Academic Upgrading

BC Adult Education Diploma
Type Part Time Full Time
Length Varies
Campus All Campuses
Delivery In Class
Fees* BC Adult Education is Tuition-Free*
*All fees are an estimate.
Starting Semesters Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Spring 2026
Continuous Intakes: Apply any time and get started.

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).

CNC offers Academic Upgrading (Adult Basic Education) courses in a variety of subjects, including:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • College and University Experience
  • Computer Studies
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Physics

Delivery Options

Classroom learning

Learn face to face with peers at one of our CNC campuses.  You will learn in a safe and accommodating group environment. 

Online

Some courses also have online learning options. Check individual courses for the available options.

Intake Options

If you missed the registration date, don’t worry! CNC offers continuous enrollment for some academic upgrading classes in Mackenzie, Fort St. James and Quesnel.

Today is an awesome day to start learning! Check with Future Student Advising at your campus to see if you can get started today.

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).

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

Spring 2027 Intake and Onwards

For applications to the Spring 2027 intake (January start), you must meet the following requirements:

To enroll 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.

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.

Type Campus Starts Status
  • Domestic
  • Burns Lake
  • In Class
  • Fall 2026
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • Mackenzie
  • In Class
  • Fall 2026
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • Prince George
  • In Class
  • Fall 2026
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • Quesnel
  • In Class
  • Fall 2026
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • Vanderhoof
  • In Class
  • Fall 2026
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • Burns Lake
  • In Class
  • Spring 2027
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • Mackenzie
  • In Class
  • Spring 2027
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • Prince George
  • In Class
  • Spring 2027
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • Quesnel
  • In Class
  • Spring 2027
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • Vanderhoof
  • In Class
  • Spring 2027
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • All Campuses
  • In Class
  • Fall 2026
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • All Campuses
  • In Class
  • Spring 2026
Open for Applications
  • Domestic
  • All Campuses
  • In Class
  • Spring 2027
Open for Applications

Invest in your future

BC Adult Education is Tuition-Free**.

**Please note the following fees.

  1. Development Fee — Development fees vary based on number of courses taken up to a maximum of $20.80.
  2. 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).
  3. 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. Apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding.

Placement Tests

Take an academic upgrading placement test to find where to start.

Placement Tests

Highlights

Tuition-Free

BC Adult Education is Tuition-Free

Earn Prerequisites

Earn Prerequisites for College and University Programs

No Age Limit

It's Never Too Late to Learn

More Programs