Top SDS Colleges in Canada

If you are looking to pursue higher education in Canada, you must consider applying for SDS colleges as these colleges have a simplified canadian student visa application procedure and require less financial documentation. This article aims to help you explore the best SDS colleges in Canada.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a quick visa processing system that was developed jointly by the Canadian High Commission and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). Through the new SDS policies, students coming from selected countries can apply online to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for their visa applications, which will then be processed within 20 days.

Table of Contents

• List of Top SDS Colleges in Canada
• Who Can Apply to SDS Colleges in Canada?
• Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required
• Difference Between SDS and Non-SDS Colleges in Canada

List of Top SDS Colleges in Canada

Indian students willing to pursue higher education in Canada must know about the designated learning institutions under SDS. Though there are many top colleges in Canada under SDS, here we have provided a list of some of these colleges: 

• McMaster University
• George Brown College
• Humber College
• Red River College
• Parkland College
• Fleming College
• Loyalist College
• Canadore College
• Vancouver Island University
• Lakeland College

McMaster University

McMaster University is located in Ontario and has more than 4500 international students from over 139 countries. More than 100 programs are offered by the university in a wide range of subject areas. Around 11% of international students are enrolled in undergraduate programs, and 27% in graduate programs. Ranked #140 by QS World Rankings 2022, McMaster University has consistently been ranked among the top research-intensive universities in Canada. 

Read More: McMaster University

George Brown College

Established in 1967, George Brown College is among the top research colleges in Canada. The college is home to over 35,000 full-time students, including 5500+ international students from more than 95 countries across the globe. 

For students to apply to UG programs at this college, they must have graduated from senior secondary school. While applicants for postgraduate programs must have graduated from a college or university. In addition, candidates must provide English proficiency proof through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.

Read More: George Brown College

Humber College

The list of top colleges in Canada under SDS includes Humber College as well. Situated in Toronto, the college is home to more than 29,000 full-time, including 3,800 international students from 100+ countries. Humber College is known for imparting career-based relevant knowledge to its students worldwide. It offers over 190 undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and diploma programs in 40+ subject areas.

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Red River College

As one of the oldest educational and research institutions in the world, Red River College offers quality education in a wide range of areas, including aeronautics, culinary arts, digital media design, tourism management, business information technology, medical sciences, and more. Located in Winnipeg, It enrolls over 21,000 students a year and offers more than 200 certificate and degree programs, setting a high standard for other colleges and universities in Canada.

Read More: Red River College

Parkland College

Parkland College is another option among the best SDS colleges in Canada. It was founded in 1973 and is accredited and recognized by the Saskatchewan government. More than 20,000 students attend Parkland College annually. The college offers over 100 degree and certificate programs in multiple disciplines. Being one of the designated learning institutions in Canada, it provides SDS for students from India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and China.

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Fleming College

Located in Peterborough, Canada, Fleming College is home to 5,800+ full-time and 10,000+ part-time students. The college offers more than 100 full-time programs in various fields. Some of these subject areas include business, arts, health and wellness, sciences, humanities, skilled trades, and many more. 

For admission to Fleming College, international students must demonstrate academic excellence, English language proficiency and provide additional documents like SOP for canada and proof of financial support.

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Loyalist College

Situated in Belleville, Canada, Loyalist College is one of Canada's most prestigious English-language universities. It has a total enrollment of over 3,000 full-time students and 12,000 part-time students, out of which the international student population is 800. Loyalist College offers a total of 77 programs through its three schools. These programs are offered in several subject areas, including engineering, culinary management, journalism, paramedic, biotechnology, and many others.

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Canadore College

International students looking for the best colleges under SDS in Canada can consider applying for Canadore College. Founded in 1967, it is a public higher education institution located in Ontario, Canada. The college has approximately 5,600 full-time students enrolled in more than 80 diploma courses representing 400+ communities worldwide. In addition, 3,000 students are enrolled in part-time courses. Canadore College has one of the highest student satisfaction rates among Canadian colleges, with over 47,000 active alumni across the globe.

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Vancouver Island University

Established in 1969, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is a public university located in Nanaimo, Canada. It offers The university has remained a centre of quality education since its inception. VIU offers 120+ programs and degrees, including bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, certificates and diplomas. It also offers workshops for students to gain practical experience. Additionally, students get assistance with career planning and placements from the university. 

Read More: Vancouver Island University

Lakeland College

Lakeland College is a post-secondary institution situated in Alberta, Canada. There are over 50 different study options at this college, including degrees, certificates, diplomas, online programs, and university transfer programs. Also, international students do not qualify for all programs offered by Lakeland. Some of the popular courses are offered in fields like human services, interior design, agricultural sciences, business, environmental sciences, etc.

Read More: Lakeland College

Who Can Apply to SDS Colleges in Canada?

SDS is applicable only to students from select countries who are eligible to apply for an expedited permit to pursue post-secondary education in a Designated Learning Institution in Canada. Following is a list of countries whose residents can apply to SDS colleges in Canada: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• India 
• Morocco
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vietnam
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Philippines
• Senegal
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required

From June 8, 2018, students seeking admission to one of the SDS Colleges in Canada need to meet some eligibility requirements before applying. Ensure that you keep all the necessary documents ready when applying for admission to the SDS college of your choice. The following is a checklist of all the important requirements and documents to apply to a college under SDS in Canada:

• You must secure a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 for UG and PG level courses. 
• Your chosen college or university must be registered under the Designated Learning Institutions and should have a corresponding number. 
• An acceptance letter would be required from the institution where you intend to pursue a course of study.
• To apply for admission to one of the SDS Colleges in Canada, students must pay their first year of tuition fees in advance at the time of their visa application.
• You need to purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000 to fulfill immigration and citizenship requirements for a study permit and ensure that the funds will be available upon graduation.
• You need to submit a copy of your recently completed medical examination from a certified medical institution.
• It is necessary to submit all of the documents related to your academic background, previous qualifications, and achievements.

Note: The following banks provide GIC in India: 

• Scotia Bank
• ICICI Bank
• SBI Canada
• HSBC Bank of Canada
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce 

Difference Between SDS and Non-SDS Colleges in Canada

Under the Student Direct Stream Scheme, Canadian universities and colleges admit international students under some specified terms and conditions to facilitate faster visa processing for students.

On the contrary, Non-SDS colleges in Canada are those that are not covered by this scheme and provide admission using the standard visa procedure for students willing to pursue their higher studies in Canada.