Difference Between SDS and Non-SDS Colleges in Canada, & Study Visa

Check out the major difference between SDS and Non SDS Colleges in Canada. Also, it becomes essential to understand the types of study visas accepted by these colleges in Canada if you have plans to study here. Also, know about the requirements to choose between SDS (Student Direct Stream) and Non-SDS colleges.

Knowing the difference between SDS and non-SDS colleges in Canada is important for an international student. Canadian colleges are categorized into two types; (1) SDS colleges and (2) Non SDS Colleges. Here SDS stands for Student Direct Stream which is comparatively faster and smoother than NON SDS. Keep in mind that SDS vs Non-SDS terms are directly related to the student visa of Canada. 

SDS Colleges are the DLI colleges in Canada that offer admission to international students who apply for a student visa under the SDS program. A non-SDS college doesn’t have a DLI number approved by the government. To get admission in non-SDS colleges, students need to apply through a regular SPP program. In this blog, we will help you to understand the major differences between SDS and Non-SDS colleges in Canada including their visa requirements. 

Difference Between SDS and Non-SDS Colleges

Those who are planning to study in Canada are recommended to do their homework well in advance before applying to universities/colleges over there. You should be clear regarding the difference between SDS vs non-SDS colleges. Not only this, but you should have knowledge about the types of study visas required to get admission here.

SDS VS Non-SDS Colleges in Canada

The major difference between SDS and Non-SDS colleges in Canada is mentioned in the table below.

SDS Colleges in Canada	Non-SDS Colleges in Canada
Less paperwork is required to get a student visa.	Students need to do more paperwork and fill up forms to complete the process.
Visa processing time is 20 days (3 Weeks).	Visa processing time is a minimum 7 to 8 weeks
These colleges have their DLI (Designated learning institutions) number registered with government.	No DLI number to offer admission to international students

List of SDS and Non-SDS Colleges

Below, we have mentioned the list of popular SDS and non-SDS colleges in Canada. 

SDS Colleges	Non-SDS Colleges
University of Waterloo	Brock University
Lakehead University	University Canada West
Queen’s University	University of Windsor
Durham College	York University
University of Toronto	Cape Breton University
Parkland College	McMaster University
University of Guelph	King’s University College

Related Articles

• SDS Colleges in Ontario
• SDS Colleges in Alberta
• SDS Colleges in British Columbia

Top Four SDS Colleges in Canada

Check out quick info about the top SDS colleges in Canada which are popular among international students.

University of Waterloo

• The University of Waterloo was incepted in 1957 and welcomed 74 engineering students with a focus on co-operative education.
• At present, over 42,000 students are enrolled at the university.
• Waterloo has over 220,000 alumni residing in 151 nations.
• It has a 1000-acre main campus with more than 100 buildings and six faculties.
• The institute has featured among the world’s top 150 universities as per QS World Rankings, 2023.

Lakehead University

• Established in 1965, Lakehead University has a total of 27 programmes which offer co-op options.
• More than 140 national and overseas organisations have joined hands for student placements, internships, community services, field experiences, etc.
• 97.7% of university graduates obtain employment within two years of passing out.
• The university provides good career services to its students and alumni, helping them get hired at regional, national or overseas companies.
• 82% of the classes at Lakehead have 50 or less students, offering good space for personal student-teacher interaction and participation.

Check: SPP and Non-SPP Visa Requirements to Study in Canada for Indian Students

Queen’s University

• Existing since 1841, Queen’s University, Kingston, is positioned half-way between Toronto and Montreal.
• 95% of the students at the institute are International students from 125+ nations.
• According to the available on the official website, 91% of university graduates obtain a job within 6 months of passing out.
• The core academic areas which the university focuses on are data analytics, physics, geo-engineering, cancer research, and social sciences.
• The UG graduation rate at Queen’s University is 93%.
• It also has an alumni network of 159,000 students, residing in 153 nations.

Durham College

• Established in 1967, Durham College has over 100,000 alumni.
• With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, it has over 13,600 students pursuing post-secondary and apprenticeship programmes.
• 2000+ international population from more than 60 nations are studying here.
• Both its campuses are located in a safe environment and offer students easy access to various shopping areas, sports and entertainment facilities, etc.
• Around thousands of students at Durham are enrolled on professional, part-time and online academic courses.

Top Non-SDS Colleges in Canada

Check out information about the popular Non-SDS Colleges in Canada

Brock University

• Established in 1964, Brock University is among Canada's reputed post-secondary institutions.
• It has a total of 7 faculties, with over 19,000 students.
• Students have the option to choose from over 70 undergraduate and 50 graduate courses.
• More than 100,000 Brock graduate alumni have entered into entertainment, academics, business, sports and other fields.
• Among its 600 faculty members are twelve 3M Teaching Fellowship Award recipients. 

University Canada West

• More than 11,000 international students from 110 nations are studying at the University Canada West.
• This university was established in the year 2024. 
• Courses such as Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, MBA, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, etc., are available for academic studies here.
• 95% of its MBA graduates obtain jobs within one year of graduation.
• UCS has obtained an overall 5-star rating from the QS Stars, making it the third in Canada and first in British Columbia to receive the same.

SDS Visa Requirements

Below, we have mentioned point-wise SDS Canada eligibility for Indian students.:

• Language test proof: IELTS (6.0 or more in each language skill) or TEF (test évaluation de français score equal to a CLB score of minimum 7 for every ability). These tests should have been completed within two years of the SDS application receipt date.
• Evidence of GIC: Guaranteed Investment Certificate of CAD 20,635 or higher from a bank that has been insured by the CDIC or any other banking institution which features on the IRCC SDS platform.
• Tuition fee payment evidence: 1st year’s tuition fee should have been paid fully.
• Offer letter from a post-secondary DLI.
• Latest secondary/post-secondary academic transcripts.
• Medical test proof (if applicable).

Non-SDS Student Visa

A basic visa application process, a Non-SDS student visa is for those applicants who wish to live temporarily in Canada for the purpose of studying, work or immigration. All those who do not meet the set requirements for the SDS visa can apply through this. 

Non- SDS Visa Requirements

Documents required for Non-SDS Visa are listed below:

• IELTS/PTE/TOEFL language proficiency test proof
• Evidence of depositing 6-month tuition fees
• Official and verified travel documents
• Canadian $10,000 deposit has to be paid as GIC by the applicants 
• Basic medical tests proof

Benefits of Choosing Canada for Higher Studies

Below we have mentioned point-wise benefits to study in Canada for Indian students.

1. High-quality education at the colleges in Canada
2. A variety of courses are available for international students.
3. The cost of living in Canada is affordable in comparison with other developed nations such as the US or the UK.
4. Fully funded and partially funded scholarships to study in Canada are available for international students.
5. The diverse culture of Canada is a major advantage to studying here. 551,405 students from 184 nations got study visas (According to the Report of IRCC 2022).
6. Easy and fast student visa approval for international students.

Need guidance regarding choosing a college in Canada? Click here to reach out to Shiksha counsellors.