What Students Read
Read on to get your latest updates on Universities, Courses Offered, Student Visa Updates, and lots more!

Students that are looking forward to pursuing higher education abroad should consider Canada as a great option. When applying for a visa, one might get confused about the difference between SDS and non-SDS. These two terms are not very standard, but they are relevant to your visa application.
Before moving forward, we should understand the primary difference between the concepts. 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. Non-SDS is the best option for those international students who do not meet the basic requirements for a student visa in Canada. International students from countries like India, Brazil, etc., can avail this option easily.
Students Partner Program (SPP), also known as SDS (Student Direct Stream), is an initiative of the Immigration Services of Canada. Student Direct Stream is the fastest approach for international students to apply directly to pursue education in Canada. There are specific requirements for students to fulfil, and then they can apply only through an online medium. The Immigration Refugees Citizenship of Canada sets the conditions under the Student Direct Stream.
READ MORE: SDS Colleges in Canada
The international students who were not able to fulfil the requirements of Student Direct Stream can avail of the non-SDS option, which is a standard visa application process to get a Temporary Residency in Canada. The requisites tend to differ as this route also requires more documents.
Students must have a minimum score of 6.0 to apply for an SDS. They can appear for IELTS Academic or IELTS General as well.
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.
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. Candidates will receive a letter of attestation, the Guaranteed Investment Certificate, the Investment Directions Confirmation, or the Investment Balance Confirmation. Before releasing the funds to the students after entry to Canada, the bank must validate the candidate's identity.
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 more requirements:
SUGGESTED: Canada Student Visa Process
The Non-SDS requirements are mentioned below:
1. Language Proficiency Test
Tests like IELTS, PTE or TOEFL are required to prove their language proficiency.
2. Travel document
A valid travel document is required for the candidates before applying for a non-SDS
3. 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.
4. Tuition Fee
Under non-SDS, candidates have to provide proof that they have deposited the tuition fees for six months
5. Medical Examination
Some basic medical tests must be submitted before applying for a non-SDS.
6. Some more requirements
The candidate must fill out the application online for a fast study permit process. There is no paper application for SDS. Therefore, one should make sure to align all your documents. The following checklist must be considered:
Need Help? Contact AECC Global
Need Help? Contact AECC Global
Most of the institutions of Canada have their DLN (Designated Learning Number) that enlists the colleges as part of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme collaboration Canada's Student Direct Stream (SDS) colleges are as follows:
RELATED: Non-SPP Colleges in Canada
Several Non-SDS colleges in Canada provide undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate, diploma, and doctoral programs in various disciplines.
The following is a list of notable Non-SDS colleges and universities in Canada:
Acsenda School Of Management |
Thompson Rivers University |
Cape Breton University |
Fairleigh Dickinson University |
University Canada West |
Cambrian College |
Mcmaster University |
University Of Northern British Columbia |
Memorial University Of Newfoundland |
Brock University |
University Of Windsor |
King’s University College |
Lakehead University |
Royal Roads University |
York University |
Now, one has become familiar with the primary difference between Student Direct Stream and the Non-SDS; the following can be said as the main reasons why an SDS approach is considered better than the Non-SDS for a visa application.
If an applicant cannot meet the financial requirements of SDS, they can apply for a non-SDS visa for Canada. Here, you can rest assured that you can obtain all the relevant information on non-SDS in Canada, non-SDS meaning, and non-SDS band requirements. The non-SDS success rate is relatively low than the SDS category. This is because the number of documents is less in SDS than in non-SDS. As per the IRCC, the SDS success rate in 2021 was 71%, whereas, for the non-SDS applicants, it was 40%.
If you are confused about the approach or the documents required, our counsellors will assist you in choosing the best path to reach your academic goals without hassle. AECC Global has helped lakhs of students to reach their goals and you are next!
The SDS visa rate has more success rate compared to the non-SDS one.
The non-SDS colleges provide admission to students who apply for a Canadian work permit through the standardised process.
Language Proficiency Test, travel document, Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GEC) etc. are a few requirements for non-SDS.
SDS colleges are those that come with DLI numbers and accept students applying under the SDS visa program.
Test Preparation
Premium Counselling
Get in Touch
About Us
Our Partners
Quick Links
Book your FREE consultation with Certified Counsellors