Academic Upgrading Grades 10-12

Location: Varies

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Overview

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.
Tuition N/A
Credential N/A
Length Varies
Hours Part- or Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Varies
Start Dates

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate English Language Proficiency.
  • Upgrading courses are available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. 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.

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.

Recommended Characteristics

Adult Upgrading students have diverse backgrounds and experience and include:
  • Adult learners returning to education after any length of time away from schooling.
  • Recent high school graduates who want to improve their grades before applying for post-secondary programs such as health sciences or Engineering.
  • Adults who want credit towards their high school diploma.
  • Speakers of other languages who wish to develop/improve their English skills in a Canadian academic setting.

Program Availability

Spring/Summer 2026

Program Start Date
Status Open
Application opens November 15, 2025
Application Deadline August 1, 2026

Fall 2026

Program Start Date
Status Open
Application opens March 15, 2026
Application Deadline December 1, 2026

Courses

See the upcoming schedules [PDF] for class-based and self-paced courses (blended, online, and in-person).
Note: Most courses listed below with a non-zero credit value will count towards the BC Adult Graduation Diploma (i.e. Adult Dogwood) or the BC Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma). (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/legislation-policy/public-schools/graduation-requirements).
Math Courses
MATH 0750 Math 10 Part 1 4
MATH 0751 Math 10 Part 2 4
MATH 0861 Math 11 Part 1 4
MATH 0871 Math 11 Part 2 4
MATH 0862 Foundations of Mathematics 11 Part 1 4
MATH 0872 Foundations of Mathematics 11 Part 2 4
MATH 0863 Business/Technical Math 11 Part 1 4
MATH 0873 Business/Technical Math 11 Part 2 4
MATH 0983 Math 12 Part 1 4
MATH 0993 Math 12 Part 2 4
Science Courses
BIOL 0861 Biology 11 Part 1 4
BIOL 0871 Biology 11 Part 2 4
BIOL 0983 Biology 12 – Part 1 4
BIOL 0993 Biology 12 – Part 2 4
CHEM 0861 Chemistry 11 Part 1 4
CHEM 0871 Chemistry 11 Part 2 4
CHEM 0983 Chemistry 12 – Part 1 4
CHEM 0993 Chemistry 12 Part 2 4
PHYS 0861 Physics 11 Part 1 4
PHYS 0871 Physics 11 Part 2 4
PHYS 0983 Physics 12 Part 1 4
PHYS 0993 Physics 12 Part 2 4
SCIE 0751 Science 10 4
SCIE 0710 Welcome to Math and Science 0
SCIE 0715 Foundations for Success in Math and Science 0
Computer Courses
COMP 0735 Introduction to Windows 0
COMP 0740 Introduction to PowerPoint 0
COMP 0831 Introduction to Word Processing 0
COMP 0832 Introduction to Spreadsheets 0
COMP 0970 Computer Applications 12 4
COMP 0981 Computer Science 12 4
Career Courses
ACED 0700 Career Planning 12 4
ACED 0707 Job Search Techniques 1
ACED 0709 Education and Career Exploration 2
ACED 0711 Communications 1
English, Social Sciences, and Humanities Courses
CCAC 0758 Language Skills Access 0
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
ENGL 0999 Provincial English 12 Literature Online 8
ENSK 0716 Reading and Study Skills 10 0
ENSK 0726 Writing Skills 10 0
ENSK 0816 Reading and Study Skills 11 0
ENSK 0858 English Grammar Skills 11 0
ENSK 0902 University Prep Writing Sk 12 0
ENSK 0826 Writing Skills 11 0
ENSK 0926 Writing Skills 12 0
SOSC 0751 Social Science 10 4
SOSC 0861 Social Science 11 4
SOSC 0999 Social Justice 12 4
LAWS 0982 Law 12 – Part 1 4
LAWS 0992 Law 12 – Part 2 4
PSYC 0981 Psychology 12 Part 1 4
PSYC 0991 Psychology 12 Part 2 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 Costs

* 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.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

How to Apply

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
Ready to apply? Follow these steps: STEP 1: Apply online at EducationPlanner BC STEP 2: Submit your transcripts (See how to submit transcripts) STEP 3: Check your email regularly
  • If you meet the requirements and seats are available, you will receive an offer of admission
STEP 4: Register online for courses. You can register for courses if:
    • you have submitted transcripts that show you have met the prerequisites for the courses you are interested in, or
    • you have passed a VCC assessment that meets the prerequisite requirements, and you have received department approval to register online. If you want to use an assessment:
      • 1. Take a VCC assessment, then
      • 2. Get department permission to register in courses.

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.

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.