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
Our courses and programs help you gain confidence, prepare for further academic studies, complete admission requirements to college or university programs, meet employment requirements or satisfy a personal goal.

Foundations of Academic Upgrading program offers three study options:
Certificate in Fundamental Academic Upgrading
Certificate in Intermediate Academic Upgrading
Individual courses are also available for Pre-requisites
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.
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)
BC Adult Graduation Diploma. 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.
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
To Apply for the BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) please email credentials@camosun.bc.ca with your request.
A supportive learning community
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.
Advantages of upgrading at Camosun
Our scheduling is flexible to fit your busy life: part-time, full-time, daytime, or evening. Take advantage of Camosun's customized upgrading to meet the admission requirements for specific trades, human services, or access career programs.
If you’re working towards admission into another Camosun program and enrolled in the courses you need to meet its admission requirements, your application may be granted provisional qualification status. You’ll need to complete your prerequisite courses at least two months prior to the start of your chosen program.
Tuition-free for domestic students
Upgrading programs and courses are tuition-free for domestic students.

Estimated tuition
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.
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.
Our teaching staff
Camosun College is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of students' individual journeys.
Faculty/staff profile

Zahra Khimji
Chair - Academic and Career Foundations
Faculty/staff profile

Mice Albano
English Instructor
Faculty/staff profile

Nicolas Mai
Math Instructor
Faculty/staff profile

Faculty/staff profile

Faculty/staff profile

Zack (Richard) Zajchowski
Instructor, Academic and Career Foundations

Learn more
Find a full list of courses and specific admission requirements.
Contact information
Contact a Student Navigator
Questions? We want to hear from you!
Campus location
Student Navigators are available on both Campuses from 8am-4pm weekdays.