
Adult Upgrading
Adult Basic Education

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Sometimes the hardest part of going back to school is taking the first step. At Okanagan College, our upgrading department welcomes all adult students and provides help for each step of the way.
Upgrading is the right choice if you want to:
Courses and programs are offered throughout the year, and all College locations offer Adult Upgrading.
250-862-5488
Come in person to E103, Centre of Learning (Kelowna Campus)
Submit your information into the form below and we will connect with you to get you started.
Upgrading classes are free, and there is also financial help available to cover extra costs. The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) is provided by the B.C. Government to cover student fees, partial travel costs, unsubsidized child care and school supplies. The AUG form is awarded based on your income level. Find the application form and more information at the Financial Aid Office or email upgradinggrants@okanagan.bc.ca.
Adult Upgrading courses are delivered on-campus in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton. In-person courses have September, January, May or July start dates. Fall and Winter semester are 16 weeks long, while Summer semesters are 8 weeks long.
There are also a small selection available through online learning. Although these courses are delivered online, you will need to attend classes on specific days and at the times specified. Online courses have September and January start dates. Fall and Winter semesters are 16 weeks long
Students can complete upgrading skills assessments in-person in 2-3 hours. Check dates and times at a campus near you and try out a practice Math skills assessment before you arrive:
Practice Math skills assessment
Please note that pre-requisites must have been completed in the last 5 years. If this is not the case, you will need to take a skills assessment.
Upgrading instructor Amanda Krebs is passionate about ending math phobia for her students.
Dawn Naas started her studies at Okanagan College with a bit of upgrading, and found a lot of support along the way.
Vernon,
Penticton,
Revelstoke,
Salmon Arm,
Kelowna
Certificate
Students can complete upgrading skills assessments in-person in 2-3 hours. Here are some upcoming assessment dates:
View the practice Math skills assessment before your assessment.
Students must have completed the prerequisites for English courses within the five years prior to the start date for the ABE English course in which they wish to register. Any student not meeting this requirement will be required to write the AU English skills assessment. An interview may also be conducted to help determine the appropriate level.
Click on a course name for more information.
Students must have completed the prerequisites for English and Math courses within the five years prior to the start date for the ABE Science course in which they wish to register. Any student not meeting this requirement will be required to write the AU English and Math skills assessment.
Click on a course name for more information.
Students must have completed the prerequisites for Math courses within the five years prior to the start date for the ABE mathematics course in which they wish to register. Any student not meeting this requirement will be required to write a mathematics skills assessment to determine their readiness to enter their desired course.
Click on a course name for more information.
Self-paced courses:
Instructor-led courses:
Click on a course name for more information.
Please note that these online courses will run as paced, virtual classes. Student must be able to attend class during the scheduled times.
Click on a course name for a course description and the skill level requirements or prerequisites.
Prerequisites for courses must be completed within the five years prior to the start date. Any student not meeting this requirement will be required to write the Adult Upgrading Skills Assessment. An interview may also be conducted to help determine the appropriate level.
Start dates vary depending on where you would like to study.
Note: some English and Math classes have continuous intakes, so you can register at any time.
Okanagan College offers FREE tutoring services for community members looking for one-to-one help with basic reading, writing or mathematics skills. This program helps adults develop their basic reading, writing, oral language, and math skills. It is a free program offered to anyone 19 years of age or older. Students can join the program anytime between September and May. Students work one-to-one with a volunteer tutor, focusing on their goals and learning at their own pace.
Join an info session or become a student for a day.
Have your questions answered by an advisor or recruiter.
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