Designed for motivated, responsible adults completing high school credits, our Academic Upgrading courses combine expert facilitation with Alberta Education–approved learning materials. Students benefit from personalized feedback, one-to-one support, and engaging group activities offered in hybrid or synchronous formats.

Grades 7-9 (Self-Pay)

Helps adult learners improve their English, mathematics, and computer skills for entry into the workforce.  It is ideal for mid-skilled learners who are looking to improve their employment status and return to work. Students at this level may also use the courses to prepare for entry into some training programs or entry into high school classes.

Grades 10-12 (Grant-funded or Self-Pay)

Helps adult learners enter college or university programs.  It is ideal for individuals who are interested in improving their high school marks in order to meet the entry requirements for post-secondary programs.

Synchronous (Live Online Classes)

• Live, interactive online classes

• Start Dates: January, May, September
  (Register 3–4 weeks in advance)

• Class Times: Monday–Friday, between 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
  (45–90 minutes of live instruction per course daily)

• Exams: In-person or remote proctoring (if outside Calgary)

Course Details

• Up to 3 courses per semester

• 16-week duration

• Tuition: $495 + textbooks & online fees

Asynchronous (Flexible Online)

• No fixed class times; follow weekly schedule

• Includes recordings of live instruction (45–90 minutes daily)

• Start Dates: January, May, September
  (Register 3–4 weeks in advance)

• Exams: In-person or remote proctoring (if outside Calgary)

Course Details

• Up to 3 courses per semester

• 16-week duration

• Tuition: $495 + textbooks & online fees

Self-Paced Online 

• Start anytime (register 1–2 weeks in advance)

• Fully flexible schedule

• Access to course materials + recorded lessons

• Facilitator feedback included

• Optional 1:1 support available (additional cost)

• Exams: In-person or remote proctoring (if outside Calgary)

Course Details

• Maximum 2 courses recommended

• 9–12 hours/week per course

• Up to 4 months (extensions available for a fee)

• Tuition: $300 + textbooks & online fees

Important Notes

• The following courses are not available:
  English 10-1, Social 10/20, Science 20/30, Biology 20, Physics 20/30, Math 31

• Self-paced option is best suited for students who:

  • Recently completed high school

  • Have taken the course before

  • Want to upgrade their mark for post-secondary admission

Grades 1-9

• English, Writer’s Workshop, and Mathematics.
• Learn and practice professional behaviours and the 9 essential skills regularly used in the North American workplace
• Learn how to target your resume and conduct a successful job search
• Receive individualized job search coaching and support from an Employment Specialist
• Apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations while attending 5 weeks of work experience

Grades 10-12

• In consultation with the Principal of Academic Upgrading, develop an educational plan and select courses that meet the entry requirements of the College or University program of interest.
• Course Selection:
  • Biology 20 and 30
  • Chemistry 20 and 30
  • Career and Technology Studies (CTS) (Individualized Program Plan required)
  • English Language Arts 10-1, 10-2, 20-1, 20-2, 30-1, and 30-2
  • Mathematics 10-C, 10-3, 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3
  • Psychology 20
  • Science 10, 20, and 30
  • Social Studies 10-1, 10-2, 20-1, 20-2, 30-1, and 30-2

How Placement Works

• Based on recent Canadian transcripts (within the last 3 years)

• Or completion of an academic entrance assessment

Academic Advising Support

Students meet with the Academic Upgrading Principal and an Admissions Advisor to:

• Review transcripts or assessment results

• Discuss career and post-secondary goals

• Determine the most appropriate course placement

Additional Information

• Prerequisites are required for most courses

• Exceptions may be granted at the Principal’s discretion

Grades 1-6

Mature Admission Only

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 3-5
• Achieve Grades 1-6 scores on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics

Grades 7-9

Mature Admission Only

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5-7
• Achieve Grades 7-9 scores on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics

Grades 10-12

Standard Admission

• A recent Canadian high school transcript (within the last 2 years.  Some conditions may apply.)

OR

Mature Admission

• Achieve Grades 10-12 scores on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics

Technology Requirements

• Basic computer and typing skills required
• Free Digital Literacy Self-Assessment available

It is strongly recommended that online learners have:

• Daily access to a reliable computer (Windows Pc recommended) for the full duration of the class.
• Reliable internet service with high-speed internet. A cable connection is recommended
• A comfortable chair
• A workspace away from distractions
• A working microphone and video camera
• Earphones or earbuds (optional)
• Childcare in place

Tutoring is available for students who have fallen below the minimal pass rate. 

Academic Upgrading falls under Continuing Education, and we award Certificates of Course Completion to learners who complete their courses at Columbia College.

Grades 1 – 9

Certificate of Course Completion.

Grades 10 – 12

Certificate of Course Completion.

Our grade 10-12 programs are designed to help students upgrade or complete specific high school courses in order to meet the entry requirements for a post-secondary program. Courses and credits will appear on official Alberta Education Transcripts.

Please note that Columbia College does not offer all the courses required to obtain an Alberta High School Diploma, we offer only select credit courses at the 10-, 20-, and 30-levels that could be used towards a high school diploma. For more information on high school graduation requirements, credentials, and credits, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/graduation-requirements-credentials-and-credits.aspx

Funding Options

• Self-pay and government-funded options available

• Funded students must attend the full-time synchronous (live) delivery model

• Funding eligibility must be confirmed prior to application

• Limited funding available each term

Government Funding (Alberta Human Services)

This program is funded by Alberta Human Services. Eligible students may receive financial assistance for part-time or full-time studies.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be an Alberta resident living full-time in the province
  (or have an address in Lloydminster)

• Be unemployed or marginally employed

• Be actively seeking employment

• Meet citizenship requirements
  (Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Convention Refugee)

• Be legally eligible to work and train in Canada

Self-Pay Option

• Available for students who do not qualify for funding

• Cost: $495 per course + textbooks and materials
  (material costs vary by course)

Need Help?

For more information about tuition or funding eligibility, please contact us:
403-235-9300

We offer courses for learners in Grades 1-12, with the following entry requirements:

• Grades 1-6: Mature Admission only (Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5-7, Columbia College assessment).
• Grades 7-9: Alberta residents who are unemployed or marginally employed, with a commitment to seeking employment.
• Grades 10-12: Ideal for individuals wanting to upgrade their high school marks to meet post-secondary entry requirements.

We offer select high school credit courses at the 10-, 20-, and 30-levels, including:

• Biology: 20, 30
• Chemistry: 20, 30
• English Language Arts: 10-1, 10-2,
  20-1, 20-2, 30-1, 30-2
• Science: 10, 20, 30
• Psychology: 20
• Mathematics: 10-C, 10-3, 20-1, 20-2,
  20-3, 30-1, 30-2
• Social Studies: 10-1, 10-2, 20-1, 20-2,
  30-1, 30-2

We provide select credit courses that can count toward your diploma, and many of the courses that individuals may need to qualify for post-secondary admission. We encourage students to speak with an advisor about the quickest way to reach your goals. columbia.ca/contact-us

Our Academic Upgrading team will help you select the right courses based on your post-secondary or employment goals. We create a Personalized Planning approach to ensure you meet the necessary requirements.

Yes, for Grades 10-12, courses and credits will appear on your official Alberta Education Transcripts, which you can use for post-secondary applications or employment.

Yes, we offer online English as an Additional Language (EAL) courses for students needing to improve their English skills before enrolling in Academic Upgrading.

Yes, our instructors offer live online classes with interactive support. You will also receive personalized guidance throughout the course to ensure you meet your goals.