Adult Learning Program (ALP)

Overview

• $0 cost tuition (some fees may apply)
• Full-time, part-time and online study options.
• Multiple locations across Nova Scotia.
• Multiple enrolment dates throughout the year.
• Recognition of existing Grade 11 or 12 credits that count towards your diploma.
• The option to earn credit for prior learning obtained through on-the-job training, work and life experience, personal studies and/or volunteer activities.

Recognizing the diversity of learners who come to NSCC, we also offer two specialized concentrations of ALP:

• Africentric Learning Option
• English as an Additional Language

For more information, contact an ALP representative at the campus of your choice.

Study options

• This program is available for full-time and part-time study at all locations with a full-time offering. You have the option to complete your program in-class, online or through a combination of courses delivered in-class and online.
• Evening classes are available at some campuses.
• If you apply for the part-time study option, you must meet all the admission requirements.
• The time to complete the program through part-time study will vary and depend on the schedule you choose and number of courses you complete each term.

Other info

• This is a Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning program supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration and NSCC.
• You must be a resident of Nova Scotia to apply.

Availability

In addition to the full-time offerings listed below, all campuses identified have a part-time option.

November 2026

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Annapolis Valley Campus Middleton	Full time	Blended	Seats available
Cumberland Campus Classes at Amherst Learning Centre	Full time	Blended	Seats available
Cumberland Campus Springhill	Full time	Blended	Seats available
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	Blended	Seats available
Lunenburg Campus Bridgewater	Full time	Blended	Seats available
Strait Area Campus Classes at Wagmatcook Learning Centre	Full time	Blended	Seats available

January 2027

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus Dartmouth	Full time	Blended	Seats available
Burridge Campus Classes at Digby Learning Centre	Full time	Blended	Seats available
Burridge Campus Yarmouth	Full time	Blended	Seats available
eCampus	Part time	Asynchronous online	Seats available
Institute of Technology Campus Halifax	Full time	Blended	Seats available
Pictou Campus Stellarton	Full time	Blended	Seats available
Shelburne Campus Shelburne	Full time	Blended	Seats available
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	Blended	Seats available
Truro Campus Truro	Full time	Blended	Seats available

Admission requirements

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Applicants must reside in Nova Scotia.
• Applicants must be out of school and not have previously completed a high school diploma.
• To confirm placement in this program, all students must meet with an ALP counsellor to complete an assessment process.
• Applicants must have Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency, refugee/protected persons status or be a Permanent Resident Applicant with a work permit.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the following English Language requirement: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) – minimum Level 6, or equivalent.

Applicants whose first language is not English should visit the Adult Learning Program – English as an Additional Language as this may be an option for you.

Applicants who already have a high school diploma and want to upgrade or pick up a maximum of two missing courses needed for post-secondary study should visit the Adult Learning Program – Academic Upgrading.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2026-27 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

This program is not eligible for a Nova Scotia Student Loan.

For eligible students, there is no tuition cost, College services fee or student association membership fee for this program.

• Adult Learning Program (ALP)

Career options

• The credential for this program is the High School Graduation Diploma for Adults, which meets the requirements for admissions to other NSCC programs.