Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Area of Study
Upgrading & Preparatory
Study options
Full-time
Part-time
Work experience
None
Open to International
Yes
Length
4 months
At a glance image
Gain confidence and open doors to higher learning
We Like Questions!
If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact a student navigator, available 8am to 4pm.
Email: upgrade@camosun.ca
- Valerie Neaves: 250-370-3847
- Tia Primrose: Text or Call: 250-216-7156, or 250-370-3466
Foundations of Academic Upgrading program offers four study options:
Certificate in Fundamental Academic Upgrading
Certificate in Intermediate Academic Upgrading
BC Adult Grad Diploma
Individual courses are also available for Pre-requisites
A supportive learning community
As well as offering programs on both the Lansdowne and Interurban campuses, the School of Access engages with Community Learning Partners (CLP) off-campus sites to enhance your education.
Our instructors are highly qualified and committed to providing a friendly and caring learning experience in an adult learning environment. We understand diverse learning needs and are committed to student success. We provide Help Centres staffed with expert tutors and filled with resources to assist you.
BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD)
For adult learners who want to take courses in order to complete high school and obtain their adult high school diploma, contact an Admissions Advisor for information.
You will take five courses, including:
- a Language Arts 12 BC secondary course, or ABE equivalent or higher, and
- a Math 11 or 12 BC secondary course, or ABE equivalent or higher, and
- three Grade 12 level BC ministry-authorized courses or ABE equivalent or higher
Once you have completed your course requirements:
- Contact Academic Advising to confirm you meet the course requirements
- Once course requirements are met, email Student Records – Graduation and Credentials with your request to apply to graduate from the BCAGD. Please include: your full name, student ID, the name you wish to appear on your diploma and the address to which you would like it mailed (no pick-up option available).
This diploma is for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you are an International student, please contact Camosun International for your options.
Start small dream big!
We offer programs from basic literacy through high school upgrading.
Certificate in Fundamental Academic Upgrading
The Foundations Academic Upgrading program is designed for students who want to upgrade their basic reading, writing, and math skills.
This program is available full or part-time and varies in completion time.
Opportunities for Academic Advancement
Completion of this program certificate can prepare students for academic upgrading courses at the Intermediate level, and, in some cases, will provide direct entry into some college programs. For a full understanding of how this certificate can lead to other programs, students are encouraged to see an Academic Advisor.
Certificate in Intermediate Academic Upgrading
The certificate in Intermediate Academic Upgrading is designed for students requiring upgrading in math and English, as well as students who wish to undertake career exploration combined with academic preparation.
This program is available full or part-time and varies in completion time.
Opportunities for Academic Advancement
Completion of this certificate prepares students for courses at the Advanced (math) and Provincial levels (English) with ENGL 050, and for direct entry into Technology Access Programs, HCA, as well as the math for the Electrical Foundation Program.
Individual courses are also available for Pre-requisites
Gain admission requirements or finish grade 12
Camosun offers a range of upgrading courses in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics that prepare you to enter trades and career programs or college and university programs and courses.
Courses can be taken individually or grouped to complete a Certificate in Academic Upgrading or the BC Adult Graduation Diploma.
BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD)
For adult learners who want to take courses in order to complete high school and obtain their adult high school diploma, contact an Admissions Advisor for information.
You will take five courses, including:
- a Language Arts 12 BC secondary course, or ABE equivalent or higher, and
- a Math 11 or 12 BC secondary course, or ABE equivalent or higher, and
- three Grade 12 level BC ministry-authorized courses or ABE equivalent or higher
Once you have completed your course requirements:
- Contact Academic Advising to confirm you meet the course requirements
- Once course requirements are met, email Student Records – Graduation and Credentials with your request to apply to graduate from the BCAGD. Please include: your full name, student ID, the name you wish to appear on your diploma and the address to which you would like it mailed (no pick-up option available).
This diploma is for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you are an International student, please contact Camosun International for your options.
Curriculum & courses
Course list
Admission requirements
Fundamental Upgrading and Intermediate Upgrading
Ready to get started?
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.
Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
All of:
- By assessment*
- Informational interview with the Foundations Dept Chair if a student's English assessment places them in ENGL 021, ENGL 022, ENGL 023, ENGL 024 or ENGL 025. A student whose English assessment places them in ENGL 033 or above is not required to attend the informational interview.
*Students are admitted based on their previous educational background and experience. A student should contact the Assessment Centre for an English or mathematics assessment.
For more detailed information about this program and specific admission requirements, see the Academic Calendar.
Missing admission requirements?
Take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Talk to a student navigator
Student navigators are available to answer general questions and share their student experiences.
Email upgrade@camosun.ca or call weekdays, 8am-4pm
Valerie Neaves: 250-370-3847
Tia Primrose: Text or Call: 250-216-7156, Messages Only: 250-370-3466
For admissions questions contact:
Meet our instructors
Faculty/staff profile
Zahra Khimji
Chair - Academic and Career Foundations
Faculty/staff profile
Puja Gupta
Chair, Community Learning Partnership
Faculty/staff profile
Mice Albano
English Instructor
Faculty/staff profile
Jennifer Bennett
Instructor, English, Math and Computer Studies
Faculty/staff profile
Karen Lightbody
English, Math and Computer Studies Instructor
Faculty/staff profile
Mark Kunen
English and Math Instructor
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Augustine (Ruse) Rusekampunzi
Math Instructional Assistant - Academic Upgrading
Faculty/staff profile
Zack (Richard) Zajchowski
Instructor, Academic and Career Foundations
Faculty/staff profile
Tuition-free for domestic students
Upgrading programs and courses are tuition-free for Canadian students.
Effective from September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021.
Scholarships, bursaries and awards
Upgrading programs and courses are tuition-free for domestic students. The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) will continue to cover the cost of textbooks and student and registration fees for eligible students.
There are many financial resources to tap into while you are at college to help with your education and living costs. Apply for scholarships & awards that are specifically given to program students, as well as awards specific to the School of Access.
You may also want to visit Financial Aid & Awards for more information about funding.
Change Faster
Take the next step to a brighter future.
Contact information
General questions
Contact a Student Navigator
Campus location
Student Navigators are available on both Campuses weekdays, 8am-4pm
Valerie Neaves: Call 250-370-3847
Tia Primrose: Text or Call: 250-216-7156, Messages Only: 250-370-3466
Admission questions