Overview
You can use Academic Upgrading courses to help meet prerequisites for other college courses and programs, or to obtain a BC Adult Graduation Diploma (formerly known as an Adult Dogwood).
Academic upgrading courses are also part of Access Progams offering guaranteed admission of advanced standing in:
- Business
- Early Childhood Care and Learning
- Engineering
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Medical Radiography Technology
- Natural Resources and Forest Technology
- Practical Nursing
- Social Service Worker
Class formats
Regular classroom
With the regular classroom format, all students start on the same day, work through the course material together, and finish the course at the same time. The instructor leads the students through the material each day.
Continuous intake
With the continuous intake format, students start their studies at different times throughout the year. Individual students in the same room may be studying different levels of courses. The instructor is there to help, but each student must be prepared to work independently.
Students who are self-disciplined and work well with printed instructions will be successful in the continuous intake environment.
Note: All courses may not be offered at all campuses. Check with Academic Advising at your campus for details.
Academic Upgrading Courses
You can use Academic Upgrading courses as prerequisites to other college courses, or to obtain Adult Basic Education (ABE) certificates - Fundamental, Intermediate, or Advanced. You can also use them to gain a BC Adult Graduation Diploma (formerly known as an Adult Dogwood).
Academic Upgrading: Fundamental Level
Academic Upgrading: Intermediate Level
Academic Upgrading: Advanced Level
Academic Upgrading: Provincial Level
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Spring 2022 |
Fort St. James |
In Class |
|
| Spring 2022 |
Mackenzie |
In Class |
|
| Spring 2022 |
Prince George |
In Class |
|
| Spring 2022 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
|
| Fall 2022 |
Fort St. James |
In Class |
|
| Fall 2022 |
Mackenzie |
In Class |
|
| Fall 2022 |
Prince George |
In Class |
|
| Fall 2022 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
|
| Spring 2023 |
Fort St. James |
In Class |
|
| Spring 2023 |
Mackenzie |
In Class |
|
| Spring 2023 |
Prince George |
In Class |
|
| Spring 2023 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
|
Entry Requirements
To enter the Academic Upgrading program, you must be at least 18 years old.
To enrol in Academic Upgrading courses, you can:
- Bring a high school transcript for review. The transcript assists with evaluating what course prerequisites you already have and determines your education plan. You can make an appointment with a CNC advisor or regional Academic Upgrading contact person to discuss your options. Or
- If you do not have the course prerequisites, you are required to take the Academic Upgrading placement assessment. This allows you to be placed at the appropriate course level and assists with determining your educational plan. To get an application form for the Academic Upgrading program and to sign up for the placement, contact CNC Office of the Registrar, or a regional Academic Upgrading contact person. Or
- You may have other options if you do not meet the Academic Upgrading admission requirement. We encourage you to meet with a CNC advisor or regional Academic Upgrading contact person.
Open admission
Any program of study that does not have a selective admission process or fixed capacity and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.
Invest in your future
BC Adult Education is Tuition-Free*.
Please note the following fees.
- Development Fee — Please note that development fees vary based on number of courses taken up to a maximum of $20.80.
- Extensions — Should the time limit be exceeded and the student is granted an extension, additional student union and CFS fees will be assessed ($10.72 and $2.19 per month).
- *Student Fees — Academic Upgrading students must pay student fees. These are not included in the estimate.
Grants
There are grants available for the Academic Upgrading program. Find out if you are eligible for the Adult Upgrading Grant.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding. Visit Financial aid to find out how.