Designated learning institutions list

Table of Contents

To apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution. A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions. They aren’t included in this list.

If you plan to attend a post-secondary school, make sure it is on this list.

If the school you are studying at loses its designated learning institution status after you get your study permit, you can:

keep studying your program until your current permit expires,
but only renew your study permit if you enrol at a designated learning institution.

Post-graduation work permit

You need to know if you are eligible to work after you graduate. Not all designated learning institutions make you eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

Along with graduating from an eligible designated learning institution, you need to meet all other criteria to get a post-graduation work permit.

The list below will let you know if your designated learning institution offers programs that will make you eligible for a post-graduation work permit.

List of designated learning institutions by province/territory

DLIs to reopen to international students

Starting October 20, 2020, DLIs with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their province or territory will be able to reopen to international students who are currently outside Canada. A new list of DLIs with approved COVID-19 readiness plans will be available on or before this date.

If you plan to come to Canada as an international student on or after October 20, 2020, your DLI must be on the list of DLIs with approved COVID-19 readiness plans before you travel to Canada. This change will apply to all international students, whether you’re travelling from the United States or from any other country.

This change doesn’t affect study permit holders already in Canada.

If you’re already in Canada, you can continue studying at any DLI. If you leave Canada, you may not be able to return if your DLI doesn’t have a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory in which you live.

Step 1: Choose the province or territory your school is in.

Step 2: Type in keywords such as the name of the school, city, etc.

Step 3: Find the designated learning institution number and write it under the section Details of intended study in Canada on your study permit application.