- Tuition-free courses
- No application fee
- Free learning resources, available online or through textbook loans from the OC Library
- Financial support for school supplies, transportation, unsubsidized childcare and technology through the Adult Upgrading Grant
Adult Upgrading
Start where you are. Learn your way.
What's Adult Upgrading?
Adult Upgrading helps you complete or improve high school-level courses to meet program admission requirements or build skills for your personal and career goals. Whether you’re preparing for college, skilled trades, university transfer or a new career, we offer flexible learning options to help you move forward.
With our Multi-Access Delivery Model, you can choose to attend classes in person, where available, or join live online – whatever works best for you. Either way, you’ll receive the same course content and support. Courses are offered throughout the year at our Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm and Vernon campuses, with no classes scheduled in July or August.
Benefits of Adult Upgrading
- Flexible learning options through multi-access course delivery
- Supportive instructors with help available in person or online through seminars
- Meet program admission requirements for further education and training
- Work toward your Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) with courses offered by the program
How it works, step-by-step
1. Apply Online
Start by applying to the Adult Upgrading program, also known as Adult Basic Education. You’ll need to complete the application online. Applying is free!
Once you’ve submitted your application, remember to track its status and accept your offer of admission.
2. Submit Your High School Transcripts or Complete the Skills Assessment
Adult Upgrading courses have prerequisites to help ensure you’re set up for success. You can meet these requirements by submitting your official high school transcripts, completing the Adult Upgrading Skills Assessment, or using a combination of both.
The Skills Assessment helps determine your current math and English skill levels so you can choose courses that best match your needs and goals. Depending on your educational goals, you may need to complete both assessments or just the Math Assessment or English Assessment.
New students: You’ll automatically be enrolled in the Math and English Assessments, listed in your course registrations as MATH 001P and ENGL 001P. Both assessments are free and available anytime through Brightspace.
If you aren’t already registered but would like to complete an assessment, you can register online just as you would for any other course.
3. Choose and Register for Your Courses
Choose courses that align with your learning goals and current skill levels.
If you’d like to refresh your math or English skills, you can start with the courses recommended by your Skills Assessment results. If your goal is to meet the admission requirements for another program or earn your Adult Graduation Diploma, an Education Advisor can help you develop a plan to achieve your goals.
Learn how to register for courses
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4. Learn Your Way: In Person or Online
Adult Upgrading courses use a multi-access delivery format, giving you the flexibility to choose how you attend class.
Classes take place at scheduled times and are delivered both in person and via livestream. You can attend on campus, where available, or join online in real time. You can also switch between the two formats as needed. Both options take place simultaneously, with technology supporting and enhancing your learning experience.
Please note: All courses require two in-person exams, and science courses also include scheduled in-person lab sessions. Exams and labs must be completed at one of our four campuses.
Program at a glance
Adult Upgrading courses are offered in the Fall (September–December), Winter (January–April), and Summer (May–June) terms with limited science course offerings in the Summer.
Questions?
For questions about Adult Upgrading courses, please email AdultUpgrading@okanagan.bc.ca.
English courses available
All Adult Upgrading English courses include two components: lectures and seminars.
Lectures
Lectures are the instructional component of your course, similar to a regular class. You will attend two 2-hour lectures each week, and attendance is required.
Lectures are offered in a multi-access format, allowing you to attend online or in person at your home campus, where available. Your instructor will teach lessons, explain course material, and guide you through your coursework.
Seminars
Seminars provide flexible time to receive additional support. Each seminar is connected to your home campus, with a scheduled 4-hour block. You do not need to attend the entire four-hour block. Attendance is flexible, allowing you to access support and complete coursework as needed.
Seminars provide opportunities for:
- Independent study and coursework
- Asking questions and receiving one-on-one support
- Participating in activities and demonstrations
- Completing the in-person midterm exam
Seminar schedules will be provided during the first week of classes.
English Courses
Adult Upgrading English courses are offered at the following levels:
Fundamental
- ENGL 050 - English 050
- ENGL 060 - English 060
Intermediate
- ENGL 070 - English 070
Advanced
- ENGL 080 - English 080
Provincial
- ENGL 012 - English 012
FAQ
We offer courses in high school subjects including English, math, biology, chemistry, and physics. These courses can help you meet the admission requirements for college and university programs.
Yes! You can take as many or as few courses as you need. Many students take one course to meet a specific requirement or upgrade a skill.
That’s okay—and you're not alone. Our instructors and advisors are here to support you every step of the way. We’ll help you build confidence and feel comfortable getting back into learning.
With our new Multi-Access Delivery Model, you can choose to join your classes in person, where available, or live online—whatever works best for your life. Either way, the course content and support are the same.
The seminar is an on-campus instructional space where you can get extra help with your coursework. It’s staffed by instructors who are there to answer questions, explain assignments, and help you stay on track. Seminars are available at all four of our campuses (Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm).
There’s no tuition or application fee, and many students qualify for the Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG), which can help cover the cost of registration fees, supplies, transportation, technology and even childcare. Free learning resources are also available online or through textbook loans from the OC Library.
Choose what program or career you’re interested in working towards and our advising team can help you figure out which courses are right for your goals—whether you’re planning to move into a trades program, apply to university, or explore a new career path.
Once you have applied and are able to register, if you need assistance, please contact an education advisor.
Everyone. Our students come from all age groups and backgrounds—some are parents, some are working full-time, and many are returning to education later in life. Everyone is welcome.
Many students continue into OC programs like Health Care Assistant, Early Childhood Education, Business, Culinary, Trades, and more. We offer conditional and guaranteed admission options — finish a required course and secure your spot in an OC program!
The Adult Upgrading program is tuition-free
There is no application fee, and tuition is free. Additional registration fees apply. Eligible students may receive additional financial support through the Adult Upgrading Grant, which helps with:
- Registration fees
- School supplies
- Transportation
- Unsubsidized childcare costs
- Technology
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