This list highlights major public Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) across Canada. Master’s and PhD students admitted to a program at these public universities are exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement effective January 1, 2026.
Any Master’s or Doctoral degree completed at these institutions will also qualify you for the guaranteed 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), regardless of the program’s length (as detailed in your visa guide).
1. Ontario (ON)
Ontario hosts many of Canada’s largest universities, offering a vast array of graduate programs.
| Institution Name | Location (Primary) | Popular Graduate Programs (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto (U of T) | Toronto | M.B.A., M.Sc. Computer Science, M.Eng. Electrical & Computer Engineering, M.A. Public Policy |
| University of Waterloo | Waterloo | M.Math. (CS, Data Science), M.Eng. (Various), M.A. Economics, Master of Public Service |
| McMaster University | Hamilton | M.Sc. Health Sciences, M.B.A., M.Eng. Materials Science, M.A. Globalization |
| York University | Toronto | Schulich M.B.A., M.Sc. Digital Media, M.A. Social Anthropology, M.Ed. |
| Western University | London | M.Sc. Physics, M.B.A., M.Eng. Civil Engineering, M.A. Political Science |
| University of Ottawa | Ottawa | M.S.N. Nursing, M.A. Criminology, M.Sc. Chemical Engineering, Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
2. British Columbia (BC)
BC institutions are world-renowned, focusing heavily on technology, sustainability, and life sciences.
| Institution Name | Location (Primary) | Popular Graduate Programs (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | Vancouver | M.Sc. Data Science, M.A. Economics, M.Eng. Clean Energy, Master of Management |
| Simon Fraser University (SFU) | Burnaby | M.Sc. Big Data, M.P.A. Public Administration, M.A. Gerontology, M.Eng. Mechatronics |
| University of Victoria (UVic) | Victoria | M.Sc. Earth & Ocean Sciences, M.B.A., M.A. Indigenous Governance, M.Eng. Software |
3. Quebec (QC)
While the PAL rules differ slightly for Quebec, public universities still confer the greatest benefits. (Note: Quebec generally requires a CAQ, which serves a similar function to a PAL).Canada Visa – Complete Guide to Applications and Stress-Free Process
| Institution Name | Location (Primary) | Popular Graduate Programs (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | Montréal | M.Sc. Epidemiology, M.B.A., M.Eng. Biomedical Engineering, M.A. Islamic Studies |
| Université de Montréal | Montréal | M.A. Criminology, M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence (MILA), M.B.A., M.Sc. Information Science |
| Université Laval | Quebec City | M.Sc. Forestry, M.B.A., M.A. Second Language Pedagogy, M.Eng. Mechanical |
4. Alberta (AB)
Alberta offers strong institutions, often with a focus on energy, engineering, and health.
| Institution Name | Location (Primary) | Popular Graduate Programs (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alberta (U of A) | Edmonton | M.Eng. Petroleum Engineering, M.A. Philosophy, M.Sc. Computing Science, M.B.A. |
| University of Calgary (U of C) | Calgary | M.Sc. Public Health, M.Eng. Pipeline Engineering, M.A. Communications, M.B.A. Finance |
Important Considerations for Your Application
- DLI Status Verification: Always confirm the institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) using the official Government of Canada list. All universities listed above are DLIs.
- Public vs. Private: The PAL exemption only applies if the Master’s program is at a public DLI. If you attend a private DLI for your Master’s, you will still need a PAL.
- Program Length: While the PGWP is guaranteed for 3 years, remember that if you have a spouse hoping to get a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), your Master’s program must be certified as being at least 16 months long for them to qualify.
- CLB 7: Do not forget to prioritize your language skills! The CLB 7 requirement is mandatory for the PGWP application regardless of the school you choose.Canada’s Master’s and PhD Student Visa Rules (Effective January 2026)
