


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.
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 |
The SDS colleges are spread across Canada but are mostly found in the provinces with the largest populations and strongest job markets.
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.
British Columbia (BC):
BC has many SDS colleges, especially in Vancouver, Surrey, and Victoria. These areas are known for good-quality education.
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.
Manitoba:
Winnipeg has colleges like Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology and Red River College.
Saskatchewan:
It includes Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon and Parkland College in Melville. Both are known for affordable education and career training.
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.
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.