George Brown College

COVID Update

English Proficiency Testing

George Brown College will now be accepting the following online English proficiency testing options, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IELTS Indicator

An updated placement table is now available on the English Language Proficiency & Validity page and the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) page of the website.

Placement and Admission testing in Toronto at the GBC Assessment Centre will be suspended until further notice. For more information, please visit the Assessment Centre webpage.

Language School Pathways

For September 2020 and January 2021 post-secondary intakes George Brown College will accept private language schools’ advanced online programs (taken inside or outside Canada), as equal to the in-person programs. This will only occur during the current Covid-19 period up until August 31^st for now, or by the date GBC returns to offer in-person instruction.

• e-Conditional Letters of Acceptance for pending IELTS/TOEFL/other for ALL nationalities/countries in lockdown due to Covid-19, who have no access to IELTS/TOEFL/other test.
• Conditions must be met/submitted by July 13^th 2020 for the August 2020 intake and by November 10^th 2020 for January 2021. These deadlines may be adjusted as the situation evolves.

The offer expiry date should not be confused with the IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/other test expiry date. To confirm a seat, applicants need to pay the first semester fee in full before the offer expiry date. If this does not happen the offer will automatically expire. Students should not wait to pay and confirm until they have their IELTS/TOEFL/other scores.

Documentation

The institution will temporarily accept:

• Documents which are not attested/notarized
• English translated documents without notarization
• Copies of originals not attested as “true copies”
• Use of representation form not signed by the student

George Brown prides itself on exceptional standards of teaching, with students benefiting from smaller class sizes, experienced professors with years of field education as well as opportunities to network with potential employers whilst studying. Many of the teaching staff at the college are leading experts in their industry and field of study.

All of the programs have been carefully constructed to effectively prepare students for the modern world of employment. Course content is current and thought provoking. By liaising with industry partners, George Brown has created programs that give students information not available in the average educational textbook and insights into professions.

As well as a number of exciting networking opportunities, students are also given the opportunity to learn directly from industry partners. Applied research projects and industry placements are just some of the ways students can expect to better their knowledge and skills.

Learn in simulated work environments

George Brown’s focus on hands-on learning is bolstered by state-of-the-art facilities that allow students to develop their skills in labs that are modelled after real workplaces, including:

• ASL (American Sign Language) lab: this lab allows students to practice sign language interpretation with specially-designed computer hardware and software.
• Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies: this facility features a number of workplace-modelled labs with industry-standard equipment, from tool and die workshops to a computer networking lab.
• The Simulation Centre: Health Sciences students learn in a recreated hospital setting that includes high-fidelity mannequins as patients.
• The School of Design: this facility was developed to mirror the real-world agency and studio environments our students will experience in the working world.

George Brown College consists of seven main centres of study, which are divided into the following:

• Arts, Design & Information Technology
• Preparatory and Liberal Studies
• Community Services & Early Childhood
• Health Sciences
• Hospitality & Culinary Arts
• Construction & Engineering Technologies
• Business

Within each of these are a variety of different courses are available to study. Students can choose from entering into diploma or certificate program, graduate/postgraduate certificate, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or a degree program.

With over 160 academic programs to choose from, students can expect to find a course that suits them. Each program has been carefully constructed to educate and enhance the technical skills and knowledge of students. George Brown also offers Continuing Education courses to people looking to improve or learn a new hobby or skill, including makeup and aesthetics.

Admission requirements depend both on the country a student is applying to the college from, as well as the particular qualifications for the specific program a student is looking to study whilst at George Brown. To be successfully enrolled into a program, all students must meet the following requirements:

• 18 years of age or older
• Successfully graduated from a senior secondary school or equivalent. For students applying for a postgraduate course, students must have graduated from a university or college.
• Pay a non-refundable CAD 95 application fee
• Provide satisfactory proof of English language proficiency

English Language Proficiency

If English is not a student’s first language, proof of both written and spoken English is required. There are a number of different accepted qualifications to demonstrate English skill.

For students looking to improve their English language skills, the college offers the George Brown EAP (ESL program). The program is split into nine levels of eight weeks each, as a full-time course. Students language skills are evaluated upon arrival at the college or based on a TOEFL/IELTS score and students are then placed in a group appropriate to their skill level.

Accommodation – The George Residence

Accommodation on campus consists of fully furnished, two-bedroom suites. Each bedroom has a double bed, closet and desk area for study. Students can expect to find a modern kitchen including a fridge, microwave and sink and a three-piece bathroom. Additional benefits to on campus accommodation include free Wi-Fi, a phone, flat screen TV with cable and all utilities.

Fitness Centre

The George Brown fitness centres can be found on the Casa Loma and St James Campus. The extensive gym equipment in the centre includes treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines, free weights, Olympic bars, benches and more. There is also the WAVE Fitness Studios at the Waterfront Campus. Here students can learn to work with clients and sharpen their fitness and leadership skills.

Learning Library Commons

There are eight different library facilities available for students to use. Here you can book study rooms, computers and read or borrow textbooks and other media. In addition to the extensive facilities on site, students also have access to a vast number of online resources including journals, eBooks and academic videos.

Graduates of George Brown have historically entered into a variety of exciting employment opportunities. The college works in a number of ways to ensure students reach their career ambitions, including equipping them with essential knowledge and skills. George Brown has strong ties with top industry and local employers, to help students gain invaluable insight into what employers are looking for. In 2019, George Brown partnered with more than 5,000 companies, adding to their impressive network or industry associates. Currently over 24,000 graduates of George Brown are in leadership roles. Some of the recognisable and well-respected employers that have hired George Brown graduates include:

• IKEA
• Coca-Cola
• Four Seasons (Hotels and Resorts)
• Marriott
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment

84 percent of graduates are in employment within the first six months after graduating. In 2018, 91 percent of employers were satisfied with the George Brown graduates that they had hired.