Indigenous College Prep, Certificate

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

None

Study options

Full-time

Part-time

Open to International

Area of study

Indigenous Education

Upgrading & Preparatory

Length

8 months

Tuition-free

Upgrading courses and programs are tuition-free for domestic students.

Grant info

Take your first steps in your own community

Start in September

Acquire the academic skills, knowledge and credentials to move towards higher education and/or a career in the field of human services. This certificate program prepares you to earn the admission requirements you'll need to pursue college or university-level studies.

ICP Indigenous instructor and student Program

Upgrade your education

Taught at the Saanich Adult Education Centre near Brentwood Bay, you get the best of both community and college worlds.

Designed for Indigenous* students, Indigenous College Prep (ICP) program supports and prepares you to get the admission requirements you need to enter other college programs and pursue university-level studies.

Located in Victoria, BC, traditional territory of the Coast and Straits Salish peoples, Camosun welcomes 1,100 Indigenous students each year.

Support from community

ICP is delivered primarily in community at the Saanich Adult Education Centre, part of the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board located on the Tsartlip First Nation near Brentwood Bay. One course is held at Lansdowne campus in the winter semester offering an opportunity to experience college life on campus.

Students will receive help and guidance from learning skills and career readiness specialists, Indigenous advisors and Elders.

What you’ll learn

In addition to increasing academic skills, you’ll have opportunities to explore your strengths and gifts as you develop personal, career and educational goals.

You'll be encouraged to build on your self-awareness and pride as an Indigenous person as you discuss issues, challenges and opportunities impacting First Nations communities. While examining Indigenous history and culture, you’ll receive guidance through circle and Elders’ teaching.

Are you of Indigenous ancestry?

*Camosun College views any student who is a descendant of the Indigenous peoples of North America to be an Indigenous student. This includes status and non-status Indians, Métis, Inuit and Native Americans who reside in Canada.

You may be eligible for UCEP funding (University College Entrance Preparation) if you're a First Nations Band member.

Thinking of entering this program?

If you have the opportunity to be funded by a band, and you need to upgrade to meet the program prerequisites, do so now and then apply to your band in January or February so that sponsorship is in place for beginning these programs in September. To learn more, drop by or book an appointment to see one of the Indigenous Advisors.

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

Getting her spark back

Lorri Leonard, Shuswap Nation

For over 20 years, Lorri Leonard had a perfectly good career going as a hairdresser when not just one but two bouts of breast cancer convinced her it was time for a change – and that eventually led to her taking English upgrading at the Grade 12-level in the community, at the W̱SÁNEĆ College.

“Maybe I could have gone right into college-level,” she says, “but it was so foreign and so scary to be even thinking about going back to school that starting slower really was better.”

Lorri does not have fond memories of high school, to put it mildly. “It was an incredible struggle,” she says, “and just simply walking on campus to talk to an Indigenous Advisor brought back bad memories. It was really hard, very emotional. But Sekwan Wabasca was great. She helped me start my journey. I started back at school the same day my son started kindergarten.”

So far, Lorri’s journey has taken her to the very top of the School of Access academic rankings and on to completion of the Indigenous Studies program. Her goal: to transfer to the University of Victoria for a BA in early childhood education.

Lorri says that “without Indigenous College Prep, I would probably have dropped out by now. But Camosun has given life back to me. I’ve got my spark back. I’m excited again and I can’t wait to get out of bed each day.”

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

Indigenous College Prep, Certificate

$452 (domestic)

Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.

Financial assistance

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 Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen - Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections

Financial Aid & Awards

Admission requirements

One of:

C in English 11
C in English 11 Camosun Alternative

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...