Canada is a top destination for international students, thanks to its high-quality education and promising career opportunities. One of the key benefits of studying in Canada is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to gain valuable work experience after completing your higher education. A PGWP is an open work permit, valid for up to three years, enabling graduates from designated Canadian institutions to work for any employer, in any location, and for as many hours as they wish. Let’s learn more about the PGWP eligible colleges in Canada.
Key highlights:
- PGWP Eligible Colleges in Canada – Important Criteria
- List of Colleges That Offer PGWP in Canada
- Eligibility Criteria for PGWP Universities in Canada
- How to Apply to PGWP Canada Colleges
PGWP Eligible Colleges in Canada – Important Criteria
What Makes a College PGWP-Eligible?
To qualify for a PGWP after graduation, you must study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — a post-secondary school approved by a Canadian provincial or territorial government to host international students. However, not every DLI qualifies for the PGWP programme. Only specific PGWP eligible colleges in Canada offer programmes that align with immigration requirements for this work permit.
Before you apply, verify two crucial things:
- The college or university is listed as a PGWP-eligible DLI
- The programme of study meets PGWP eligibility conditions (duration, structure, and format)
PGWP Rules and Eligibility
To receive a PGWP, you must:
- Graduate from a full-time programme at a PGWP-eligible institution that is at least 8 months long (or 900 hours if studying in Quebec)
- Maintain full-time student status throughout the course (except in your final semester, which may be part-time)
- Apply for your PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation of programme completion
- Ensure your study permit is valid at some point during those 180 days
Depending on your level of study, there are also specific rules:
- If you’ve completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, you must meet language requirements — a minimum of CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) 7 in English or NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) 7 in French across all skill areas.
- As of 2025, Canadian colleges have removed the field-of-study requirement for a PGWP.
Additionally, more than 50% of your coursework must be in-person, not online, to be eligible for a PGWP. So far, there’s no minimum GPA requirement for students to be eligible for their PGWP.
Choosing one of the many colleges in Canada with PGWP eligibility ensures that your academic investment translates into tangible work opportunities in Canada. Be cautious when selecting PGWP universities in Canada, as if a college loses its DLI or PGWP status during your studies, you may risk your future work permit eligibility.
Also Read: Top Canadian universities you Must Know
List of Colleges That Offer PGWP in Canada
Here’s a look at some popular Canada colleges with PGWP programmes in various provinces.
PGWP Canada Colleges in Ontario
- University of Toronto
- York University
- University of Waterloo
- Conestoga College
- Mohawk College
Canada PGWP Colleges in British Columbia
- University of British Columbia
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Victoria
- University of Northern British Columbia
- Thompson Rivers University
Canada PGWP Eligible Colleges in Alberta
- University of Alberta
- Bow Valley College
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT Polytechnic)
- Lakeland College
PGWP Canada Colleges in Quebec
- McGill University
- Université de Montréal
- Université Laval
- Concordia University
- Université de Sherbrooke
PGWP Colleges in Canada’s New Brunswick
- University of New Brunswick
- Mount Allison University
- St. Thomas University
- Crandall University
- Kingswood University
Also Read: Public vs Private Universities in Canada: Key Differences
Eligibility Criteria for PGWP Universities in Canada
If you’re planning to study in Canada, you must meet the following essential eligibility requirements:
- Enrol at a DLI
- Demonstrate you can pay for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation
- Meet the necessary language proficiency requirements
- Submit medical and police certificates
How to Apply to Colleges with PGWP in Canada
Choose the Right Institution
Ensure the college is on the official list of DLIs and offers programmes aligned with your career goals.
Gather Required Documents
You’ll typically need academic transcripts, an acceptance letter, a valid passport, proof of funds, and medical/vaccination records.
Take a Language Test
Prepare for and take a language proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), depending on the college’s requirements.
Submit Your Application
Apply online via the college’s portal or through the approved centralised platforms. Pay attention to deadlines, especially for popular intakes like September.
Apply for a Study Permit
Once accepted, apply for your Canadian study permit and visa with your acceptance letter and supporting documents.
Pursuing higher education at colleges that offer PGWP in Canada can open doors to global career opportunities. To support your academic journey, Avanse Financial Services offers tailored education loan solutions designed for aspiring international students. You can use our simple tool to calculate the EMI for the education loan, plan your finances, and achieve your dream of studying in Canada.
