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?

Public Canadian universities are PGWP-eligible institutions. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates have no field-of-study restriction but need CLB 7 in English or French. Public colleges and polytechnics are PGWP-eligible institutions too, but if you applied for your study permit on or after November 1, 2024, the specific program must be on IRCC's field-of-study list (mostly healthcare, trades, STEM, transport, agriculture) and you need CLB 5. 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 international students applying for a study permit in 2026 need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) from the province where the school is located. The school requests it for you after you accept your offer. Exceptions include master's and doctoral students at public institutions starting January 1, 2026, preschool and K-12 students, and certain students already in Canada (IRCC, 2026 attestation letter rules). Each letter is valid until December 31, 2026 for the 2026 cap year.

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"?

For study permits applied for since November 1, 2024, college-level (non-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

290 of 652 schools

Bow Valley College

Calgary, Alberta

CollegePGWP program-dependent

Every Canadian DLI, filtered by what actually matters

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

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

Columbia College

Coquitlam College

Cornerstone International Community College of Canada

DEA Canadian College

Douglas College - Coquitlam

Douglas College - New Westminster

EduGlobal College

Focus College - Abbotsford

Fraser International College (FIC)

Granville College

Greystone College - Vancouver

ILAC International College - Vancouver

Langara College

LaSalle College - Vancouver

North Island College - Campbell River

North Island College - Comox Valley

North Island College - Port Alberni

Northern Lights College - Dawson Creek

Northern Lights College - Fort St. John

Okanagan College - Kelowna

Okanagan College - Penticton

Okanagan College - Revelstoke

Okanagan College - Salmon Arm

Okanagan College - Vernon

SELC Career College Vancouver

Selkirk College - Castlegar

Selkirk College - Nelson

Selkirk College - Trail

Sprott Shaw Language College - Vancouver

Sprott Shaw Language College - Victoria

Stenberg College

Tamwood Career College - Vancouver

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Universities

Colleges & Polytechnics

Schools in Ontario

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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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