Eligibility Criteria for SDS Colleges in Canada

As we have already seen, the first requirement for Student Direct Stream Canada is to have a permanent residence certificate from the desired countries. Apart from that, the eligibility criteria for SDS Canada for Indian students include:

1. All international students must acquire an acceptance letter from the Designated Learning Institute (DLI).
2. Under the SDS Canada Visa for international students, the payment of tuition fees for the first year is mandatory. The receipt from the DLI is required as a proof for the same. The students also need to present the bank receipt to confirm that the transaction is done from the student’s account to the respective university account.
3. A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000 is another requirement for SDS Canada for Indian students. The certificate is given after the purchase of GIC along with a letter of attestation and Investment Directions Confirmation. The banks keep the funds in the investment or student account till he/she arrives in Canada. Once the students land in Canada, he/she can release the fund by validating their identity. 
4. English Language Proficiency is a major requirement in all the steps involved in your study abroad journey. Canada too asks for the same during SDS file processing time. The scorecard of IELTS is only taken into consideration for this purpose. You may either opt for IELTS Academic or General. The English Language Proficiency test in Canada are valid for 2 years of the SDS application date.

List of SDS Colleges in Canada

There are a number of SDS colleges and universities in Canada that are popular amongst international students. The top ones include:

1. University of Toronto
2. University of Waterloo
3. Seneca College
4. Vanier College
5. Columbia College

Let us discuss the specifications of each of these universities:

1. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is a leading institution not just in Canada but on the global front. Established in the year 1827, the university has set high standards in terms of learning, exploring and knowledge creation. Under SDS Canada you may apply here to avail yourself the opportunity to learn and work from the eminent faculty members best in their respective domains. It has produced more than 560,000 graduates to date while continuing to strive for excellence every day.

2. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is another SDS university in Canada with a reputation of being one of the best institutions of the world. Apart from being ranked within top 150 in QS World University Ranking 2022, it is also ranked 2nd for employer student connections according to QS Graduate Employability Ranking 2022.

3. Seneca College

Seneca College is amongst the best SDS colleges in Ontario. Seneca offers much more than bookish knowledge. With campuses throughout the Greater Toronto Area, Seneca’s size and diversity give students the advantage of partnerships with the best industry leaders.  The latest in hands-on computer technology, a variety of class sizes, and full-time, part-time and continuing education options make Seneca College a popular institution amongst international students.

4. Vanier College

Vanier College is another popular college in Quebec that perfectly blends traditionality with modern technology and facilities. It is one of the popular SDS colleges in Montreal that offers full-time pre-university programs and technical career programs that award Diploma of College Studies (DCS) on the completion of the course. There is a Continuing Education Department too that offers credit DCS courses and Attestation of College Studies (ACS) programs, as well as non-credit courses and programs.

Suggested: 5 Best Colleges to study in Quebec for international students!

5. Columbia College

Canada’s longest established not-for-profit college Columbia College is amongst the top SDS colleges in Vancouver for international students. It offers first and second-year university-level courses that lead to College Associate Degree fully transferable to local universities. It is one of those colleges in Vancouver for international students that helps them make it to the universities of their choice. It also offers some High School Programs and a distinguished English Language course.

SDS Colleges in Different Provinces in Canada

Now that we have discussed the top SDS colleges and universities in Canada, let us have a look at the colleges under SDS in Canada in different provinces:

List of SDS Colleges in Ontario

List of SDS Colleges in British Columbia

List of SDS Colleges in Quebec

List of SDS Colleges in Alberta

Due to their convenient application process and less time-consuming factor, SDS colleges in Canada are in high demand amongst international students. However, Non SDS colleges are equally good at providing the best educational opportunities. To know more about the difference between both, check out blog SDS v/s Non SDS now!