Register now to earn tuition-free high school credits for university or college. Learn in a group setting at scheduled times, or meet with instructors one-on-one at your own pace. Courses may be taken online, in-person or in blended format.
What to expect
Classes are offered in a supportive, flexible, self-paced learning environment. Students may wish to work on courses online (with instructor support), in person, or a combination of both.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate English Language Proficiency.
- Upgrading courses are available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents between the ages of 16 and 24. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- See individual course outlines for pre-requisites.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Education Enrolment Policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Program Considerations
Academic Upgrading Youth students have diverse backgrounds and experiences and include:
- Youth and young adults who want to reconnect with education
- Recent high school graduates who wish to upgrade grades for post-secondary programs or careers
- Students who wish to graduate with the BC Dogwood or BC Adult Dogwood
- Students who are not attending secondary schools or are looking for alternative delivery to class-based programs
- Students who attend other programs but need additional courses (dual enrolment)
- Students who have multiple responsibilities or commitments and need a flexible schedule
- Students who are able to work with a level of independence
Courses *
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Math Courses | ||
| MATH 0750 | Math 10 Part 1 | 4 |
| MATH 0751 | Math 10 Part 2 | 4 |
| MATH 0863 | Business/Technical Math 11 Part 1 | 4 |
| MATH 0873 | Business/Technical Math 11 Part 2 | 4 |
| Science Courses | ||
| SCIE 0751 | Science 10 | 4 |
| English, Social Sciences, and Humanities Courses | ||
| ENGL 0750 | English 10 Part 1 | 4 |
| ENGL 0752 | English 10 Part 2 | 4 |
| ENGL 0861 | English 11 Part 1 | 4 |
| ENGL 0871 | English 11 Part 2 | 4 |
| ENGL 0981 | English 12 Part 1 | 4 |
| ENGL 0991 | English 12 Part 2 | 4 |
| ENGL 0992 | Technical and Professional English 12 | 4 |
| ENGL 0994 | English 12 Essential | 4 |
| SOSC 0751 | Social Science 10 | 4 |
| SOSC 0861 | Social Science 11 | 4 |
| SOSC 0999 | Social Justice 12 | 4 |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs *
These courses are tuition free! The following non-tuition fees apply. The StudentAid BC Adult Upgrading Grant may cover the cost of these fees. See Financial Aid for Adult Upgrading Grant application information.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 0 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 0 | |
| Student union | 72 | per term |
| College initiative | 9 | per course |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 10 | per course |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 188 |
per term subject to eligibility |
| Graduation | 0 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Not sure where to start? Visit the Upgrading Hub!
Location: Broadway Campus, Building A, Floor 3, Room 3656
Email: upgrading@vcc.ca
Phone: 604.871.7697
Information about self-paced courses:
- Note: Self-Paced students taking courses that have two parts (e.g. English 12 Part 1, English 12 Part 2) are encouraged to register in Part 2 after completion of Part 1. We do not recommend registering in both parts at the same time.
- Note: All Self-Paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.
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