Academic Upgrading, Certificate

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

None

Study options

Full-time or part-time

Open to International

Yes

Area of study

Upgrading & Preparatory

Length

4 months

Student Navigators

Weekdays 8am-4pm
Valerie: Call Office: 250-370-3847 or Text or Call: 250-216-8692
Tia: Call Office: 250-370-3466 or Text or Call: 250-216-7156

A supportive learning community

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.

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. We also provide Help Centres staffed with expert tutors and filled with resources to assist you.

Get an additional head start on program electives by combining your upgrading with university transfer courses.

Apply today

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.

Program outline

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.

Apply today

BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) and upgrading courses

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024

Estimated tuition

Academic upgrading

For domestic students, 0-level upgrading courses are tuition-free. Tuition fees, for other courses, 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.

Financial Aid & Awards

Curriculum & courses

Course

Course name

Credits

Tuition

Admission requirements

Fundamental Upgrading and Intermediate Upgrading

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. To arrange an access assessment with the School of Access, call 250-370-3945.

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...