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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 - Academic Upgrading

Upgrade your high school courses or pick up the missing credits you need for post-secondary study.

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Start Date(s):
Varies
Typical Length:
Varies depending on the course load and progress of student

Apply Now

Overview

If you're already a high school graduate and want to upgrade or pick up missing credits needed for post-secondary study, this program might be for you.

ALP – Academic Upgrading offers:

  • $0 cost tuition (for a maximum of two courses. Some fees do apply, view program fees and costs)
  • The opportunity to study part-time
  • 3 start dates throughout the year: fall and winter

You learn alongside fellow students who are either upgrading or working towards earning their Nova Scotia High School Diploma for Adults.

Study options

  • This program is only available for part-time study.
  • You have the option to complete your program in-class or online.
    • Courses vary from campus to campus; not all courses are available at all campus locations.
  • Evening classes are available at some campus locations. Contact the campus for more information about courses and times available.

Other info

  • Course selection – as a second part to the admissions and enrolment process, we'll help you determine your next steps and provide you with details on the course selection process and registration.
    • There is a two-course limit for this program.
  • Applicants to ALP – Academic Upgrading who have IPPs on their high school diploma will be referred to the campus for further assessment in literacy and numeracy.
  • This is a Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning program supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration and NSCC.

January 2025

Campus Full time/part time Delivery Availability
Akerley Campus
Dartmouth
Part time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Waitlist
Annapolis Valley Campus
Middleton
Part time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Waitlist
Burridge Campus
Yarmouth
Part 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
Part time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Waitlist
eCampus
Part time Asynchronous online
Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes.
Waitlist
Institute of Technology Campus
Halifax
Part time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Waitlist
Kingstec Campus
Kentville
Part time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Waitlist
Lunenburg Campus
Bridgewater
Part time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Waitlist
Pictou Campus
Stellarton
Part time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Waitlist
Strait Area Campus
Port Hawkesbury
Part 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
Part time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Waitlist
Truro Campus
Truro
Part time Blended
Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Seats available

Admission requirements

  • High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
  • 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 must reside in Nova Scotia.
  • Applicants who do not have a high school diploma should visit the Adult Learning Program (ALP).

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.

Apply Now

Learn more about this program

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