Adult Learning Program (ALP)

Overview

• $0 cost tuition (some fees may apply)
• 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:

• 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.

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.

September 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
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
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
Burridge Campus Classes at Digby 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
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
Cumberland Campus Springhill	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
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
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
Shelburne Campus Shelburne	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, 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)

Career options

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