George Brown College
Toronto, Canada
George Brown College
Toronto, Canada
Founded
1967
Institution Type
Public College
Total Students
30,000+
Programs Offered
170+
Discover George Brown College: Overview & History
Discover George Brown College: Overview & History
George Brown College is a publicly funded college of applied arts and technology with three campuses in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1967 during the formation of Ontario's community college system, the college is named after George Brown, a prominent 19th-century Canadian politician, newspaper publisher, and Father of Confederation.
The college offers more than 170 full-time programs across diverse fields including art and design, business, community services, construction and engineering technologies, health sciences, hospitality and culinary arts, and preparatory studies. George Brown provides diploma, advanced diploma, degree, graduate certificate, and apprenticeship programs, all designed with a strong emphasis on hands-on, career-focused learning.
Located in the heart of Canada's largest city, George Brown uses Toronto as a living classroom, partnering with industry leaders to deliver experiential education. The college serves a diverse community of over 30,000 full-time students, with approximately 29 percent being international students from countries around the world.
Key Milestones
- 1967: George Brown College was officially chartered by the Ontario government, absorbing the Provincial Institute of Trades and the Provincial Institute of Trades and Occupations.
- 1976: The St. James Campus opened at 200 King Street East in downtown Toronto, becoming a central hub for business, community services, and hospitality programs.
- 2012: The Waterfront Campus at 51 Dockside Drive opened, housing the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences and expanding the college's downtown presence.
- 2025: George Brown College rebranded as George Brown Polytechnic and became the first college to host the Congress of the Humanities, Canada's largest academic gathering.
Academic Structure & Programs at George Brown College
Academic Structure & Programs at George Brown College
George Brown College organizes its academic offerings through seven specialized centres, each focusing on distinct career-oriented disciplines. With over 170 full-time programs including diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeships, the college provides pathways for students at every stage of their educational journey.
Centre for Arts, Design & Information Technology
Offers programs in graphic design, game development, interaction design, media, performing arts, and computer technology. Students benefit from studio-style learning, gallery spaces, and industry showcases in Toronto's creative district.
- Graphic Design
- Game Programming
- Interaction Design
Centre for Business
Provides comprehensive programs in accounting, finance, human resources, management, and marketing. Curriculum is developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure graduates are job-ready.
- Business Administration - Finance
- Human Resources Management
- Sport and Event Marketing
Centre for Health Sciences
Located at the Waterfront Campus, the centre features specialized facilities including simulated operating rooms and hospital suites. Programs span nursing, dental health, and health services management.
- Dental Hygiene
- Practical Nursing
- Health Information Management
Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts
One of George Brown's most recognized centres, offering programs in culinary management, baking, food and beverage management, and hotel operations. Students gain hands-on experience through facilities like The Chefs' House restaurant.
- Culinary Management
- Baking and Pastry Arts Management
- Hospitality - Hotel Operations Management
Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies
Based at the Casa Loma Campus, this centre offers programs in building information modelling (BIM), construction management, electrical techniques, and skilled trades. The centre features applied research facilities and strong industry partnerships.
- Construction Engineering Technology
- Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology
- Building Information Modeling Management
Centre for Community Services & Early Childhood
Offers programs in early childhood education, social services, deaf and deafblind studies, and community worker training. Programs include extensive field placements to prepare graduates for meaningful community-focused careers.
- Early Childhood Education
- Social Service Worker
- American Sign Language - English Interpretation
Admission Requirements for George Brown College
Admission Requirements for George Brown College
Diploma & Degree Programs
- Academic RequirementOntario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with minimum 60% aggregate in Grade 12
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0-6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 80+, depending on program
- Application FeeCAD 110 (non-refundable) for international students
- Application PortalOntario Colleges (domestic) or GBC Online Application (international)
- Additional RequirementsSome programs require specific Grade 12 courses in Math, Science, or English; portfolio or audition may be needed
Postgraduate Certificate Programs
- Academic RequirementDiploma or degree from a recognized post-secondary institution
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 88+, depending on program
- Work ExperienceSome programs require relevant professional experience; check individual program requirements
- Study Gap PolicyStudy gaps of more than 5 years may not be accepted for postgraduate and diploma programs
- Supporting DocumentsOfficial transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and English proficiency test scores
Primary intake with the widest selection of programs. Apply as early as possible for competitive programs.
Second major intake offering a good selection of programs. Early application is recommended.
Limited selection of programs with specialized schedules. Check individual program availability.
Conditional admission through EAP is processed throughout the year according to EAP start dates.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships at George Brown College
Tuition Fees & Scholarships at George Brown College
George Brown College offers competitively priced programs for both domestic and international students. Fees vary by program type and level. All fees listed below are approximate annual figures in Canadian dollars for the 2025-2026 academic year and are subject to change.
| Fee Category | Domestic Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma Program Tuition (per year) | CAD 3,700 - 7,800 | CAD 15,190 - 20,000 |
| Degree Program Tuition (per year) | CAD 7,000 - 9,000 | CAD 20,000 - 38,325 |
| Postgraduate Certificate Tuition (per year) | CAD 4,000 - 8,000 | CAD 17,774 - 34,381 |
| Ancillary & Student Fees (per year) | CAD 1,500 - 2,000 | CAD 2,000 - 2,500 |
| Total | CAD 5,200 - 11,000 | CAD 17,190 - 40,825 |
International Centre Scholarships
George Brown offers in-program scholarships for returning international students in diploma and degree programs, including awards of CAD 5,000 and CAD 1,000 based on academic performance and community involvement.
- Award Amount: CAD 1,000 - CAD 5,000
- Eligibility: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 with at least two full semesters completed
- Application: Apply through STU-VIEW portal; must be enrolled full-time as an international student
Scotiabank International Entrance Scholarship
Available to newly admitted first-year international students in any post-secondary program at George Brown College. Students from GBC partner institutions in the Caribbean, China, Central/South America, and India are encouraged to apply.
- Award Amount: CAD 1,000
- Eligibility: First-year international students in diploma, degree, or post-graduate certificate programs
- Total Bursaries Available: 100 bursaries funded through CAD 100,000 Scotiabank donation
Campus & Facilities at George Brown College
Campus & Facilities at George Brown College
George Brown College operates three main campuses in downtown Toronto, each designed for specific disciplines and offering specialized, industry-standard facilities. The urban campus setting allows students to benefit from proximity to employers, cultural attractions, and Toronto's vibrant city life.
Home to seven buildings in downtown Toronto housing programs in business, hospitality, culinary arts, community services, arts, and design.
Focuses on construction, engineering technologies, skilled trades, and health sciences programs with specialized labs and workshops.
Opened in 2012, this modern campus houses the Centre for Health Sciences and the School of Design with over 100,000 square feet of learning space.
Housing & Dining
Student Residence - The George
George Brown's student residence, The George, opened in 2016 at 80 Cooperage Street near the Distillery District. The building accommodates over 500 students in two-bedroom suites with modern amenities.
- Fully furnished suites with WiFi, cable TV, and local phone service
- Common areas including game rooms, study spaces, BBQ patio, and media lounges
- Walking distance to both St. James and Waterfront campuses
Dining & Culinary Experiences
Students enjoy diverse dining options across campuses, including student-run culinary operations. The TCH Marketplace sells meal kits, pre-made meals, snacks, beer, and wine prepared by culinary students.
- The Chefs' House - student-focused restaurant at St. James Campus
- TCH Marketplace offering student-prepared food products
- Multiple cafeterias and food service outlets across all three campuses
Student Life at George Brown College
Student Life at George Brown College
George Brown College provides a vibrant and inclusive student experience in the heart of downtown Toronto. With more than 50 student clubs, varsity athletics, leadership programs, and wellness initiatives, there are countless ways to get involved and build lasting connections.
Toronto: A World-Class City for Students
Toronto: A World-Class City for Students
Studying in Downtown Toronto
Toronto is Canada's largest city and one of the most diverse cities in the world, serving as a major economic, cultural, and educational hub in North America. George Brown's three downtown campuses place students at the centre of this dynamic metropolis, providing unmatched access to industry partners, cultural experiences, and career opportunities.
Economic Hub
Toronto is home to many of Canada's major industries including finance, technology, healthcare, media, and hospitality, offering students direct access to top employers for field education and networking.
Cultural Diversity
One of the most multicultural cities globally, Toronto offers a welcoming environment for international students with vibrant neighbourhoods, world cuisines, and cultural festivals year-round.
Transit & Accessibility
All three George Brown campuses are well-served by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), including subway, streetcar, and bus routes, making commuting easy and affordable.
Distillery District & Waterfront
George Brown's campuses are located near Toronto's historic Distillery District and scenic waterfront, offering students a unique blend of heritage architecture, arts venues, and lakeside recreation.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Top Employers Hiring George Brown Graduates
Practical Information for Students
Practical Information for Students
For International Students
The International Centre provides comprehensive support including immigration advising, study permit guidance, orientation programs, and cultural adjustment resources for students from around the world.
George Brown offers an English for Academic Purposes program for students who need to strengthen their English language skills before beginning their academic program of choice.
Many George Brown programs are PGWP-eligible, allowing international graduates to stay and work in Canada for one to three years after completing their studies.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
George Brown College Rankings & Recognition
George Brown College Rankings & Recognition
As a college of applied arts and technology, George Brown is not typically included in traditional university ranking systems such as QS or Times Higher Education. However, it has earned strong recognition in Canadian college-specific rankings, particularly for research and applied learning excellence.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Research | Research Infosource Inc. | Top 10 in Canada |
| Culinary Arts & Hospitality | Industry Recognition | Leading program in Ontario |
| Construction & BIM Technology | Industry Recognition | Among top college programs in Canada |
| Health Sciences Simulation | Industry Recognition | Leading simulation facilities in Ontario |
Features
George Brown College in Toronto offers a wide range of programs with hands-on learning opportunities, including co-op placements and internships. The college supports over 28,000 students, including many international learners, with services like career counseling, student health services, and academic support. With a strong focus on practical skills and high graduate employment rates, George Brown provides students with the resources they need to succeed in their careers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
October - April
Location
George Brown College\n160 Kendal Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1M3, Canada
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