At Lethbridge College, we understand a career path doesn’t always progress in a straight line. So we’ve created different pathways to help you achieve your life and career goals in a way that works for you. Your future is waiting and the Academic Upgrading program will get you there.

Our upgrading courses, which are accepted in lieu of high school courses at Alberta’s post-secondary institutions, can help you change directions or choose a new path to professional success. Whether you need to complete high school equivalency courses or upgrade your marks, Academic Upgrading will prepare you for where you want to go.

Upgrading information Grab and Go Program Information

Career Opportunities

Academic Upgrading courses can lead to many opportunities. Our students have continued into certificate, diploma and degree programs. They have entered professional and apprenticeship programs and have moved on to successful careers. You'll also find that our courses offer a good foundation for beginning employment.

Visit ALIS website for more career information.

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of the most accessible upgrading programs in Alberta based on price and course availability

17

courses on offer including biology, chemistry, physics, science, math and English

At-a-Glance

Starts-in

September or January

Credential / Accreditation

Credential of Achievement

Dates and Deadlines

Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.

Program Availability
Domestic Status
International Status
International Status with Study Permit
Fall 2024
Open
Open
Open
Winter 2025
Open
Open
Open

Admissions

This program is available for International Students.

New applicants are accepted into the Academic Upgrading program for courses beginning in the Fall (September) or Winter (January).

General Admissions Requirements

All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.

Academic Requirements

The Academic Upgrading program is open to any person who has the desire and the academic skills to be successful at a selected course level. Admission is based on academic background, skills assessment and advisement.

Use the following guide from Alberta Education for course placement

Alberta Education Course Placement

Graduation Requirements

Students in the Academic Upgrading program who accumulate at least 18 credits in academic upgrading courses are eligible to receive a Credential of Achievement. To qualify, students must take three courses numbered 0030 through 0039, including at least one English course, and achieve a minimum grade point average of 1.50.

Transfers

Courses numbered at any of the 0010, 0020, or 0030 levels in this program are accepted in lieu of high school courses for admission at Alberta universities, colleges, and technical institutes, as well as at most colleges and universities in the United States.  However, students do not receive high school credits towards a diploma from Alberta Education.  Lethbridge College issues its own grades and its own credential.

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Delivery Formats

On Campus

This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge College campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.

Courses

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Students register in courses that fit their career goals on the recommendation of the Lethbridge College advising team. Transcripts and placement testing determine the course level placement.

Course offerings may be subject to change. All courses are available face-to-face given sufficient enrolment. Courses below the 0009 level are not available at the main campus.

CourseTitleCredits
BIO-0020Biology 00206
BIO-0030Biology 00306
CHM-0020Chemistry 00206
CHM-0030Chemistry 00306
ENG-0009English Basics6
ENG-0010English 00106
ENG-0022English 00226
ENG-0030English 00306
ENG-0032English 00326
MTH-0009Mathematics 00096
MTH-0010Mathematics 00106
MTH-0020Mathematics 00206
MTH-0030Mathematics 00306
MTH-0032Mathematics 00326
PHY-0020Physics 00206
PHY-0030Physics 00306
SCI-0010Science 00106

High School Equivalencies

Academic Upgrading courses satisfy post-secondary program entrance requirements as substitutes for Grade 12 level courses. No provincial departmental exams are required. The course numbering designates grade levels:

  • Courses numbered 0010-0019 parallel Grade 10 level courses.
  • Courses numbered 0020-0029 parallel Grade 11 level courses.
  • Courses numbered 0030-0039 parallel Grade 12 level courses.

For further details, consult the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT) guide or talk to an Academic Advisor.

Course Delivery Options

Our courses are offered in a variety of formats, with the majority being offered in a face-to-face format where you will attend class at a scheduled time and location.  An instructor will be physically present to assist you. The format in which a course is offered may change at short notice, depending on enrolments and student needs.

Registration Changes

Course registrations or “add/drops” must be carried out in consultation with an Academic Advisor and sponsorship supervisor, if applicable. It is the student’s responsibility to register for and maintain credit minimums as required for sponsorship and to ensure their registration is sufficient to meet their sponsoring agencies’ requirements.

View course timetables

Tuition and Fees

Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 1
$3,420.00
$1,336.00
$850.00
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 1
$14,940.00
$1,336.00
$850.00
Notes

Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.

Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.

Budget Wizard

Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!

Budget Wizard

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Scholarships

There are a number of scholarships available to students who complete Academic Upgrading and enter into another Lethbridge College program

ACU.CRAV