Georgian College: an institution for proactive and ambitious students

Georgian College is a public college in Canada founded in 1967. It emerged when Ontario's college system was just taking shape. Since then, the college has remained at the forefront of higher education progress in the country. It was the first college in Ontario to offer students accredited paid co-op placements during their studies.

All of Georgian's programs focus on developing students' practical skills. Today, Georgian partners with over 6,200 employers across the province who offer internships to students. Thanks to the emphasis on hands-on skills in real work environments, 90.3% of all graduates find permanent jobs with career prospects within just six months after graduation.

The college also actively collaborates with businesses and various enterprises to develop new technologies and innovative solutions. As a result, in 2018, Georgian became the only college in Canada to be named a Changemaker Campus by the international organization Ashoka U. This highlights the college's commitment to fostering initiative in its students, who graduate as individuals ready to change the world for the better.

Campuses and Location

The college has 7 campuses, each serving as a hub for academic, social, and cultural life in their communities. The main campus is located in Barrie, with others in Orillia, Owen Sound, Midland, Bracebridge, Orangeville, and Collingwood.

All these cities are within a 1.5 to 2.5-hour drive from Toronto. Thanks to well-developed infrastructure, various transportation options are available: buses departing directly from Georgian College campus, or trains arriving at Union Station in Toronto.

Most programs are taught in Barrie. Barrie is a picturesque and rapidly developing city that combines industry, tourism, and education.

Barrie's population is about 150,000, but despite being a small city, there's always something to do. For leisure, residents and visitors can enjoy beaches on Lake Simcoe, numerous cafes and restaurants, theaters and parks, arts festivals, sporting events, and much more. As the city is located just 90 kilometers north of Toronto, there's always an opportunity to visit the capital of Ontario province.

Barrie is actively developing and has recently become a growing tech hub. The city hosts data centers for major companies, including IBM and Bank of Montreal. Barrie is expected to become one of the best high-tech centers in Canada for smaller markets. Many graduates of Georgian College's IT programs will be able to find work right in Barrie after graduation.

Moreover, in 2023, it was recognized as the safest city in Canada, which can be of great importance for international students who value a comfortable environment.

Admission of International Students to Georgian College

Georgian College warmly welcomes international students to its educational programs. Currently, the college has over 6,300 students from 86 countries worldwide. Thanks to the continuous support from the college's management and staff, particularly the International Center, every student quickly integrates into the community and begins to feel part of a large, initiative-driven, and ambitious team.

International students who have had the opportunity to study at Georgian College especially appreciate the warm attitude and help in adapting to life in Canada. For international students, it's crucial to understand the realities of Canadian life, which is why they consider internships a particularly important part of their education. These not only familiarize them with real working conditions but also allow them to add this experience to their resumes and present it to future employers.

Programs

Georgian College is one of the largest colleges in Canada. Its scale is evident not only in the number of campuses and student population but also in the extensive range of study programs. At Georgian, every applicant can find something they're interested in studying.

More than 130 study programs are distributed across 13 fields:

• Automotive Business
• Business and Management
• Community Safety
• Computer Studies
• Design and Visual Arts
• Engineering and Environmental Technologies
• Health, Wellness and Sciences
• Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation
• Human Services
• Indigenous Studies
• Liberal Arts
• Marine Studies
• Skilled Trades

In addition to a wide range of study areas, Georgian College offers different types of programs:

• Certificate — 1 year of study
• Diploma/Advanced Diploma — 2-3 years of study
• Bachelor's Degree — 4 years of study
• Graduate Certificate — 1 year of study

As the main focus of education is on practical skills, each study program includes practical classes in laboratories and workshops, industry placements, or even paid internships.

In addition to practical skills, great attention is paid to the theoretical foundation. Georgian College employs highly qualified and experienced instructors, and classes are held in small, student-oriented groups, ensuring that each student receives maximum attention from the instructor.

Paid Co-op and Work Opportunities

Georgian College offers paid co-op placements in about 40 of its study programs. This type of education combines academic semesters with work terms. Student salaries usually start from $16.55 CAD per hour, depending on the company, field, and position.

Students in co-op programs and internships receive support from a specialized team consisting of employer relations specialists, career experts, and job search and placement staff. This team of specialists will help students build their career path and develop job search strategies for successful co-op experiences and employment after graduation.

Here's the English translation:

Georgian College has connections with thousands of employers across Canada, including industry leaders. Students in engineering, technical fields, and automotive business programs complete internships and co-op placements at companies like Honda of Canada, Magna International, and Toronto Hydro.

Additionally, all full-time students can work both on and off campus during their studies. Starting November 2024, students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off campus during semesters and unlimited hours during official breaks.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees at Georgian College vary depending on the program level and credential awarded upon completion.

• Certificate programs: CAD $17,170 — $18,170
• Diploma programs: CAD $16,990 — $29,200
• Graduate certificate programs: CAD $17,900 — $19,280
• Bachelor's degree programs: CAD $20,360 — $20,450

Tuition fees may include additional charges such as health insurance, student ID card, and transit pass. However, some programs may require extra fees not included in tuition, like protective clothing for lab work or uniforms for workshop practice. There's also a CAD $100 application fee when applying to Georgian College.

Grants and Scholarships

Georgian College is one of the most generous colleges when it comes to scholarships and financial incentives. The college spends over CAD $6 million annually on student financial support, including international students. This can significantly reduce the cost of studying at Georgian College for international students.

International Entrance Awards

The International Entrance Award is a CAD $2,000 scholarship available to international students in their first semester at Georgian College.

To qualify for this scholarship, international students must meet several requirements:

• Be enrolled in a college program and apply for the scholarship on time
• Have an above-average high school GPA (at least a B grade on the GPA scale)
• Meet the required English language proficiency standards
• Pay the tuition deposit before the scholarship application deadline

To evaluate scholarship eligibility, Georgian College may consider the student's motivation letter, resume or CV, and other documents provided during the application process.

The college notifies students about scholarship awards via email shortly after receiving their acceptance letter.

International Student Leadership Award

This CAD $1,000 scholarship is available to international students who have demonstrated leadership qualities, maintained good academic standing, and successfully completed at least one semester.

Applicants must show involvement in campus life (through student associations, extracurricular activities, or representing the college in competitions) or contribute to improving student life for others at the college.

To apply, students must submit an online cover letter explaining why they deserve the scholarship.

It's important to note that starting in 2025, students remain eligible for entrance scholarships regardless of whether their program qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

There are other scholarships and financial incentives available to international students, and the college also announces scholarship opportunities from various external organizations. Scholarships and eligibility criteria may change, so it's important to check for the most up-to-date information.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements may vary depending on the program. It's essential to carefully review the entry conditions for the specific program you're interested in.

For certificate, diploma, and bachelor's degree programs, applicants must provide proof of completed secondary education, including a high school diploma and transcript. Many programs require high final grades in specific subjects.

For graduate certificate programs, applicants must provide proof of higher education, including a college or university diploma and transcript. A motivation letter explaining why you chose the program and a resume detailing work experience, volunteering, or internships are also required.

English Language Requirements

Since instruction at Georgian College is in English, applicants must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency for academic purposes. This can be done by providing language test results, which may vary depending on the chosen program.

The college also accepts certificates from partner organizations' language preparation programs (such as ILAC's University Pathway) — in this case, additional language testing is not required.

Average language test scores for admission to Georgian College:

Admission Assistance

Our company, Immigrant.Today, is a partner of Georgian College. If you're interested in studying at this institution, we'd be happy to help you with the admission process. Contact us for a consultation on education in Canada, and our expert will help you choose a suitable study program and gather all the necessary documents for free enrollment. Our visa consultants will also assist you in applying for a Canadian student visa.

Studying at a Canadian college is an opportunity to get a world-class education and a reliable way to immigrate to Canada. We'll gladly do everything to make your admission process smooth and fast. Get in touch with us and start your journey to Canada today!