Student Direct Stream: A quick, easy, pathway to study in Canada

Assia Hamdane
A man and woman miling to eachother outside, with a tram in the background

Thinking of studying abroad? Trying to find the best way to study in Canada? There are so many options/pathways that it can feel overwhelming and complicated.

Thankfully, there is a simple and efficient way, called the Student Direct Stream (SDS). It is well-known that studying in Canada is a popular option among overseas students.

The latest figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for 2022 show that Canada has achieved an all-time high in terms of the number of international students. By the end of October 2022, they had processed over 750,300 study permit applications.

Ìý

Student Direct Stream: A quick, easy, pathway to study in Canada
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ÃÛÌÒapp can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

What is SDS?

SDS was introduced by the Canadian Government to help students from eligible countries get their study permits quickly.

Since its introduction, it has been a popular pathway for students looking to follow their dreams of living in Canada to study.ÌýThis is because it has a streamlined application process, which requires less documentation and boasts a success rate of 70%.

How fast can I get a study visa/permit?

If you meet the criteria, you can use this express study permit processing route, which can be quick asÌý20 days.

We are proud to announce that the Canadian Government (IRCC) now accepts our top-rated English proficiency test, PTE Academic, for SDS applications. Results are delivered in only two days, making the process of applying to study abroad in Canada even faster.

Did you know that PTE Academic is accepted by 91% of universities and over 60% of colleges in Canada? Whether you're applying for the SDS or Non-SDS route, PTE Academic is the perfect test for you.

You don’t have to just take our word for it, try ourÌýÌýand see how you get on.

Eligibility for the SDS program

Criteria for SDS

To apply for a study permit through SDS, you must submit your application online and meet certain requirements. You must be migrating to study fromÌý.

What you need to qualify:

  • An acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI)
  • Your tuition fee paid for your first year of study
  • A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000
  • A minimum score of 60 in PTE Academic

What do I need to submit if I’m eligible?

If you meet all the above criteria, then you will need to submit the following for your online application:

  • Letter of acceptance from a DLI
  • Proof of Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) payment (certificate/letter of attestation)
  • PTE Score Report
  • Proof of payment of tuition fee for your first year of study
  • Relevant academic background with complete academic documents
  • Copy of your medical examination from an authorized panel of doctors
  • The additional requirement of CAQ for students intending to study in Quebec

The SDS is an excellent option for those looking for a speedy and easy way to learn in Canada. With streamlined application processes, high success rates, and the acceptance of PTE Academic, it's a brilliant pathway to consider.

If you want to learn more about PTE Academic and sign up for our updates about SDS, you can visit theÌý.

For further information about the SDS program, you can visit theÌý.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A woman on her laptop smiling and working

    The science behind Smart Lesson Generator: Making teaching easier with AI

    By Thomas Gardner
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    It's 6 AM on a Monday morning. Ms. Lopez wakes up early to prepare for the day ahead. She spends the morning reviewing lesson plans, making sure everything is ready for her students. By lunchtime, she is preparing for the afternoon, grabbing a quick bite between classes... but it doesn’t stop there. The school day finishes but Ms. Lopez stays late marking assignments. Finally, on Sunday night, she sits at her kitchen table, surrounded by papers, course books and lesson plans.

    Does this sound familiar? You are not alone.

    The challenge teachers face

    In 2024, ÃÛÌÒapp research found thatÌý76% of teachers spend at least one hour of their personal time on lesson planning each week, with 43% spending more than three hours. This is a lot of time that could be spent on other important tasks. Teachers need a solution that helps them plan lessons fast, is connected to their course books and is built by learning experts.

  • woman working on a laptop

    Why use Smart Lesson Generator?

    By Thomas Gardner
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Teachers juggle many responsibilities and often find themselves with limited time for lesson planning. Your solution? Smart Lesson Generator is the fast, connected and effective way to plan lesson activities, so you can get back to doing what you love – teaching. Smart Lesson Generator is an AI-powered tool designed to support educators by streamlining lesson planning and creating engaging, pedagogically-sound content. Here’s why you should consider integrating this tool into your teaching toolkit.

    Save time and focus on teaching

    One of the most significant challenges teachers face is the overwhelming amount of time spent on planning and administrative tasks. Smart Lesson Generator addresses this issue head-on by enabling teachers to create high-quality lesson activities in just 60 seconds. This time-saving feature allows educators to dedicate more time to engaging with their students and delivering impactful lessons.

    Ensure content relevance and engagement

    Creating relevant and engaging content is crucial for effective teaching. The Smart Lesson Generator empowers teachers to tailor lesson activities to the specific needs and interests of their students. Whether you’re adapting content based on current events or cultural relevance, the tool ensures that your lessons are always up-to-date and engaging.

    Provide differentiated instruction

    Catering to a diverse classroom with varying abilities can be challenging. Smart Lesson Generator supports differentiated instruction by offering stretch activities for advanced students and remediation activities for those needing additional support. This feature ensures that all students, regardless of their proficiency level, receive the appropriate level of challenge and support, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

    Pedagogically sound

    As educators, I think we can all agree there is a need for effective AI-tools that are designed by teaching experts. Smart Lesson Generator is aligned with ÃÛÌÒapp courses and the Global Scale of English (GSE) framework, ensuring that all generated activities are pedagogically sound and level appropriate. This alignment guarantees that the content you deliver is not only engaging but also meets rigorous educational standards, providing a reliable foundation for student learning.

    Explore a variety of activity types

    Smart Lesson Generator currently offers six activity types - with more in development - to cater to different teacher needs and styles. These include:

    • Lesson hook: Engaging warmers to introduce lesson topics and activate prior knowledge
    • Communication starter: Activities designed to promote student interaction and communication skills
    • Reading activity: Additional reading practice aligned with lesson content or personalized topics
    • Exit ticket: Formative assessment tools to evaluate student understanding and encourage reflection
    • Grammar presentation: Support for mastering key language points relevant to the lesson
    • Vocabulary presentation: Activities to enhance vocabulary acquisition and usage

    Personalize the learning experience

    Every classroom is unique, and Smart Lesson Generator allows you to create personalized learning experiences tailored to your students' needs. By generating content based on ÃÛÌÒapp courses or personalized topics, you can ensure that each lesson is relevant and engaging for your students. This personalization fosters a more dynamic and effective learning environment where students are more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

    Embrace the future of teaching with Smart Lesson Generator and experience the transformative power of AI in education. Save time, enhance engagement and deliver high-quality, personalized lessons that make a lasting impact on your students.

  • A teacher stood next to a young students desk, the student sat at the desk is high fiving his teacher

    What is the ÃÛÌÒapp Smart Lesson Generator?

    By Thomas Gardner
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    How much of your valuable time is spent on planning and administrative tasks instead of teaching? While 93% of educators start their careers to positively impact students' lives, over 75% end up overwhelmed by these non-teaching duties. But we have a tool to help lighten the load.

    Introducing ÃÛÌÒapp Smart Lesson GeneratorÌý– a fast, integrated and efficient solution to streamline lesson planning, allowing you to focus on teaching. Let’s explore the Smart Lesson Generator:

    Meet the new ÃÛÌÒapp Smart Lesson Generator

    The ÃÛÌÒapp Smart Lesson Generator allows you to create engaging and appropriate lesson plans in seconds. It is connected with ÃÛÌÒapp courses designed by experts and aligned with the Global Scale of English (GSE) to ensure effectiveness.