Diploma Programme
Practical Nursing
A two-year diploma at Waterfront Campus that prepares students to become Registered Practical Nurses in Ontario. It is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario, and graduates can apply to write the RPN registration exams. Classes and labs are in the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences, with unpaid, faculty-supervised clinical placements across the Greater Toronto Area and a final-semester practicum with a preceptor.
University
George Brown College
Country
Canada
Level
Diploma
Field
Nursing
Duration
2 years (4 semesters, in a 2-1-2 format)
Language
English
Campus
Waterfront Campus (Toronto)
Degree
Ontario College Diploma
Intake
January, May, September
Application Deadline
International applicants: George Brown doesn't publish a fixed deadline; it reviews applications selectively once each intake opens, and programs can close early when international seats fill. For this program, Fall 2027 (September) opens October 6, 2026, Winter 2028 (January) opens February 3, 2027, Spring 2028 (May) opens June 2, 2027, so apply early. Canadian applicants apply through ontariocolleges.ca; apply early
Tuition Information
George Brown's estimated total for the first two semesters (tuition plus materials, student service and ancillary fees) for programs starting Fall 2026: Canadian students CAD 5,123.00; international students CAD 19,501.00. Books and other course materials are extra, and fees may change for Fall 2027 and later starts. International students also pay mandatory health insurance (CAD 932 for a full year, based on 2025-26 costs).
Admission Requirements
- Apply: international applicants apply through George Brown's online application system (applynow.georgebrown.ca) and pay a non-refundable CAD 110 application fee; George Brown assesses the first program choice and only looks at the second if the applicant isn't admissible to the first. To accept an offer, new international students pay at least CAD 2,000 (or the first semester or first year of fees); there are no payment plans for new students. Canadian applicants apply through ontariocolleges.ca
- Academic: OSSD or equivalent (or mature student status, 19 or older) with 70% or higher in Grade 12 English (C or U), Grade 11 Math (M or U) or Grade 12 Math (C or U), Grade 11 Biology (C or U) or Grade 12 Biology (U), and Grade 11 Chemistry (U) or Grade 12 Chemistry (C or U). Admission is competitive and only the top-ranked applicants get offers; only first-semester applications are accepted, and advanced standing isn't available
- The program runs in a 2-1-2 format: two consecutive semesters, a one-semester break, then the last two semesters, whichever term you start in
- Clinical placements: unpaid, supervised placements in GTA care settings, which can involve extended, evening and weekend shifts starting as early as 6:30 a.m. and travel of up to two hours. Students must complete pre-placement health requirements (10 to 12 weeks) and a clear Vulnerable Sector Check, renewed every year, before placements
- International applicants need senior secondary school graduation or equivalent (George Brown asks for country-specific documents, usually attested true copies of transcripts) and must meet the English requirement
- English proficiency: George Brown lists Practical Nursing among programs that don't accept English test scores or other proof of proficiency; applicants must hold the required Grade 12 English credit (70% or higher, or an equivalent)
- International application windows on the program page (2027-28, checked October 5, 2026): Fall 2027 (September) opens October 6, 2026; Winter 2028 (January) opens February 3, 2027; Spring 2028 (May) opens June 2, 2027
- PGWP: the program page lists this program as PGWP-eligible (CIP code 51.3901) and notes that the field of study is only one part of PGWP eligibility