1.1.     Q: Do I have to have TOEFL or IELTS to apply for the academic programs in your college?
A: No, not necessarily. You can complete our Intensive English Program, pass our admissions test or submit required TOEFL/IELTS results.

1.2.     Q: What is the language requirement for your Intensive English Program?
A: We do not have a pre-requisite for our Intensive English Program (IEP) program; students can join us at six start dates a year, as long as they are over 18 years old.  

1.3.     Q: What if I do not have the required TOEFL or IELTS result?
A: Students who do not meet our English requirement are able to study the College’s Intensive English Program (IEP). The length of the IEP will be determined by the placement test offered at the beginning of the program. 

1.4.     Q: If I graduated from a high school in Canada or another English-speaking country, do I still need TOEFL or IELTS?

A: Unless you finish a minimum two-year full time academic study in Canada or other English Speaking country, you are still required to present TOEFL or IELTS results even if you have earned a High School Diploma in less than two years.

1.5.     Q: What are the admission requirements of George Brown College?
A: The admission requirements depend on the program you are applying to. Please see the chart below:

1.8.     Q: Can I apply while still studying in high school?
A: Yes. However, for post-secondary programs, we require students to have completed senior high school and to submit the senior high school transcripts and diploma at time of registration or their acceptance or registration is revoked. For the Intensive English Program, if you are younger than 18 years of age, we require a senior secondary school graduation certificate and custodianship document before you begin the program.

1.9.     Q: Can I apply even without a high school certificate?
A: Yes, you can apply as a mature student if you are over 19 years old, but only if you are in Toronto and able to take the GBC admissions test. Applicants outside Canada must have a high school Diploma or equivalent.

1.11.   Q: Which programs require a portfolio?
A: Here are some examples: Graphic Design (G102), Fashion Techniques and Design (F113), Jewellery Arts (F114), Digital Media (G400) and other creative/design programs. Please check the full time program guide before sending the application form.

1.12.   Q: What is Divisional Select?
A: Certain diploma and certificate programs offered at the College may require an essay, a pre-test, a questionnaire, an audition, a portfolio, or an interview to determine whether candidates are suitable for the program. The selection requirements are determined by the academic Dean or his/her designate, in consultation with the Registrar. These requirements are listed in the College calendar.

1.13.   Q: Can I apply to any program listed in your calendar?
A: Some programs may not be open to international students, e.g., Dental - related programs. Please check the International office for more information.

1.14.   Q: Do you offer conditional acceptance letters?
A: Yes. Applicants who have not met the English requirements at the time of application may be given a conditional acceptance to the College by applying to our IEP program.

1.15.   Q: How long do I need to wait to get the decision from your college after sending my application?
A: For complete application, our standard processing time is three (3) weeks for REGULAR programs. For any programs that are decided by the academic department under Divisional Selection, it can take longer.

1.16.   Q: Can I send my application form first and then send other supporting documents later?
A: We strongly recommend that all application materials be sent in one package. Otherwise, the processing of your application may be delayed.

1.17.   Q: Do you have an application deadline?
A: Many programs fill quickly, so we recommend applicants apply at least six months in advance for any Post-Secondary programs. However, applications received closer to the start date will be considered if there is space available in the program. For the Intensive English Program (IEP), two months in advance is advisable, but in countries where visa processing takes longer, 4 to 6 months may be necessary.

1.18.   Q: Where can I get the application form?

1.19.   Q: Do I need to use the Ontario College Application Services (OCAS)?
A: No. Applicants can apply directly to the International Centre at George Brown College.

1.20.   Q: Do I need to pay an application fee?
A: Yes, a non-refundable application fee is required for all applications.

1.21.   Q: Where can I find program information and availability?
A: please check www.georgebrown.ca/globalnav/programs.aspx

1.23.   Q: Can I transfer to universities after finishing my study at George Brown College?
A: It depends on your program. Please check our Transfer Guide for more detailed information.

1.24.   Q: What payment should I pay to the college when I apply to the college?

It is the applicant’s decision to pay part or total tuition fees before applying for their Visa. Please note that first semester/ or annual tuition fee must be received by the confirmation due date or your Acceptance Letter will be void.

1.25.   Q: I received my acceptance letter, but I have to defer it to a later date due to Visa or personal reasons, what should I do?

A: You can send an e-mail or fax with your student ID, name, date of birth, as well as requested new starting date. Please note that a third revision will be charged a new $65 application fee.

1.26.   Q: What is the admissions test? How should I apply for it?

A: Students who are currently in Toronto can elect to take the College admissions test in lieu of TOEFL or IELTS as proof of their English proficiency level.  You will need to indicate it on your application form that you are requesting the test. A testing letter will be mailed to you with instructions on how to book the test online or through the telephone booking system.

1.27.   Q: How can I find out my admissions test result?

2.1.     Q: When is the last day you can accept a new student?
A: We can only accept late students within the first five (5) days of the start of classes and only if there is still space available in the class.

2.2.     Q: When is the last date for registration?
A: Please check your acceptance letter for detailed registration information.

2.3.     Q: Do I have to pay my fees before I can register?
A: Yes, you are required to make payment before you can register. Please refer to your invoice for details and payment options.

2.4.     Q: What is your refund policy?
A: Withdrawal and Refund Policy and Forms

2.5.     Q: Can I register as a part time student?
A: No, according to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada, all international students must register in full time programs.

A: Yes, you have other options to meet our language requirements. You can either take our Intensive English Program (IEP) or write our admissions test if you are in Toronto (doesn’t apply to all degree programs). But if you have the required TOEFL or IELTS scores, you can enter our academic programs directly.

3.2.     Q: What is your English proficiency requirement?
A: Please see the admission requirements above.

3.3.     Q: Do you accept tests other than TOEFL and IELTS?
A: Yes, we also accept Michigan English Language Test (MELAB) and The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).

3.4.     Q: What is the TOEFL code for George Brown College?
A: 9375 for George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology.

3.5.     Q: Do you have an English as Second Language (ESL) program for students who don't meet your English proficiency requirement?
A: Yes, we offer an Intensive English Program for students who do not have the required English proficiency. Please check this web site  for more information: http://www.gbrownc.on.ca/interntl/esl.aspx

3.6.     Q: Do you accept other colleges’ or universities' English program results as proof of English proficiency?
A: No.

4.1.     Q: How many levels do you have in your IEP?
A: Nine (9)

4.2.     Q: How many hours per week does it have?
A: 24 hours. The IEP runs from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

4.3.     Q: What level would I start at?
A: The placement test at the beginning of your IEP study will determine your starting level.

4.4.     Q: What is a placement test?
A: A test which allows us to evaluate your level of English, so that we can put you in the appropriate class.

4.5.     Q: Is there an orientation for new students?
A: Yes, please refer to your acceptance letter package.

4.6.     Q: Can I audit an academic class during my IEP study?
A: No. But you can register for part time Continuing Education courses after completing level 5 of IEP.

5.1.     Q: Do you provide student housing or a dormitory?
A: No.

5.2.     Q: Where can I stay during my study at GBC?
A: You can benefit from our homestay accommodation service. The College maintains a close network of caring families who make your transition to living and studying abroad a friendly and positive experience. You can also choose to stay in private accommodation. Our Student Affairs office has housing information services available.

5.3.     Q: Where can I find details on the homestay program and a homestay application form?
A: Please go to www.georgebrown.ca/interntl/iintro.aspx

5.4.     Q: When should I send the homestay application form?
A: The form should reach us at least two weeks before your scheduled moving in date, after your flight ticket is booked.

5.5.     Q: How much do you charge to arrange for the homestay?
A: A $100 non-refundable placement fee.

5.6.     Q: How far is my homestay from the college?
A: It varies. It may take you 15 to 50 minutes by public transportation from your host family to your campus.

5.7.     Q: Do you provide airport pickup service? How much do you charge for it?
A: Yes, this service is only available to homestay applicants. There is a $100 CAD charge.

5.8.     Q: Do you have an emergency contact number for airport pickup/homestay?
A: Yes, the number 416-888-9282 and is for emergency purposes only.

6.1.     Q: Is the tuition fee the same for Diploma, Post-Graduate and Degree programs?
A: No. most diploma programs cost $4900 per semester for base tuition fee ($6250 for Degree programs), please refer to your acceptance letter/invoice for detailed amounts.

6.2.     Q: Can I pay in US dollars?
A: Yes, the US$ payment will be converted to equivalent CAD$ depends on the currency exchange rate at the time of the exchange.

6.3.     Q: Do I have to pay a full year's tuition all at once?
A: No. Post-secondary program tuition fees can be paid in two installments, subject to a $45 surcharge.

6.4.     Q: When should I pay my tuition fee?
A: Please refer to your invoice for detailed information.

6.5.     Q: How do I pay and which payment method is faster?
A: Please refer to our application form for more information. Please note that we do not accept personal cheques.

6.6.     Q: What is the cost of living in Toronto?
A: It depends on your personal lifestyle, but usually you would expect to spend $10-12,000 CAD per year, in addition to your academic costs.

8.2.     Q: Can international students work off campus?
A: Yes, you can work under these programs:

8.3.     Q: What is Co-op? Can international students participate in co-op programs?
A: Yes, only if co-op is an integrated part of the program. Co-op is a work component of an academic program. Students spend at least one four-month term working full-time in a job related to their field of study. International students need a Work Permit before they can start their Co-op placement.

A: To be eligible for this program you must have a valid Study Permit; registered in full time study, be in good academic standing; and have completed 6 months of full-time study in a public postsecondary program. For information on how to apply, see the College’s international website at:  http://www.georgebrown.ca/coop/

8.6.     Q: Can I work after my graduation?

9.1.     Q: Do I need health insurance during my study in Canada?
A: Yes. It is mandatory for all international students.

9.2.     Q: Do you provide health insurance for international students?
A: Yes. All international students will be automatically enrolled in the College insurance program and invoiced. We invoice it along with your acceptance letter. Please check http://sa.georgebrown.ca for more information.

9.3.     Q: Can I apply for a refund of my paid Health Insurance fee?
A: You can apply a refund only if:
1) Your Visa has been refused after the fee has been paid
2)  You withdraw from the college within the withdrawal period AND have not used the Health Insurance

9.4.     Q: What is your health insurance coverage?
A: You will find detailed information at http://sa.georgebrown.ca