4. Registration and fees
Registration for courses happens each term in the student information system (Banner) after you have paid your tuition deposit or reserved your seat. Tuition and ancillary fees are determined based on your registered course load. You can access assistance with registration and related systems through the Office of the Registrar.
4.1 Tuition and fees
All tuition and ancillary fees are subject to review and may be changed without notice. When you add/drop courses, it may result in fee adjustments which may impact your tuition and/or ancillary services. For example, if you drop to a part-time course load, you are no longer automatically assessed a fee for the U-Pass. Some course fees are subject to HST (included in the published fee). For students who receive OSAP or sponsorship funding adjusting your course selection may result in adjustments to your funding. Income tax receipts will be available online in the student information system (Banner) (if applicable) at the end of February each year.
4.1.1 Fee categories
Following ministry guidelines, tuition and ancillary fees are established by program, for full-time and part-time credit students, as well as domestic and international students. Total fees include tuition fees and ancillary fees (Section 4.2.1 Registration definitions for full-time and part-time status).
4.1.1.1 Domestic tuition fees
You will be charged domestic fees if you are a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident of Canada, or Refugee/Protected Person of Canada.
4.1.1.2 International tuition fees
You are charged international fees if you are a non-resident of Canada. Tuition fees are subject to review and may be changed three to 12 per cent at the beginning of an academic year without notice.
There are certain circumstances in which you would be charged the domestic tuition rate including, but not limited to, being the spouse or dependent of a Canadian citizen/permanent resident/refugee, an international diplomatic agent, or a visiting clergy member. For more information, please see the Office of the Registrar.
To be eligible for an international fee exemption as a Refugee or Protected Person, you must present official proof of the approved status. Acceptable documentation, along with the study permit as required, as listed in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act includes one of the following:
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Notification of Status document, or
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Verification of Status document, or
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Protected Person Status document issued under Section 31(1), or a “Notice of Decision” issued by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, or by the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Indigenous students who are non-residents of Canada have the same rights and obligations as Canadian citizens, pursuant to the Indian Act. Accordingly, non-resident Indigenous students are charged the same tuition rate as Canadian citizens. Until you provide official proof, your residency status and fees will remain the same. Once proof is provided, your fees will be changed to reflect this for the following term, not the current one if it has already started.
If it is found that your residency status is different than what you declared on your admission application, the fees will be changed in the next subsequent term. If it is found that false information was given on the admission application, you may be charged with academic misconduct for fabrication (Section 8. Academic integrity) and are subject to penalties under these regulations as well as the Student Code of Conduct. Information is also reported to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
4.1.2 Fee payment deadlines
A non-refundable tuition deposit is required once per academic year1.
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June for fall 2024 for all students (including students who started in the summer term)
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October for winter 2025 for students not here in the fall
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February, for summer 2025 for students not here in the fall or winter.
These deadlines are also displayed on the colleges Important Dates website.
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Fees for students attending a subsequent term in the same academic year are due on the 11th day of the term. In lieu of a tuition deposit you must reserve your seat on Banner by the published deadline to access course registration.
Fee dates by term
| Term | Semester | Fees due |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | Semester three | Deposit required, balance due day 11 (domestic), prior to registration (international) |
| Winter 2025 | Semester one | Deposit required, balance due day 11 (domestic), prior to registration (international) |
| Summer 2025 | Semester two | Reserve your seat, full fees due day 11 (domestic), prior to registration (international) |
| Fall 2025 | Semester three | Deposit required, balance due day 11 (domestic), prior to registration (international) |
The balance of tuition and other compulsory fees for new students as well as returning students are due on the 11th day of the term. The dates for the current academic year are posted on the Important Dates webpage.
If you fail to pay full fees by the required due dates, you will be charged a late fee ($150 CAD for domestic students and $500 CAD for international students) and you may risk forfeiting your place at the college, you may be withdrawn from all courses, and/or denied registration to future terms. If you do not pay your outstanding fees, you are in default (Section 4.1.4 Students in default) and you are not permitted to register for courses in the following term.
4.1.3 Tuition deposits
There are a number of fee payment deadlines which you must adhere to. These deadlines are displayed on the Important Dates webpage.
The non-refundable tuition deposit is considered the preliminary payment and is credited towards your overall amount of tuition owing. If you are an applicant and decide not to attend the college or fail to meet the admission requirements listed as conditions on your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and the offer is revoked, the tuition deposit is not returned to you.
If you decide to change your program of study, you are required to pay the non-refundable tuition deposit for your new program of study. For example, when a student registers in semester one of Business – Accounting for the fall term and changes their program to General Arts and Sciences for the winter term a new tuition deposit is required prior to registration in the new program.
Method of payment details are outlined on the college’s How and when to pay your tuition and fees webpage.
Domestic students (full-time)
A non-refundable tuition deposit payment of $250.00 is required once per academic year, per program. The due date of these payments is displayed on the Important Dates. This payment is required in order for you to be eligible for registration for your first term within the academic year. You are required to pay your full tuition and other compulsory fees by the 11th day of the term.
International students (full-time)
A non-refundable deposit of $2,500.00 is required as part of the postsecondary program application process as outlined in Section 2.1.2 Application process for international applicants.
Graduate certificate bundle programs require a non-refundable deposit of $5,000, which will be applied as $2,500 to each program.
International applicants to EAPC plus postsecondary programs must pay a minimum deposit of $3,000.00, which will have $500 applied to the EAPC term and $2,500 to the postsecondary term.
You are required to pay your full tuition and other compulsory fees prior to registration in each term. This payment is required in order for you to be eligible for registration each term. Registration dates are displayed on the Important Dates.
Part-time students in a credit program
Part-time registrations require fees to be paid in full with each registration. A deposit is not required for part-time registrations. A hold back fee is applied of $20 for each class that is dropped before the prescribed deadline. These dates can be viewed on the Important Dates.
4.1.4 Students in default
If you have outstanding fees, fines, or emergency loans, or you have failed to return books or equipment owned by Georgian you will be sent a communication requesting payment within 10 days. If payment is not received and no response is forthcoming to subsequent reminder letters, your account is placed on hold and will prevent you from registering or receiving service or letters/transcripts/credentials and will be referred to an agency for collection.
Interest on any unpaid account is charged at a rate of two per cent per month, compounded monthly (26.8 per cent per annum). In addition, you are not issued official transcripts, official letters and are refused registration in subsequent semesters. Further, a graduation credential is not issued until the situation is resolved to the satisfaction of the Office of the Registrar.
4.1.5 Fee disputes
Notification of a dispute of charges or payments on your record is to be filed in writing to the Office of the Registrar within 90 days of the end of the term in which the dispute occurs. You must submit written evidence to support the dispute. The dispute is reviewed and, if deemed valid, is immediately rectified. If the dispute is deemed to be without merit/evidence, you are responsible for paying the fees as assessed.
4.1.6 Tuition and fees for students with disabilities
If you have a permanent disability and require a reduced course load as a learning accommodation, you may be eligible for a reduction in tuition fees. If additional terms are required to complete a program, tuition will be reduced to $20 CAD per course, provided you have paid the equivalent in tuition fees assessed for the entire duration of the program. Full ancillary fees are still applicable. This reduction is applied at the end of your final term. For more information, please contact your Accessibility Advisor.
International students are not eligible for tuition reductions as they are not funded by the Ontario government. You can access available student services in order to support your success.
4.1.7 Tuition discount for seniors
Seniors who are 60 years of age and older, who are Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents or Protected Persons, may receive a 10 per cent discount on the tuition fee for most credit and non-credit courses. The discount applies to the tuition fee only; it does not include materials, books, or ancillary fees. This reduction is applied at the beginning of the course. If you qualify for the discount, once you register for the course you are required to email the Office of the Registrar at registrar@georgiancollege.ca and provide proof of age (driver’s licence, birth certificate or passport).
4.2 Course registration
4.2.1 Registration definitions
The main method of registering for courses is online through the student information system, Banner. You may also use a variety of methods to register such as change forms signed by academic areas and approved by the Office of the Registrar or directly through the Office of the Registrar. You may view your timetables online via the student information system (Banner).
New and returning students are expected to be ready to start studies on day one of the term. Registration for courses begins approximately one month before day one of classes. Block registration (a block of courses that has been pre-set for you, depending on what semester you are in) opens first and full-time timetables are guaranteed. After block registration, the period of add/drop (adding and dropping a course) opens allowing you to make changes to your timetable. Full-time timetable availability cannot be guaranteed once the course add/drop period opens. The add/drop period is open until day 10 of the term. No further registration is permitted after day 10 of the term.
You may not attend classes unless course registration is completed in Banner. You are responsible for initiating any changes to your timetable; this includes course adds, course drops and course withdrawals.
An administrative hold may be placed on your record in the student information system (Banner), preventing you from registering in courses, receiving official letters, transcripts and graduating. Holds may be placed on your account for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, outstanding tuition and ancillary fees, parking fines, library fines, a pending visa approval, and student conduct. You must contact the Office of the Registrar and take care of the issue before you can register.
Full-time
You are considered to have a full-time registration status in any semester when you are enrolled in at least 70 per cent of that term’s course hours (which is usually 13 hours of a total of 18 hours per week) or 66.6 per cent of that semester’s program course load (which is typically four of a total of six courses). Exempt, audit, and withdrawn courses are not considered in the determination of course load for full-time status but may result in full-time fees being assessed.
Please check the “recommended courses by term” available in the student information system (Banner) to ensure you are not missing any required courses. If you have a documented disability, you can be enrolled in a reduced course load (part-time), but still be considered full-time for OSAP funding. Please consult with Financial Aid and Awards and Accessibility Services.
Any missed course registrations in any semester may drop your registration status to part-time. This may have OSAP, course accessibility, immigration, and scholarship implications for you (as applicable). Courses picked up in subsequent terms may also have fee implications. You are advised to contact the Office of the Registrar and/or Financial Aid and Awards for more information.
It is your course load each term that determines your registration status. For example, if you are admitted to a full-time program but registered into a part-time course load that term, your record will state full-time (for program), but you are part-time (for registration/enrolment). Alternatively, if you are admitted to a part-time program but registered into a full-time course load that term, your record will state part-time (for program), but you are full-time (for registration/enrolment).
Registering into a full-time course load within a part-time program, does not admit you into the full-time program or give you preference for admission. You must apply to the full-time program and be considered and admitted with all other applicants (Section 2.1 Full-time and part-time credit program application process).
Part-time (credit)
If you are in part-time studies, you are permitted to register in credit courses provided seats are available and you meet program and course requirements. Typically, international students are not permitted to be registered part-time due to IRCC regulations until their last term of study. Contact the Segal International Centre for more information.
Requisites
During your program, you will register in some courses that have certain requisites or requirements attached to them. The following are types of requisites (prerequisite, co-requisite and concurrent requisite) which may be necessary when you register for courses.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites are courses that must be successfully completed in a prior term in order for you to register in the subsequent course; these are used when the learning in one course facilitates the learning in the other. If you fail, withdraw or do not complete prerequisite courses, it is your responsibility to complete any outstanding course(s) in a future term. It is strongly recommended that if you are in this situation, that you work with your program co-ordinator to determine your best path forward. Extra fees may apply. If you are an international student, there may be immigration impacts if you fail a prerequisite course and it creates a gap in your studies, puts you in part-time status, or changes your expected program completion date.
Co-requisites
Co-requisites are courses which must be taken simultaneously with another course. They always have to be taken together, and if one course is failed, both must be repeated, simultaneously. It is strongly recommended that if you are in this situation, that you work with your program co-ordinator to determine your best path forward. Extra fees may apply. There may also be immigration impacts for international students if failure in a co-requisite course creates a gap in studies, puts you in part-time status, or changes your expected completion date.
Concurrent requisites
Concurrent requisites are courses that must be taken prior to or at the same time as another course. If you fail a course or its concurrent requisite courses, only the failed course needs to be repeated.
Equivalents
Equivalents are Georgian College courses that are equal in curriculum to other Georgian College courses; must satisfy 80 per cent of the course learning outcomes; course hours can vary. Equivalent courses can be as follows: one-way (e.g., an upper-level course equivalent to a lower-level course but not the other way around); two-way (both courses are equivalent to each other); multiple courses to one (two or more courses satisfy the outcomes of one course); or one course to multiple courses (one course satisfies the outcomes of two or more courses). Equivalents differ from exemptions in that they apply to internal Georgian courses only. These are mapped in the student information system (Banner).
Campus Codes
While mandatory courses should be taken at your respective campus, you can take communication and general education courses at other campuses provided the course is delivered online. Exception: Only ILAC students can take courses at the Toronto ILAC campus, and they may not take courses at other Georgian campuses.
BA – Barrie
R – Barrie (Downtown)
OL – Online
OR – Orillia
OS – Owen Sound
OV – Orangeville
MI – Midland
SG – South Georgian Bay (Collingwood)
MU – Muskoka
LT – Toronto (ILAC)
Georgian offers programs via a blend of quality GC Flex, hybrid, in-person, and online learning.
GC Flex gives you choice and flexibility in select programs to change the way you attend class. Professors deliver lectures and labs in the classroom and simultaneously online. You can attend class:
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in person (physically on campus)
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online during the same class time (synchronously)
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or online at your convenience (asynchronously) through online modules
Although all course deliverables can be completed online, there will be due dates for assignments/tests. Some classes may have synchronous evaluation components required by a program’s accrediting body. Consult your course outline for details.
Some parts of your program or course are online and other parts are delivered in person. You will need to come to campus for part of your program or course.
Programs are fully in person and require you to attend campus.
Programs will have some courses that provide an option for you to choose fully in person or fully online. This is different than GC Flex, as you may not alternate between delivery methods during the term but will choose one delivery method that fits your circumstances for the duration of the term.
Programs are delivered remotely, and you are not required to come to campus. Online learning can be:
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synchronous – you will meet with your professor for online classes at scheduled times, OR
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asynchronous – you will complete online learning modules on your own.
4.2.3 General education
General education courses (GNED) help you develop important academic skills such as research, writing and analytical skills which are invaluable in your college studies. They also provide an opportunity to develop a breadth of knowledge outside of your program of study. Minimum program requirements at Georgian College adhere to the Ministry’s Binding Policy Framework for Programs of Instruction and include the following:
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Diploma programs - three to five general education courses
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Certificate programs - one general education course
General education course offerings vary from term to term. You can select courses from a broad range of subject areas: social sciences, humanities, arts and literature, science, and technology. While the GNED course code prefix is used to identify most general education courses, there are other courses that are considered general education courses as well, for example: PSYL1001, PSYL1002, SOCL1001 and SOCL1002. For a comprehensive list of general education course offerings, please refer to Liberal Arts webpage. Certain general education courses, due to overlap with components of the core program of study, cannot be taken for general education credit in some programs.
Many programs at the college contain opportunities for practical experience in the form of work-integrated learning (WIL).
Georgian College holds membership with, and follows, the co-operative education guidelines set out by the Co-operative Education Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) and Education at Work Ontario (EWO) as supported by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU).
Co-operative (co-op) work terms
All co-operative education programs at the college contain mandatory work-term experiences aligned with program learning outcomes. Co-op work terms are designed to integrate academic learning with work experience, supporting the development of industry specific competencies and employability skills.
Programs may have additional requirements related to the co-op semesters, such as a valid driver’s licence, strong communication skills, industry-specific certifications, and ability to travel or temporarily relocate. Under exceptional circumstances, if you do not meet the requirements for your co-op semester(s), you may be unable to progress in the program or graduate. Refer to your program webpage for more information.
Some college programs have a co-op work semester, or clinical / practicum / field placement component within their curriculum. If you are in such a program, you may be required by host agencies or employers to provide assurances regarding the categories below. In addition, clinical permits are required to participate in most placements.
Accordingly, if you register in a program with a clinical or field placement, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are eligible to participate. Further, the college assumes no responsibility for these matters, and you should be aware that tuition and related fees are not refunded if access to a clinical or field placement course is denied.
Criminal record check and vulnerable sector check
You may need to provide a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector check from a police service before you may start your position. Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and have not obtained a Record Suspension may be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or field placement.
Students in Health, Wellness and Science programs who have been charged or convicted criminally and have not received a Record Suspension are prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or field placement. You should check your program outline for more information. For those programs affected, some jurisdictions require a long lead-time for processing. You should check with the program co-ordinator to ensure sufficient turnaround time. These checks are required prior to the placement start.
You should also be aware that some professions and licencing boards have a criminal record check provision to ensure suitability for you to practice in the profession. Accordingly, it is recommended that if you have a criminal record, to contact the appropriate professional association or licencing agency prior to starting your college studies.
If you have been charged or convicted criminally and not pardoned, you will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or work/field placement. Proof of a Record Suspension will be required. As some jurisdictions require a long lead-time for processing, please check with the program co-ordinator to ensure sufficient turnaround time.
Medical requirements and placements
Many placement settings require that you provide evidence of having met certain medical requirements. These are typically associated with occupational health and safety practices, public health recommendations, and/or legislation (e.g., the Long-Term Care Homes Act) and prioritize health and safety of clients/patients, employees, students, etc. The college is obligated to hold you accountable to meet these requirements because of contractual obligations that are in place between the placement settings and the college.
To offer many of our programs, we must partner with external settings so that you can have the opportunity to meet program learning outcomes and in some cases be eligible for registration with a regulatory body after graduation. The college communicates these requirements to you in advance of registration, but the evidence is not required until closer to the time of placement for most programs in order to allow you time to complete them.
If you do not provide sufficient evidence of meeting these requirements, you will be unable to complete clinical field placements and, as a result, will not be able to progress in your program or meet graduation requirements. You should check with your program for further information on clinical placements and medical requirements.
4.2.4.1 Co-op work terms and work permit requirements
Co-op work terms
Co-op is facilitated as a supported, competitive job search process. You secure your co-op semester by engaging in an active co-op job search that includes applying to positions posted by the co-op department, personal networking, and independent job search. You gain access to positions posted by the Co-op Education department after successfully completing a Co-op and Career Preparation course (non-credit), scheduled prior to your first co-op semester. Co-op semesters are scheduled according to a formal sequence that alternates academic and co-op semesters as shown in the program outline. The procedures to support students in the competitive job search process are outlined in the Co-op Student Manual which you will receive during the Co-op and Career Preparation course.
Co-op semesters abroad are supported and encouraged, when aligned with program requirements. Further information about co-op can be found on the Co-op and Career Success webpage.
Before you can start working in your co-op job (“co-op work term”), you must seek approval for the job from the Co-op Education department. See section 5.2.3 Promotional status and eligibility for co-op for further details.
Work permits
If you are an international student in a program with co-op, clinical placement, or a work-integrated learning component, you must have a valid Co-op Work Permit (CWP) before engaging in work in Canada. You may request approval from the Co-op Education department to work for non-Canadian employers in a country other than Canada. If approved, students working outside of Canada for non-Canadian employers do not require a CWP.
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If you are an international applicant, you should be aware of work permit requirements and should consult with immigration experts as required. Further, the college assumes no responsibility for these matters and tuition and related fees will not be refunded in the event that access to a clinical or placement course or co-op is denied.
4.2.5 Transferring from part-time to full-time studies
If you are taking courses part-time and you have not been admitted to a program and wish to transfer to full-time studies, you must apply through the relevant admissions process through OCAS or the International Application Service (IAS) (Section 2. Admissions).
Registering into a full-time course load within a part-time program does not admit you into the full-time program or give you preference for admission. You must apply to the full-time program and be considered and admitted with all other applicants.
4.2.6 Full-time students in course overload
You may wish to take extra credit courses in addition to a full-time course load for a semester. The implications of this overload should be discussed with your program co-ordinator before proceeding with registration. Course overloads are not enforced, but the suggested maximum is no more than three extra credit courses per term.
Course loads are suggested by the college to support your academic success. If you have been on academic warning or suspension in the last six months, it is not advisable that you pursue a course overload. You are required to pay additional fees for overload courses.
If you are in a co-op program and registered into your co-op semester, note that you will be working full-time hours. Taking courses in addition to your co-op semester will put you into a course overload and will result in additional fees. Before registering into additional courses, you should discuss options with your program co-ordinator and/or co-op consultant.
4.2.7 Credit and audit status
Credit status applies when you are registered in a credit course for the purpose of receiving credit. Audit status applies when you are registered in a credit course but will not be receiving a credit. This status must be specified at the time of registration and is a privilege, not a right. All prerequisite requirements, including admission requirements, are applicable to audited courses. Permission to register for audit status must be obtained from the appropriate program co-ordinator and faculty member teaching the course. Fees for audited courses and credit courses are the same but you are not entitled to examination or any other evaluation privileges, nor will you receive a grade or credit for the audited course. Approval for audit status is determined after full-time and part-time registration is complete and is subject to program seat availability. Priority for seats is given to students seeking credit status.
4.2.8 Changes in program, course, section, or co-op
Changes are essentially a combination of a registration and a withdrawal. The formal processes must be followed for the changes to be official. If you are a full-time student, you may make course changes directly online in the student information system (Banner) – course adds, course drops or withdrawals. You must ensure that all changes are made within the published deadlines. There are fee implications if you drop or withdraw from courses after the deadlines or register in more than the recommended number of courses.
You can drop or withdraw online from all but one course. If you wish to drop or withdraw from all your courses, you must request a program withdrawal online. Dropping courses may affect your OSAP eligibility or immigration status (if applicable). Domestic students should visit our website to submit a program withdrawal form. International students should submit the International Withdrawal Package.
If changing programs, you must have approval from your current program co-ordinator and the co-ordinator of the new program. If the program is beyond semester one, you may be required to complete an internal application and pay the applicable fee. If you will be entering semester one of the new program, you must apply through the relevant admissions process through OCAS or the International Application Service (IAS) (Section 2. Admissions).
If you are changing your progression in a program (for example, opting not to go out on your co-op semester but wish to attend an academic semester), you must seek approval through your program co-ordinator and your co-op consultant. If you deviate from the established progression of the program, you may become out-of-sequence, or out of progression, which can affect future course selections and graduation timelines. A Program, campus and semester change form is needed to make and approve the change in program and semester. You should meet with your program co-ordinator, prior to making any changes to your program (e.g., withdrawing from a course (Section 4.5 Program and course withdrawal). If you are an international student, changes to your progression could affect your study permit status. You should meet with a student immigration advisor.
4.2.9 Registration into co-op
It is your responsibility to register into your co-op semester on the student information system (Banner) within the published deadlines. If you do not register you are subject to late fees, as well as formal registration and grade allocation will be deferred to a future term. This may impact future registration into co-op semesters, OSAP funding, immigration status (international) and affect your graduation eligibility.
4.2.10 Communications placement assessment (CPA)
The CPA is an optional assessment process that determines your knowledge of reading and writing. Scoring 260 or higher allows you to by-pass the first level communications course, Communications Essentials (COMM 1016) and directly enroll in a second-level communications course of your choice. Most program areas require two communications courses as a graduation requirement. CPA does not equal a communications credit. If your CPA is successful, you will have to take two second-level communications courses. See your program requirements for more information.
All students in diploma and certificate programs pay a fee for the assessment, which is included in the full-time ancillary fees. You may write the assessment in Testing Services at any Georgian campus. Special arrangements may be made if you are from outside the province of Ontario.
4.3 Alternatives to typical course completion
The college offers alternatives to accommodate extenuating circumstances that may prevent you from completing courses in the established timeline or progression before the term ends or when you have failed a course and are not able to retake it. The following are some alternatives:
4.3.1 Independent study courses
Under certain conditions, you may be granted permission to complete credit courses through independent study. Approval will be based on the availability of resources, the suitability of the course to be delivered through independent study and the appropriateness to your course load and academic standing.
If you are in good academic standing you may request an independent study course if you cannot take the course in a subsequent term, or at another institution, and either of the following conditions are met:
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You are enrolled in a term in which the specific course is not offered, or
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You have a timetable conflict with other courses.
Restrictions to independent study courses are as follows:
Independent study cannot be used to complete portions of course work that you have failed or not completed. All work/learning outcomes included in the course must be repeated.
Not all courses are suitable for delivery through independent study, particularly those with laboratory, practicum, or clinical work/field components.
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Limit of one independent study course for one-year certificate or graduate certificate programs.
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Limit of two independent study courses in two-year diploma programs.
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Limit of three independent study courses in three-year diploma or degree programs.
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Limit of four independent study courses in four-year degree programs.
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Limit of one independent study course can be taken within an academic semester.
Once approval for your independent study has been granted, details of the course contract will be outlined to you by the faculty and program co-ordinator and reviewed with you. This contract includes the following:
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Readings, learning resources and materials.
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Schedule of meetings with you and the instructor.
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Evaluations, projects, reports, tests, and examinations with specific reference to dates and frequency.
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The evaluation of the independent study aligns with the course outline.
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The completion date of the required course, which must be within the same term the course commenced.
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The minimum passing grade.
4.3.1.1 Independent study process
You must apply online for a request for independent study and submit it to your program co-ordinator. The program co-ordinator must obtain approval from the dean of the appropriate academic area/department and submit the form, signed by all parties, to the Office of the Registrar. You must register for the course with the Office of the Registrar and pay all applicable tuition and service fees related to the independent study courses.
4.3.1.2 Independent study fees
If you are a full-time student and taking an independent study course as part of your normal load, you are required to pay a service fee of $250 CAD. If you are a part-time student or taking an independent study course as an overload course, you are required to pay the regular tuition, applicable ancillary fees, as well as the $250 CAD independent study service fee.
4.3.2 Incomplete grade designation
If you do not, or cannot, complete all course requirements due to extenuating circumstances, you may request an “incomplete” grade designation (IN) from the faculty and negotiate a contract to complete the course requirements by a specified date. This is a privilege, not a right. The following conditions apply to an incomplete grade:
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You must have a passing average in the course at the time of the request.
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Permission to use college resources (including the faculty’s services) must be obtained from the appropriate dean.
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In all cases, the faculty has the option to negotiate a contract with you.
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The contract must be completed within 30 calendar days of the end of the term. The incomplete grade designation and the end date of the contract must be entered into your record by the faculty. If the contract requirements are not completed by you as agreed upon, a grade appropriate to your performance to date in the course, will appear on your transcript.
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The maximum duration for completing the contract is four months. The Blackboard shell for your course remains open for you to access any required materials and submit assignments/tests.
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If you need more time, you must repeat the entire course.
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If the contract requirements are completed within the agreed time period, your grade will be processed.
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The instructor, through the appropriate program co-ordinator, will inform the Office of the Registrar if the contract requirements have been completed and will then assign you a final grade within three days of the contract completion date.
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An “incomplete” will not be granted in situations in which you have submitted all course requirements but failed the course.
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An “incomplete” status for a co-op semester may be designated by the co-op consultant when requirements of a co-op experience credit have not been met due to extenuating circumstances.
4.3.3 Letters of permission
A letter of permission (LOP) is issued by Georgian College granting you permission to take a specific (equivalent) course at another recognized and accredited postsecondary institution. It guarantees recognition of that credit in your program of study upon successful completion of the course. This process can be followed only if the course that is intended for credit has not yet started. You may have to adjust your plans if permission is not granted. If the approved credit course is completed successfully, you must subsequently provide an official transcript to the Office of the Registrar. Normally, credit is granted only for courses taken at accredited and recognized institutions with a grade of 60 per cent (C) or better; some program exceptions apply (see program outline). The designation “EX” will appear at the top of your MyPath worksheet and transcript, no grade is given, and it is not included in any GPA calculations.
4.3.3.1 Letter of permission process
If you wish to take and use an equivalent postsecondary course at another postsecondary institution, the following steps must be followed:
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You must provide a course outline of the proposed postsecondary credit course to your program co-ordinator or, in the case of college-wide courses, to the communications or general education co-ordinator.
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In consultation with faculty, the program co-ordinator will complete a LOP request form. You submit the completed form to the Office of the Registrar and pay a fee. This must occur prior to the start of the course.
If approved, you will receive an official LOP from the Office of the Registrar.
You must provide the Office of the Registrar with an official transcript by the deadline specified on the letter of permission.
4.3.3.2 Georgian-to-Georgian transfer credits
Credit courses completed at Georgian in one program that are eligible to be used for credit toward another program, will automatically apply to the new credential and are included in your MyPath worksheet and transcript (Section 3.4 Transfer credit and course exemptions).
4.3.4 Alternative co-op
In periods of extreme labour market disruption (e.g., a global pandemic or other crisis outside the college’s control), you may be eligible to receive your co-op credit via an alternative co-op route. This alternative offers you the opportunity to participate in an industry-connected experience in lieu of participation in a traditional co-op semester. You will receive an AEG (pass by aegrotat) or a U for unsatisfactory (Section 5.1 Grading system). Students in programs that lead to regulated professions (e.g., Opticianry) are not eligible for this alternative. To be eligible for this alternative, you must be in good academic standing, meet published registration deadlines, and provide proof of your active but unsuccessful job search.
4.3.4.1 Non-co-op exit
Students who are unable to successfully secure and complete the required co-op work term within their program must consult with the Co-operative Education office to discuss the eligibility requirements for graduating without completing your co-op work term. Generally, only in exceptional circumstances will a student be granted a non-co-op exit from their program (see section 5.2.1 Number of course attempts).
If you withdraw from a program or course, your official record (transcript) and eligibility for OSAP funds, scholarships and/or immigration status may be affected. If you do not withdraw from a program or course before the published deadline for withdrawal, your records will show the achieved grades to date for all the courses in which you are registered. Forms or requests submitted after the published deadline will be accepted and processed as a submission for the subsequent term.
If you have withdrawn from a program or course, you should contact Financial Aid and Awards for clarification of your OSAP or other financial aid impacts. International students should consult with an immigration advisor regarding withdrawal impacts to immigration status. You are also advised that no refund will be issued unless the completed withdrawal form is received by the initial withdrawal deadline (the 10th working day of the term for most programs). After the initial withdrawal deadline, you will be responsible for paying any outstanding balances on your record.
Program and course withdrawal information also applies if you are a part-time student. For withdrawal deadlines, policies, and procedures for non-credit and general interest courses, refer to the Continuing Education and Corporate Training webpage.
4.4.1 Program withdrawal process
If you wish to withdraw from a program, you must complete a program withdrawal form online. You are encouraged to discuss your decision and possible options with your program co-ordinator and student success advisor. You must submit the completed form online to the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
If you are an international student, you must submit the International Withdrawal package online and discuss your decision and possible implications with an immigration advisor. If you are in a graduate certificate bundle, you are choosing to withdraw from both programs. Also, you must submit a letter of acceptance or verification of enrolment if you are attending another institution. Scanned letters with a signature are accepted.
If you are a part-time student or in continuing education courses, you must complete a part-time withdrawal form from the Office of the Registrar.
If you wish to withdraw from a course but are unable either to attend in-person or to access the internet, you must submit a personally signed letter indicating your intention to withdraw from the course. The letter can be mailed, faxed, or scanned and emailed to the Office of the Registrar and must include your student number and all information needed to identify you and the course. The official date of withdrawal in this case is the date your letter is received by the Office of the Registrar. You may view all course changes online.
The official date of withdrawal is the date your form is received by the Office of the Registrar. You are not officially withdrawn if you cease to attend classes or verbally notify your faculty, registration staff, student success advisors, counsellors, or any other college staff. Without official withdrawal, even if you cease to attend classes or participate in college activities, you will remain enrolled. You will be required to pay fees for that term and grades will be recorded as appropriate to the work you have submitted. If you withdraw after the 10th working day of the term (or published deadline) you are responsible for paying full term fees charged. Refer to the Important Dates.
You can drop or withdraw from all but one of your courses online on the student information system (Banner). If you wish to drop or withdraw from all your courses, a program withdrawal is required and must be submitted online by the published deadlines.
4.4.2 Program fee refunds/adjustments
To receive a partial refund of fees (or to adjust outstanding fee assessments if less than the full amount was paid), you must submit a withdrawal form online to the Office of the Registrar by the initial withdrawal deadline (the 10th working day of the term). The deposit paid is non-refundable therefore, only a partial refund is applicable.
After this deadline, a refund and/or adjustment for that term will not be provided and you will be responsible for paying the full-term fees. Fees paid for subsequent terms will be refunded. This applies to all students including if you pay your fees through your OSAP funding, or any other sponsorship (WSIB, band council, company, etc.). If there are extenuating circumstances after the refund deadline, refer to section 4.4.3 Withdrawals after the deadline due to extenuating circumstances.
4.4.2.1 Refunds – domestic students
When calculating the adjustment or refund, the college will withhold $250 CAD (non-refundable deposit) for program withdrawals as well as any other non-refundable fee items. Any outstanding balances owing on your account will be deducted from the refund. If tuition and fees were paid by OSAP, a refund is issued back to the National Student Loan Centre. Refunds are issued as e-transfers to your Georgian College email.
4.4.2.2 Refunds – international students
Georgian notifies Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of all withdrawals. You are entitled to a partial refund of fees paid if your completed withdrawal is received by the initial withdrawal deadline (the 10th working day of the term for most programs). After the initial withdrawal deadline, no refunds for the term will be issued and you will be responsible for paying any outstanding balances on your record. Fees paid for subsequent terms will be refunded.
If your study permit is refused, a full refund will be issued to you if you provide proof before the withdrawal deadline and within two weeks of the date on the refusal letter.
Any outstanding balances owing on your record will be deducted from the refund. In addition, non-refundable fee items may be deducted. If you are a new student being represented by an agent, your refund is returned through your agent whenever possible. If you are a current student, refunds are issued as e-transfers to your Georgian College email.
All international refunds are calculated using the following equation, as set out by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU):
Fees paid – (international tuition fee ÷ domestic tuition fee) x $500 CAD.
For example:
$7,287.11 – ($5,500 ÷ $1,342.88) x $500 = $5,239.27 (In addition, non-refundable fee items may be deducted).
Fee paid (deposit, tuition, or ancillary) $7,287.11
Tuition fees only (international) $5,500
Tuition fees only (domestic) $1,342.88
Hold back fee $2,047.84
Eligible refund $5,239.27
If withdrawing from a graduate certificate bundle prior to the start of Program 1, only one holdback fee will be charged. If a withdrawal is submitted after the deadline (Day 10 of term), there will be no refund of program fees for Program 1. If a student completes Program 1 and then chooses to withdraw prior to Program 2, the deposit paid towards Program 2 is upheld as non-refundable (even if the student chooses to apply to a stand-alone program).
4.4.2.3 Non-refundable fees
Non-refundable fees include tuition deposit, assessment of previous learning (PLAR) testing fees, convocation, alumni, U-Pass, and insurance fees. There may be additional non-refundable fees, depending on the date of withdrawal. For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar by submitting an inquiry through MyGCLife.
4.4.3 Withdrawals after the deadline due to extenuating circumstances
Fee adjustments for withdrawals submitted after the withdrawal deadline may be considered due to extenuating circumstances involving you and/or your immediate family member, up to four weeks after the refund deadline (day 10 of the term). These special consideration circumstances include death of an immediate family member (parent, spouse, or child), serious medical trauma to you, or an immediate family member where you are deemed the primary caregiver by your regulated health professional.
Georgian’s medical verification form must be completed in full by a regulated health professional. Contact the Office of the Registrar for more information at rorecords@georgiancollege.ca.
4.4.4 Course withdrawal process
You are advised to discuss course withdrawals and possible options with your program co-ordinator and/or the faculty. You may withdraw from courses online. Students who have received OSAP or other government student aid funding are advised to speak to a representative in Financial Aid and Awards prior to making course changes.
If you are a part-time student, you must complete a part-time withdrawal form. Completed forms must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar within the appropriate deadlines.
If you wish to withdraw from a course but are unable either to attend in-person or to access the internet, you must submit a personally signed letter indicating your intention to withdraw from the course. The letter can be mailed, faxed, or scanned and emailed to the Office of the Registrar and must include your student number and all information needed to identify you and the course. The official date of withdrawal in this case is the date your letter is received by the Office of the Registrar. You may view all course changes online.
International students must remain in full-time studies to meet conditions of your study permit. Withdrawing from a course may affect your full-time status at the college or immigration status. In a final semester, you may be part time. Please contact the International Centre for more details.
4.4.5 Fee refunds (part-time or overload courses)
Course withdrawals do not always result in a refund of fees. If you withdraw from courses but still maintain your full-time status, your fees will not be adjusted. To qualify for a refund of part-time or overload course fees, you must withdraw online to the Office of the Registrar, within the published refund deadlines. See the Important dates section on our website for withdrawal deadlines. Refer to the Continuing Education and Corporate Training webpage for part-time refund information.
4.4.6 Changes to co-op semester
If you need to withdraw from a co-op semester, you must submit an online withdrawal form. If you are changing to an academic semester instead of a co-op semester, you must submit an online change form. You must discuss your request with your co-op consultant and obtain approval. You must submit the online form to the Office of the Registrar within the first four weeks of the term or scheduled co-op semester. If you follow the process above, your transcript will show a “withdrawn” (WD) for the co-op semester.
However, if you do not follow the process outlined above, you will receive a “fail” (F) on your transcript and will be required to register for the co-op semester again. If you are unable to find a suitable co-op position despite performing an active job search, your co-op consultant can grant a grade of "suitable co-op not found" (NP). To add a co-op semester, you must use the online registration process in the student information system (Banner).
Your OSAP or immigration status may also be affected (if applicable). If you are considering a change in academic status, you should speak to a representative in Financial Aid and Awards.
You must apply for re-admission in any of the following circumstances:
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If you have failed to remain continuously registered following the typical sequence of semesters for the program over an eight-month period (two consecutive terms)
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If you have been suspended/academically dismissed through academic performance or academic misconduct
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If you have been dismissed from a program due to repeated course attempts and are no longer able to progress and/or fulfill graduation requirements.
When you are re-admitted to the college, you must successfully complete the graduation requirements described in the current program webpage, i.e., for the academic year in which you were re-admitted.
If you are in semester one and you need to retake or start over in semester one, you must re-apply for admission through OCAS or IAS a new applicant to that intake. Prior studies does not guarantee re-admission.
If you are in a subsequent semester, you must apply using an internal college application form. There is a non-refundable fee payable at the time of application.
The dean/associate dean, in consultation with the program co-ordinator and the Office of the Registrar, will determine your academic eligibility for re-admission. The Office of the Registrar will inform you of the decision.
Before being re-admitted, your progress/ academic standing in your current program will be reviewed. This review may include examination of any of the following:
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health records and current health assessment
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interview results
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transcripts
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course outlines
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evaluations from previous academic records
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letters of reference from employing agencies, partners, or other educational institutions
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competency/skills testing (fees may apply).
Priority for re-admission will be given to the following:
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If you're a student returning to any year of your program, and you've experienced illness, and your physician provides written recommendation affirming your ability to handle the physical, emotional, and cognitive demands of the program.
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If you've failed or withdrawn from any previous courses, the dean/associate dean, in consultation with the program coordinator and the Office of the Registrar, have determined that you will be successful in your studies.