English as a Second Language (ESL) Program (R901)
Program Description
Program Overview
George Brown College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) (Part-Time) Certificate is an accelerated hybrid program to develop your English language skills for personal, professional and academic purposes. With eight levels catering to every skill level, from low beginner to advanced, you’ll find your perfect fit. Each level runs for six weeks and includes a mix of activities that will strengthen your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. You’ll also get to choose from an array of elective courses tailored to your unique needs, for a personalized learning experience.
Full Description
IMPORTANT NOTE: This program is currently being delivered in a hybrid format that includes both in-person and online instruction.
George Brown College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) (Part-Time) certificate is a non-credit program that will give you the English skills you need to navigate and thrive in today's rapidly changing global landscape.
From low beginner to advanced, we offer eight levels of instruction that will build your confidence as you increase your knowledge of the English language.
Courses you complete in this ESL program count toward our full-time English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. Each ESL course you take reduces the number of EAP courses needed to complete that certificate. Click on the Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities tab on the left side of this page for more details.
NOTE: These ESL courses do not count as credit toward other George Brown programs.
ESL (Part-Time) Certificate Program Details:
- Experience the best of both worlds with our accelerated hybrid approach, offering a mix of online and in-person instruction.
- Enjoy a dynamic schedule with one week in-person followed by one week of combined in-person and online instruction.
- Independent weekly studies will sharpen your collaboration, time management, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Each level is six weeks long and includes 50 hours of enriching teaching and learning.
- Engage in interactive in-person sessions with peers and expert instructors, complemented by online lessons featuring discussion groups, forums and polls.
- Your comprehensive training will help you improve your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
- Fuel your progress through independent studies – watch engaging video lessons, follow narrated PowerPoint presentations, jot down notes and complete language activities
- Tailor your experience with elective courses, including IELTS/CELPIP test preparation, effective communication and conversation skills (additional fees apply).
- Show what you’ve learned through in-class assessments, from quizzes and tests to oral presentations and written assignments.
NOTE: You will need access to a computer with an Internet access, a working camera, and a microphone.
ESL (Part-Time) Certificate Program Delivery:
- In-person classes are held at our School of English as a Second Language located at 341 King Street East (Building H, St. James Campus).
- Online classes are delivered live through Zoom – a free and easy-to-use online tool.
- Independent weekly studies are guided by an instructor and completed asynchronously (on your own schedule, within a specific time frame).
ESL (Part-Time) Certificate Program Student Supports:
- Regular feedback and support from your instructor.
- Access to your instructor through email, chat and private messaging.
- Access to customized online learning resources.
- Access to academic resources offered by George Brown’s Tutoring and Learning Centre.
- Free tutoring and peer-led workshops organized by our Student Success Team.
- Peer support and feedback through online discussion boards.
NOTE: Information related to courses, including length, dates, times, location and delivery mode are subject to change without notice.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
George Brown College ESL students who successfully complete the required two Continuing Education ESL levels will meet the English language requirements for admission into our full-time English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level program. The table below outlines which EAP level you will qualify for.
Concordance Table – Con Ed ESL - EAP
COMPLETE CON ED ESL Levels | REGISTER IN EAP Level |
|---|---|
IA Low Beginner + IB Beginner | 2 |
IC High Beginner + IIA Low Intermediate | 3 |
IIA LOW Intermediate + IIB Intermediate | 4 |
IIB Intermediate + IIC High Intermediate | 5 |
IIC HIGH Intermediate + IIIA Low Advanced | 6 |
IIIA LOW Advanced + IIIB Advanced | 7 |
- program alignment with other language proficiency tests (see below):
Concordance Table – GBC EAP – TOEFL – CLB – IELTS – CEFR
GBC CON ED ESL Levels | IA + IB | IC + IIA | IIA + IIB | IIB + IIC | IIC + IIIA | IIIA + IIIB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GBC EAP Levels | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | 0–9 | 10–18 | 19–25 | 26–30 | 31–39 | 40–49 |
CLBS (Canadian Language Benchmarks) | 1–2 | 2–3 | 3–4 | 4–5 | 5–6 | 7–8 |
IELTS (International English Testing System) | 2.5 W/S 2.5 | 2.5 W/S 3 | 3 W/S 3.5 | 3.5 W/S 4 | 4–4.5 W/S 4.5 | 5.5 W/S 5.5 |
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) | pre A1-A1 | A1 | A2 | A2 | B1 | B1/B2 |
- specifically chosen educational and online resources included in the course fees
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
| Code | Course Name | Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ESL 9000 | ESL IA Low Beginner | $389.00 |
| ESL 9003 | ESL IB Beginner | $389.00 |
| ESL 9015 | ESL IC High Beginner | $389.00 |
| ESL 9028 | ESL IIA Low Intermediate | $389.00 |
| ESL 9065 | ESL IIB Intermediate | $389.00 |
| ESL 9066 | ESL IIC High Intermediate | $389.00 |
| ESL 9067 | ESL IIIA Low Advanced | $389.00 |
| ESL 9068 | ESL IIIB Advanced | $389.00 |
| ESL 9092 | From Words to Sentences: English Building Blocks | $204.00 |
Electives
| Code | Course Name | Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ESL 9063 | IELTS General Training Module | $299.00 |
| ESL 9064 | Listening and Persuasive Speech | $324.00 |
| ESL 9069 | Advanced Essay Writing | $324.00 |
| ESL 9070 | Pronunciation and Fluency | $324.00 |
| ESL 9073 | Advanced Grammar and Composition Skills | $324.00 |
| ESL 9077 | IELTS Exam Preparation | $299.00 |
| ESL 9078 | Academic Preparation for College/University Studies | $284.00 |
| ESL 9085 | CELPIP – General Test Preparation | $347.00 |
| ESL 9088 | Introduction to Business Communication | $371.00 |
| ESL 9090 | Successful Conversation | $226.00 |
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for one course in the program starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Financial Assistance
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
If you are new to the program and it is your first time applying, you must take the level placement test. You will start the program from the level based on the placement test results.
Alternatively, 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.
Special Requirements
You must achieve a grade of B (73 per cent) or better to successfully complete each course.
There are two requirements for completing the certificate:
- Complete at least five (5) ESL courses at GBC;
- Complete ESL 9068 (ESL IIIB Advanced).
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. Therefore, you will need to complete at least five ESL courses and complete ESL 9068 (ESL IIIB Advanced) to achieve the certificate.
- 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. Therefore, you need to complete at least five ESL courses and complete ESL 9068 (ESL IIIB Advanced)) to achieve the certificate.
Placement Test
Once you have registered, please visit Continuing Education (part–time) ESL Program Placement Test Registration to sign up for the level placement test.
How to Apply
DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
To apply for the program, please visit the Courses section and register directly in your respective course(s) by following the instructions provided.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OF R901 PROGRAM:
You DO NOT need to apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
For more information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance at 1-800-265-2002.
Call the English for Academic Purposes office at 416-415-5000, ext. 4826 or email conedesl@georgebrown.ca.
Visit Our Campus
Take our virtual tour to see our state-of-the-art facilities in downtown Toronto.
PLEASE NOTE: Courses in this program are for continuing education purposes only. To earn credits toward a full-time George Brown program, we offer the English for Academic Purposes program:
English as a Second Language (ESL) Program (R901)
Program Description
Program Overview
George Brown College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) (Part-Time) Certificate is an accelerated hybrid program to develop your English language skills for personal, professional, and academic purposes. With eight levels catering to every skill level, from beginner to advanced, you'll find your perfect fit. Each level runs for six weeks and includes a mix of activities that will strengthen your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. You'll also get to choose from an array of elective courses tailored to your unique needs, for a personalized learning experience.
Full Description
Important Note: This program is currently being delivered in a hybrid format that includes both in-person and online instruction.
George Brown College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) (Part-Time) certificate is a non-credit program that will give you the English skills you need to navigate and thrive in today's rapidly changing global landscape.
From beginner to advanced, we offer eight levels of instruction that will build your confidence as you increase your knowledge of the English language.
Courses you complete in this ESL program count towards our full-time English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. Each ESL course you take reduces the number of EAP courses needed to complete that certificate. Click on the ‘Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities’ tab on the left side of this page for more details.
Note: These ESL courses do not count as credit towards other George Brown programs.
ESL (Part-Time) Certificate Program Details:
- Experience the best of both worlds with our accelerated hybrid approach, offering a mix of online and in-person instruction
- Enjoy a dynamic schedule with one week in-person followed by one week of combined in-person and online instruction
- Independent weekly studies allow will sharpen your collaboration, time management, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
- Each level is six weeks long and includes 50 hours of enriching teaching and learning
- Engage in interactive in-person sessions with peers and expert instructors, complemented by online lessons featuring discussion groups, forums, and polls
- Your comprehensive training will help you improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills
- Fuel your progress through independent studies—watch engaging video lessons, follow narrated PowerPoint presentations, jot down notes, and complete language activities
- Tailor your experience with elective courses, including IELTS/CELPIP test preparation, effective communication, and conversation skills (additional fees apply)
- Show what you've learned through in-class assessments, from quizzes and tests to oral presentations and written assignments
NOTE: You will need access to a computer with an Internet access, a working camera, and a microphone.
ESL (Part-Time) Certificate Program Delivery:
- In-person classes are held at our School of English as a Second Language located at 341 King Street East (Building H, St. James Campus)
- Online classes are delivered live through Zoom—a free and easy-to-use online tool
- Independent weekly studies are guided by an instructor and completed asynchronously (on your own schedule, within a specific time frame)
ESL (Part-Time) Certificate Program Student Supports:
- Regular feedback and support from your instructor
- Access to your instructor through email, chat, and private messaging
- Access to customized online learning resources
- Access to academic resources offered by George Brown’s Tutoring and Learning Centre
- Free tutoring and peer-led workshops organized by our Student Success Team
- Peer support and feedback through online discussion boards
NOTE: Information related to courses, including length, dates, times, location, and delivery mode are subject to change without notice.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
George Brown College ESL students who successfully complete the required two Continuing Education ESL levels will meet the English language requirements for admission into our full-time English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level program. The table below outlines which EAP level you will qualify for.
Concordance Table – CON ED ESL - EAP
Complete CON ED ESL Levels | Register in EAP Level |
|---|---|
IA Low Beginner + IB Beginner | 2 |
IC High Beginner + IIA Low Intermediate | 3 |
IIA Low Intermediate + IIB Intermediate | 4 |
IIB Intermediate + IIC High Intermediate | 5 |
IIC High Intermediate + IIIA Low Advanced | 6 |
IIIA Low Advanced + IIIB Advanced | 7 |
- program alignment with other language proficiency tests (see below):
Concordance Table – GBC EAP – TOEFL – CLB – IELTS – CEFR
GBC CON ED ESL Levels | IA + IB | IC + IIA | IIA + IIB | IIB + IIC | IIC + IIIA | IIIA + IIIB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GBC EAP Levels | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | 0-9 | 10-18 | 19-25 | 26-30 | 31-39 | 40-49 |
CLBS (Canadian Language Benchmarks) | 1-2 | 2-3 | 3-4 | 4-5 | 5-6 | 7-8 |
IELTS (International English Testing System) | 2.5 W/S 2.5 | 2.5 W/S 3 | 3 W/S 3.5 | 3.5 W/S 4 | 4 - 4.5 W/S 4.5 | 5.5 W/S 5.5 |
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) | pre A1-A1 | A1 | A2 | A2 | B1 | B1/B2 |
- specifically chosen educational and online resources included in the course fees
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
| Code | Course Name | Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ESL 9000 | ESL IA LOW BEGINNER | $389.00 |
| ESL 9003 | ESL IB BEGINNER | $389.00 |
| ESL 9015 | ESL IC HIGH BEGINNER | $389.00 |
| ESL 9028 | ESL IIA LOW INTERMEDIATE | $389.00 |
| ESL 9065 | ESL IIB INTERMEDIATE | $389.00 |
| ESL 9066 | ESL IIC HIGH INTERMEDIATE | $389.00 |
| ESL 9067 | ESL IIIA LOW ADVANCED | $389.00 |
| ESL 9068 | ESL IIIB ADVANCED | $389.00 |
Electives
| Code | Course Name | Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ESL 9073 | Advanced Grammar and Composition Skills | $324.00 |
| ESL 9070 | Pronunciation and Fluency | $324.00 |
| ESL 9064 | Listening and Persuasive Speech | $324.00 |
| ESL 9078 | Academic Preparation for College/University Studies | $291.00 |
| ESL 9069 | Advanced Essay Writing | $324.00 |
| ESL 9077 | IELTS Exam Preparation | $299.00 |
| ESL 9085 | CELPIP – General Test Preparation | $354.00 |
| ESL 9090 | Successful Conversation | $233.00 |
| ESL 9092 | From Words to Sentences: English Building Blocks | $204.00 |
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for one course in the program starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Financial Assistance
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
If you are new to the program and it is your first time applying, you must take the level placement test. You will start the program from the level based on the placement test results.
Alternatively, 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.
Special Requirements
You must achieve a grade of B (73%) or better to successfully complete each course.
There are two requirements for completing the certificate:
- Complete at least five (5) ESL courses at GBC;
- Complete ESL 9068 (ESL IIIB ADVANCED).
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. Therefore, you will need to complete at least 5 ESL courses and complete ESL 9068 (ESL IIIB ADVANCED) to achieve the certificate.
- 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. Therefore, you need to complete at least 5 ESL courses and complete ESL 9068 (ESL IIIB ADVANCED)) to achieve the certificate.
Placement Test
Once you have registered, please visit Continuing Education (part–time) ESL Program Placement Test Registration to sign up for the level placement test.
How to Apply
DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
To apply for the program, please visit the Courses section and register directly in your respective course(s) by following the instructions provided.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OF R901 PROGRAM:
You DO NOT need to apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
For more information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance at 1-800-265-2002.
Call the English for Academic Purposes office at 416-415-5000, ext. 4826 or email conedesl@georgebrown.ca.
Visit Our Campus
Take our virtual tour to see our state-of-the-art facilities in downtown Toronto.
PLEASE NOTE: Courses in this program are for continuing education purposes only. To earn credits toward a full-time George Brown program, we offer the English for Academic Purposes program:
