Important Note: The Winter 2025 semester for the Con Ed ESL Part-Time program will take place from January 14 to April 26, 2025. ESL compulsory courses will continue to be offered in a hybrid delivery mode, while ESL elective courses will be available online only. Please check the course section for the specific delivery mode of each course.
Students enrolled in online ESL elective courses are required to attend scheduled synchronous (real-time) classes. These dynamic and engaging sessions will be conducted through platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, as well as discussion boards and other interactive technology tools that foster real-time communication and collaboration. Course materials will be available on D2L Brightspace, the Learning Management System at George Brown College. Classes will be recorded and stored in the D2L Brightspace course shell. Students are required to have a computer with a reliable internet connection, a camera, and good speakers or headphones.
Find a program that's right for you
English as a Second Language (R901)
Apply to this part-time certificate to improve your personal, professional and academic English language skills.
English for Professional Success (R902)
Apply to this program if you have advanced English skills and want to develop your professional communication skills.
Continuing Education ESL Pathway to George Brown College Certificates and Diplomas (R903)
Apply to this program if you need to meet the English Language admission requirements for George Brown Certificate, Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programs.
Learn more about these programs
Prerequisite(s) and Placement Test
PREREQUISITE(S)
Unless you are registering for ESL IA, you must come in for an English placement test to determine the level you should start in. You can also present IELTS (Academic) or TOEFL test results to the program coordinator and be admitted directly into the appropriate ESL level. The tests must be taken within the last six months and the test results must be submitted before the scheduled date of the placement test.
PLACEMENT TEST
All the information you need to register for the course(s) will be provided to you on the same day of the test, along with your test results.
Certificate Requirements
You must achieve a cumulative grade average of B (73%) or better in all courses.
There are two requirements for completing the certificate:
- Complete at least five (5) ESL courses at GBC;
- Complete ESL 9068 (ESL IIIB ADVANCED).
For example:
- If you take the level placement test and begin with ESL 9000 (ESL IA LOW BEGINNER), you will need to complete all 8 compulsory courses (completed at least 5 courses; completed ESL 9068 (ESL IIIB ADVANCED);
- If you take the level placement test and begin with ESL 9066 (ESL IIC HIGH INTERMEDIATE), you will need to complete ESL 9066 (ESL IIC HIGH INTERMEDIATE), ESL 9067 (IIIA LOW ADVANCED) and ESL 9068 (ESL IIIB ADVANCED) plus 2 elective courses (completed at least 5 courses; completed ESL 9068 (ESL IIIB ADVANCED))
If you have completed an ESL course at George Brown College within the last six months, you can apply to start at the next level without having to complete a placement test.
Registration
Registration for returning ESL students as well as new students takes place online for the Winter 2025 Semester (January 14 – April 26, 2025).
IELTS Preparation
The IELTS exam preparation course is designed for intermediate to advanced level ESL students who plan to do the IELTS exam (Academic or General Training module) and wish to achieve their desired score through in-depth practice of listening, speaking, reading and writing strategies related to the type of questions asked during the exam. Students benefit from authentic materials used in the class and the opportunity to receive feedback from instructors on performance as well as tips on how to improve their IELTS score.
IELTS COURSE DESCRIPTION
- ESL 9077 IELTS Exam Preparation
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
This course is for ESL students who plan to apply for a working visa, permanent residence in Canada, or Canadian citizenship and are required to submit a proof of English language proficiency as part of their application.
Financial Assistance
Visit our Continuing Education website to learn more.
International Learners
Learn more about being an International Learner at George Brown College.
Policies
Visit our Continuing Education website to learn more about their policies.
