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 or Cell 250-216-8692
- Tia Primrose: Text or Call: 250-216-7156, or 250-370-3466
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.
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.
Get an additional head start on program electives by combining your upgrading with university transfer courses.
BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) and upgrading courses
Camosun offers a range of upgrading (college prep) courses in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics to prepare you to enter trades, career programs or college and university programs and courses to help you gain admission requirements or finish grade 12.
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
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.
What comes next?
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.
What comes next?
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, Health Care Assistant, as well as the math for the Electrical Foundation Program.
BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) and upgrading courses
Camosun offers a range of upgrading (college prep) courses in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics to prepare you to enter trades, career programs or college and university programs and courses to help you gain admission requirements or finish grade 12.
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023
Estimated tuition
Academic upgrading
Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.
For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees
Financial assistance
The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) covers student fees, deposit, tuition (if applicable), required textbooks and childcare support for eligible students enrolled in 0-level upgrading courses.
You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.
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 details, including courses, please see the program outline in 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
Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
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 or Cell 250-216-8692
Tia Primrose: Text or Call: 250-216-7156, Messages Only: 250-370-3466
Admission questions