Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) List in Canada 2026

Canada is widely known for its best education system since it offers high-quality education and research opportunities. DLI List Canada contains schools or colleges which are approved by the provincial or territorial government to accept international students. Applicants should get an acceptance letter from the designated learning institution to obtain a study permit under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) scheme. And, you have to include the valid DLI number in the study permit application form (IMM 1294) and college application form (IMM 5709) to change any terms and conditions. 

It is important to choose the best DLI colleges in Canada as an international student. So, you need to know about the designated learning institutions in Canada. In this blog, we have listed the DLI colleges in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Manitoba and all the information regarding designated learning institutions.

What is DLI (Designated Learning Institutions) in Canada?

A Designated Learning Institution in Canada is a college or university approved by the provincial or territorial governments to allow international students to pursue their studies. All primary and secondary schools come under the designated learning institutions in Canada. DLI colleges play an important role in getting your Study Permit in Canada. Getting approval from colleges that are on the DLI list is one of the main eligibility requirements to study in Canada as an international student.

• This criterion came into effect on 1st June 2014. According to Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulation (IRPR), an international student must have an Acceptance letter from DLI Canada to pursue courses that extend more than 6 months. 
• The candidate needs to include the DLI number (DLI#) begins with Letter ‘O’ in the study application form. So, make sure to check the DLI number of the respective DLI schools in Canada where you are applying.

What is the DLI number in Canada?

The DLI number means a unique set of numbers that assigns to a college or universities contained in the DLI list Canada. It is allocated to the post-secondary institution after IRCC receives confirmation from the provincial or territorial ministry of education about its designation status. You can find the complete list of designated institutions in Canada in the IRCC website.

Use the following steps to know about the DLI list in Canada:

• Go to the official IRCC website.
• Choose the province or territory where your Designated learning institution is located and you will find the DLI list of that specific region.
• Search the institution by its name, city, or other related details. You can see the institution’s name, DLI number, and city.
• Take note of the DLI number and use it to further your application process to study in Canada.

List of DLI Colleges in Canada

There is a long list of DLI colleges in Canada to choose from. You can choose a college based on the province where you have decided to live. Below, we have given a list of Designated learning institutions in Canada based on different provinces.

DLI List in Ontario

s.no	Institution Name	DLI Number	Location	PGWP-eligible programs
1.	Access Business College	O242732890457	North York	No
2.	Algonquin College	O19358971022	Ottawa	Yes
3.	Canada College of Education	O19833653497	Toronto	No
4.	Centennial College	O19394700003	Toronto	Yes
5.	Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology	O19394699409	Brampton	Yes
6.	Canadore College	O19395535239	North Bay	Yes

DLI List in Alberta

s.no	Institution Name	DLI Number	Location	PGWP-eligible programs
1.	Columbia College	O19391275502	Calgary	No
2.	Ambrose University	O18713147522	Calgary	Yes
3.	Mount Royal University	O18761482032	Calgary	Yes
4.	Lethbridge College	O19391056756	Lethbridge	Yes
5.	NorQuest College	O18795996622	Edmonton	Yes
6.	Lakeland College	O18777577472	Lloydminster	Yes

DLI List in British Columbia

s.no	Institution Name	DLI Number	Location	PGWP-eligible programs
1.	Ashton College	O19219876582	Abbotsford, Vancouver	No
2.	Canadian College	O19352621432	Vancouver	No
3.	Camosun College	O19361235542	Victoria	Yes
4.	Columbia College	O19279591302	Vancouver	Yes
5.	Eton College	O19330008162	Vancouver	No
6.	Capilano University	O19280078102	North Vancouver, Sechelt	Yes

DLI List in Quebec

s.no	Institution Name	DLI Number	Location	PGWP-eligible programs
1.	Vanier College	O19359201897	Montreal	Yes
2.	CDE College	O19338281175	Sherbrooke	-
3.	Cegep John Abbott	O19359201601	Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue	Yes
4.	College Canada inc.	O19338447695	Montreal	-
5.	College LaSalle	O19358462986	Montreal	-
6.	McGill University	O19359010982	Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue	Yes

DLI List in Manitoba

s.no	Institution Name	DLI Number	Location	PGWP-eligible programs
1.	Booth University College	O19147992362	Winnipeg	Yes
2.	Canadian Mennonite University	O19021102272	Winnipeg	Yes
3.	Assiniboine Community College	O19201282282	Brandon	Yes
4.	Brandon University	O19201298932	Brandon	Yes
5.	University of Manitoba	O19091528512	Winnipeg	Yes
6.	Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology	O19391828428	Winnipeg	Yes

Major Reasons to Choose DLI Colleges in Canada

In Canada, each province or territory is responsible for identifying the schools that accept the international student at the post-secondary level. Colleges, universities, CEGEPs, private career colleges, and vocational and language schools can be included in the list of Designated Learning Institutions. And, there are some exceptions in the case of some Quebec colleges. Though the provincial government designated them, it doesn’t have a DLI number. 

The following are three important reasons to choose Designated Learning Institutions in Canada

• DLI colleges in Canada are managed by the federal government or an agency.
• They follow all the provincial regulations needed to provide higher education in Canada.
• The degrees or diploma obtained from DLI colleges in Canada has worldwide recognition.

How to Change the DLI Number in Canada?

If you are planning to shift from one post-secondary institution to the other, you must inform the IRCC first. As you will be changing the DLI number, make sure you are having the following documents before starting the process. 

• Copy of the Study Permit.
• Acceptance letter from previous DLI institution you studied.
• Acceptance letter and DLI number of the Designated learning institution Canada that you are planning to move.

Follow the step-by-step process given below to change your DLI number:

• Go to MyCIC to log in to your account.
• Find the Students: Transfer Schools link given under the Start an Application option. 
• Select the application option and enter your application number.
• You’ll be taken to the page where you need to put all the details about your application. Complete the form and click on the ‘Continue’ button.
• Then, you must click the Search for my application link.
• Enter the DLI number of the institution you want to move to.
• Click the Submit transfer option and the process is completed.

Conclusion

Understanding Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada is essential to achieving your dream of studying there. Selecting a reputable DLI is crucial for obtaining a study visa, a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), and eventually permanent residency in Canada. We have provided a comprehensive guide on DLIs, DLI list including their numbers and significance. For further assistance, please contact Kanan International.

FAQ

1. What is the DLI list in Canada?

DLI is a school that is approved by the provincial or territorial government to allow international students to pursue studies. You need to get an acceptance letter from a Designated learning institution to get a study permit. 

2. Why is DLI important in Canada?

An International student must get a letter of acceptance from the DLI to obtain a Canadian study permit. 

3. How to get a study permit to study in a DLI university?

To obtain a study permit for a DLI university, follow these steps:

• Obtain an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Ensure you have a valid passport.
• Provide financial proof that you can support yourself while living in Canada.
• Demonstrate your intention to leave Canada after completing your studies.

To keep your study permit valid, you must remain enrolled at a DLI (you may change institutions during your studies) and actively pursue your course.

3. What is the role of DLI in getting a PGWP?

To obtain a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), you must complete your studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). However, attending a DLI alone does not guarantee a PGWP. You must also ensure that your courses are eligible for a PGWP. Please refer to the table above to check if your institution qualifies for PGWP eligibility.

4. Which is the cheapest college in Canada for international students?

Some of the cheapest colleges or universities in Canada are followed by, 

• University of Manitoba.
• University of Saskatchewan.
• Memorial University of Newfoundland.
• Bow Valley College.
• Humber College.