George Brown College

Admission Requirements for International Students

Contents

1. English Language Proficiency
2. English Language Validity
3. Conditional Admission through EAP
4. Selection-based Programs Not Eligible for Conditional Acceptance
5. Exemption from Providing Proof of English Proficiency
6. Public College English Proficiency
7. Pathway Language School English Proficiency

Admission requirements differ significantly depending on your country of origin as well as the credential that you wish to pursue.

In order to be admitted into the program of your choice you must:

Please select your country of origin and credential of interest under the drop down tab in “See Credential Requirements” in order to view specific requirements for your country.

• Have graduated from senior secondary school or equivalent (those applying for a postgraduate program must have graduated from a university or college)
• Pay the non-refundable application fee (see Tuition Fees and Related Costs for International Students for application fees)
• Provide proof of English proficiency, if English is not the first language in your country. Please see your options for providing proof of English proficiency below.

We do not have the capacity to admit all applicants who meet the minimum general and program-specific requirements. Please note that programs can close early if international enrollment for the program is already achieved and there is no more capacity. Submission of an application does not guarantee an offer of a place in a program.

Requirements By Country Of Origin

India – Diploma / Certificate

International Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Graduated from senior secondary school or equivalent Minimum overall of 60% in12th Grade for all streams.

Minimum overall of 50% in English in 12th Grade.

For students applying to Information Technology, Construction & Engineering programs (i.e.: Mechanical, Civil, Electro-Mechanical, IT/Computers, Architecture, Construction, Interior Design): minimum overall of 50% in MATH in 12th. (Note: this excludes programs from the School of Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades)

For all other programs: If no grade 12th Math, 50% in 10th Math is required.

For some limited programs, minimum grades in Grade 12 Science, Math and English may be required.

Supporting Documents

Scan copies of original marks sheets and certificates of secondary (10) and marks sheet of senior secondary school (+2) mark sheet.

For applicants who only completed year 10: marks sheet of secondary (10) plus marks sheets and completion certificate of diploma for admission to undergraduate programs.

NOTE: We do not accept study gaps of more than 5 years.

Special Notes

Conditional Acceptance through EAP Program not available for India applicants

O/A Levels acceptable

India – Degree

International Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Graduated from senior secondary school or equivalent.

Minimum 5 major subjects in 12th Grade, including English, with average of 65% and no course less than 60%.

If Math was not taken in 12th Grade, Mathematics from Grade 10 or 11 (or from any post-secondary courses taken) may be considered if the grade is at 70% or higher.

For some degree programs, minimum grades in Grade 12 Science courses are also required.

Supporting Documents

Scan copies of original marks sheets and certificates of secondary (10) and senior secondary (+2) school.

Grade 11 mark sheets may also be required under certain circumstances. All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate (ISC) or Year 10+2 State Board.

Include transcripts for any post-secondary courses or programs completed. NOTE: We do not accept study gaps of more than 5 years.

Special Notes

Conditional Acceptance through EAP Program not available for India applicants

O/A Levels acceptable

India – Post Graduate

International Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Applicants for a postgraduate program must have graduated from a university or college.

1st or 2nd class degree results required.

Second class degree result must have a minimum overall average of 55% for Business programs and 60% for all other streams.

Fashion programs must have a first class degree with a minimum of 70%.

Supporting Documents

Scan copies of original attested Individual marks sheets (consolidated degree marks sheets not accepted except for Universities that do not issue individual mark sheets e.g., Pune, Delhi).

NOTE: We accept no more than 6 backlogs in a 3-year degree.

NOTE: We accept no more than 8 backlogs in a 4-year degree.

NOTE: We do not accept study gaps of more than 5 years.

Special Notes

Conditional Acceptance through EAP Program not available for India applicants

O/A Levels acceptable

Please attach all documents required in support of your application but do not send any extra documents that are not required. For most countries, copies of originals should be attested as “true copies” by the educational institution or by a notary.

Applicants who are under 18 must also submit custodianship documents.

George Brown College Admissions Officers reserve the right to request original documents if there are any doubts or questions with regard to authenticity or legibility of documents submitted electronically.

Please note: there have been some changes to our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. Please click on the ‘Conditional Admission Through EAP’ below for more details.

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How can George Brown College help me reach my career goals?

Balancing work, home, and education is easy at George Brown, with full-time, part-time and continuing education programs to suit your availability and allow you to work towards a diploma, degree or certificate.

Find out more about programs at George Brown.

Why choose George Brown College?

Toronto is home to many major industries in Canada and is one of the most important economic hubs in North America. As such, the city becomes a living lab for our students. We have three campuses and several locations that place students in the heart of downtown Toronto — St. James Campus, Casa Loma Campus and Waterfront Campus.

We’ve taken advantage of our location to give our students an edge in the job market. We partner with companies and organizations that play a role in the academic life of our students by advising course curriculum, and providing field education and employment. By helping us develop curriculum, these companies nurture our students to meet industry needs and gain skills that are highly sought after in the current job market.

There are so many more reasons to choose George Brown College that you’ll find in the Why George Brown section.

Where can I find more information about applying?

In our Admissions section, you’ll find everything you need to know, from How to Apply to Financial Aid as well as contact information in case you can’t find what you’re looking for online.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

AODA at George Brown College

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) became law on June 13, 2005. Under this landmark legislation, the government of Ontario developed mandatory accessibility standards that identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities.

Effective July 1, 2016, the standards have been consolidated into one regulation, the O. Reg. 191/11: Integrated Accessibility Standards which includes the following:

• Information and Communication Standards;
• Employment Standards;
• Transportation Standards;
• Design of Public Spaces Standards (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment); and
• Customer Service Standards.

The GBC AODA Accessibility Policy provides clear guidance on how the college will achieve the applicable obligations and responsibilities, including feedback on accessibility issues, under the AODA and its Standards, guided by the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity. Please refer to the AODA Training Modules and related policies for further details.

GBC has a dedicated committee to address accessibility issues on an ongoing basis. The George Brown College AODA Committee is comprised of members who champion accessibility best practices, those who are accountable for the successful implementation of accessibility initiatives and AODA regulations throughout the college, and the AODA Coordinator who provides leadership and expertise across the college in support of GBC’s accessibility strategy. This committee is responsible for key activities that include but are not limited to reviewing the annual status report, as well as the outcomes, deliverables and activities stated in our multi-year plan. For more information please contact aoda@georgebrown.ca.

Strategic Planning and Institutional Analysis

The Strategic Planning and Institutional Analysis team provides advice on emerging issues and opportunities to guide the development of transformative strategies, integrated and aligned plans for the organization, driving better decisions and results. The department strives to provide high quality insights, strategic analysis, planning and project management through three core functional areas: institutional research and planning, strategic and operational planning, and strategic project portfolio management.

Focus of Our Work

We work collaboratively with teams across the college and with industry experts to facilitate strategic thinking, help shape plans and support decision making. Please reach out to us with questions, ideas, or projects about any of our focus areas, below.

1. Institutional Research and Planning: operate as the primary coordinating source for data collection and reporting, including Strategic Mandate Agreements, KPIs, and student feedback. Provide key insights that challenge and inform strategic decision making. Perform analysis and research to facilitate planning, accountability, institutional assessment, quality assurance and inform policy formulation.
2. Strategic and Operational Planning: lead the strategy formulation and operational planning processes with actionable intelligence and thought leadership, sparking conversation and utilizing frameworks that result in long-term advantage. Oversee the formulation, monitoring, and deployment of a long-term strategy as well as annual operational plans that align the efforts of teams across the college.
3. Strategic Project Portfolio: provide leadership on ambitious, institution-wide initiatives designed to achieve the college’s strategic goals. Undertake integrated strategic project portfolio management to achieve optimal resource allocation and alignment with institutional vision.

Strategy 2022/Vision 2030

To view our Strategy 2022/Vision 2030, please visit our Imagining Possibilities page.

For access to Annual Reports please visit Annual Reports | George Brown College.

STRATEGY 2026 IS ALL ABOUT GROWTH AND IMPACT

George Brown College is growing to meet the needs of our city, our province, our country, and even the world.

By expanding our enrolment, physical and online presence, network of partners, and academic and research initiatives, we will deliver impactful post-secondary education that benefits students, industry and the broader community.

The future of George Brown College presents a range of exciting possibilities as we prepare students for a world of constant change—as economic transformations, climate change, urbanization and disruptive technologies continue to shake up established industries.

We’ve formulated a long-term perspective and vision that will guide us toward the George Brown College of 2030, and, at the same time, ensure that we deliver on the strategy to take us to 2026.

Strategy 2026: A Roadmap to the Future

Strategy 2026 was developed over a nine-month period involving the college community through consultation, validation of emerging direction, and a variety of feedback sessions with stakeholders.

Strategy 2026 establishes the priorities for aligning our resources and activities. It will propel George Brown toward becoming an inclusive college renowned for student success, career-oriented academic programs, research and innovation, community and industry partnership, and employee pride and engagement.

George Brown College History

Who was George Brown?

George Brown (1818-1880) was a 19th-century Scottish-born Canadian politician, newspaper publisher (he founded The Globe, precursor to The Globe and Mail) and was one of the Fathers of Confederation. An essential figure in the formation of Canada, Brown was a strong believer in public education.

In 1967, Canada’s centennial year, Bill Davis, then the Ontario Minister of Education, suggested that George Brown College would be a suitable name for the new college of applied arts and technology, noting: “the city to which George Brown added such lustre as a reformer, journalist, and statesman should honour him in this way.”

Evolution, education, employment

George Brown College opened its doors in 1968, welcoming just over 2,000 students. In addition to programs in construction, early childhood education, dental services and the culinary arts — subjects we continue to teach — we once offered programs that might not be quite as relevant today, like signwriting and watchmaking. Believe it or not, we even prepared students for careers at sea through a marine engineering program.

Since then, our full-time student population has grown to around 30,000. People come to George Brown from across the Greater Toronto Area, the country and the world to develop the skills and gain the real-world experience needed to succeed in the workplace.

Since 2004, George Brown has more than doubled in size, broadened our international partnerships and increased our commitment to strengthening the cultural, economic and social fabric of Toronto.

Milestones

George Brown opened in 1968, but our history stretches back to the early 1950s with the formation of two provincial organizations that later amalgamated to form the college.

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Tuition Fees and Related Costs for International Students

Fees

International tuition fees will increase for all new and returning students as of September 2025 for the 25-26 academic year.

The application fee is a non-refundable fee with a maximum validity of 3 intakes within the one academic year. The college International Withdrawal Policy applies.

Please note that the fees listed are for the 2025-2026 academic year for all new and returning students. Health Insurance costs are from 2025-2026 and subject to change for 2026-2027.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (ESL)

For EAP/ESL:

* Estimated based on prior year actual fees. Subject to change without notice.

^ Average estimate. Actual Fees vary by program. See individual program descriptions for fees.
Fees in Canadian Currency. Fees listed are for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. All fees are subject to change without notice. ​​​

Diploma/Certificate Programs

* Estimated based on prior year actual fees. Subject to change without notice.
^ Average estimate. Actual Fees vary by program. See individual program descriptions for fees.
† Some specialized programs have higher tuition fees.
See individual program descriptions for fees. Fees in Canadian Currency. Fees listed are for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. All fees are subject to change without notice. ​​​​​​

Graduate Certificate/Post-Graduate 

* Estimated based on prior year actual fees. Subject to change without notice.
^ Average estimate. Actual Fees vary by program. See individual program descriptions for fees.
† Some specialized programs have higher tuition fees.
See individual program descriptions for fees. Fees in Canadian Currency. Fees listed are for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. All fees are subject to change without notice.

Degree Programs

* Estimated based on prior year actual fees. Subject to change without notice.
^ Average estimate. Actual Fees vary by program. See individual program descriptions for fees.
† Some specialized programs have higher tuition fees. See individual program descriptions for fees.
Fees in Canadian Currency. Fees listed are for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. All fees are subject to change without notice.​​​​​​

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Fee

Fees for work-integrated learning semesters range from $500 to full semester tuition fees, depending on the specific academic program and type of work-integrated learning component offered.

Most of our programs have a work-integrated learning component which can vary in nature and duration depending on your specific academic program e.g., co-op, externship, internship, practicum, work experience, or clinical placement.

Please check with your individual academic program area for more information, and see individual program descriptions for fees.

Accommodation & Living Expenses

GBC RESIDENCE

Start and finish each day in comfort and style at The George, George Brown College’s student residence at 80 Cooperage St., Toronto. Living among friends in an exciting and secure community in downtown Toronto provides you with the complete college experience. Rates for 2022/23 are $5,250 per semester. See the Student Residence page for more information.

Payment Options

New Students

Payment Schedule

You are required to pay a minimum of one semester’s fees to accept your offer and secure your place in your program. You can pay your tuition fees by semester or for the full year. There are no payment plans available for new students.

Payment Methods

Fees can be paid by:​​​

Flywire Payment Services

• George Brown College is excited to introduce another platform to make payments. The Flywire payment option offers our International Students another option to pay their tuition fees. This option allows students to take advantage of the Flywire payment network and favourable exchange rates and service fees to use non-Canadian cards, international currencies, and bank transfers.
• The payment methods offered through Flywire are based on the country or region the funds are coming from, but regardless of which currency is chosen, there are multiple options available. Note the service fees, if applicable, when selecting your preferred payment method.
• Log into your account at applynow.georgebrown.ca and accept your offer. Then log into your STU-VIEW account to pay your fees through Flywire. For steps on how to pay your fees using Flywire, visit the User Guide.

CIBC International Student Pay (Only available from outside Canada)

• George Brown College has partnered with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) to facilitate Electronic Bank Transfers (EBTs) to Canada for timely payment of your tuition fees. Using CIBC’s International Student Pay portal, you can secure a preferred exchange rate and, in most cases, have the option to pay in your home currency. Note: Using a Canadian credit card to pay in a foreign currency may result in higher fees.
• Login to your account at applynow.georgebrown.ca and accept your offer, then select the ‘Pay by Electronic Bank Transfer (EBT)’ option and click on the ‘CIBC International Student Pay’ button. You will be taken to the CIBC International Student Pay portal to initiate the payment process.
• For more information, please visit the CIBC website

Credit card (MasterCard, VISA, AMEX, Discover) or VISA Debit

• Login to your account at applynow.georgebrown.ca and accept your offer, then select the ‘Pay by Credit Card’ option.
• To pay using the China Union Pay credit card, Wechat, eWallets, or Alipay, please go to the CIBC International Student Pay Portal at applynow.georgebrown.ca

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) CIBC offers a no-fee GIC for students who meet the requirements for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) study permit processing program. Apply now for a CIBC student GIC here: cibc.com/isbo

Returning Students

Payment Schedule

Pay your entire fee by the deadline specified on STU-VIEW or on the College INVOICE you received by mail and email.

Returning international students are required to pay an initial minimum deposit once per academic year of $4,000. This deposit will be applied towards the student’s tuition and fees for their first semester of study in that academic year.

Payment Methods

Fees can be paid by:

PayMyTuition (Preferred Payment Method for Returning International Students)

• George Brown College has partnered with PayMyTuition for tuition payments for Domestic Students and returning International Students. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost-effective, and offers multiple payment methods: credit card (MasterCard, VISA, or AMEX), online bill payment, Interac e-Transfer request, and pre-authorized debit. Note the service fees, if applicable, when selecting your preferred payment method.
• PayMyTuition is available to returning International Students through the “Pay Fees” link on the “Payment Centre (Pay Fees)” card in STU-VIEW. For more information, review the user guides found on the PayMyTuition Resources page.

Flywire Payment Services

• George Brown College is excited to introduce another platform to make payments. The Flywire payment option offers our International Students another option to pay their tuition fees. This option allows students to take advantage of the Flywire payment network and favourable exchange rates and service fees to use non-Canadian cards, international currencies, and bank transfers.
• The payment methods offered through Flywire are based on the country or region the funds are coming from, but regardless of which currency is chosen, there are multiple options available. Note the service fees, if applicable, when selecting your preferred payment method.
• Log into your account at applynow.georgebrown.ca and accept your offer. Then log into your STU-VIEW account to pay your fees through Flywire. For steps on how to pay your fees using Flywire, visit the User Guide.

CIBC International Student Pay (Only available from outside Canada)

• George Brown College has partnered with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) to facilitate Electronic Bank Transfers (EBTs) to Canada for timely payment of your tuition fees. Using CIBC’s International Student Pay portal, you can secure a preferred exchange rate and, in most cases, have the option to pay in your home currency. You can also pay your student fees from anywhere in the world at any time using bank wires, direct debit (US only), Wechat eWallets, Alipay and China Union Pay options. For more information please visit the CIBC website. Note: Using a Canadian credit card to pay in a foreign currency may result in higher fees.
• Login to your account at applynow.georgebrown.ca and accept your offer, then select the ‘Pay by Electronic Bank Transfer (EBT)’ option and click on the ‘CIBC International Student Pay’ button. You will be taken to the CIBC International Student Pay portal to initiate the payment process.

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Scholarships for International Students

Can international students apply for scholarships?

Scholarships for international students at George Brown College are generally in-program awards based on students’ academic performance (and other criteria) at George Brown College after the beginning of the academic program. Please note the following:

• Only successful applicants will be notified
• Successful scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply again for a second scholarship or bursary
• All award recipients require a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN). Awards are considered part of a student’s taxable income for the year. The College will issue T4A forms to all recipients in the spring of the year following the year in which the award was issued
• Awards are provided for returning students based on the eligibility requirements as outlined below.

George Brown College Funded Scholarships

Diploma/Degree Scholarships

Thirty-one scholarships to be awarded to eligible returning students in full-time post-secondary programs (diploma or degree) as follows:

• Fall competition- 14 worth $5,000 and 17 worth $1,000
• Winter competition- 6 worth $5,000 and 9 worth $1,000

Application deadlines:

• For Fall competition: Deadline is September 30th
• For Winter competition: Deadline is January 31st

To qualify an applicant must:

• be an international student with a valid Study Permit
• be registered in a full-time 2, 3 or 4-year diploma or degree program
• have completed at least two consecutive semesters of study with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 prior to the current semester
• have participated in activities that have made a contribution to other students, their academic department and/or the College community in general
• has not previously been awarded a scholarship through the George Brown College International Centre

To Apply

Please apply online for International Centre scholarships through STU-VIEW and be enrolled full-time in a program as an International Student. How to Apply Guide

Award Decision

Successful scholarship award recipients will be selected by a committee established by the College; the committee will have representation from academic divisions. The decision of the committee is final and cannot be appealed. Only the recipients of the scholarships will be notified by email.

If you have any questions about individual awards or the application process, please contact us at awards@georgebrown.ca.

If you are interested in helping us expand our awards program please contact the George Brown College Foundation.

Certificate Scholarships

The award is available to eligible returning students in full-time post-secondary Certificate or Post Graduate Certificate program (2 or 3 semesters) as follows: Scholarships of $2,000:

• 12 awards for January competition
• 10 awards for May competition
• 10 awards for September competition

To Apply

The following criteria must be met by the applicant:

• Student must be an international student
• Student must have at least completed 1 semester
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• The student must be actively involved in the Community (college and/or external)

Application deadlines:

• For January competition: Deadline is January 31st
• For May competition: Deadline is May 31st
• For September competition: Deadline is September 30th

How To Apply

Please apply online for International Centre scholarships through STU-VIEW and be enrolled full-time in a program as an International Student. How to Apply Guide

Award Decision

Successful scholarship award recipients will be selected by a committee established by the College; the committee will have representation from academic divisions. The decision of the committee is final and cannot be appealed. Only successful candidates will be notified by email.

If you have any questions about individual awards or the application process, please contact us at awards@georgebrown.ca. English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

There are eighteen scholarships available for eligible ESL students as follows:

• Scholarships of $1,000: 9 Awards (August Competition)
• Scholarships of $1,000: 9 Awards (January Competition)

To qualify an applicant must:

• be a registered full-time international English for Academic Purposes Program student
• have completed at least one level of the English for Academic Purposes Program with a grade A average
• have participated in activities that have made a contribution to other students, their academic department and/or the College community in general
• has not previously been awarded a scholarship through the George Brown College International Centre

Required Supporting Documentation

• A cover letter briefly outlining the contributions you have made to other students, your department/School and/or the College community in general (include the start date/ end date of the activity; name of the organization; number of hours per week; and some specific details about the activity).
• Attach a letter in support of your application from a George Brown College staff member.

Application deadlines:

• August Competition: August 31st (recipients will be notified by September 30th)
• January Competition: January 31st (recipients will be notified by February 28th)

How will the award decision be made?

Successful scholarship award recipients will be selected by a committee established by the College; the committee will have representation from academic divisions. The decision of the committee is final and cannot be appealed. Only the recipients of the scholarships will be notified.

If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy Van Grootheest at dvangroo@georgebrown.ca

Please submit your application to eslstudentsuccess@georgebrown.ca by the applicable deadline.

Please complete the application form.

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1. What if I do not get my Visa?

Students who do not receive their Visa to enter Canada are to provide official written documentation to the residence indicating that they have not received permission to enter the country. Once verification is received all fees paid less an administration fee will be refunded in the form of mailed certified cheque. Funds generally take 6 – 8 weeks to arrive.

2. Can students pay via wire transfer?

Yes, International students can pay via wire transfer. In the housing portal, when you arrive to the payment options, instructions on how to make a wire transfer to the Residence will be available. It is important that International students do not pay their fees via transfer into their GBC account, as the Residence has a separate account, and funds paid to their GBC account could potentially go towards other fees.

3. Airport Pickups?

Currently there is no airport pickup provided, however our front desk is open 24 hours a day and is able to receive students at any time while also providing support over the phone/email if students have questions. The residence is very accessible from the airport, as the Union Pearson Express will connect to options for bus, taxi, and nearby streetcar to the Residence.

4. Are there specific “International Communities” in Residence?

Our programming hinges on inclusivity and will address the needs of all students. Some programming and activities may be more applicable to the International community and will celebrate the diversity within Residence. We do not assign rooms or locate residents based on their international status.

5. Can I stay for 12 months?

Yes, while our “Academic Year” agreement is from September to April, students are told at the beginning of the year to apply if they would like to stay over the Summer Term (from May to August). If you are a current resident living at The George, who is taking classes during the Spring semester, and are interested in applying to live at the residence for the Summer Term, please apply as a “Returning Student”. This way, you won’t have to repay the $100 application fee (see above questions for info about Summer Residence).

6. Are there Residence spaces for students who arrive in January?

We do offer residence spaces to students who begin studies in January; however, spaces are often very limited. If you are interested in arriving in January please contact the residence directly.

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