Adult Learning Program - English as an Additional Language

Overview

If English is not your first language, this program gives you the option to earn your high school diploma with additional English-language support.

Complete your Canadian high school diploma and:

• Improve your academic, study, research and computer skills.
• Continue to college or university.
• Advance your career by upgrading your level of education.
• Study as a full-time or part-time student.
• Choose from multiple enrolment dates throughout the year.
• Get added English-language support through ESL courses that helps you meet the demands of studying and communicating in English.

For more information about this program, contact the School of Access, Education and Language by phone at 902-491-4650.

Other info

• You must be a resident of Nova Scotia.
• Learn at your own pace (on average, it takes 2 years to complete this program depending on language proficiency and progress.)
• Required textbooks are available for loan (at no charge to the student).
• If you have a high school diploma and are seeking to improve your English language skills to begin or continue post-secondary studies, you may be eligible for our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.
• This is a Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning program supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration and NSCC.

Admission requirements

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Applicants must be out of school and not have a high school diploma.
• Applicants must have Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency, refugee/protected persons status or be a Permanent Resident Applicant with a work permit.
• Applicants must reside in Nova Scotia.
• To confirm placement in this program, all students must meet with an ALP counsellor to complete an assessment process.
• Proof of your English language proficiency is also required – CLB scores of 4/4/4/4 or equivalent.

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.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Adult Learning Program (ALP) – English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Career options

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