SDS Colleges in Canada with Province and Cities

SDS Colleges in Canada with Province and Cities include top DLIs across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan that offer faster study-permit processing under the Student Direct Stream. This list helps students compare locations, programs, and affordability - while understanding key SDS requirements such as GIC, IELTS scores, and DLI eligibility.
authorImageAnshika Agarwal12 Nov, 2025
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SDS Colleges in Canada with Province and Cities

SDS Colleges in Canada with Province and Cities: The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a special program started by the Government of Canada. The main aim is to make the study permit process faster for students from certain countries, like India. It helps reduce paperwork and makes it easier for international students to join post-secondary institutions in Canada.
To qualify, students must get admission to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and meet the financial and English test requirements.

Colleges that take part in this program are called SDS Colleges in Canada. Also known by their old name, SPP (Student Partners Program) colleges. These colleges and universities are located in different provinces and offer many programs, like diplomas and post-graduate certificates.

SDS Colleges in Canada with Province and Cities

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) covers many Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) across Canada. The list of SDS Colleges in Canada with Provinces and Cities below will help you plan where you want to study.

SDS Eligible Colleges in Canada

Province

College/University Name

City

Ontario

Algonquin College

Ottawa

Ontario

Cambrian College

Greater Sudbury

Ontario

Canadore College

North Bay

Ontario

Centennial College

Toronto

Ontario

Conestoga College

Kitchener

Ontario

Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology

Thunder Bay

Ontario

Durham College

Oshawa

Ontario

Fanshawe College of Applied Arts & Technology

London

Ontario

Fleming College

Peterborough

Ontario

George Brown College

Toronto

Ontario

Georgian College

North Bay

Ontario

Humber College

Toronto

Ontario

Lambton College

Sarnia

Ontario

Loyalist College

Belleville

Ontario

Mohawk College of Applied Arts & Technology

Hamilton

Ontario

Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology

Waterloo

Ontario

Northern College

Timmins

Ontario

Sault College

Sault Ste. Marie

Ontario

Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology

Toronto

Ontario

Sheridan College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning

Oakville

Ontario

St. Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology

Windsor

Ontario

St. Lawrence College

Kingston

British Columbia (BC)

Camosun College

Victoria

British Columbia (BC)

College of New Caledonia

Prince George

British Columbia (BC)

College of the Rockies

Cranbrook

British Columbia (BC)

Columbia College

Vancouver

British Columbia (BC)

Douglas College

Vancouver

British Columbia (BC)

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Surrey

British Columbia (BC)

Langara College

Vancouver

British Columbia (BC)

North Island College

Courtenay

British Columbia (BC)

Northern Lights College

Dawson Creek

British Columbia (BC)

Okanagan College

Kelowna

British Columbia (BC)

Selkirk College

Castlegar

British Columbia (BC)

University of The Fraser Valley

Abbotsford

British Columbia (BC)

Vancouver Island University

Nanaimo

Alberta

Bow Valley College

Calgary

Alberta

Medicine Hat College

Medicine Hat

Alberta

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

Edmonton

Manitoba

Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology

Winnipeg

Manitoba

Red River College of Applied Arts, Science & Technology

Winnipeg

Manitoba

Winnipeg Technical College

Winnipeg

Saskatchewan

Parkland College

Melville

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Saskatoon

SDS Colleges by Province

The SDS colleges are spread across Canada but are mostly found in the provinces with the largest populations and strongest job markets.

  1. Ontario:

Major cities include Toronto (Centennial, George Brown, Humber, Seneca), Ottawa (Algonquin), Kitchener (Conestoga), and London (Fanshawe). Because of its many colleges and job options, Ontario is the top choice for international students.

  1. British Columbia (BC):

BC has many SDS colleges, especially in Vancouver, Surrey, and Victoria. These areas are known for good-quality education.

  1. Alberta:

This province has top colleges like Bow Valley College in Calgary and NAIT in Edmonton. It offers hands-on learning in trades and technology.

  1. Manitoba:

Winnipeg has colleges like Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology and Red River College.

  1. Saskatchewan:

It includes Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon and Parkland College in Melville. Both are known for affordable education and career training.

GIC Requirement DLI Colleges under SDS

A key part of the SDS program is the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). To apply for an SDS study permit, you must receive an offer from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is part of the SDS list.

Main Financial and Academic Rules (GIC requirement DLI colleges):

  • The college or university must be an approved DLI for international students.

  • You must buy a GIC of CAD 20,635 from a Canadian bank to show proof of funds for your first year.

  • You must also show proof of payment for your first-year tuition.

  • A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is required.

Cheapest SDS Colleges in Canada

The cost of studying at an SDS college can vary by program, location, and year. Community colleges and polytechnics have lower tuition fees than large universities.

Factors Affecting Cost: 

  • Community colleges like Centennial, Fanshawe, or Conestoga usually cost less.

  • Smaller cities (like North Bay, Sarnia, or Cranbrook) have lower living costs than big cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

  • Technical or diploma programs may be cheaper than advanced or post-graduate courses.

To find affordable options, check colleges in smaller cities or in provinces like Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Always confirm tuition and fees on the official website of the college before applying.

SDS Colleges in Canada with Province and Cities FAQs

What are SDS Colleges in Canada with Province and Cities?

SDS Colleges in Canada with Province and Cities are Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) that take part in the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program.

What is the GIC requirement for DLI colleges?

For all SDS eligible colleges in Canada, students must buy a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD 20,635. This money will help you cover your living costs for the first year in Canada and prove that you can support yourself while studying.

How do I know if a college is a DLI or part of the SDS program?

You can check the official DLI list on the Government of Canada website. If a college has a valid DLI number and is in a country covered by the SDS program, it is considered an SDS eligible college in Canada.

Which provinces have the most SDS colleges in Canada?

SDS colleges by province are in Ontario and British Columbia (BC). Ontario has top institutions like Centennial College, Humber College, and Conestoga College. BC includes Douglas College, Langara College, and Camosun College.

What are the cheapest SDS colleges in Canada?

The cheapest SDS colleges in Canada are community colleges or polytechnics in smaller cities. Colleges like Canadore College (North Bay), Lambton College (Sarnia), and College of the Rockies (Cranbrook) have lower tuition fees and living costs compared to big cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
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