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PGWP program eligibility
International students interested in applying for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) to work in Canada following graduation must review program eligibility requirements. Only some programs are eligible. 

Adult Learning Program (ALP)

Complete your High School Graduation Diploma for Adults.

A group of four students study together with books open at a round table in a library.
ALP students work on a project in the Akerley Campus library.
Start Date(s):
Varies
Typical Length:
Varies depending on the course load and progress of student (varies for part-time studies)
Credential:
N.S. High School Graduation Diploma for Adults

Apply Now

Overview

If you left high school without a diploma, this program gives you the chance to earn one as an adult. Getting a high school diploma prepares you for success in your next stage of life – whether it's to advance your career or continue to college or university studies.

ALP offers:
  • $0 cost tuition (some fees do apply, view program fees and costs) Full-time, part-time and online study options
  • 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:

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.

Choose NSCC

  • Our counsellors and instructors understand that, as an adult returning to school, you have unique needs. Because of this, you're assigned a faculty advisor who provides you with support throughout the program. Our ALP team helps you prepare, plan and pursue your learning to achieve your individual career and academic goals.
  • You study in a college environment, where people are engaged in learning skills in a variety of occupational areas. If you're thinking of going on to further studies, this may help you to decide on your future.

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.

Availability

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

November 2024

Campus Full time/part time Delivery Availability
Annapolis Valley Campus
Middleton
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available
Cumberland Campus
Classes at Amherst Learning Centre
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available
Institute of Technology Campus
Halifax
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available
Kingstec Campus
Kentville
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available

January 2025

Campus Full time/part time Delivery Availability
Akerley Campus
Dartmouth
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available
Burridge Campus
Yarmouth
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available
eCampus
Part time Asynchronous online
Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes.
Seats available
Lunenburg Campus
Bridgewater
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available
Pictou Campus
Stellarton
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available
Strait Area Campus
Port Hawkesbury
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available
Sydney Waterfront Campus
Sydney
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available
Truro Campus
Truro
Full time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
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 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition (Domestic):
$0

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.

 

Fees

  • 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.

Career options

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

Apply Now

Explore a day in the life

A smiling woman with glasses wearing a full protective suit including helmet, works with an active beehive.
Natasha Steward
Adult Learning Program (ALP) student
Follow along as Natasha attends class, tends to a beehive and prepares for an evening event at IT Campus. Watch Natasha in action

Learn more about this program

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