Campus Consolidation FAQs

Georgian’s Orillia and Muskoka campuses will close by summer 2026, with all programs planned to transition to Barrie starting in May. New students starting in winter 2026 will start at the Orillia or Muskoka campus, then continue studies in Barrie starting in summer 2026.  

The decision was made to ensure transparency and provide ample time for students and employees to prepare. It reflects careful consideration of the student experience, enrolment trends, regional labour-market needs, and the college’s financial realities. 

New students starting in Orillia or Muskoka in summer 2026 will begin studies at the Barrie Campus with a variety of student support services available to them. Those starting in winter 2026 will receive personalized care plans and direct communication about their options, ensuring academic continuity and emotional support. 

While the physical campuses will close, Georgian will continue to support these communities through partnerships, workforce development and work-integrated learning opportunities, and ongoing collaboration. 

No. Program delivery formats will stay the same. If your program is currently in-person, it will remain in-person after the move. If it’s hybrid or online, it will continue in that format. 

Though we’re physically closing two campuses, who we are at the heart isn’t changing. If you applied to Georgian, it was likely because you felt we were the right fit. We stand by that, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our community! 

Your application remains valid. Only the campus location for the program(s) you chose will change.  

Your offer remains valid. Just your campus location will change. 

As planned, you’ll start semester one of your program in Orillia in January 2026. 

Starting in May 2026, the rest of your program will continue at our Barrie Campus, following your program’s normal progression*.  

*Program progression is how we refer to the order of your courses each semester. It’s set up to ensure you complete program requirements within the full-time duration of your studies. You can find your program progression listed on your program outline, which is found on your program website. Find your program. 

These programs will move to Barrie beginning the summer 2026 semester. Specialized space requirements will be constructed at the Barrie Campus following a phased approach to ensure learning continues without disruption through summer 2026, fall 2026 and beyond. By the end of the process, both programs will have permanent, purpose-built spaces at the Barrie Campus, as there is in Orillia, to meet the program’s specialized needs.

All specialty classrooms and labs needed for Human Services and Community Safety programs will be accommodated through space retrofits at the Barrie Campus. These will be ready for use as programs transition in summer 2026 and fall 2026.

Domestic applicants can reach out to admissions@georgiancollege.ca. 

International applicants can reach out to RegInternational@georgiancollege.ca. 

Be sure to include your full name and student ID number, and we’ll discuss your questions and available options to ensure your studies at Georgian remain an unrivaled experience! 

We recognize that your admissions officer is off due to the full-time support staff strike, however, we’re still here for you! 

We’ll also update information on our website.  

No. Georgian has one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number across all campuses. Moving a program from the Orillia or Muskoka campus to Barrie doesn’t change your study permit status or Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility. Your credential and DLI remain the same; only the campus location changes. You won’t require an updated offer letter either.  

If your offer letter (P/LOA) says Orillia, your program will now be delivered at the Barrie Campus. Your offer remains valid. No new visa application or LOA or Program Attestation Letter (PAL) is required.  

No. Program delivery formats will stay the same. If your program is currently in-person, it will remain in-person after the move. If it’s online or hybrid, it will continue in that format. 

No. Your enrolment rolls over to Barrie automatically: same program, same curriculum, same graduation requirements. We’re here to support you through the transition. 

Keep your Canadian address up to date with the college and in your Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online account, if it changes. Your DLI and program remain the same, so there’s no permit update needed for the campus move. 

Georgian is a recognized leader in work-integrated learning. Placements continue without interruption. We work with community and industry partners in Barrie and the surrounding region; you’ll receive site details and timelines from your program area. 

No. You can work in any location across Canada. You don’t need to apply to change your co-op work permit. 

Barrie. All applicants with May 2026 Orillia offers will begin their program at Barrie. Your offer remains valid. Your offer letter and Program Attestation Letter (PAL) remain sufficient for your visa/study permit application because the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number is the same for Georgian regardless of campus location. We’ll communicate with you further regarding housing and arrival guidance for Barrie. 

Yes, you’ll start your first semester at the Orillia Campus in winter 2026. Your second semester onward (for example summer 2026, fall 2026, etc.) will continue in Barrie. We’ll provide advance notice and transition support. Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is unaffected. 

There’s no change to tuition. Standard scholarships/bursaries remain available. Any relocation supports will be communicated directly, if applicable. 

At our Barrie Campus, you’ll experience a vibrant and diverse campus community that will enrich both your academic and student life. You’ll benefit from a wide range of opportunities the campus has to offer, including expanded facilities, modern classroom spaces, enhanced labs and studios. There are broader employer networks that enable stronger co-op and employer connections, helping you gain valuable work experience. And, you’ll have access to a wide variety of student supports, services and activities offered year-round, in addition to being at a location with easier access to Toronto. All of these benefits are available to you with the same Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) pathway.   

Georgian offers housing information and supports for students at all campuses. We recommend reviewing housing options on our housing webpage and connecting with housing@georgiancollege.ca for additional support.

The Barrie community offers many housing options for students, including on-campus residence, off-campus private student residence options and community-based housing. We recommend reviewing housing options on our housing webpage and connecting with housing@georgiancollege.ca for additional support.

Yes, we’re confident that Barrie’s housing market can absorb students relocating from Orillia and Muskoka. The recent decline in international enrolment has opened up additional housing options.  

We’ll provide arrival/housing guidance for Barrie well in advance of your summer 2026 semester. Stay tuned for more information and support.  

Linx transit provides transit to and from both campuses (Route 3). Please visit the Linx website for schedules and pickup locations as specific stops may change to another location in the community upon the closure of the campus.

Public transportation is available through the Simcoe County Linx service. Please visit the Linx website for schedules. The City of Barrie also offers transit services.

Yes. If your program is transferred to the Barrie Campus, once you’re registered as a Barrie student, you’ll automatically be enrolled in the UPass program. This is a mandatory fee for all Barrie Campus students and provides students with a universal bus pass to access Barrie Transit. This doesn’t include the Linx service that runs between cities in Simcoe County.

Yes. The universal bus pass (Upass) only works for Barrie Transit.

Well in advance of the start of the summer semester (May 2026) at the Barrie Campus, there’ll be many resources and information sessions available to you. We’re here to support you through the transition. Stay tuned!

Consolidation won’t reduce your opportunities; in fact, it means you’ll have access to more programs in one location, enhanced facilities, strong employer networks, and a vibrant campus community. 

Like all Ontario colleges, Georgian is adapting to funding and policy changes. What sets us apart is our resilience, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to quality education and student success — demonstrated by our 90.3% graduate employment rate.  

Please check out the FAQ on MyGCLife and visit the care coordination page for resources and links to support.