What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Only DLIs can issue the acceptance letters needed for a Canadian study permit. Every Canadian university is a DLI; most public colleges and polytechnics are too. The DLI number on your acceptance letter starts with "O" and must appear on every study permit application.

Which Canadian schools are PGWP eligible?

All public Canadian universities are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Graduates qualify regardless of field of study. Public colleges and polytechnics are PGWP-eligible institutions, but since January 2025 the specific program must be on the IRCC designated field list (mostly healthcare, trades, STEM, transport, agriculture). Private career colleges generally do not qualify. Use the PGWP filter above to narrow the directory.

Do I need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

Most undergraduate, college, and graduate study permit applications require a PAL from the province where the school is located. The school applies for the PAL on your behalf after you accept your offer. Exceptions: K-12 students, programs under six months, and applicants already studying in Canada under a valid permit.

How is this directory different from a school search site?

Most school directories list programs and help you apply. Go Far Global is an RCIC-regulated immigration firm. We focus on the immigration overlay: study permit applications, PAL handling, PGWP eligibility per program, and the post-graduation path to permanent residence. The directory is a starting point; the per-school guides and consultations are where we add value.

Why are some schools in the directory but flagged as "PGWP program-dependent"?

Since January 2025, college-level (sub-degree) graduates only qualify for a PGWP if their specific program of study is on the IRCC designated field list, mostly healthcare, trades, STEM, agriculture, and transport. The institution is PGWP-eligible, but eligibility flows to the individual program. We flag these "program-dependent" so applicants know to verify the specific program before enrolling.

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Education Hub · Updated 2026

Every Canadian DLI, filtered by what actually matters

Search 316 Canadian designated learning institutions plus top US universities by province, type, and PGWP eligibility. Built for international students applying with RCIC-licensed immigration support behind every step.

311

Canadian DLIs

362

Universities

PGWP-eligible (universities)

11 + 45

Provinces & US states

652 of 652 schools

Alberta University of the Arts

Calgary, Alberta

UniversityPGWP eligible

Every Canadian DLI, filtered by what actually matters

Alberta University of the Arts

Concordia University of Edmonton

MacEwan University

MacEwan University School of Continuing Education

Mount Royal University

St. Mary's University

University of Alberta Year One Foundation Program (in partnership with Kaplan International)

University of Lethbridge - Calgary

University of Lethbridge - Lethbridge

Bow Valley College

Keyano College

Lakeland College - Lloydminster

Lakeland College - Vermilion

NorQuest College

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) - Main

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) - Patricia

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) - Souch

Northwestern Polytechnic - Fairview

Northwestern Polytechnic - Grande Prairie

Olds College

Portage College - Cold Lake

Portage College - Lac La Biche

Portage College - St. Paul

Red Deer Polytechnic

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

ULethbridge International College Calgary

Adler University - Vancouver

Capilano University - North Vancouver

Capilano University - Squamish

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Civic Plaza

Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Langley

Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Richmond

Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Surrey

Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Tech (Cloverdale)

Maple Leaf World School - Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Northeastern University - Vancouver

Royal Roads University

Tamwood at Simon Fraser University

Tamwood at the University of British Columbia (UBC)

Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

Trinity Western University - Langley

Trinity Western University - Richmond

University Canada West (UCW)

University of Northern British Columbia

University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)

University of Victoria - Division of Continuing Studies

University of Victoria (in partnership with Kaplan International)

Yorkville University - Vancouver

Alexander College - Burnaby

Alexander College - Vancouver

Brighton College

British Columbia Institute of Technology - Aerospace Technology (BCIT)

British Columbia Institute of Technology - Annacis Island (BCIT)

British Columbia Institute of Technology - Burnaby (BCIT)

British Columbia Institute of Technology - Downtown (BCIT)

Canadian College

College of New Caledonia

College of the Rockies

College of the Rockies - Golden Campus

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Universities

Colleges & Polytechnics

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

Which Canadian schools are PGWP eligible?

Do I need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?

How is this directory different from a school search site?

Why are some schools in the directory but flagged as "PGWP program-dependent"?

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