George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
George Brown Polytechnic and the University of Toronto have entered a new strategic partnership aimed at transforming how both institutions deliver post-secondary education across Ontario. Formalized on March 5 at U of T’s Hart House, the agreement outlines an 18-month plan to strengthen collaboration, improve student pathways, and promote system-wide innovation.
This signing marks a crucial moment for Ontario’s publicly funded colleges and universities. In February, the Province announced a $6.4 billion investment to support long-term sustainability, boost research capacity, and ensure Ontario can train a resilient, highly skilled workforce for the future. Both institutions view this partnership as a way to accelerate progress towards these goals through collaboration.
“We are thrilled to work with the University of Toronto in a partnership that reflects our shared responsibility to put students first while contributing to the prosperity and economic growth of the province,” said George Brown Polytechnic President Dr. Gervan Fearon. “By working more closely together, we can foster clearer pathways and reduce barriers to ensure learners have access to the education and training they need to thrive. A student-first approach underpins it all as we aim to deliver world-class educational experiences together.”
“The University of Toronto is excited to deepen our ties with George Brown Polytechnic and expand opportunities for students to access world-class education and training,” University of Toronto President Melanie Woodin said. “This partnership builds on the province’s recent historic investments in postsecondary education and reflects our shared commitment to preparing graduates to lead in key sectors of Ontario’s rapidly evolving economy.”
Shared commitment to student success
Central to the new agreement is a shared belief that, although colleges and universities operate independently, they form a unified, publicly funded postsecondary system with a responsibility to prioritize student success. Both institutions agree that fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and efficient resource use are essential to address the changing needs of learners and labour markets.
The MOU confirms that George Brown and U of T will work together to identify new opportunities, remove administrative barriers, and expand seamless access for students wishing to study at both institutions.
Leaders from Ontario’s postsecondary and economic sectors gathered to discuss how polytechnics, colleges, universities, and industry can collaborate to unlock human potential, attract talent, and strengthen the province’s economy. Featuring speakers included Dr. Fearon, Dr. Woodin, Geoff Smith, Dr. Wes Hall, Dr. Robert Luke, Dr. Claudie Krywiak, and John Stackhouse, with Daniel Tisch as moderators, the panels emphasized the shared responsibility of institutions and industry to prepare learners for emerging fields and support a competitive, innovative Ontario—aligning with the goals of the new MOU and its focus on collaboration and student success.
John Stackhouse, Senior Vice-President at RBC, reflected on the significance of the partnership, noting how far the postsecondary sector has come—and where this collaboration points next.
“I'm staring at the [institutions’] banners here and the mottos, and it is reflective of what we’re talking about today. This was once seen as impossible. What we're talking about today really is about what you're going to be building tomorrow.”
His remarks underscored how the new MOU represents not only a milestone in cooperation between institutions but also a broader cultural shift toward system-wide innovation and shared purpose.
Key areas of collaboration
Over the next 18 months, George Brown and the University of Toronto will focus on expanding student pathways and exploring new joint programs, starting with a review of their current transfer agreements and opportunities in priority areas such as STEM, healthcare, education, and trades.
The partnership also enables both institutions to respond to Ontario’s planned growth of 40,000 new in-demand postsecondary seats by coordinating complementary program expansions that meet student and labour market needs, prevent duplication, and continue to differentiate their missions.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial that we continue to work together to build and protect Ontario’s homegrown workforce. Our government commends this innovative partnership between George Brown Polytechnic and the University of Toronto, which will ensure that our STEM, healthcare, education, and skilled trades graduates are equipped with the skills they need to get good paying jobs that drive our in-demand sectors.”
Building on longstanding collaborations—such as the partnership between U of T’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and George Brown’s machining faculty—the MOU highlights potential for increased sharing of facilities, infrastructure, and teaching capacity across Toronto’s downtown core.
Both institutions stress the importance of flexibility, pledging to remain open to emerging opportunities that can reduce administrative barriers and support seamless learning across both settings.
Strengthening Ontario’s collaborative postsecondary system
The MOU signifies a clear commitment from both institutions to work together to modernize, streamline, and grow the educational landscape in the Greater Toronto Area and across Ontario.
By combining their strengths, George Brown’s applied, career-focused approach and U of T’s globally recognized academic and research excellence, the partnership aims to deliver even greater value to students, communities, and employers.
