Maple News reports that Canada has expanded the number of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) permitted to admit international students, as the country continues to adjust its travel and immigration measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
DLIs are schools, colleges, and universities that are approved by provincial or territorial governments to host international students. During the pandemic, only DLIs with a government-sanctioned COVID-19 readiness plan have been allowed to welcome students from abroad. This plan must outline how the institution will manage quarantines, monitor students’ health, and support them throughout their stay.
Previously, travel restrictions limited entry to international students who held a study permit issued on or before March 18. However, with updated guidelines in place, newer cohorts of international students can now travel to Canada to begin or resume their studies at these approved institutions.
Several renowned Ontario institutions have recently been added to the approved list, including the University of Waterloo, Ryerson University, OCAD University, and the University of Windsor. Students enrolled in these DLIs are exempt from the broader travel bans and are likely to be granted entry upon arrival in Canada, pending a border officer’s decision.
While Canada’s borders are cautiously reopening to more international students, all arrivals—regardless of nationality—are still required by law to self-isolate for 14 days. Students must have a detailed quarantine plan in place before traveling, including where they will quarantine and how they will access essentials such as food and medication.
In addition, air travelers to Canada must use the ArriveCAN mobile app to submit their travel and contact information, quarantine plan, and daily COVID-19 self-assessments during the two-week isolation period.
Despite the eased restrictions, Canadian universities have reported a noticeable decline in international enrollment, while local (domestic) student numbers have increased in some provinces. Institutions in British Columbia and Ontario, in particular, are seeing this shift as part of the broader impact of the pandemic on global student mobility.
The gradual reopening to international students signals optimism for Canada’s education sector, which relies heavily on international talent for both academic and economic contributions. With more DLIs gaining approval, Canada reinforces its commitment to remain a top destination for international education despite ongoing global challenges.