George Brown College

About George Brown College

George Brown is a publicly funded college of applied arts and technology founded in the 1960s and based in downtown Toronto. It emphasizes a blend of classroom theory and hands-on, project-based learning with strong links to local industry — ideal for students who want practical, job-ready skills in fields such as business, hospitality, health sciences, construction & engineering technologies, design, and IT.

 

Why choose George Brown (short, student-friendly)

  • Industry connections & work experience — many programs include placements, co-ops or field education with employers in Toronto’s economy.

  • Career-focused program mix — certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate certificates available across applied fields.

  • Central location — campuses are in downtown Toronto (big advantage for networking, internships and part-time work).

  • Support for international students — dedicated International Centre and on-campus International Student Services hubs for advising (admissions, housing, permits, orientation).

 

Campus locations & what’s on each

  • Casa Loma Campus — trades, construction, architectural studies, some arts and computer tech. Good for hands-on labs and trades training.

  • St. James Campus — many business, community services and creative programs; central downtown location.

  • Waterfront Campus (Daphne Cockwell Centre, etc.) — health sciences, nursing, dental health and allied health programs; modern health labs and clinical placements.

(George Brown also lists a number of smaller sites and program locations across the city for specific schools — check the campus maps page for exact addresses and rooms).

 

Types & levels of study

  • Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma — typically 1–3 years.

  • Bachelor’s degrees — applied degrees in selected disciplines.

  • Postgraduate (graduate) certificates — 1-year programs for skill specialization.

  • Continuing education — short courses, professional development (some online options).
    Most programs are full-time for international students; availability varies so always check a program’s current status before applying.

 

Mode of learning

  • Primarily on-campus (in-person) for most full-time programs, with strong hands-on components and placements.

  • Blended / hybrid options exist in some offerings depending on the program and term.

  • Online / continuing education courses are offered through continuing ed; full online delivery for full-time international programs is limited (confirm per program).
    Because delivery types can change (esp. short term), check each program’s availability page before applying.

 

Number of programs

George Brown advertises 150–160+ career-focused full-time programs for international students (program counts differ slightly depending on whether you include continuing ed). Use the college’s Program Finder to see the latest list and intake availability.

 

Highlights & strengths

  • Downtown Toronto location with proximity to employers and industry partners.

  • Emphasis on applied learning, labs and field experience — particularly strong in hospitality, construction, health sciences and design.

  • Dedicated International Centre and student supports (housing guidance, immigration advice, orientation and wellbeing services).

Scholarship

  • Entrance Scholarships for Eligible Degree Students

    • For newly admitted eligible degree students (amounts vary by admissions score). Renewable if you meet renewal GPA rules. Typical award bands: e.g., 95+ → $2,500/yr (renewable up to 4 years), 90–94.9 → $2,000/yr, 85–89.9 → $1,500/yr, 80–84.9 → $1,000/yr. Renewal usually requires a program GPA of 3.7 (80%) or higher.

  • Post-Secondary Scholarship for International Students (Certificate / Diploma / Degree)

    • Available to international students enrolled in certificate, diploma, degree or post-grad programs. Typical academic criterion: minimum GPA 3.5 (varies by award), plus community involvement and/or approved international work/study experience for some diploma/degree awards.

  • Scotiabank / Scotiabank Bursaries (International)

    • Large bursary program targeted at international students with demonstrated financial need. Requirements usually include full-time first-year enrollment, a good academic record (example: cumulative GPA 3.0), and evidence of leadership and college/community involvement. Bursaries are need-based (money to help cover costs).

  • Woori Education Scholarship

    • Awarded to international students for academic performance and community involvement. Example criteria: valid Study Permit, enrollment in a full-time diploma or degree, and minimum cumulative GPA ~3.3 (after at least two semesters).

  • International Centre Student Bursary / International Student Scholarship / Leadership Awards (in-program)

    • George Brown runs multiple program-level and donor-funded awards aimed at international students (financial need, leadership, overcoming obstacles, academic merit, or a combination). Many awards are posted on the college awards portal each term and vary in value.

 

Key eligibility rules (plainly stated)

  • Must be an international student (studying in Canada on a valid Study Permit; not a permanent resident).

  • Most awards require full-time enrolment in an eligible post-secondary program at the time of application (some awards are for first-year students, some for continuing students).

  • GPA thresholds vary by award (common thresholds: 3.0, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7), read each award’s criteria carefully.

  • Some awards are need-based (you must demonstrate financial need and provide supporting documentation).

  • Renewal rules: Entrance scholarships commonly require maintaining a 3.7 GPA and full-time status for continued yearly funding.

 

Practical tips to improve your chances

  • Apply for everything you’re eligible for. Many awards go unclaimed because students don’t apply.

  • Be precise in essays: show how you contributed to your community, leadership, and how the money will help your studies — concrete examples beat general statements. (Many donor awards look for community impact.)

  • Document financial need clearly for bursaries — submit receipts, sponsor letters, or bank statements the award office requests.

  • Keep transcripts and references ready (a recent unofficial GBC transcript plus one academic or community reference often helps).

  • Watch deadlines — awards open by term; check the awards portal frequently. (There is no single universal deadline — it’s term/award specific.)

 

What to watch right now (important updates)

  • International tuition fee increase effective September 2025 for the 2025–26 academic year — re-budget accordingly. If you are planning to start or continue studies in Fall 2025, check the updated fee schedule on the College site.

  • The College periodically updates eligible programs for entrance scholarships; degree programs only may be eligible for the entrance scholarship bands — double-check your program’s eligibility page

Programs

Toronto, Canada