Canadian institutions for international students
Only a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can host study-permit holders, so always confirm an institution's DLI status before applying. Below are some of Canada's best-known research universities — but its public college sector is just as important.
McGill University
One of Canada's most prestigious English-language universities, based on a historic downtown Montreal campus.
University of British Columbia
A leading research university on Canada's west coast, with a spectacular main campus overlooking the Pacific in Vancouver.
University of Toronto
Canada's largest and most internationally renowned university, spread across three campuses in the Toronto area.
University of Waterloo
Famous for its co-operative education programme and strength in engineering and computer science, based in Ontario's tech hub.
Carleton University
A well-regarded Ottawa university known for journalism, public affairs, and engineering programmes close to Canada's capital.
Concordia University
A large English-language university spread across two downtown Montreal campuses, known for its arts and business programmes.
Simon Fraser University
A research-intensive university with a striking hilltop campus in Burnaby, part of the greater Vancouver area.
Toronto Metropolitan University
A downtown Toronto university known for career-focused programmes and strong industry connections, formerly Ryerson University.
Université de Montréal
A major French-language research university and one of the largest in Quebec, based on Mont Royal in Montreal.
University of Calgary
A major research university in Alberta, known for strong engineering and energy-related programmes in a growing western Canadian city.
University of Ottawa
The world's largest bilingual French-English university, located in Canada's capital city close to Parliament Hill.
York University
One of Canada's largest universities, based in Toronto and known for its Schulich School of Business and Osgoode Hall Law School.
Don't overlook colleges
Public colleges and polytechnics — such as Seneca, George Brown, Humber, BCIT, and NSCC — offer career-focused diplomas and applied degrees, often with strong industry links and lower fees. Just remember that program choice affects PGWP eligibility, so check the field-of-study rules.
Match the institution to your program and city, and confirm DLI status on IRCC's list.
Official source: Colleges and Institutes Canada.