Academic Upgrading Grades 10-12 (Youth)

Diploma: For Credit

Location: Varies

An instructor interacts with students seated at long lab desks during an academic upgrading science class.

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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 Free
Credential For Credit
Length Varies
Hours Part-time
Delivery Self-paced
Campus Varies

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.

Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended 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

Program availability

Winter 2027

Program start date
Status Open
Application opens Jul 1, 2026
Application deadline Apr 1, 2027

Spring/Summer 2027

Program start date
Status Open
Application opens Nov 1, 2026
Application deadline Aug 1, 2027

Fall 2027

Program start date
Status Open
Application opens Mar 1, 2027
Application deadline Dec 1, 2027

Courses

All Self-Paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.
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 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.

Tuition Free
Student union $72
College initiative $9
Campus resource $10
U-Pass $188 Get your student transit pass

Open Educational Resources (OER) at VCC

No-cost textbooks are available for this program.

* 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.

Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.

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[email protected]
Phone604.871.7697


Self-paced courses:

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.

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

International students

Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.

Contact us

Program information

<p><strong>Not sure where to start? Visit the Upgrading Hub!</strong></p>
<p>Location: Broadway Campus, Building A, Floor 3, Room 3656<br />
Email: [email protected]<br />
Phone: 604.871.7697</p>
<p><strong>Know which courses you want to take? Contact the Academic Upgrading (Youth) department.</strong></p>
<p>Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a><br />
Phone: 604.871.7008</p>

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]

Advising services for International students

[email protected]

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial. Learn about VCC’s commitment to decolonization and Indigenization.