Adult Upgrading
Last updated on September 26, 2023Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning programs are tuition-free for domestic students at 18 public post-secondary institutions in British Columbia. School districts also provide tuition-free adult upgrading programs.
Contact the public post-secondary institution or school district you wish to apply to in order to find out more information about eligibility requirements, course offerings and start dates.
Taking high school courses can help with various educational paths – improving literacy and numeracy skills, working towards high school graduation, and upgrading for work or for entrance into a post-secondary program.
Be sure to check with an academic advisor before starting an Adult Education program – they will help you figure out which courses and credits you need to reach your learning goals.
Find Flexible Options
Find the Adult Education program that suits you by researching the institutions and programs available. There are several options that differ in location, cost, program length and format. For example, you may choose an institution or program that offers:
- Day or evening courses
- Courses that are self-paced or teacher-directed
- Learning online or in a classroom
Adult Education in Two Systems
School Districts
School districts offer high school courses for adults at secondary schools, adult learning centres, and continuing education centres throughout the province. These options are tailored specifically to the needs of adult students by using various learning environments and instructional methods that could include face-to-face, self-paced and/or online learning. Course offerings vary between locations.
- Contact your local school district to find a learning centre
- Find out about free courses available to adults who have already graduated
- Learn about the Adult Graduation program
Public Post-Secondary Institutions
Many public post-secondary institutions (colleges and universities) offer tuition-free adult upgrading courses under program names such as Adult Basic Education, Access Programs or Academic Upgrading. These courses are intended for adults who want to complete their Adult Graduation Diploma (Dogwood), improve their high school grades, or obtain pre-requisites for post-secondary studies. Explore the institution websites linked below to find information about courses, registration, and how to connect with an advisor.
Public post-secondary institutions:
The Adult Education Policy Framework provides an overview of the context and policy objectives of the adult upgrading programs in the public post-secondary system.
Course outlines, learning outcomes and information on the history of Adult Basic Education can be found in the 2023/24 Adult Basic Education Articulation Handbook.
Financial Assistance
Find out if you are eligible for the Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG). Low-income students taking Adult Upgrading programs at public post-secondary institutions may be eligible. If you qualify, the grant will pay for tuition (if applicable) and other fees, books, supplies, transportation, and unsubsidized childcare.
The Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP)
The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills invests $3.4 million annually to support the Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP). CALP funding is allocated to community organizations, Indigenous-controlled organizations, and public post-secondary institutions to deliver adult, family and Indigenous literacy programming across British Columbia.
The CALP objectives are to:
- Increase the level of literacy and numeracy proficiencies among adults - 19 years and older - in order to meet the increasing demands of the labour market;
- Meet the varying needs of adult learners including Indigenous people, immigrants, and persons with disabilities; and
- Increase literacy awareness among British Columbians.
In 2023/24, CALP funding is supporting 102 community literacy programs delivered by 71 organizations in 132 communities across the province.
Check out the 2023/24 CALP media release here.
The 2023/24 CALP Contact List is available here.
The next opportunity to apply for CALP funding is anticipated to open in Spring 2025.
If you have any questions about CALP, please contact PSFS.Post-SecondaryProgsBr@gov.bc.ca