Designated Learning Institutions in Canada 2024

Canada is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking a high-quality education and diverse cultural experience. In 2023, Canada set a new record for immigration by welcoming 1,028,850 in 2023, a 27% increase over 2022, to its shores. To host these students, Canada has a network of Designated learning institutions (DLI) allowed to accept international students. An acceptance letter from a DLI is required to apply for a study permit. This article focuses on the DLI-approved colleges in Canada – meaning, significance for international students, how to find the DLI number, etc. 

What are DLI Colleges in Canada

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are colleges, universities, and other educational institutions that the Canadian government or province has approved to admit international students. These institutions have met specific criteria and requirements, such as being recognized by a provincial or territorial government as an educational institution and having adequate policies and procedures to support international students. DLIs play an important role in Canada's education system and provide a pathway for international students to study in Canada.

Reasons to Choose DLI Colleges in Canada

Here are five reasons why international students should choose to attend a DLI-approved college in Canada:

Quality education

Canadian colleges and universities are known for their academic excellence, innovative research, and modern facilities. DLI-approved colleges in Canada are recognized worldwide. Only these are allowed to admit international students in Canada. 

Work opportunities

International students pursuing programs at DLIs can work part-time on or off campus while studying. This allows them to gain valuable work experience and earn income to support their studies. They can also qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), enabling them to stay in Canada for employment opportunities after completing their program.

Pathway to permanent residency

Many international students choose to study at a DLI-approved college in Canada as a pathway to permanent residency. Canadian immigration policies favor international students, and many provinces have programs that allow graduates to stay and work in Canada after graduation.

Multicultural environment

Canada is a diverse and multicultural country that welcomes people from all over the world. International students at DLI-approved colleges in Canada have the opportunity to interact with people from different cultures, learn new languages, and broaden their perspectives.

Safe and welcoming country

Canada is known for being a safe and welcoming country. The Canadian government provides support services for international students, including healthcare, housing, and counseling.

What is the DLI number in Canada

The DLI number is a unique number the Canadian government assigns to each Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It is a six-digit number starting with the letter "O" followed by a series of numbers. The DLI number is used by international students when applying for a study permit to attend a DLI in Canada. The Canadian government also uses it to track and monitor international students who are studying in Canada. 

How to Find the DLI Number for Your Institution

You can find your institution's DLI number on the official Canadian government website- https://www.canada.ca. Choose ‘Immigration and Citizenship’ from the menu, and select ‘Study’.  Next, click on ‘Find a school (designated learning institution)’. Follow the below steps to find the DLI number of your selected institution. 

• Choose your province or territory.
• Enter your institution's name or city to filter out its DLI number from the list.
• Note down the DLI number displayed on the screen.

List of DLI Approved Colleges in Canada

​​DLI-Approved Colleges in British Columbia

DLI-Approved Colleges in Alberta

DLI-Approved Colleges in Montreal (Quebec)

DLI-Approved Colleges in Ontario

Conclusion

Choosing a DLI-approved college in Canada is wise for international students looking to gain quality education, work while studying, and pursue a pathway to permanent residency in Canada. We hope students can easily find the DLI number for their institution to enter into their study permits using the information in this article.