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Academic Upgrading Grades 10-12
Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, April 28 - May 2.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- N/A
What to expect
Classes are offered in a variety of formats: self-paced or class-based. Both self-paced and class-based options may be delivered online, in-person or a combination (hybrid).
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Upgrading courses are available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- See individual course outlines for pre-requisites.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Education Enrolment Policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
Adult Upgrading students have diverse backgrounds and experience and include:
- Adult learners returning to education after any length of time away from schooling.
- Recent high school graduates who want to improve their grades before applying for post-secondary programs such as health sciences or Engineering.
- Adults who want credit towards their high school diploma.
- Students aged 15-18 who are currently enrolled in high school or who are not able to attend high school.
- Speakers of other languages who wish to develop/improve their English skills in a Canadian academic setting.
Courses *
See the upcoming timetable for class-based courses (blended, online, and in-person) or the list of available self-paced courses (blended) [pdf].
Note: Most courses listed below with a non-zero credit value will count towards the BC Adult Graduation Diploma (i.e. Adult Dogwood) or the BC Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma). (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/legislation-policy/public-schools/graduation-requirements).
Math Courses
Science Courses
Computer Courses
Career Courses
Course code | Course name | Credits |
---|---|---|
ACED 0700 | Career Planning 12 | 4 |
ACED 0702 | Career Decisions & Action Plan | 5 |
ACED 0707 | Job Search Techniques | 1 |
ACED 0709 | Education and Career Exploration | 2 |
ACED 0710 | Work Experience | 1 |
ACED 0711 | Communications | 1 |
ACED 0750 | Student Success | 2 |
English, Social Sciences, and Humanities Courses
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
These courses are tuition free! The following non-tuition fees apply. The StudentAid BC Adult Upgrading Grant may cover the cost of these fees. See Financial Aid for Adult Upgrading Grant application information.
Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Student union | $69 | per term |
College initiative | $9 | per course |
Campus resource | $10 | per course |
U-PASS | $160 |
per term subject to eligibility |
Total | $248 |
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Are you interested in these courses?
Applications are open on EducationPlanner BC!
Don't forget to:
- Submit your official transcripts to the Registrar's Office when you apply (see Self-Paced details below)
- Check Important Dates for deadlines and registration information
- When applying, under Select Your Program choose:
- Adult Basic Education Grade 10 - 12 (Class-Based Individual Courses), or
- Adult Basic Education Grade 10 - 12 (Self-Paced Individual Courses)
- Note: Self-Paced students taking courses that have two parts (e.g. English 12 Part 1, English 12 Part 2) are encouraged to register in Part 2 after completion of Part 1. We do not recommend registering in both parts at the same time.
- Note: All Self-Paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used.
To register:
- Your application must be complete and approved
- Class-Based students can register online
- Self-Paced students can register online if:
- you have submitted transcripts that show you have met the prerequisites for the courses you are interested in, or
- you have passed a VCC assessment that meets the prerequisite requirements, or
- you have received department approval to register online
- Note: Self-Paced students may need a departmental assessment. You can contact the College and Career Access department by email at cca@vcc.ca. (The department office is closed for in-person inquiries on Fridays.)
Get started
Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, April 28 - May 2.
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