Adult Learning Program - English as an Additional Language

Overview

If English is not your first language, you have the option of earning 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 education level.
• Study as a full-time or part-time student.
• Choose from multiple enrolment dates throughout the year.
• Have the option to earn credit for prior learning obtained through on-the-job training, work and life experience, personal studies and/or volunteer activities.
• Get added English-language support that helps you meet the demands of studying and communicating in English.

For more information, contact the School of Access, Education and Language at 902-491-4650.

Choose NSCC

• There are no tuition costs for this program (some student fees apply, view program fees and costs). Courses are taught by expert faculty with years of experience.
• Courses are taught by expert faculty with years of experience.
• Get free access to many supports and services, such as advising and counselling.
• Learn at your own pace (on average, it takes 2 years to complete this program) but you can complete it in a shorter time period if you already have credits from Grade 11 or 12.
• Get recognition for course and/or training you've already completed (like apprenticeship training, community college or university courses).

Other info

• Required textbooks are available for loan (at no charge to the student). Students also have the option to purchase textbooks.
• 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.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Institute of Technology Campus Halifax	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

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 – CLBA 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 2025-26 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.

• A fee for Student Health and Dental Benefits is required for full-time students.
  • Students can opt-out of the Student Health and Dental Plan if they already have equivalent coverage. New ALP students who successfully complete the first 3 months of the program can have this fee covered by NSCC for one year.
  • eCampus students may opt-in to the Student Health and Dental Benefits.
• A fee for a virtual health care service is required for full and part time students. Students can opt out of virtual health care by completing an opt out form by the deadline.
• Metro campuses only - Students are required to purchase a Halifax Transit U-Pass.

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

• This program gives you your High School Graduation Diploma for Adults, which meets the requirements for admissions to other NSCC programs.