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

International Admission Requirements

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.

English Language Proficiency

English Language Proficiency

The following minimum scores are required:

*Please note changes to Duolingo requirements starting in January 2025

SourceDiploma / CertificatePostgraduate / FAST-TRACK / BRIDGES / AcceleratedGBC Degree Programs
George Brown English for Academic Purposes (EAP) ProgramLevel 8Level 9Level 9**
IELTS (Academic)6.0, minimum 5.5 in each skill band6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill band6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill band
TOEFL80 (online) minimum 20 in each skill band88 (online) minimum 22 in each skill band84 (online) minimum 21 in each skill band
Duolingo English Test105 (Winter 2024, Spring 2024 and Fall 2024)
110 min overall score, 90 min production score (starting Winter 2025)
125 (Winter 2024, Spring 2024 and Fall 2024)
120 min overall score, 100 min Production Score (starting Winter 2025)
115 (Winter 2024, Spring 2024 and Fall 2024)
120 min overall score, 100 min Production Score (starting Winter 2025)
MELAB808585
PTE (Academic)54, overall minimum
50 in each skill band
60, overall minimum
55 in each skill band
60, overall minimum
55 in each skill band
CAEL60 (overall)70 overall (writing 60)70 overall (writing 60)
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)169 or more (with no individual skill below 162)176 or more (with no individual skill below 169)176 or more (with no individual skill below 169)
George Brown Admissions Test (Only offered in Toronto)*Offered OnlineOffered OnlineNot available

 

*To register for the test, you will need to apply for your academic program and receive your Admissions Test Letter. For more information on the Admissions Test, please visit: georgebrown.ca/assessment

**Not applicable to collaborative degree programs eg. Early Childhood Education (C118).

English Language Validity

English Language Validity

Proof of English Language ProficiencyValidity Duration for admission to post-secondary programs
IELTS/TOEFL/PTEA/DUOLINGO2 years from test date
GBC EAP certificate (Level 8 or 9)No set limit established, but review may be required if over 3 years since completion.
GBC Admissions Test1 year
Certificate of Completion from approved private language school partner1 year
Certificate of Completion from other Ontario public Colleges EAP3 years
2 consecutive years FT High School in Canada or other English-speaking countriesgraduated within last 4 years
Degrees/Diploma, 2+ years' FT in Canada or other English-speaking countriesgraduated within last 4 years
Conditional Admission Through EAP

Applicants from eligible countries† who do not meet George Brown's English language entry requirements may be offered a conditional acceptance for College diploma, postgraduate and degree programs which will be subject to successful completion of level 8 or 9 of George Brown's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program

† For applicants from some countries (e.g., countries where English is the first/official language and countries in South Asia) we are not able to provide the option of a Letter of Acceptance to the George Brown College English for Academic Purposes Program (EAP) as it has been our experience that Study Permit applicants from specific countries are rejected by the Canadian visa office for a Study Permit (visa) when there is an ESL (English as a Second Language) component requested. For applicants from South Asian countries (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) it is highly recommended to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Using TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo for Level Placement

EAP STARTING LEVEL*Duolingo (valid to August 31st, 2024)IELTS: ENTRY RequirementsTOEFL: ENTRY Requirements
OverallWriting & SpeakingOverallSpeakingWriting
9

105+

66.580-912222
8

95 - 104

5.5662-792020
7

85 - 94

5.55.550-611818
6

75 - 84

5540-491514
5

65 - 74

4-4.54.531-391312
4

55 - 64

3.5426-30118
3

45 - 54

33.519-2586
2

30 - 44

2.5310-1854
1

10 - 29

2.52.50-92.52.5

* 2-year test validation maximum.

You will be placed in the EAP starting level that corresponds to your lowest score in all test sections. For students interested in taking the IELTS test in Toronto, the George Brown college official IELTS test centre provides a complete IELTS testing service. For more information, please visit the IELTS Testing service site.

George Brown College Admissions Officers reserve the right to require TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo results for EAP level placement on all EAP applications.

Current or returning EAP students who suspend their studies for more than six consecutive 8-week sessions must retake the EAP level placement test or submit a valid IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo score in order to be placed back into the program. 

For EAP intakes starting September 2024 onwards, the Duolingo requirements will be as follows:


EAP Starting Level
Duolingo: ENTRY Requirements
Overall ScoreProduction
Score

9

115- 120

95-100

8

105-110

85- 90

7

95- 105

75- 80

6

85- 95

65 - 70

5

75- 85

55- 60

4

65- 75

45- 50

3

55- 65

35- 40

2

45- 55

25- 30

1

20- 45

15- 20

Academic Year: 2023–2024

Placement TestStart DateEnd Date
August 29, 2023September 5, 2023October 27, 2023
October 24, 2023October 30, 2023December 21, 2023
January 3, 2024January 8, 2024March 1, 2024
February 27, 2024March 4, 2024April 26, 2024
April 30, 2024May 6, 2024June 28, 2024
June 25, 2024July 2, 2024August 23, 2024

Academic Year: 2024-2025

Placement TestStart DateEnd Date
August 27, 2024September 3, 2024October 25, 2024
October 22, 2024October 28, 2024December 20, 2024
January 2, 2025January 6, 2025February 28, 2025
February 25, 2025March 3, 2025April 25, 2025
April 29, 2025May 5, 2025June 27, 2025
June 24, 2025July 2, 2025August 22, 2025
Selection-Based Programs Not Eligible For Conditional Acceptance

The following list of programs are NOT eligible to receive conditional letters of acceptance (CLOA). Applicants are required to fulfill all academic, English proficiency, and additional divisional criteria to receive a direct letter of acceptance (LOA) only if selected. Selection criteria and requirements are indicated on each program page under the menu tab How to Qualify & Apply with specific details sent to applicants AFTER an initial review of the application is complete. Please note that divisional selection requirements can change and please refer to the individual program page for the most up to date information. 

Program CodeProgram NameDivisional Select Requirements
C130Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) Sem. 3Information Session/Questionnaire/Interview/Mandatory Orientation
C137Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/AdvocateInformation Session & Questionnaire - Interview
C301H. B. of Early Childhood Leadership (Fast-track) Sem. 5Resumes w/ Reference Letters/Online Information Session/Completion of 3 Bridge Courses
C302H. B. of Interpretation (American Sign Language-English)Informational Session/Questionnaire/Online Skills Assessment/Letter of Reference
F412International Fashion ManagementResume
G102Graphic DesignQuestionnaire & Portfolio
G113Interaction DesignQuestionnaire
G119Game-ArtQuestionnaire & Portfolio
G301Honours Bachelor of Digital Experience DesignSee program page for more information
G401Design ManagementResume/Digital Portfolio/Letter of Intent/Interview
G405Digital Design-Game DesignResume/Digital Portfolio/Questionnaire/Interview
G407Concept Art for EntertainmentResume/Digital Portfolio/Questionnaire/Interview
G412Interactive Media ManagementDigital Portfolio/Questionnaire/Interview
G414Interdisciplinary Design StrategyQuestionnaire/Resume/Digital Portfolio/Two (2) Letters of Reference/Interview
G418Web Development- Front End DesignQuestionnaire/Interview
H312H. Bach. of Bus.Adm-Hospitality Bridging TermSee program page for more information
H316H.Bach. of Bus. Adm-Culinary Mgmt FTReview of Qualifications by Program Coordinator (International and Out-Of-Province students)
H402Food and Nutrition ManagementResume w/ References & Interview
H411Culinary Arts - ItalianResume w/ References & Interview
H413Advanced French PatisserieResume w/ References & Interview
H414Advanced Wine and Beverage Business MgmtResume w/ References & Interview
P101Dance Performance PreparationDance Resume/Head Shot/Video Audition
P104Theatre Arts-PerformanceInterview and/or Audition
P105Dance PerformanceDance Resume/Head Shot/Video Audition
P106Commercial DanceDance Resume/Head Shot/Video Audition
P107Acting for MediaQuestionnaire/Video Audition
P112Video Design & ProductionPortfolio (Demo Reel)/Digital Letter of Intent/Video Submission
P113Animation – 3D for Extended RealityPortfolio requirement consisting of a minimum of 12 samples reflecting a basic understanding of traditional/digital art and potential inclusion of base knowledge of visual effects software focusing on the following key criteria: creativity, technical ability, and attention to detail to select appropriate entrants to the program.
P114Film Production – Directing for Extended RealityPortfolio requirement consisting of a minimum of 12 samples reflecting a basic understanding of traditional/digital art and potential inclusion of base knowledge of visual effects software focusing on the following key criteria: creativity, technical ability, and attention to detail to select appropriate entrants to the program.
P116Social Media Production – Culture-Based CreativityProgram-level admission requirements:
  • video introduction
  • current resumé
  • social media campaign portfolio*
* Applicants should submit a minimum of one social media campaign highlighting a cross-channel production and social media calendar. The program team evaluates the video submissions by a detailed rubric focusing on the following key criteria: creativity, technical ability, and attention to detail to select appropriate entrants to the program.
P411Advanced Social Media Production – AuteurismProgram-level admission requirements:
  • video introduction
  • current resumé
  • social media campaign portfolio*
*Applicants should submit a minimum of one social media campaign highlighting a cross-channel production and social media calendar or one short film submission.
P400/P410Screenwriting & Narrative DesignResume/Writing Samples/Interview
P408/P418Visual EffectsDigital Portfolio & Digital Letter of Intent
P409Sound Design & ProductionPortfolio & Interview
R403College Teachers Training for IEP(PG)Resume & Interview
T431Applied A.I. Solutions DevelopmentApplicants with a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in an unrelated field will be required to provide additional information as requested from the Academic Department (questionnaire).

These programs require prior approval from the Academic Department

Exemption from Providing Proof of English Proficiency

To meet this requirement, you are required to have studied full-time for at least two consecutive full academic years (high school or post-secondary), within the past four years where the medium of instruction was English, in one of the following countries:

  • American Samoa
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Botswana
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominica
  • England
  • Falkland Islands
  • Fiji
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Grenada
  • Guam
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Malta
  • Mauritius
  • Montserrat
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Norfolk Islands
  • Northern Ireland
  • Philippines
  • Pitcairn
  • Scotland
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • St. Chad/Christopher/Kitts/Nevis
  • St. Helena
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Vincent & The Grenadines
  • Tanzania
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • Turks & Caicos Islands
  • Uganda
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Virgin Islands
  • Wake & Midway Islands
  • Wales
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
Public College English Proficiency
CollegeProgram nameDiploma / CertificatePostgraduateDegree
AlgonquinGAS - EAPLevel 6 – 70% min.N/ALevel 6 – 73% min.
CambrianGAS – EAPLevel B – 70% min.N/ALevel B – 80% min.
CanadoreEAPEAP200, EAP210, EAP220, EAP230, EAP240 – 60% min. overall 2.0 GPAN/AN/A
CentennialGAS – EAPLevel 3 – 60%minN/AN/A

Centennial

 

ELLAll 5 modules in the semester and completing ELL 506, ELL 507 and ELL 508 with a grade of 60% or C. Prior to fall 2019, 70% or a B grade in ELL 506, ELL 507 and ELL 508.  
ConfederationEAPLA550 – 65% min. Two credit courses – 60%min. in two coursesN/ALA550 – 75% min. CS007 – 70% min. GE113 – 70% min.
FanshaweEAPLevel 8 – 80% min. or Level 9 – 75% min. or Level 10 – 70% min.N/ALevel 10 – 75% min.
FlemingELBLevel 8 – 70% min.N/AN/A
George BrownGAS – EAP (R115)Level 8 – 60% min.Level 9 – 60% min.Level 9 – 60% min.
GeorgianEAPLevel 8 – 60% min. no mark below 50%N/AN/A
HumberGAS – EAPLevel 8 – 60% min.N/ALevel 8 – 75% min.
LambtonEASLEAP High-Intermediate – 70% min.N/AN/A
MohawkGAS – EAPLevel 8 – 70% min. COMM10328 – 50% min. COMM10303 – 50% min.N/AN/A
NiagaraEAPLevel 5 – 70% min. no mark below 50%N/ALevel 5 – 75% min. no grade below 60%
SenecaELILevel 8 – 60% min.N/ALevel 8 – 70% min. ELI950 – 60% min.
SheridanEAPEASL69040 – 70% min. EASL69020 – 70% min.N/AEAP – 75% min.
St LawrenceGAS – EAPAdvanced Plus C – 60% min. Advanced B – 70% min.N/AAdvanced Plus – 70% min.
Pathway Language School English Proficiency
Language SchoolProgram nameDiploma / CertificatePostgraduateDegree
ECCanadian University PathwayPre-AdvancedAdvancedAdvanced
ELS Language CentresUniversity PathwayELS Level 109 CertificateELS Level 112 CertificateELS Level 112 Certificate
English School of Canada (ESC)University College Transfer ProgramUCTP Certificate – 65% min.UCTP Certificate – 75% min.UTCP Certificate – 80% min.
ILACUniversity Pathway Program or ILAC International CollegeUniversity Pathway Certificate – Intensive or Power, Level 3.2 or higherUniversity Pathway Certificate – Intensive or Power, Level 3.2 or higherUniversity Pathway Certificate – Intensive or Power, Level 3.3 or higher
ILSCUniversity Pathway ProgramLevel A2 CertificateLevel A2 CertificateLevel A2 Certificate
St George International College (SGIC)University College Pathway ProgramSGIC UCPP CertificateSGIC UCPP Certificate + GBC EAP Level 9SGIC UCPP Certificate + GBC EAP Level 9
Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Through GBC's EAP Program

Applicants from eligible countries who do not meet George Brown's English language requirements may be offered conditional admission to a post-secondary program through George Brown's EAP (English for Academic Purposes) program.

How do I get my admissions test result?

Results for admissions tests take approximately 5 business days to be issued. Please email your Admissions Officer 5 business days after you have written the test. Your Admissions Officer's contact information is on your Letter of Acceptance and Test Letter.

How long do I have to wait for my admissions test result?

Results for admissions test take approximately 5 business days to be issued.

What is the difference between the admissions test and the placement test?

Admissions tests are used to determine if you meet the requirements for admission to the College.

Placement Assessments in English and/or Math are taken after you have accepted an offer of admission. Placement assessments determine whether you are ready to take the college-level credit courses in English and/or math in the first semester, or if you need to take a foundation- level course first to further develop your skills. For programs that require English and/or Math placement testing, find out more from the Assessment Centre.

Note: If you have already taken an Admissions Assessment (as part of your college application process), your Admissions Assessment results will be used as placement results too.

How long is the processing time once I submit an application through the Online Application System (OAS)?

Due to the high volume of applications received, we are not able to provide exact processing times. Please note that we will not be reviewing applications/issuing offers until 6-7 months prior to the start of a selected term.

The processing time starts when we begin processing applications, not when we open the intake for submission. The current application processing time is approximately 3-4 weeks.

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.

The program I am interested in is closed, is there anything I can do?

Unfortunately, programs can close early if international enrollment for that program is already achieved and there are no more places. You can ask the International Centre or your admissions officer about other available programs or you may have to wait to apply for a future intake.

Protected Persons, Refugee Claimants, or Convention Refugees 

Protected Persons, Refugee Claimants, or Convention Refugees are required to obtain a study permit for engaging in education or training that is more than 6 months in duration.  Students must have a valid study permit in order to begin studying at George Brown College, if the program is more than 6 months and/or their intention is to study longer than 6 months. Details can be found by visiting Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.

After receiving an offer of admission, you must apply for a study permit. Please note that Study Permits are not issued inside Canada. You must apply online or at the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Official information on requirements can be obtained from an IRCC (formerly CIC) office in Canada, a Canadian Embassy or Consulate overseas and/or the IRCC (formerly CIC) website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html

Using an International Baccalaureate (IB) credential

Diploma/Certificate programs

  • For diploma/certificate programs, applicants must have completed six IB courses with a minimum IB grade of 4 or higher in each course.

Degree programs

  • For degree programs, applicants applying for degree programs must have completed six IB courses with a minimum IB grade of 5 or higher in each course.

Additional Notes:

  1. Medium of instructions must be in English.
  2. Students must be at a minimum aged 16 years or older.