada, each province is responsible for designating schools that can enroll foreign students at a post-secondary level as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). A Designated Learning Institution is any college or university in Canada that has received permission from its regional or provincial government to admit international students from outside the country. They may include qualifying colleges, universities, as well as vocational schools. 

Designated learning institutes in Canada are assigned a DLI number. Your chosen institute in Canada must be on the list of DLIs to obtain your Study Permit in Canada. Also, studying at a DLI is mandatory to qualify for a post-graduation work permit in Canada. To get a Study Permit under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) scheme, prospective international students must obtain an acceptance letter from a designated learning institute. 

There are three main reasons for choosing a DLI to study in Canada. They are as follows:

• DLIs are governed by the federal government or a federal agency.
• They meet all standards of provincial higher education in Canada.
• They are well-known both in Canada and abroad.

List of DLI Approved Colleges in Canada

Canada has a list of DLIs in different locations across the country that offer students various academic options in various parts of the country. As an international student, you can choose them depending on your interests, the degree you want to enroll in, and the city you wish to reside in.

All  DLI universities in Canada have a DLI number, a unique identification number for each institution on the DLI list. Institutes with multiple campuses or colleges may have the same DLI number for each of their campuses.

A DLI number is a unique identification number for each institution on the DLI list. It is assigned to every educational institution in Canada. The same DLI number may be used by institutions with several campuses or colleges.      

In Canada, there are numerous DLI colleges available for you to consider. The college you choose can be based on the province you plan to reside in. Here is a  list of DLI-approved colleges in Canada , categorized by different provinces.

List of DLI Approved Colleges in Ontario, Canada

List of DLI Approved Colleges in Alberta, Canada

List of DLI Approved Colleges in British Columbia, Canada

List of DLI Approved Colleges in Quebec, Canada

List of DLI Approved Colleges in Manitoba, Canada

List of DLI Approved Colleges in New Brunswick, Canada

List of DLI Approved Colleges in Newfoundland and Labrador

List of DLI Approved Colleges in Nova Scotia

List of DLI Approved Colleges in Prince Edward Island

List of DLI Approved Colleges in Saskatchewan  

DLI Approved Colleges in Yukon

Is your institution on the list of approved DLIs?

If you have been admitted to a  universities in Canada  to pursue higher education or vocational education, you must check whether it is listed as a DLI on the Canadian government’s official website. Here’s how you can do that:

Step 1: Visit the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) website.

Step 2: Select the province in which your university or college is located.

Step 3: Enter the name of the university/college, city, and any other relevant input in the search box.

Step 4: Check if the university/college is listed as DLI and write down its DLI number. This DLI number will be required when your study permit application is to be entered in the section “Details of Intention to Study in Canada.”

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Major Reasons to Choose DLI Colleges in Canada

Each province or territory in Canada must determine which educational institutions accept international students at the post-secondary level.  Designated Learning Institutions in Canada  (DLIs) include colleges, universities, CEGEPs, private career colleges, and vocational and language schools. However, there are some exceptions for certain Quebec colleges. Although the provincial government has designated these colleges, they do not have a DLI number.

There are several compelling reasons why international students should consider attending a DLI-approved college in Canada.

• Quality education:  Canadian colleges and universities have gained a reputation for their exceptional academic standards, groundbreaking research, and state-of-the-art facilities. DLI-approved educational institutions in Canada are globally acknowledged. They are the only ones authorized to enroll international students in the country.
• Worldwide recognition:  DLI colleges in Canada offer degrees and diplomas that are recognized globally. They adhere to all the necessary provincial regulations to offer higher education in Canada, emphasizing their commitment to providing a human touch to the educational experience.
• Pathway to permanent residency:  The journey to achieving permanent residency status in Canada begins with the decision of many international students to pursue their studies at a DLI-approved college. Canadian immigration policies are designed to support and encourage international students, and several provinces offer programs that enable graduates to remain in Canada and gain employment opportunities after completing their studies.  
• Work opportunities:  International students enrolled in programs at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) can work part-time during their studies, either on or off campus. This allows them to gain valuable work experience and helps them financially support their education. Additionally, these students may be eligible for a  Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)  , enabling them to stay in Canada and explore employment opportunities after completing their program.  
• Safe and welcoming country:  Canada is renowned for its reputation as a secure and inclusive nation. The Canadian government assists international students through various services, including healthcare, accommodation, and counseling.
• A diverse environment:  Canada is a wonderfully diverse and multicultural nation that warmly embraces individuals from every corner of the globe. International students studying at Canadian colleges approved by Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are given an incredible chance to engage with people from various cultures, acquire new languages, and expand their horizons.

How to Find the DLI Number for Your Institution?

To locate your institution's DLI number, visit the Canadian government's official website at https://www.canada.ca. Navigate to the 'Immigration and Citizenship' section and click on 'Study'. From there, select 'Find a school (designated learning institution)'. Follow the simple steps to discover the DLI number for your chosen institution.        
 

• Select your province or territory of residence.
• Input the name of your institution or city to narrow down the list and find its corresponding DLI number. 
• Make a note of the DLI number that is shown on the screen.

How do you change your official DLI number?

If you shift from one institution to another, your DLI number must be updated in the official records. You must first inform the IRCC about this. Before starting the process of updating your DLI number, you must have the following documents for the sake of convenience:

• A copy of your student ID and study permit
• Letter of acceptance from the former DLI institution 
• Letter of acceptance and DLI number from the institution you are moving to

You can start the process of altering your DLI number by logging into your MyCIC account. To apply, click the "Start an application" link and choose "Students: Transfer Schools." Once you have entered all the necessary data, select "Submit transfer" to finish the application process.

Conclusion

Canada is one of the most well-liked study-abroad locations for international students. It has a tremendous academic infrastructure, reasonable tuition fees, and plenty of research and post-study opportunities. Moreover, it provides a welcoming, multicultural, safe environment for international students. Having said that, if you plan to pursue higher education in Canada, confirm that your school is on the  list of dli approved colleges in Canada . If not, it can be challenging for you to get a work permit and  student visa in Canada  .

The Edmissions team is here to help you throughout the college application process. Before you submit your application to your desired college or university, it is recommended that you get in touch with a  abroad education consultants  by registering on the website.               
 

To learn more about application processing, contact our Edmissions specialists at [email protected] .

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