Adult Upgrading
Adult Basic Education
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:
- Complete high school graduation requirements
- Upgrade your high school marks
- Complete pre-requisites for the College's program or other university courses
- Develop your reading, writing and math skills
- Improve your career opportunities
Courses and programs are offered throughout the year, and all College locations offer Adult Upgrading.
Tuition free!
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.
What you need to know
How it works
Delivery method
We are happy to announce that we will be back on campus learning for Fall 2021. Adult Upgrading courses will be delivered on-campus in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton. Courses will have a September, January, May or July start dates. Fall and Winter semester are 16 weeks long, while summer semesters are 8 weeks long.
There will also be 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. Courses will have a September and January start dates. Fall and Winter semesters are 16 weeks long.
Skills assessment
Students can complete upgrading skills assessments online by connecting with a coordinator. Here are some upcoming assessment dates:
- Penticton: On campus skills assessment will be held Tues, August 17 at 9am and Mon, August 23 at 1pm (Room TBA), and online on Wed, August 18. Contact the coordinator to book an appointment.
- Kelowna: please contact the coordinator to arrange an online skills assessment.
- Vernon: please contact the coordinator to schedule an individual online assessment
- Salmon Arm and Revelstoke: please contact the coordinator to schedule an individual online assessment
View the practice Math skills assessment before your assessment.
Meet an instructor
Upgrading instructor Amanda Krebs is passionate about ending math phobia for her students.
Meet a student
Dawn Naas started her studies at Okanagan College with a bit of upgrading, and found a lot of support along the way.
Explore program details
Adult Upgrading
Vernon,
Penticton,
Revelstoke,
Salmon Arm,
Kelowna
Certificate
Upcoming courses
English courses available in 2020/2021
- English 40 (41/42)
- English 50 (51/52)
- English 60 (61/62)
- English 70 (71/72)
- English 80 (81/82)
- English 12
Note: Due to COVID-19, courses will be offered online in the fall 2020 and winter 2021 terms.
Science courses available for 2020/2021
- Biology 11 and 12
- Chemistry 11 and 12
- Physics 11 and 12
Note: Due to COVID-19, courses will be available through online instruction.
Math courses in 2020/2021
These courses will be "self-paced," meaning you can go at your own speed and register at any time.
- Math 40 (41/42)
- Math 50 (51/52)
- Math 60 (61/62)
- Math 70 (71/72)
- Math 80 (84/85)
These courses will be a "lecture" format, meaning an instructor will teach lessons online.
- Introductory Algebra 11
- Math 11
- Math 12
Note: Due to COVID-19, courses will be offered online in the fall 2020 and winter 2021 terms.
- Computers 70
- Computers 11
- Social Studies 11
Note: Due to COVID-19, courses will be offered online in the fall 2020 and winter 2021 terms.
Start dates vary depending on where you would like to study.
- Penticton: September, January and May
- Kelowna: September, January, May and July
- Vernon: September, January and May
- Salmon Arm: September and January
- Revelstoke: September and January
Note: some English and Math classes have continuous intakes, so you can register at any time.
Getting started
Our staff support students like you to succeed every day, and want to make the school process simple. Education Advising has information on the courses you need and how to register.
Tutoring
Okanagan College offers tutoring services for community members looking for one-on-one help with reading, writing or mathematics skills.
Volunteer Literacy Tutor Program
This program is free, and you do not have to be an Okanagan College student to sign up. Students can start at any time. Contact the centre nearest to you to start:
- Penticton, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos: 250-492-4305, or 1-866-510-8889 (toll-free)
- Kelowna: 250-762-5445
- Vernon: 250-545-7291
- Salmon Arm: 250-832-2126
- Revelstoke: 250-837-4235, revelstokeadmissions@okanagan.bc.ca
English as a Second Language Settlement Assistance Program
New Canadians can improve their English language skills to help enjoy life. Adult immigrants learn through one-on-one lessons. Students get matched with volunteer tutors who build lessons to reach their goals.
This program is free and confidential. It runs from September to May. Weekly practice groups are available. A family friendly group with childcare is available. Field trips, social events and a special ESL resource library help students learn.
To get started, phone:
- Salmon Arm campus: 250-832-2126
- Revelstoke centre: 250-837-4235
Experience
Join a virtual info session or become a student for a day.
Ask
Have your questions answered by an advisor or recruiter.
Apply
Take the next step and enrol in a program or course at OC.