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.
STEM Foundations

Program Details
New- Program Code: A111
- Credential: Ontario College Certificate
- Duration: 2 semesters
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: September
- Domestic Tuition: $4,163.00 *
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Open | Open |
| Winter 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spring 2027 | Not Available | Not Available |
- PGWP Eligible: No
- CIP Code: 21.0101
- Please note that field of study/CIP code is only one component of PGWP eligibility. Please consult the official IRCC PGWP eligibility webpage (opens in a new tab) for the most current and complete information.
Program Description
Program Overview
STEM Foundations prepares learners for success in diploma and advanced diploma programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students build foundational knowledge in mathematics and science while developing logical reasoning, quantitative problem-solving and technical communication skills.
Through hands-on experiences, students use digital, programming, and laboratory tools to collect, process, and interpret data in practical STEM contexts. The program also helps students develop the learning and self-management skills needed to create educational and career plans aligned with their goals and intended STEM pathways.
Full Description
George Brown Polytechnic's STEM Foundations Program (A111) is a one-year certificate program that helps you build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to pursue a wide range of pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Designed for students planning to pursue advanced diplomas or degrees, this full-time program helps you build the academic foundation needed for success at George Brown and other post-secondary institutions.
Classes run Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Through your courses, you will strengthen your existing knowledge and develop new skills in:
- Communication
- Mathematics
- Engineering design
- Biology
- Physics
- Organic and inorganic chemistry
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Educational Pathways
George Brown Polytechnic has developed a number of advanced diploma and degree program pathways to help you reach your academic and future career goals.
Diploma Program Pathways:
STEM Foundations (A111) graduates interested in pursuing a George Brown Polytechnic diploma can apply to these programs:
Architectural Technician (T132)
· Computer Systems Technician (T141)
· Electromechanical Engineering Technician (T146)
Construction Engineering Technician (T161)
· Mechanical Technician – CNC and Precision Machining (T173)
· Computer Programming – Low Code Program (T189)
· Computer Systems Technician (Online) (T191)
· Computer Systems Technology (Online) (T192)
· Game – Programming (Online) (T196)
· Computer Programming and Analysis (Online) (T197)
Advanced Diploma Program Pathways:
STEM Foundations (A111) graduates interested in pursuing a George Brown Polytechnic advanced diploma can apply to these programs:
Construction Engineering Technology (T105)
Architectural Technology (T109)
· Mechanical Engineering Technology – Design (T121)
Civil Engineering Technology (T164)
· Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Building Automation (T171)
· Computer Programming and Analysis (T177)
· Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Power and Control (T182)
· Computer Systems Technology (T190)
Graduates of this program interested in pursuing a diploma or advanced diploma beyond George Brown can apply to:
Courses
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| MATH1157 | Mathematics for STEM Disciplines 1 |
| COMP1248 | Computer Applications and Systems |
| PHY1015 | Physics for STEM Disciplines 1 |
| CHEM1018 | Chemistry for STEM Disciplines |
| PATH1021 | Pathways for STEM Disciplines |
| COMM1000 | Introduction to College Communication |
| MATH1158 | Mathematics for STEM Disciplines 2 |
| COMP1249 | Introduction to Programming |
| PHY1016 | Physics for STEM Disciplines 2 |
| BIOL1036 | Biology for STEM Disciplines |
| DSGN1002 | Introduction to Engineering Design |
| COMM2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Solve structured problems in simulated scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematical contexts.
- Analyze STEM systems and processes to identify components, workflows, and required resources.
- Produce and present documentation for diverse audiences to support academic and technical activities and collaborative work.
- Develop and implement a personal academic and career plan to set objectives and evaluate progress toward academic and career goals.
- Collect and process data to prepare technical information for analysis.
- Contribute to team-based tasks to complete assigned components of technical activities.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2027 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, e-text, and other materials, which the student must purchase separately.
**Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2027 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, e-text, and other materials, which the student must purchase separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit our transfer guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Contact Us
Contact us by email at preparation@georgebrown.ca for more information about the program.
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered through the School of Work and College Preparation, and classes are usually held at our St. James Campus.
Campus tours are offered regularly. Sign up today! You can also check out our virtual tour to explore campus spaces.
Program Description
Program Overview
STEM Foundations prepares learners for success in diploma and advanced diploma programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students build foundational knowledge in mathematics and science while developing logical reasoning, quantitative problem-solving and technical communication skills.
Through hands-on experiences, students use digital, programming, and laboratory tools to collect, process, and interpret data in practical STEM contexts. The program also helps students develop the learning and self-management skills needed to create educational and career plans aligned with their goals and intended STEM pathways.
Full Description
George Brown Polytechnic's STEM Foundations Program (A111) is a one-year certificate program that helps you build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to pursue a wide range of pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Designed for students planning to pursue advanced diplomas or degrees, this full-time program helps you build the academic foundation needed for success at George Brown and other post-secondary institutions.
Classes run Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Through your courses, you will strengthen your existing knowledge and develop new skills in:
- Communication
- Mathematics
- Engineering design
- Biology
- Physics
- Organic and inorganic chemistry
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Educational Pathways
George Brown Polytechnic has developed a number of advanced diploma and degree program pathways to help you reach your academic and future career goals.
Diploma Program Pathways:
STEM Foundations (A111) graduates interested in pursuing a George Brown Polytechnic diploma can apply to these programs:
Architectural Technician (T132)
· Computer Systems Technician (T141)
· Electromechanical Engineering Technician (T146)
Construction Engineering Technician (T161)
· Mechanical Technician – CNC and Precision Machining (T173)
· Computer Programming – Low Code Program (T189)
· Computer Systems Technician (Online) (T191)
· Computer Systems Technology (Online) (T192)
· Game – Programming (Online) (T196)
· Computer Programming and Analysis (Online) (T197)
Advanced Diploma Program Pathways:
STEM Foundations (A111) graduates interested in pursuing a George Brown Polytechnic advanced diploma can apply to these programs:
Construction Engineering Technology (T105)
Architectural Technology (T109)
· Mechanical Engineering Technology – Design (T121)
Civil Engineering Technology (T164)
· Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Building Automation (T171)
· Computer Programming and Analysis (T177)
· Electromechanical Engineering Technology – Power and Control (T182)
· Computer Systems Technology (T190)
Graduates of this program interested in pursuing a diploma or advanced diploma beyond George Brown can apply to:
Courses
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| MATH1157 | Mathematics for STEM Disciplines 1 |
| COMP1248 | Computer Applications and Systems |
| PHY1015 | Physics for STEM Disciplines 1 |
| CHEM1018 | Chemistry for STEM Disciplines |
| PATH1021 | Pathways for STEM Disciplines |
| COMM1000 | Introduction to College Communication |
| MATH1158 | Mathematics for STEM Disciplines 2 |
| COMP1249 | Introduction to Programming |
| PHY1016 | Physics for STEM Disciplines 2 |
| BIOL1036 | Biology for STEM Disciplines |
| DSGN1002 | Introduction to Engineering Design |
| COMM2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2027 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, e-text, and other materials, which the student must purchase separately.
**Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2026. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2027 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, e-text, and other materials, which the student must purchase separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit our transfer guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Solve structured problems in simulated scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematical contexts.
- Analyze STEM systems and processes to identify components, workflows, and required resources.
- Produce and present documentation for diverse audiences to support academic and technical activities and collaborative work.
- Develop and implement a personal academic and career plan to set objectives and evaluate progress toward academic and career goals.
- Collect and process data to prepare technical information for analysis.
- Contribute to team-based tasks to complete assigned components of technical activities.
Contact Us
Contact us by email at preparation@georgebrown.ca for more information about the program.
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered through the School of Work and College Preparation, and classes are usually held at our St. James Campus.
Campus tours are offered regularly. Sign up today! You can also check out our virtual tour to explore campus spaces.

Visit St. James
Book campus tourVisit
Our Virtual Tour showcases the following areas:
- Campus Facilities
- Student Services
- Applied Learning Environments
- Labs & Classrooms
