Top 15 Non SDS Colleges in Canada - All you need to know

Students looking to pursue higher education in Canada can enroll themselves in non SDS colleges in Canada. Besides non SDS colleges, SDS colleges in Canada are also popular among international students. SDS stands for Student Direct Stream, formally known as SPP (Student Partners Program). On the other hand, non-SDS is known as a General Category. 

The purpose of this article is to provide students with the list of Non SDS colleges in Canada. In addition, we have discussed the requirements and application process for SDS and Non SDS Canadian institutions. Further, you will also learn what are the major differences between SDS and Non SDS.

List of Top Non SDS Colleges in Canada

Many Non-SDS colleges in Canada offer undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate, diploma, and doctoral programs in multiple subject areas. The table below shows the list of best non SDS colleges in Canada:

S.No	College	Tuition Fees (INR)
1	Thompson Rivers University	9.26 lakhs- 17.08 lakhs
2	Cape Breton University	8.82 lakhs- 10.65 lakhs
3	Fairleigh Dickinson University	8.73 lakhs- 18.15 lakhs
4	University Canada West	5.31 lakhs- 12.28 lakhs
5	Cambrian College	8.98 lakhs- 46.56 lakhs
6	McMaster University	9.34 lakhs- 8.47 lakhs
7	University Of Northern British Columbia	6.40 lakhs- 16.77 lakhs
8	Memorial University of Newfoundland	5.89 lakhs- 9.13 lakhs
9	Brock University	5.31 lakhs- 12.28 lakhs
10	University Of Windsor	6.25 lakhs- 8.45 lakhs
11	King’s University College	8.73 lakhs- 18.15 lakhs
12	Lakehead University	8.82 lakhs- 10.65 lakhs
13	Royal Roads University	9.26 lakhs- 17.08 lakhs
14	York University	5.31 lakhs- 12.28 lakhs
15	Acsenda School of Management	8.82 lakhs- 10.65 lakhs

What is Non-SDS?

Overseas students who are not able to meet the requirements of Student Direct Stream can avail of the non-SDS option, which is a standard visa application process to obtain a temporary Residency in Canada. The requisites tend to differ as this route also requires more documents.

Non-SDS Colleges in Canada Requirements

Here are the non-SDS requirements for international students willing to pursue higher studies in Canada:

• Language Proficiency Test: Tests such as IELTS, PTE or TOEFL are required to prove their language proficiency.
• Travel documents: Valid travel documents are required for the candidates before applying for a non-SDS.
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): The candidates are required to deposit 10000 Canadian Dollars as GIC. This deposit requirement ensures that the student is secured in Canada and has the needed funds.
• Tuition Fee: Under non-SDS, candidates have to provide proof that they have deposited the tuition fees for six months
• Medical Examination: Some basic medical tests must be submitted before applying for a non-SDS.

Following are some of the additional requirements:

• Educational Documents
• Digital Pictures
• Statement of Purpose
• Financial Documents
• Offer letter from the colleges
• Proof of previous work experience
• Income tax return documents
• Receipt of tuition fees
• Visa application fees

Non-SDS Application Process

Following is the application process for students looking to enroll in non SDS colleges in Canada: 

• Step1: Start by creating your online account on the CIC Canada website, and obtain  your user ID and the password. Accept the terms and conditions.
• Step2: Now, fill out the identification validation area after creating the account.
• Step 3: Enter the personal reference code after starting the online application.(If you do not have the personal reference code, then find out your eligibility by answering the basic questions. At the end, you need to save the application and exit the questionnaire.)
• Step 4: After answering the required questions, the page will indicate whether you are eligible for the application or not. If the pop-up announces you as eligible, you can proceed with the next steps.
• Step 5: The applicant must review all the given answers carefully.
• Step 6: Make sure to check the the required documents. You can add any other documents here if you have missed some.
• Step 7: You are all set to apply now for non SDS colleges in Canada.

What is SDS?

Students Partner Program (SPP), also called SDS (Student Direct Stream), is a program launched by Immigration Services of Canada. It is the faster approach for overseas students to apply directly for pursuing higher education in Canada. 

There are certain requirements for students to fulfill, and then they can apply only through this medium. The Immigration Refugees Citizenship of Canada specifies the conditions under the Student Direct Stream program.

SDS Colleges in Canada Requirements

Students can apply for SDS colleges in Canada if they fulfill the following requirements:

• Language Proficiency: Applicants must have a minimum score of 6.0 to apply for an SDS. They can take IELTS Academic or IELTS General as well.
• Travel Documents: Candidates who want to apply for a student visa must have a valid travel document. If the date of the travel document expires, the visa will not be issued.
• GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate):  Students are required to deposit 10000 Canadian Dollars as GIC. This deposit requirement ensures that the student is secured in Canada and has the needed funds.
• Tuition Fee: Full payment of the 1st year tuition fee is one of the basic requirements for the students. The candidates have to provide proof in the form of a receipt.

Some additional requirements for SDS Colleges:

• Authorized academic transcripts, along with the high school mark sheet. Students must have secured at least 55% marks in class 12th/bachelor’s degree.
• SOP (Statement of Purpose)
• Offer letter from the colleges
• Digital Photographs
• Evidence of prior work experience
• Proof of required medical tests
• Visa application fees of $150

SDS Application Process

To benefit from a fast study permit process, the student must fill out the SDS aapplication form online. There is no paper application available for student direct stream. Therefore, one should make sure to prepare all their documents in advance. The following checklist must be considered for SDS application process:

• Instructions guide for the application form.
• Camera and Scanner to produce digital photocopies of the mandatory documents.
• Debit/ credit card to make the online payment.
• Submit both the biometric fee and biometrics online by visiting the official website.

Top SDS Colleges in Canada

A majority of the Canadian institutions have their DLN (Designated Learning Number) that enlists the colleges as part of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. Find below the list of the best SDS institutions in Canada:

• George Brown College
• Red River College
• Humber College
• Parkland College
• Fleming College
• Loyalist College
• Canadore College
• Vancouver Island University
• Northern Lights College
• Lakeland College
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
• Seneca College 
• Sault College
• Mohawk College
• Fanshawe College

Read More: Top SDS Colleges in Canada

Difference between SDS and Non SDS Colleges in Canada

There are differences between SDS and Non-SDS colleges in Canada in terms of their visa application process. SDS is a faster method of processing visa applications. The table below shows a comparison of SDS and non-SDS visa categories:

SDS Colleges	Non-SDS Colleges
Fewer documents required	More number of documents needed
The average processing time of student visa is 20 days	The average processing time of student visa is around 2 to 3 months
GIC is mandatory	GIC is not mandatory
Only IELTS scores are accepted	TOEFL, IELTS, PTE scores are accepted
Payment of tuition fees for one year	Students may pay tuition fees for six months
Higher success rate for student visa	Lower success rate as compared to SDS visa

Non SDS Colleges in Canada FAQs

1. Which are the top non SDS colleges in Canada?

Among the best Canadian SDS colleges are McMaster University, Thompson Rivers University, Cape Breton University, York University, University Canada West, etc.

2. Is GIC needed for Non-SDS?

It is not compulsory to obtain a Guaranteed Invesment Certificate (GIC) to apply for Non SDS colleges. 

3. What is the difference between SDS and non SDS colleges in Canada?

An express entry visa application, SDS is for students who wish to pursue higher education in Canada. Whereas Non-SDS is a general visa application for anyone who wants to study, work, or migrate to Canada.  

4. Who is eligible for non SDS?

Students must have secured at least 55% marks in class 12th/bachelor’s degree to be eligible for non-SDS Canadian colleges. Additionally, a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 for UG courses and 6.5 for PG courses is required.

5. What is the success rate of non SDS visa?

IRCC reported a 40% success rate for non-SDS visa in 2021. At the same time, the SDS visa success rate was 71%.