Top 5 DLI Approved Colleges in Canada for 2023
May 30, 2023
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In recent years, Canada has pushed toward increasing inclusivity for international students. As a result, Canada is considered one of the best places to study because of its high quality of life, high standard of education, and stunning support systems for internationals. Moreover, as many students are searching for tertiary education that can grant them a foothold in the largest industries in the world, Canadian colleges offer a fantastic opportunity to give those students a head start as they begin to build their careers.
An acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada (DLI Canada) allows an international student to apply for a study permit from the Canadian government. While there are hundreds of DLI Approved colleges in Canada, these are five of the best colleges in Canada for international students. In addition, studying in Canada can open doors for permanent residence and employment in Canada or anywhere else you would like to live. A DLI is a school a provincial or territorial government has approved to allow international students to complete an educational qualification in Canada.
Centennial College
Centennial is Canada's first community college. Started in 1967, this Toronto school offers various qualifications in a highly diverse array of subjects throughout its five campuses.
Where is it?
Over the last 55+ years, Centennial College has spread over five campuses throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Each campus is home to different programs, as follows:
| Campus | Location | Primary Programs |
| Progress | Progress Ave, Scarborough |
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| Morningside | Morningside Ave, Toronto |
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| Ashtonbee | Ashtonbee Road, Toronto |
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| Story Arts Centre | Carlaw Ave, Toronto |
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| Downsview | Carl Hall Road, Toronto |
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What is Student life like?
With over 25,000 full-time students spread over its five campuses, Centennial has a diverse, vibrant student body. As a Centennial student, you will be surrounded by like-minded people from all over the world and from all walks of life. The college also boasts a host of recreational activities, like it's the Colts sports program, where students can blow off steam out of the classroom in activities like:
- Badminton,
- Baseball,
- Basketball,
- Cross Country,
- Indoor Soccer,
- Soccer,
- Volleyball,
- Hockey,
- Power Lifting,
- Cricket,
- Co-Ed Volleyball,
- Ultimate Frisbee,
- Table Tennis, and
- Rugby.
Students often stay in Centennial Residence, allowing them to experience the college lifestyle, be close to their classes, have all their significant amenities within walking distance, and socialize with other students.
What is it Known For?
Centennial prides itself on having diverse courses that prepare students for exciting careers. The college also has an extensive applied research program called Applied Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Services (ARIES). However, the programs Centennial is most known for are Engineering, Information Technology, Health, and media studies. The qualifications you can earn through Centennial include the following:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Master Programmes (MBA)
- Master in International Business Development (MAIB)
- Master of Science Technology Management, and more…
What Services Does it Have for International Students?
Over its history, Centennial has been home to over 50,000 International students. As a result, Centennial utilizes a host of international student services:- 11 International education offices
- English Language Services
- Student advisors
- Academic support programs
- Multiple events and seminars to help internationals settle at Centennial.
Seneca College
A premier polytechnic Designated Learning Institution in Canada, Toronto's Seneca's unique mix of theoretical and practical training makes it a fantastic place to build the basis for your career in Canada.
Where is it?
Seneca College's location in Toronto is renowned for its natural beauty, thriving cities, growing population, and diverse communities. It is one of the safest cities in one of the safest countries in the world. Due to its highly diverse array of programs, Seneca is spread over seven major campuses, each with their purpose. They are as follows:
| Campus | Location | Primary Programs |
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| King | Dufferin Street, King City |
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| Seneca International Academy, Markham | The Seneca Way, Markham |
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| Newnham | Finch Avenue East, Toronto |
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| Peterborough | Airport Road, Peterborough |
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| Seneca@York | The Pond Road, Toronto |
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| Yorkgate | York Gate Boulevard, North York |
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| Seneca Downtown | King St E., Toronto |
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What is Student Life Like?
Seneca College is a postsecondary institution located in Toronto, Canada. The college offers over 300 programs in various fields, such as aviation, business, creative arts and design, engineering technology, media, and communications. The college supports its students and provides multiple stress on-campus relief events such as dog therapy, massage during exam week, puppy yoga, goat yoga, and many more events with tasty foods and drinks. Seneca also provides a food bank where every student gets monthly free groceries. The college has an excellent infrastructure, a good campus, and world-class lecturers. The classes are small, and the professors greatly care about their students. Seneca College offers a variety of extracurricular activities for students, including sporting events, trips to Canada's Wonderland, walking tours, and more. The college also has a Student Life calendar that lists upcoming events and activities. Seneca's International Student Services also plans activities and workshops for international students. In addition, the college supports its students.What is it Known for?
Seneca College is known for its academic excellence and collaboration within the postsecondary sector. The college employs various teaching methods, from in-class lectures and online learning to co-op and field placements. Seneca College is an excellent place for domestic and international students. The professors are knowledgeable, credible, and flexible with students' needs. Seneca is one of Canada's top colleges for health care to technology, business to creative arts, and community services to arts and sciences.
What Services Does it Have for International Students?
According to the Seneca College website, approximately 7,000 international students from more than 150 countries are enrolled at Seneca College. Seneca College is known for its diverse student population and supportive environment for international students. Seneca College also provides financial support to its students. Seneca students receive almost $9 million yearly in financial support from the college and its donors. Seneca offers pathways to degree programs with more than 50 partner institutions locally and abroad. Over 3,000 students have been advised on degree transfer opportunities.International students can contact Seneca International for assistance with initial study permits, extending study permits, extending temporary residence visas, co-op work permits (for students in Canada), and postgraduate work permits, and to be connected to an immigration specialist. Seneca International also provides airport pickup, orientation, and accommodation assistance.
Georgian College
Another one of the oldest DLI schools in Canada, Georgian, has become one of the country's top Applied Arts and Technology colleges since it started in 1967. As a result, it attracts students from all over the world.
Where is it?
While Georgian's largest campus is in Barrie, Ontario, the entire college comprises seven campuses, encompassing an area almost the size of El Salvador. They are as follows:
| Campus | Location | Primary Programs |
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| Barrie | Georgian Drive, Barrie |
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| Arch and Helen Brown Design and Digital Arts Centre | Ross St., Barrie |
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| Midland | Prospect Blvd., Midland |
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| Muskoka | Wellington St., Bracebridge |
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| Orangeville | Centennial Road, Orangeville |
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| Orillia | Memorial Ave. Orillia |
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| Owen Sound | 8th Street East, Owen Sound, |
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| South Georgian Bay | Raglan Street, Collingwood |
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What is Student life like?
Life at Georgian has world-class amenities, facilities, and excitement. It offers a variety of housing options to students, including on-campus residences, off-campus apartment buildings, room and board, and houses to rent or share. The college also provides campus eats with several food options. Georgian College is home to more than 4,500 international students from more than 85 countries, speaking more than 110 languages. The college has modern academic and administrative facilities, including computer labs, multimedia classrooms, and athletics and fitness centers. Georgian College emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, with 100% of its programs emphasizing practical learning. The college also offers campus tours, student services, and immersive learning experiences.
Georgian College offers a variety of extracurricular activities for students, including athletics, fitness centers, and sports tournaments. Students can join varsity or intramural sports teams, attend fitness classes, exercise in the fitness center or gym, or attend one of the varsity team home games. Georgian College also supports many student clubs, and students can join one or start their own.
Georgian College offers a variety of housing options to students, including on-campus residences at the Barrie, Orillia, and Owen Sound campuses. The on-campus residences provide accommodations and a welcoming, safe environment where students can make friends, get involved, grow, and develop. In addition, Georgian College offers off-campus housing options, including apartment buildings, room and board, and houses to rent or share. As a result, Georgian provides a vibrant, multi-faceted lifestyle that will allow you plenty of opportunities to learn and grow both in and outside the classroom.
What is it Known for?
The college provides market-driven programs in business, management, health, wellness, sciences, hospitality, tourism, recreation, community safety, design, visual arts, and more. However, Georgian is known best for its practical, hands-on learning approach, with 100% of its programs emphasizing practical learning.
What Services Does it Have for International Students?
Due to its vast array of international students, Georgian has various student services to meet all global needs. As one of the DLI approved colleges in Canada, Georgian provides multiple housing options for students, including on-campus residences, off-campus apartment buildings, room and board, and houses to rent or share. The college also offers student services, including admissions, financial aid, registering for courses, paying fees, transcript requests, and receiving information on important dates. In addition, Georgian College provides a supportive environment for international students, with various campus facilities like on-campus eats, café, campus galleries, athletics, and fitness centers.You'll need a Canadian study permit to study at any of these world-class colleges. One of the major factors in landing a study permit and starting your Canadian journey is to ensure you're eligible for one. One of the best ways to do so is to have a full evaluation by a certified immigration expert.
Humber College
Toronto's Humber College is one of the public DLI listed colleges in Canada focusing on applied arts and technology.
Where is it?
Humber has three main campuses, the Humber North campus, the International Graduate School, and the Lakeshore campus, and it offers a variety of programs. They are as follows:
| Campus | Location | Primary Programs |
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| North | Humber College Blvd. Toronto |
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| Lakeshore | Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Toronto |
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| International Graduate School | Hayden St, Toronto |
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What is Student life like?
Humber College's two main campuses, Humber North and Lakeshore offer on-campus student housing. The Humber Arboretum locates the North Residence and features three interlinked buildings with single and suite-style rooms. The Lakeshore Residence is located west of downtown Toronto and offers suite-style facilities. In addition, Humber's Residence Department provides students access to an online database of off-campus rental accommodations near the Lakeshore and North campuses.
Humber's largest campus is centrally located, with easy access to the downtown core. Its balance of urban living and lush forestry makes this campus an ideal blend for all its students. In addition, the campus has a library, an indoor pool and sauna, athletics facilities, and a fully functioning spa. Humber also has a campus at 59 Hayden Street in Toronto with brand-new classrooms, state-of-the-art technology, a learning commons, and study spaces.
According to student reviews, Humber College has a quiet environment and outstanding professors. Humber College is controlled by the University of Guelph, one of Canada's best universities.
The college offers various services to support student success, including accessible learning, counseling, and health services. Humber College also provides opportunities for students to get involved in athletics and recreation, as well as access to a library, indoor pool and sauna, athletics facilities, and a fully functioning spa. The college also offers work opportunities for current students and recent graduates.
What is it Known for?
Humber is known for its Centres of Innovation Network (COIs), which bring together interdisciplinary teams of faculty, students, and community and industry partners to solve real-world problems. As a result, Humber is widely regarded for its close relationship with various Canadian employers.
What Services Does it Have for International Students?
As one of the top DLI approved Colleges in Canada, Humber College offers a range of services to international students. Humber College is known for being one of Canada's most diverse, comprehensive, and exciting colleges, with a reputation for being a leader in postsecondary education. Humber College has over 9,000 international students from 120 countries pursuing bachelor's degrees, diplomas, and postgraduate certificates in over 220 programs at three locations in Toronto.
International students can check the availability status of programs they are interested in quickly and easily. Humber College provides guidance and support on academic and career journeys and connects students with on-campus resources and support services. The college offers full-time, part-time, contract, summer, volunteer, and on-campus positions for current Humber students and recent graduates.
The International Centre at Humber College offers assistance with study permits, visas, and work permits, as well as English language support, cultural transition support, and academic advising. The college also provides educational support services, including academic integrity, performance, and resources. In addition, Humber College offers various student services, including accessible learning services, counseling services, health services, and campus security.
Humber College is committed to the success of its students and has a team that can help students with their education and career goals. The college's vibrant and inclusive community is evident in its hallways and virtual classrooms. In-person and virtual support services give students more flexibility in accessing their needs.
Mohawk College
Mohawk College is one of the DLI listed colleges in Canada, with eight campuses.
Where is it?
Mohawk's campuses are spread across Hamilton and Brantford, Ontario. They are as follows:
| Campus | Location | Primary Programs |
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| Fennell Campus | Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton |
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| Stoney Creek Campus for Skilled Trades | Barton Street, Stoney Creek |
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| Institute for Applied Health Sciences at McMaster | Main Street West, Hamilton |
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| Mississauga Campus | City Centre Drive, Mississauga |
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| Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre | Sunrise Court, Ohsweken |
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| Tansley Woods - Schlegel | Upper Middle Road, Burlington |
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| Wentworth Heights - Schlegel | Upper Wentworth St, Hamilton |
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| Six Nations Polytechnic | Elgin Street Brantford |
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What is Student Life Like?
Due to its massive size, Mohawk has a diverse array of activities and lifestyles to fit the needs of all students. The main campus has 30 clubs, a career center, a library, and cafeterias. Student Life at Mohawk College fosters meaningful relationships and personal development by providing students with intentional experiences and services in a fun, inclusive learning environment. In addition, the college offers virtual resources and supports through the Future Ready Toolkit.
Students at Mohawk College can find off-campus housing listings, information about living off-campus, and their rights as a tenant. In addition, the Student Rights & Responsibilities Office (SRRO) can help students understand and navigate school policies, address student behavior concerns, resolve student human rights complaints, pursue conflict resolution, or access support.
The college organizes career events, workshops, fairs, virtual meets, and programs to help students gain work experience.
What is it Known for?
Mohawk College is a Canadian leader in sustainability and was the first Ontario college to receive a gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Mohawk is also famous for having a graduate employability rate of 88.4%, and about 86% of graduates obtain employment opportunities within a few months of graduation.
What Services Does it Have for International Students?
Mohawk College provides various services to support international students. These services are available through International Square, which offers assistance with various aspects of student life, including academic support, health and wellness, and career service. The college also provides information about living in Canada and ways to spend free time at Mohawk College.
International students can apply to Mohawk College online, and the application process is straightforward. The college offers a range of programs, including business, entrepreneurship, engineering, healthcare, and English language training, among others.
Besides academic support, Mohawk College provides services to help international students with off-campus housing, student rights and responsibilities, and navigating school policies.
The college also has a career center that organizes career events, workshops, fairs, virtual meets, and many other programs to help students gain work experience and find employment opportunities.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada is a popular destination for international students for many reasons. Here are five reasons to study at a DLI Canada:Quality Education
Canada is known for offering high-quality education and research opportunities, from elementary to post-secondary studies. DLI schools in Canada are internationally known for excellence, and the quality of education and living standards in Canada are amongst the highest in the world.
Multicultural Environment
Canada is a welcoming and diverse country with a multicultural environment that embraces everyone. It is a safe country with lower crime rates than other Western nations.
Affordable
Despite being cheaper than in other countries, the cost of education in Canada is comparatively affordable, particularly compared to the U.S. and U.K. In addition, many financial aid offerings are available in Canada, including scholarships and work opportunities to help pay for your education.
Work and Immigration Opportunities
International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours a week if they are enrolled in full-time studies for at least six months. Upon graduation, former students can apply for a postgraduate work permit, and there is also the possibility of immigrating to Canada.
Quality of Life
Canada ranks third globally for the best quality of life, according to U.S. News & World Report. International students benefit from the same rights and freedoms that protect all Canadians, including respect for human rights, equality, diversity, and a stable, peaceful society. Canada's vast geography and expansive unspoiled wilderness are also a sight to behold, and its cities are full of culture, museums, galleries, and exciting things to do.
FAQs
How Can an International Student Study in Canada?
The process is relatively simple but has crucial steps. The first step is to apply to a Designated Learning Institution in Canada. If accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter, which you must submit to obtain a student visa. The next is to apply for a student visa to Canada. Once the application process is complete, you must do a medical examination. Once that step is done, nothing is left to do but wait for your application results. Then, depending on the outcomes of your applications, you can study in Canada. Find out more about how to get a Canada study permit.
Can Studying in Canada Lead to Permanent Residence or Citizenship?
Yes. International students studying at Canada can apply for permanent residence while looking for or after finishing their studies. This depends on whether they meet the requirements of the Canadian immigration program they have chosen.
Level up Your Education in Canada
Canada provides a fantastic opportunity for international students looking to spread their wings and build their prospects on a global scale. We have looked at some of the best colleges in Canada for international students and what makes them so good for someone looking to study abroad. Applying to a DLI Canada is essential as the government will only accept students studying at one of the DLI listed colleges in Canada. Studying costs often change and can depend on your background or chosen topic. Still, Canada is highly affordable compared to other countries of such a high standard. If applying to study in Canada seems daunting, why not speak to a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)?