George Brown College is located in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and is one of Canada’s largest and most prestigious public colleges. Founded in 1967, the college is named after George Brown, the “Father of the Canadian Confederation” and founder of The Globe and Mail. In October 2025, the college officially changed its name to George Brown Polytechnic to more accurately reflect its comprehensive focus on offering applied degrees, applied research, and graduate education.
Authoritative Rankings and Research Strength
George Brown College enjoys a distinguished reputation in Canadian higher education and has been consistently ranked among the top ten research colleges in Canada by Research Infosource Inc. for many years. In 2022, the college ranked ninth in total research revenue, third in the number of completed projects, and was among the top ten in both student-funded research and industry-funded research revenue. Currently, the college has over 32,000 students, with international students accounting for approximately 28% of the student body.
A Firsthand Account of an International Student Earning a Canadian University Degree
Although earning a Canadian university degree is hard work—we’ve had to face and solve many challenges on our own, and learn to handle situations we never even imagined back home—we all started out as complete novices. Step by step, through all the ups and downs, we’ve made it this far. It’s been tough, but also deeply fulfilling, and I truly don’t regret coming here for this experience.
Extensive Program Offerings
The college offers over 200 full-time programs, spanning various levels including bachelor’s degrees, advanced diplomas, diplomas, and graduate certificates. Popular programs include Culinary Management, Early Childhood Education, Computer Programming and Analytics, Practical Nursing, Construction Management, Brand Design, and Digital Experience Design. In September 2026, the college will launch its first Master of Applied Science program—the Master of Construction Management—further expanding its degree offerings.
100% Hands-On Learning Experience
George Brown College centers its educational approach on practical, hands-on learning, with 98% of programs featuring at least one experiential learning opportunity. These opportunities include internships, simulated work environments, applied research projects, and participation in campus incubators. The college is equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities: the Health Sciences Centre features simulated operating rooms and hospital wards; culinary students gain real-world operational experience at TCH Marketplace; and the “City of Arts” complex at the Waterfront campus provides design students with over 100,000 square feet of learning space.
Prime Location and Campus Life
The college operates three campuses in downtown Toronto—Casa Loma, St. James, and Waterfront—all of which are easily accessible and situated near dining, shopping, and city attractions. The student residence, The George, is located in the trendy Corktown neighborhood, adjacent to the historic Distillery District and offers convenient transportation links. The college awards over CAD 6.6 million in scholarships, grants, and awards annually, benefiting more than 7,000 students.
Strong Career Prospects
George Brown College maintains close ties with the industry, ensuring that its curriculum aligns closely with employer needs. Data shows that 88% of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation. The college collaborates with organizations such as the Toronto Raptors to offer specialized programs like Sports and Event Marketing, ensuring students gain cutting-edge industry experience.
Application and Fees
Undergraduate tuition for international students ranges from approximately 16,763–31,197 CAD per year, while diploma programs range from approximately 94,300–224,300 RMB per year (depending on the specific program). The college offers multiple intakes in the fall (September), winter (January), and spring/summer (May). Language requirements are an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 84.
Whether you are seeking practical skills or career advancement, George Brown Polytechnic is an ideal choice for studying in Canada, thanks to its central Toronto location, 100% hands-on learning, over 200 program options, and high employment rate.
