Acceptance letter

If your application to an Ontario university or college is successful, you will receive an acceptance letter with your offer of admission. You need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) to apply for a study permit in Canada.

COVID-19

Public health guidance related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may affect your study plans. Stay on top of the latest COVID-19 information for international students.

Designated learning institutions

A designated learning institution (DLI) is a college or university that has approval from the government of Canada to host international students. In Ontario, each public institution has a unique DLI number. Private institutions do not have DLI numbers.

If you apply to a school that is not on the DLI list, you will not be able to apply for a study permit. All schools in our database are DLIs. Find a school. 

Proving your acceptance to a DLI

You will need to provide a copy of your original acceptance letter from a DLI when you apply for a study permit. Make sure your letter includes these items.

Completing conditions in your acceptance letter

Read your acceptance letter closely. There may be requirements you need to meet before being admitted into your program of choice.

If you need to finish any prerequisites, such as a course or program, before admission, the school will give you a conditional letter of acceptance. You will need to submit a copy of this letter when you apply to enter Canada.

Your study permit will cover the length of the prerequisite course or program plus one year. Once you complete the conditions in the acceptance letter, you will need to apply for a new study permit and show that you have met all admission requirements. If you do not meet the conditions in the letter, your offer of admission may be revoked.

Visit IRCC for more information

Rules for international students studying in Ontario are set out by the Canadian government. These can change. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most up-to-date information.

What to do after you are accepted

Each college and university has a different process after acceptance. Follow the instructions from the institution and check their website for more information.

After you receive your acceptance letter, get ready for these next steps: