Designated Learning Institution List

Designated Learning Institution (DLI) List in Canada 2026

Planning to study in Canada as an international student? One of the most important steps before applying for a Canadian study permit is confirming that your chosen school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

A Designated Learning Institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students in Canada. In most cases, you need a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI before applying for a Canadian study permit.

On this page, you can learn how to check the official Canada DLI list, find a school's DLI number, understand the difference between DLI and PGWP eligibility, and review important study permit requirements for international students.

What Is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

If you are planning to study at a post-secondary institution in Canada, such as a university or college, you should confirm that the institution appears on the official Government of Canada Designated Learning Institution list.

DLIs may include:

• Public universities
• Public colleges
• Private institutions that meet provincial or territorial requirements
• Certain career colleges
• Other approved post-secondary educational institutions

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are generally considered Designated Learning Institutions. However, they are not included in the same searchable post-secondary DLI database.

Official Designated Learning Institution List in Canada

The Government of Canada maintains an official searchable list of Designated Learning Institutions across Canada.

The official database allows students to search for institutions by:

• Province or territory
• School name
• City
• Type of institution
• DLI number
• Programs that may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit

The DLI list can change over time. Before paying tuition, accepting an offer of admission or submitting a study permit application, students should verify their school's current status.

How to Check if a College or University Is a DLI in Canada

Before applying to study in Canada, follow these steps to verify your chosen institution.

Step 1: Visit the Official Canada DLI List

Visit the official Government of Canada DLI database.

Step 2: Select Your Province or Territory

Choose the province or territory where you plan to study.

• British Columbia
• Ontario
• Alberta
• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan
• Quebec
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince Edward Island
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

Step 3: Search for Your School

Search using the name of the university, college or educational institution.

Step 4: Check the DLI Number

Each post-secondary DLI has a designated number. You may need this number when completing your Canadian study permit application.

Make sure the institution name and DLI number match the information provided in your Letter of Acceptance.

Step 5: Check PGWP Eligibility

Do not assume that studying at a DLI automatically makes you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Check whether:

• The institution offers PGWP-eligible programs
• Your specific program meets PGWP requirements
• Your program meets current field-of-study requirements, where applicable
• You meet language and other PGWP eligibility requirements

What Is a DLI Number?

A DLI number is an identification number assigned to a designated post-secondary educational institution in Canada.

Students may need to provide the DLI number when completing the details of their intended studies as part of a Canadian study permit application.

The DLI number can be found through the official Designated Learning Institution search tool.

Before submitting your study permit application, confirm that:

• The school name is correct
• The campus location is correct
• The DLI number is correct
• Your Letter of Acceptance contains accurate information

Is Every College and University in Canada a DLI?

No.

Not every educational institution in Canada can accept international students for the purpose of a Canadian study permit.

Before applying, international students should verify whether their chosen institution is included on the official DLI list.

This is particularly important when considering:

• Private colleges
• Career colleges
• Private universities
• Institutions offering pathway programs
• Partner or affiliate campuses
• Newly established educational institutions

Never rely only on advertisements or third-party websites when checking a school's DLI status. Always verify the institution using the official Government of Canada information.

DLI vs PGWP Eligibility: What Is the Difference?

One of the most common mistakes international students make is assuming that studying at a DLI automatically makes them eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

This is not always correct.

DLI Eligibility

A Designated Learning Institution is an approved school that can host international students.

PGWP Eligibility

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) allows eligible graduates to gain Canadian work experience after completing an eligible program.

However, PGWP eligibility depends on several factors, including:

• The type of institution
• The specific program of study
• The length of the program
• The level of study
• Language requirements
• Field-of-study requirements, where applicable
• Other PGWP eligibility requirements

These are two different questions.

PGWP Field of Study Requirements in 2026

Canada has introduced field-of-study requirements for certain Post-Graduation Work Permit applicants.

Depending on your situation, your program's Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code may be important for PGWP eligibility.

For 2026, IRCC has stated that eligible fields of study will not be added or removed during the year. Students should still verify their specific program and CIP code before making an important education decision.

You can review the official PGWP field of study requirements and eligible CIP codes on the Government of Canada website.

Before enrolling, confirm:

• Your school's DLI status
• Whether the specific program is PGWP eligible
• Your program's CIP code
• Whether your field of study meets applicable PGWP requirements
• Language requirements
• Program length and level of study

Do You Need a PAL or TAL to Study at a DLI?

Many international students applying for a Canadian study permit may also need a:

• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), or
• Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL)

A PAL or TAL confirms that a student has been allocated a space within a province or territory's international student allocation, where applicable.

In many cases, the DLI will provide instructions on how students can obtain the required PAL or TAL after receiving admission.

However, some students and programs may be exempt.

For example, certain applicants to eligible degree-granting master's and doctoral programs at public DLIs may be exempt from PAL or TAL requirements under current rules.

You can review the latest requirements on the official Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) information page.

Why Choosing the Right DLI Is Important

Selecting the right institution can affect more than your admission.

Your school and program choice may influence:

• Study permit eligibility
• PAL or TAL requirements
• Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility
• Ability to gain Canadian work experience after graduation
• Future immigration opportunities
• Provincial Nominee Program options
• Long-term career planning in Canada

Choosing a program based only on low tuition fees or fast admission may create problems later.

International students should consider their educational goals, career plans and immigration requirements before making a final decision.

DLI Requirements for a Canadian Study Permit

A Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution is an important document when applying for a Canadian study permit.

Depending on your situation, you may also need documents such as:

• Valid Letter of Acceptance from a DLI
• Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter, if required
• Proof of financial support
• Passport and identity documents
• Letter of explanation
• Required immigration forms
• Medical examination, if required
• Biometrics, if required

Every application is different. Meeting the basic document requirements does not guarantee approval.

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the requirements of Canada's immigration laws and study permit program.

Can You Change Your DLI After Getting a Study Permit?

Students may need to follow specific procedures if they change their educational institution.

The requirements can depend on factors such as:

• Whether you are inside or outside Canada
• Whether your study permit application is still being processed
• Whether your study permit has already been approved
• Whether you are changing provinces
• Whether you need to extend your study permit
• Whether a new PAL or TAL is required

Students should not assume they can simply change institutions without taking the required immigration steps.

If you are planning to transfer to another school, check the current IRCC requirements before starting your studies at the new institution.

What Happens if a DLI Is Suspended?

Post-secondary DLIs must meet certain obligations when hosting international students.

These obligations may include:

• Verifying Letters of Acceptance
• Reporting international student enrollment information
• Meeting federal and provincial compliance requirements

If an institution does not meet its obligations, it may face consequences, including restrictions or suspension from accepting new international students.

Students should always verify the current status of their chosen institution before applying.

Popular Provinces for International Students in Canada

British Columbia DLI List

British Columbia offers a wide range of universities, colleges and educational institutions for international students.

Popular study locations include:

• Vancouver
• Surrey
• Burnaby
• Victoria
• Kelowna
• Kamloops
• Abbotsford

Ontario DLI List

Ontario has one of Canada's largest selections of universities and colleges.

Popular study locations include:

• Toronto
• Ottawa
• Mississauga
• Brampton
• Hamilton
• London
• Waterloo

Alberta DLI List

Alberta offers universities, colleges and technical institutions for international students.

Popular locations include:

• Calgary
• Edmonton
• Red Deer
• Lethbridge

Manitoba DLI List

Manitoba offers universities and colleges in locations including:

• Winnipeg
• Brandon

Saskatchewan DLI List

Students can find post-secondary institutions in locations including:

• Saskatoon
• Regina

Atlantic Canada DLI List

International students can also explore educational opportunities in:

• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince Edward Island

Always check the official DLI list and your specific program's eligibility before applying.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Canadian College or University

Before paying an application fee or tuition deposit, ask the following questions:

1. Is the school currently listed as a DLI?

Verify the institution using the official Government of Canada database.

2. Is my specific program PGWP eligible?

Do not assume that every program at a DLI qualifies for a PGWP.

3. What is the DLI number?

Confirm that the information matches your Letter of Acceptance.

4. Do I need a PAL or TAL?

Check the latest requirements for your province, program and study level.

5. What is my program's CIP code?

This may be important for certain PGWP applicants.

6. What are the tuition and living expenses?

Make sure you understand the complete financial requirements before applying.

7. Does the program support my long-term career goals?

Choose a program based on your education and professional objectives, not only immigration considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Canada DLI List

What is a Designated Learning Institution in Canada?

A Designated Learning Institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

Do I need to study at a DLI to get a Canadian study permit?

In most cases, students applying to study at a post-secondary institution in Canada need a valid Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution.

How do I check if my college is a DLI?

You can search for the institution using the official Government of Canada Designated Learning Institution list.

Does every DLI offer PGWP eligibility?

No. Being a DLI does not automatically mean that every program offered by the institution is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

What is a DLI number?

A DLI number is an identification number associated with a designated post-secondary educational institution in Canada.

Do I need a PAL or TAL?

Many international students need a Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter when applying for a study permit, although exemptions may apply.

Can I change my DLI after getting a study permit?

Students may need to follow specific IRCC procedures when changing institutions. Requirements can depend on their location and immigration status.

Are private colleges in Canada eligible for PGWP?

PGWP eligibility depends on the institution, program and current IRCC requirements. Students should verify their specific program before enrolling.

Is the Canada DLI list updated?

The Government of Canada maintains and updates the official DLI list. Students should always verify current information before applying.

Get Help Choosing the Right DLI and Study Program in Canada

Choosing a school in Canada involves more than finding an institution that accepts international students.

Before making a final decision, it is important to understand:

• DLI status
• Study permit requirements
• PAL and TAL requirements
• PGWP eligibility
• Program eligibility considerations
• Immigration requirements
• Long-term education and career planning

At Dhunna Immigration Consulting, we can help eligible applicants understand their Canadian immigration options and prepare for their study permit journey.

Official Government of Canada Resources

• Designated Learning Institution (DLI) List – Government of Canada
• Post-Graduation Work Permit Program – Government of Canada
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) Requirements
• PGWP Field of Study Requirements and Eligible CIP Codes