In short
George Brown College in downtown Toronto offers career-focused programs with a strong emphasis on applied learning and industry connections. International students can benefit from competitive tuition, a diverse community, and pathways to permanent residency through the PGWP.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1967
- Students
- 30,000
- International students
- 9,000
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Tuition (intl)
- €13–20k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Canada
George Brown College (George Brown Polytechnic since 2025) is a publicly funded college with three campuses in downtown Toronto, Canada. Founded in 1967, it serves approximately 30,000 full-time students and offers career-focused programs in business, health sciences, culinary arts, design, engineering technology, and community services. Its downtown Toronto location provides direct access to Canada's largest job market, and its applied learning model — featuring industry placements and employer-sponsored projects — ensures graduates enter the workforce ready on day one.
Why study here
- Three campuses in the heart of downtown Toronto, steps from Canada's biggest employers in finance, tech, health, and hospitality.
- Applied polytechnic education with mandatory field placements and industry-sponsored capstone projects.
- Over 160 full-time programs across diverse sectors including culinary arts, design, nursing, and business analysis.
- Diverse international community from 140+ countries with dedicated international student support services.
- Competitive tuition by Canadian college standards with pathways to permanent residency through Canada's Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
Student life
Student life at George Brown is defined by its urban, multicultural setting. With campuses within walking distance of Toronto's waterfront, historic Distillery District, and financial core, students are immersed in one of North America's most cosmopolitan cities. The college has student associations, clubs, athletics, and wellness services across all three campuses. Toronto's extensive transit network (TTC subway and streetcar) makes the entire city accessible without a car.
Fees
InternationalInternational tuition ranges from approximately CAD $15,000 to $23,000 per year (roughly €13,000–€20,000) depending on program. Additional fees include health insurance, student activity fees, and materials.
HomeDomestic Ontario tuition approximately CAD $2,000–$4,000 per year for most diploma programs.
LivingToronto living costs estimated at CAD $15,000–$20,000 per year including housing, food, transit, and personal expenses. On-campus residence is limited; most students rent privately.
International students are eligible for PGWP after graduation, allowing up to 3 years of work experience in Canada toward permanent residency.
Admissions
Secondary School DiplomaOntario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with required course prerequisites for the chosen program.
English ProficiencyRequired for non-native English speakers; test scores must be submitted directly to George Brown.
Application PortalApply via ontariocolleges.ca for most full-time programs.
Program-Specific RequirementsSome programs (e.g., health sciences, culinary arts) require additional portfolio, interview, or audition submissions.
Study PermitInternational applicants must obtain a Canadian study permit before classes begin.
IELTS Academic6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT84
Duolingo105
PTE Academic58
University scholarships
George Brown International Entrance AwardCAD $2,000 for high-achieving new international students
George Brown Bursary FundCAD $500–$3,000 for students demonstrating financial need
Aga Khan Foundation Canada ScholarshipVaries — for students from developing countries
Accreditation
George Brown College is a publicly funded Ontario college of applied arts and technology, governed under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act. Specific health and culinary programs carry additional professional body accreditations (e.g., CNO for nursing programs).
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is George Brown College known for?
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George Brown College is known for its career-focused, applied learning model with mandatory field placements and industry-sponsored projects. It offers over 160 full-time programs across diverse sectors and has three campuses in downtown Toronto.
What are the estimated international tuition fees at George Brown College?
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International tuition fees at George Brown College typically range from CAD $15,000 to $23,000 per year, depending on the program. Additional costs include health insurance, student activity fees, and materials.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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International students generally need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5), or a TOEFL iBT score of 84, or a Duolingo score of 105.
Can international students work in Canada after graduation?
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Yes, international students are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation, which can allow for up to three years of work experience in Canada, potentially leading to permanent residency.
What is the estimated cost of living for international students in Toronto?
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Living costs in Toronto are estimated between CAD $15,000 and $20,000 per year, covering housing, food, transit, and personal expenses. Most students rent accommodations privately.
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