Cyber Security Program (T433) Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants are expected to hold an Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or University Degree (or international equivalent) in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a closely related discipline. For applicants with Two- or three-year college diploma or bachelor’s degree in other fields, we expect them to have one year, or more, of related work experience, as evidenced by a resumé.

If English is not your first language, you must submit proof of English language proficiency. Standard requirements for postgraduate certificates at George Brown Polytechnic are:

• IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 88, with minimum subscores of 22.
• PTE Academic: Overall score of 60 or higher.

Please visit English Proficiency for more details.

Yes. Conditional admission may be granted if you successfully complete George Brown’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program prior to starting the T433 program.

You will need to submit:

• Official post-secondary transcripts and graduation certificates (translated into English if applicable).
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or EAP) if required.
• An updated resume/CV highlighting relevant technical experience (recommended).

International transcripts must be evaluated for Canadian equivalency. George Brown Polytechnic accepts credential assessments from services such as WES (World Education Services) or ICES.

Domestic students apply online via ontariocolleges.ca. International students apply directly through the George Brown Polytechnic International Application Portal. 

Applicants are encouraged to strengthen their knowledge of Operating System and Networking. They are essential for understanding and mastering cyber security technic, protocols and solutions.   

It is recommended to have familiarity with:

• Basic Linux and Windows command-line navigation.
• TCP/IP networking fundamentals and subnetting.
• Basic programming/scripting concepts (e.g., Python or PowerShell).

The program is 1 academic year in duration, delivered over 3 consecutive semesters.  

The program normally has two intakes each year: Winter in January and Fall in September.

Applicants are encouraged to apply while space is still available and as soon as possible. Admission will stay open as long as space is available and time permits. Once an intake reaches capacity, additional applicants may be placed on a waiting list. Exact deadlines, current intake availability, document-submission deadlines, and expected decision dates should be confirmed with Admissions or through the college website.

Domestic applicants can contact Admissions at Admissions@georgebrown.ca, while international applicants can contact intladmissions@georgebrown.ca. Domestic registration questions can be directed to registration@georgebrown.ca. International students with questions about registration, visas, or related matters can also contact the International Centre through the George Brown Polytechnic website.

Classes are generally held from three to four weekdays from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., except during reading weeks. 

The program primarily features in-person, hands-on lab training on campus, supplemented by online learning modules.  The schedule will be provided for students.

In-person classes are held at the Casa Loma Campus.

No. T433 Program has no official co-op in the pathway, instead, we have other means to help students to gain opportunities from the industry.

Domestic students may apply for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program). International students can explore George Brown Polytechnic international entrance awards and scholarships via the student portal once accepted.

Many methods and options are available to help students to reach out industry, including industry conference, meetup events (like TASK - Toronto Area Security Klatch), industry guest speakers, capstone course in last semester (with opportunities to work with our partners in their real-life projects), career fair, Capture the Flag competitions and etc. Those are all helpful and supportive in terms of job hunting and networking with industry.   

The program is designed to balance theory and practical work. Courses generally include approximately a 50/50 split between theoretical instruction and lab-based or practical work. Students learn machine-learning concepts, theory, and algorithms while applying them through programming, model development, labs, and projects. However, this depends on the course; some are more theoretical than others.

Project work is a significant part of the program. Typically, most courses include either one large project or several smaller projects. This allows students to apply the theory, programming techniques, and machine-learning concepts covered in class. Some courses are exam-based.

In many cases, students can select their own project topics and test beds.

Yes. Students may work on comprehensive projects, particularly when they choose challenging tasks for project work. The usage of generative-AI and agentic-AI is allowed for some steps and phases.

Yes. The curriculum aligns with key industry certifications, helping prepare you for credentials like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified SOC Analyst (CSA), GCIH, CompTIA CySA+, CISSP and more.

Graduates are prepared for positions such as:

• Cyber Security Analyst
• Network Security Technician
• Incident Response Analyst
• Information Security Coordinator
• Vulnerability/Penetration Tester  

Yes, international students who complete this full-time program at George Brown Polytechnic are typically eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada.