Program at a glance
Credential
No credential
Area of Study
Upgrading & Preparatory
Study options
Full-time
Part-time
Work experience
None
Open to International
No
Length
varies
At a glance image
Your first step is here!
Start in September, January or May
You don't need to complete high school to start your journey at Camosun!
Upgrading programs and courses are tuition-free for domestic students. The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) covers the cost of textbooks and student and registration fees for eligible students.
Gain admission requirements or finish grade 12
Get ready to enter the trades, career training, college or university programs with upgrading courses in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics.
Customize your learning
You can use Academic Upgrading courses to:
- Meet prerequisites for other college courses and programs
- Earn a BC Adult Graduation Diploma (formerly known as an Adult Dogwood).
- meet the admission requirements for specific trades, human services, or access career programs
- Complete a Certificate in Academic Upgrading
Get ahead
If you're working towards admission to another Camosun program you can enroll in courses to meet provisional qualification status
To get the most out of your time at Camosun talk to an Admissions Advisor
Why academic upgrading at Camosun?
- Flexible scheduling to fit your busy life: part-time, full-time, daytime, or evening
- Small class sizes mean more one on one attention
- A friendly and caring, adult learning environment that supports diverse learning needs
- Learn in your own community. Camosun offers upgrading courses on campus and at community based sites
- Indigenous College Prep (ICP). Camosun offers a program, at the Saanich Adult Education Centre, designed for Indigenous students
- Extra help when you need it. Camosun students can access expert tutors in our help centres
Get a head start on program electives by combining your upgrading with university transfer courses.
Looking for more than a course or two?
Combine academic upgrading with career exploration. Explore your career options while you gain admission requirements or finish grade 12 with Camosun's Academic Upgrading Certificate program.
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.
Upgrading courses
Upgrading courses are adult learners who want to take courses in order to complete high school and obtain their adult high school diploma (BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD)), 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
This diploma is for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you are an International student, please contact Camosun International for your options.
Your English and/or Math grades or assessment results will determine what courses you can register for based on the prerequisites for the course. Courses can be taken individually or grouped to complete a Certificate in Academic Upgrading or the 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 the Admissions Team.
For more details see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
| High School Requirement | Camosun Alternative |
|---|---|
| Biology 11 |
|
| Biology 12 |
|
| Biology 12 |
|
| Chemistry 11 |
|
| Chemistry 11 |
|
| Chemistry 12 |
|
| Chemistry 12 |
|
| English 10 |
|
| English 10 |
and
|
| English 10 | Assessment Test |
| English 11 |
|
| English 11 |
and
|
| English 11 | Assessment Test |
| English 12 |
and
|
| English 12 |
and
|
| English 12 |
and
|
| English 12 |
and ENGL 096 - Provincial Indigenous Literature |
| English 12 |
and
|
| English 12 |
|
| English 12 |
and
|
| English 12 |
|
| English 12 |
and
|
| English 12 | Assessment Test |
| Math 10 |
and
|
| Math 10 | Assessment Test |
| Math 11 |
and
|
| Math 11 |
|
| Math 11 |
|
| Math 11 | Assessment Test |
| Math 12 |
|
| Math 12 |
|
| Math 12 |
|
| Math 12 | Assessment Test |
| Physics 11 |
|
| Physics 11 |
|
| Physics 12 |
|
| Physics 12 |
|
Related links:
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023
Estimated tuition
Tuition estimates are for the entire program.
College Preparatory
For domestic students, 0-level upgrading courses are tuition-free. For other courses, 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
Admission requirements
Ready to get started? Get your application in for the September, January or May intake.
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.
One of:
- C in English 10
- C in Math 10
- C in English 10 or Math 10 Camosun Alternative
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Assessments and testing
We strongly recommend that you complete an assessment if your skills are rusty or your prerequisites are several years old. The assessment will help to determine if your current skills are sufficient, or whether taking a refresher course first would give you a better chance of success.
Our Teaching Staff
Camosun College is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of our students’ individual journeys.
Faculty/staff profile
Kristine Kerins
Chair, English
Faculty/staff profile
Jane Dillon-Davis
English Instructor
Faculty/staff profile
Margaret Fast
Instructor, English
Faculty/staff profile
Jennifer Guenther
Instructor, English
Faculty/staff profile
Brenda Proctor
Instructor, English
Faculty/staff profile
Patrick Montgomery
Chair, Math & Statistics
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Crystal Lomas
Instructor, Mathematics
Faculty/staff profile
Bogdan Verjinschi
Instructor, Mathematics
Need advice?
Thinking about going back to school is a huge step. Admission Advisors are here to help.
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.
Valerie Neaves:
250-370-3847
Cell 250-216-8692
Tia Primrose:
Text or Call: 250-216-7156
Messages Only: 250-370-3466