DLI Finder: Is Your School on the IRCC List and PGWP-Eligible?
The DLI finder searches the IRCC list of post-secondary designated learning institutions by province, school name, city or DLI number. It also shows which schools offer PGWP-eligible programs and which programs count (IRCC). You need a letter of acceptance from a listed school to apply for a study permit.
Last updated: October 2026
since 1991
The key facts at a glance
- Listings
- Post-secondary campuses, searchable by DLI number
- PGWP
- Shows which listings offer PGWP-eligible programs
- Graduate
- Shows graduate programs that need no PAL or TAL
- Type
- Public and private schools
- Before you apply
- Confirm your school on the IRCC list
Search the DLI list
Pick a province, then search by school name, city or DLI number.
What is a designated learning institution?
A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You need a letter of acceptance from a DLI to apply for a study permit.
All primary and secondary schools are DLIs, but IRCC lists only post-secondary schools. Each listing carries a DLI number that you write on your study permit application.
Does every DLI offer PGWP-eligible programs?
No. Only some DLIs offer programs that lead to a PGWP, and some of those only for specific programs. Check the program list for your school before you pay a deposit or accept an offer.
What your result tells you
- Listed: your school can host international students
- PGWP tag: the school offers PGWP-eligible programs
- Only the listed programs: other programs at the school do not qualify
- Always: your own program, field of study and language results still matter
Is the finder right for you?
A quick check before you accept an offer or pay a deposit.
Use it if you have
- A school name, a city or a DLI number
- A plan to work in Canada after you graduate
- A college, diploma or degree program in mind
- A short list of schools to compare
Start with another page if
- You need your program’s field of study: use the PGWP eligible fields finder
- You want the full study permit steps: read the study permit page
- You want the PGWP rules: read the PGWP guide
Read the PGWP guide, check the study permit page, or use the PGWP eligible fields finder.
What you need before you start
Have these ready. Use your best results, because the calculator scores what you enter. Convert language results on the IRCC charts.
School name
The school and campus named in your letter of acceptance.
City and campus
Large schools list each campus on its own row.
Program
The exact program you plan to study.
Your plan
Whether you want to work in Canada after you graduate.
Your offer
A letter of acceptance from the school.
Need help with your study permit?
We review your school choice, funds and letters before you pay the fee.
What the finder shows for each school
DLI number
The number you write on your study permit application. One tap copies it.
Location
Province, city and campus for every listing.
Public or private
Every school is labelled public or private, and you can filter by either.
PGWP status
Whether the school offers PGWP-eligible programs, or only certain listed programs.
Program list
For schools with limited PGWP programs, the eligible programs and rules from IRCC.
Graduate programs
Public schools with graduate programs that need no provincial or territorial attestation letter.
Where to go next
Use your score to pick your next move.
Have these ready for your study permit application
The calculator scores what you enter. Your documents must back up every answer.
Language results
Valid test results, if your school or program asks for them.
Letter of acceptance
The letter from your DLI, with the DLI number.
Proof of funds
Records that show you can pay tuition and living costs.
Attestation letter
A provincial or territorial attestation letter, unless your program is exempt.
Passport and photos
A valid passport and the photos IRCC asks for.
How to use the DLI finder, step by step
Six steps from your first answer to your plan.
Note your school
Note your school name and the city of your campus.
Pick a province
Choose your province, then narrow by school, city or DLI number.
Find your school
Check the DLI number, the campus and the public or private label.
Check the PGWP status
See if the school offers PGWP-eligible programs, and open the program list.
Confirm with the school
Ask the school to confirm your program and its DLI number in writing.
Plan your route
Book a Strategy Consultation to plan your studies and your route after graduation.
Five mistakes when picking a school
A wrong input gives a wrong score. Watch for these.
Assuming every program gets a PGWP
Some schools offer PGWP-eligible programs only for specific programs. Open the program list first.
Using the wrong campus
Each campus has its own listing. Check the row for the campus where you will study.
Not checking the list
A school that is not on the IRCC list cannot host international students on a study permit.
Trusting the sales pitch
Confirm PGWP status on the IRCC list, not only in a recruiter’s pitch.
Skipping the field-of-study rule
College and diploma programs must also pass the field-of-study rule. Check your CIP code.
DLI list facts at a glance
Confirm your school on the IRCC list before you apply.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases. 3rd generation in the immigration industry. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
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What our clients say
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DLI finder FAQs
What is a DLI?
A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You need a letter of acceptance from one to apply for a study permit.
Where do I find my school's DLI number?
Search the finder by school name, city or DLI number and copy the number from your school’s listing. Write it under Details of intended study in Canada on your study permit application.
Are primary and secondary schools on the list?
No. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs, but IRCC lists only post-secondary schools.
Does a DLI always make me eligible for a PGWP?
No. Only some DLIs offer PGWP-eligible programs, and some only for specific programs. Your program, field of study and language results must also meet the rules.
What does only the listed programs mean?
It means IRCC publishes a short list of programs at that school that qualify for a PGWP. Any other program at the school does not.
What is a PAL or TAL?
A PAL or TAL is a letter from a province or territory that most new study permit applicants must include. Graduate programs at the public DLIs that IRCC flags do not need one.
Why does one school show several rows?
Each campus has its own row. Check the row for the campus where you will study.
Can I rely on this finder for my application?
Use it to shortlist schools. IRCC updates its list from time to time, so confirm your school and program with IRCC and with the school before you apply.
Does a listed school guarantee a study permit?
No. A DLI only shows that the school can host international students. IRCC still decides each study permit application on its own.
Is this DLI finder official?
No. It is built from the IRCC DLI list and gives general guidance. Always confirm with IRCC.
