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

362 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

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

Brandon University

Providence University College

Providence University College & Theological Seminary

University of Manitoba

Crandall University

Crandall University - Sussex Campus

Mount Allison University

St. Thomas University (CAN)

University of New Brunswick - Fredericton

University of New Brunswick - Saint John

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) - Grenfell Campus

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) - St. John's Campus

Acadia University

Cape Breton University

Mount Saint Vincent University

St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)

Algoma University - Brampton

Algoma University - Brampton - Creekbank Site

Algoma University - Sault Ste. Marie

Brock University

Carleton University

Huron at Western University

International Business University (IBU)

International Business University (IBU) - Ottawa

King's University College

Lakehead University

Lakehead University - Barrie (STEM Hub)

Lakehead University - Orillia

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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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