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.
General Arts and Science – English for Academic Purposes
(R105)
Program Details
- Program Code: R105
- Credential: Ontario College Certificate
- Duration: 3 semesters Levels 1–9 depending on initial placement test
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: January, May, September
- Domestic Tuition: $1,975.00*
- Spring 2026 Delivery: Semester 1, 3: Not Available; Semester 2: Choice
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Suspended | Not Available |
| Winter 2026 | Suspended | Not Available |
| Spring 2026 | Suspended | Not Available |
- PGWP Eligible: No
Get answers to your questions
Book info sessionProgram Description
Program Overview
George Brown Polytechnic’s General Arts and Science – English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (R105) will help you level up your English language skills – whether you’re a newcomer with permanent resident status, refugee status, or already have Canadian citizenship. We’ll prepare you for your exciting journey into post-secondary study and future careers. Our EAP program not only helps you improve your English but also opens doors to a vibrant student life with exciting co- and extracurricular events and workshops.
Full Description
George Brown Polytechnic’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (R105) program is your gateway to mastering the English language. We attract students from all over the world, creating a diverse, enriching learning environment.
Note: This program offers you the choice to enrol in either online or in-person classes. You will be sent more information once you receive an offer to the program.
Get ready to boost your communication skills in a variety of learning areas, including:
- listening
- speaking
- reading
- writing
- vocabulary
- grammar
Our certified teachers will guide you through interactive lessons, both in-person and online.
Choose Your Own& EAP Pathway
As you reach Level 7 or Level 8, you can take one of four routes:
- Continue in the post-secondary stream of the EAP program
- Pursue Level 7 or Level 8 English for Business Studies
- Pursue Level 7 or Level 8 English for Hospitality Studies
- Pursue Level 7 or Level 8 English for Early Childhood Education
*Please keep in mind that space is limited, so we can’t guarantee that you’ll get your first-choice stream.
As part of our EAP program, you can also opt for selective courses tailored to develop specific communication skills, critical thinking abilities, digital expertise and academic know-how to prepare you for your future college studies.
Program Dates and Duration
This program spans nine levels, from beginner to advanced, with each 16-week semester covering two levels.
Classes take place Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Academic Year: 2025 – 2026
| Placement Test | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| To be confirmed | September 2, 2025 | December 19, 2025 |
| To be confirmed | January 5, 2026 | April 24, 2026 |
| To be confirmed | May 4, 2026 | August 21, 2026 |
Please note: The 2025–2026 placement test dates will be posted as soon as they are available.
Certification
When you finish Level 8 or 9 and complete at least two EAP levels at George Brown, you'll earn an Ontario College Certificate. If you complete only level 8 or level 9, you'll receive a George Brown Polytechnic Certificate.
Level 8 graduates are exempt from the English admissions test for most post-secondary programs at George Brown Polytechnic and many other Ontario colleges. Level 9 graduates meet the English admission requirements for certain George Brown Polytechnic degree programs and graduate certificate programs with co-op or field education placements.
Note: Double-check each program’s requirements for any mandatory admission testing details.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Completion of Level 8 – Meets the English language requirement for most certificate and diploma at George Brown Polytechnic.
Completion of Level 9 – Will be prepared with the study, research and essay-writing skills required for diploma, postgraduate and degree-level programs.
Please note: Mandatory admission testing, which includes English, is required for some programs. Check program requirements.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
To determine which level each student will start the program in, students either take a level placement test at George Brown or submit an official, valid IELTS (Academic) or TOEFL (iBT) or Duolingo test score at the time of admission or before classes begin. Students may only choose one of these options. Students taking the EAP level placement test will be notified by the School of ESL or Admissions Office with testing instructions.
Students are expected to complete two courses in each 16-week semester. Starting in September 2024, the EAP Level 1 course will be offered in-person (on campus) only at the School of ESL at 200 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario. If you are placed into the EAP Level 1 course, please plan and prepare accordingly.
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ESL 1111 | English for Academic Purposes 1 |
| ESL 1112 | English for Academic Purposes 2 |
| ESL 1113 | English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| ESL 1114 | English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| ESL 1115 | English for Academic Purposes 5 |
| ESL 1116 | English for Academic Purposes 6 |
| ESL 1117 | English for Academic Purposes 7 |
| ESL 1118 | English for Academic Purposes 8 |
| ESL 1119 | English for Academic Purposes 9 |
Note: You can choose an in-person or online class and further instructions will be provided to you upon receiving an offer to the program.
The EAP Level 1 course will be offered in-person (on campus) only at the School of ESL at 200 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario. If you are placed into the EAP Level 1 course, please plan and prepare accordingly.
Course Outline URL
Students who successfully complete EAP Level 8 at George Brown Polytechnic are deemed to have met the English language requirements for admission to some diploma and certificate programs at 16 other Ontario colleges. Please check the program requirements or contact the School of ESL and Immigrant Education for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate competently at a level required for post-secondary studies, showing flexibility and clarity of thought and expression.
- Communicate competently and flexibly, in order to interact culturally appropriately, in a variety of workplace, post-secondary and/or societal environments.
- Conduct research and write essays/papers/reports according to academic conventions at a level required by colleges, universities and/or the workplace.
- Develop thorough general knowledge in a wide range of subjects, and insight into both self and society.
- Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communicative competence to a level required by business and industry.
- Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
- Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
- Employ basic vocational skills drawn from the areas of the humanities, social and behavioural sciences or vocational studies (business, technology).
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$1,975.00*
Additional Costs
Total fees for one semester only. September fees are $1,646.10 + $328.90 for health insurance. January fees are $1,646.10 + $219.27 for health insurance. May fees are $1,646.10.
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for one semester of the program starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. OCAS application fee: $125. Program is OSAP eligible.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent (18 years of age and under)
- Mature Student status*, no OSSD required (*19 years of age and older)
- permanent residents of Canada will need to present legible copies of both sides of their Permanent Resident Cards, or other proof of residency
Placement Test
Once students have registered, they must take a placement test to determine their level of English proficiency before beginning the EAP program. A test date and time will be supplied upon registration.
Applicants have two options for determining level placement. Students must choose one option only and once the choice is made, it is final.
- EAP applicants who do not have an IELTS (Academic), TOEFL (iBT) or Duolingo score will need to take the EAP level placement test OR
- EAP applicants can be placed into an EAP level before classes start based on an IELTS (Academic), TOEFL (iBT), or Duolingo score with the minimum Writing and Speaking/Production score requirements shown below.
| EAP STARTING LEVEL* | *NEW* Duolingo Entry Requirements | IELTS: ENTRY Requirements | TOEFL: ENTRY Requirements | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | Production Score | Overall Score | Writing & Speaking | Overall Score | Speaking | Writing | |
| 9 | 115-120 | 95-100 | 6 | 6.5 | 80–91 | 22 | 22 |
| 8 | 105-110 | 85-90 | 5.5 | 6 | 62–79 | 20 | 20 |
| 7 | 95-100 | 75-80 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 50–61 | 18 | 18 |
| 6 | 85-90 | 65-70 | 5 | 5 | 40–49 | 15 | 14 |
| 5 | 75-80 | 55-60 | 4–4.5 | 4.5 | 31–39 | 13 | 12 |
| 4 | 65-70 | 45-50 | 3.5 | 4 | 26–30 | 11 | 8 |
| 3 | 55-60 | 35-40 | 3 | 3.5 | 19–25 | 8 | 6 |
| 2 | 45-50 | 25-30 | 2.5 | 3 | 10–18 | 5 | 4 |
| 1 | 20-40 | 15-20 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 0–9 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
* Two-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 Polytechnic official IELTS test centre provides a complete IELTS testing service. For more information, please visit the IELTS Testing service site.
Current or returning EAP students who suspend their studies for more than six consecutive eight-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.
As of the March 4–April 26, 2024 session and beyond, the School of ESL will no longer accept the Duolingo (DET) score from *current EAP (R105/R115) program students who seek to skip a language level or be considered for placement into a different EAP level. Current students will still be able to submit IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT scores for consideration into a different EAP level; however, these scores will not be accepted for advancing to the next EAP program level if a student has received a failing grade in their current level.
*Current students are those enrolled in the presently ongoing EAP session or those who have studied in the EAP program within the past two years as of the start date of the next available EAP session.
For more information, please contact esl@georgebrown.ca.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Contact Us
Call the School of ESL and Immigrant Education office at 416-415-5000, ext. 4826 or email esl@georgebrown.ca.
Visit Our Campus
Register for an upcoming information session or take a virtual tour.
Program Description
Program Overview
George Brown Polytechnic’s General Arts and Science – English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (R105) will help you level up your English language skills – whether you’re a newcomer with permanent resident status, refugee status, or already have Canadian citizenship. We’ll prepare you for your exciting journey into post-secondary study and future careers. Our EAP program not only helps you improve your English but also opens doors to a vibrant student life with exciting co- and extracurricular events and workshops.
Full Description
George Brown Polytechnic’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (R105) program is your gateway to mastering the English language. We attract students from all over the world, creating a diverse, enriching learning environment.
Note: This program offers you the choice to enrol in either online or in-person classes. You will be sent more information once you receive an offer to the program.
Get ready to boost your communication skills in a variety of learning areas, including:
- listening
- speaking
- reading
- writing
- vocabulary
- grammar
Our certified teachers will guide you through interactive lessons, both in-person and online.
Choose Your Own& EAP Pathway
As you reach Level 7 or Level 8, you can take one of four routes:
- Continue in the post-secondary stream of the EAP program
- Pursue Level 7 or Level 8 English for Business Studies
- Pursue Level 7 or Level 8 English for Hospitality Studies
- Pursue Level 7 or Level 8 English for Early Childhood Education
*Please keep in mind that space is limited, so we can’t guarantee that you’ll get your first-choice stream.
As part of our EAP program, you can also opt for selective courses tailored to develop specific communication skills, critical thinking abilities, digital expertise and academic know-how to prepare you for your future college studies.
Program Dates and Duration
This program spans nine levels, from beginner to advanced, with each 16-week semester covering two levels.
Classes take place Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Academic Year: 2025 – 2026
| Placement Test | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| To be confirmed | September 2, 2025 | December 19, 2025 |
| To be confirmed | January 5, 2026 | April 24, 2026 |
| To be confirmed | May 4, 2026 | August 21, 2026 |
Please note: The 2025–2026 placement test dates will be posted as soon as they are available.
Certification
When you finish Level 8 or 9 and complete at least two EAP levels at George Brown, you'll earn an Ontario College Certificate. If you complete only level 8 or level 9, you'll receive a George Brown Polytechnic Certificate.
Level 8 graduates are exempt from the English admissions test for most post-secondary programs at George Brown Polytechnic and many other Ontario colleges. Level 9 graduates meet the English admission requirements for certain George Brown Polytechnic degree programs and graduate certificate programs with co-op or field education placements.
Note: Double-check each program’s requirements for any mandatory admission testing details.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Completion of Level 8 – Meets the English language requirement for most certificate and diploma at George Brown Polytechnic.
Completion of Level 9 – Will be prepared with the study, research and essay-writing skills required for diploma, postgraduate and degree-level programs.
Please note: Mandatory admission testing, which includes English, is required for some programs. Check program requirements.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
To determine which level each student will start the program in, students either take a level placement test at George Brown or submit an official, valid IELTS (Academic) or TOEFL (iBT) or Duolingo test score at the time of admission or before classes begin. Students may only choose one of these options. Students taking the EAP level placement test will be notified by the School of ESL or Admissions Office with testing instructions.
Students are expected to complete two courses in each 16-week semester. Starting in September 2024, the EAP Level 1 course will be offered in-person (on campus) only at the School of ESL at 200 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario. If you are placed into the EAP Level 1 course, please plan and prepare accordingly.
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ESL 1111 | English for Academic Purposes 1 |
| ESL 1112 | English for Academic Purposes 2 |
| ESL 1113 | English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| ESL 1114 | English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| ESL 1115 | English for Academic Purposes 5 |
| ESL 1116 | English for Academic Purposes 6 |
| ESL 1117 | English for Academic Purposes 7 |
| ESL 1118 | English for Academic Purposes 8 |
| ESL 1119 | English for Academic Purposes 9 |
Note: You can choose an in-person or online class and further instructions will be provided to you upon receiving an offer to the program.
The EAP Level 1 course will be offered in-person (on campus) only at the School of ESL at 200 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario. If you are placed into the EAP Level 1 course, please plan and prepare accordingly.
Course Outline URL
Students who successfully complete EAP Level 8 at George Brown Polytechnic are deemed to have met the English language requirements for admission to some diploma and certificate programs at 16 other Ontario colleges. Please check the program requirements or contact the School of ESL and Immigrant Education for more information.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$1,975.00*
Additional Costs
Total fees for one semester only. September fees are $1,646.10 + $328.90 for health insurance. January fees are $1,646.10 + $219.27 for health insurance. May fees are $1,646.10.
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for one semester of the program starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. OCAS application fee: $125. Program is OSAP eligible.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent (18 years of age and under)
- Mature Student status*, no OSSD required (*19 years of age and older)
- permanent residents of Canada will need to present legible copies of both sides of their Permanent Resident Cards, or other proof of residency
Placement Test
Once students have registered, they must take a placement test to determine their level of English proficiency before beginning the EAP program. A test date and time will be supplied upon registration.
Applicants have two options for determining level placement. Students must choose one option only and once the choice is made, it is final.
- EAP applicants who do not have an IELTS (Academic), TOEFL (iBT) or Duolingo score will need to take the EAP level placement test OR
- EAP applicants can be placed into an EAP level before classes start based on an IELTS (Academic), TOEFL (iBT), or Duolingo score with the minimum Writing and Speaking/Production score requirements shown below.
| EAP STARTING LEVEL* | *NEW* Duolingo Entry Requirements | IELTS: ENTRY Requirements | TOEFL: ENTRY Requirements | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | Production Score | Overall Score | Writing & Speaking | Overall Score | Speaking | Writing | |
| 9 | 115-120 | 95-100 | 6 | 6.5 | 80–91 | 22 | 22 |
| 8 | 105-110 | 85-90 | 5.5 | 6 | 62–79 | 20 | 20 |
| 7 | 95-100 | 75-80 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 50–61 | 18 | 18 |
| 6 | 85-90 | 65-70 | 5 | 5 | 40–49 | 15 | 14 |
| 5 | 75-80 | 55-60 | 4–4.5 | 4.5 | 31–39 | 13 | 12 |
| 4 | 65-70 | 45-50 | 3.5 | 4 | 26–30 | 11 | 8 |
| 3 | 55-60 | 35-40 | 3 | 3.5 | 19–25 | 8 | 6 |
| 2 | 45-50 | 25-30 | 2.5 | 3 | 10–18 | 5 | 4 |
| 1 | 20-40 | 15-20 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 0–9 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
* Two-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 Polytechnic official IELTS test centre provides a complete IELTS testing service. For more information, please visit the IELTS Testing service site.
Current or returning EAP students who suspend their studies for more than six consecutive eight-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.
As of the March 4–April 26, 2024 session and beyond, the School of ESL will no longer accept the Duolingo (DET) score from *current EAP (R105/R115) program students who seek to skip a language level or be considered for placement into a different EAP level. Current students will still be able to submit IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT scores for consideration into a different EAP level; however, these scores will not be accepted for advancing to the next EAP program level if a student has received a failing grade in their current level.
*Current students are those enrolled in the presently ongoing EAP session or those who have studied in the EAP program within the past two years as of the start date of the next available EAP session.
For more information, please contact esl@georgebrown.ca.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate competently at a level required for post-secondary studies, showing flexibility and clarity of thought and expression.
- Communicate competently and flexibly, in order to interact culturally appropriately, in a variety of workplace, post-secondary and/or societal environments.
- Conduct research and write essays/papers/reports according to academic conventions at a level required by colleges, universities and/or the workplace.
- Develop thorough general knowledge in a wide range of subjects, and insight into both self and society.
- Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communicative competence to a level required by business and industry.
- Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
- Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
- Employ basic vocational skills drawn from the areas of the humanities, social and behavioural sciences or vocational studies (business, technology).
Contact Us
Call the School of ESL and Immigrant Education office at 416-415-5000, ext. 4826 or email esl@georgebrown.ca.
Visit Our Campus
Register for an upcoming information session or take a virtual tour.
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