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Upgrading and University Preparation

Adult Basic Education

QUICK FACTS

Credential:
Other

Duration:
15 weeks

How to apply

Start date:
September, January, May 

Location:
Abbotsford campus, Chilliwack campus at CEP, Hope Centre

Cost:
Tuition-free (some fees apply)  Fees & costs

FEATURES:

  • Supportive staff work alongside you to help you achieve your goals
  • Program eligible for financial aid

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

If you are an adult learner and have not completed high school or need to upgrade to meet university requirements, the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program can help you. Improve basic English, math, and computer skills for personal benefit or to prepare for a job; finish high school and earn the provincially-recognized Adult Graduation Diploma (Adult Dogwood); or complete specific courses the meet the prerequisites for vocational, technical, academic, or career programs.

There are four levels to the Adult Basic Education program, and your personal circumstances will determine which level is right for you:

Fundamental level

  • This level will help you bring your skills up to a Grade 8 level
  • Includes reading, writing, spelling, math, and computer courses

Intermediate level (Grade 10 Equivalency)

  • Includes English courses

Advanced level (Grade 11 Equivalency)

  • Includes English, math, biology, chemistry, and physics courses

Provincial level (Grade 12 Equivalency)

  • This level will qualify you for the provincially recognized Adult Graduation Diploma (Adult Dogwood)
  • Includes English, math, biology, computer, education and career planning, and Indigenous People's Knowledge (IPK) courses

For complete program information, see the UFV Academic Calendar.

Transfer options

For information on Adult Basic Education courses that transfer to other BC post-secondary institutions, see the Adult Basic Education Transfer Guide.

CAREER EXPECTATIONS

Upgrading your education is your passport to better job prospects.

On average, Canadians with a high school diploma earn 25% more than those without. The average earnings are even higher with a university diploma, certificate or degree.

Those without a high school diploma are more likely to be unemployed, especially during economic downturns. Many employers now specify post-secondary education as a minimum qualification for employment, even when a degree or college diploma exceeds the actual skills requirements of their entry-level jobs.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

View the Adult Basic Education entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar.

OTHER ADMISSION CATEGORIES

This program is open for international students. Please note that tuiton fees will apply.

UPGRADING OPTIONS

QUESTIONS?

Phone: 604-854-4597
Toll free: 1-888-504-7441 ext. 4597
Email: upgrading@ufv.ca
Ask a question

Hayley Westwood headshot

Upgrading through UFV was absolutely the right decision for me. I could get my foot in the door at a wonderful university, and despite having not yet completed high school, I feel like a real university student! The upgrading courses are fun and have a relaxed environment — allowing you to thrive and flourish academically.

  • – Hayley Westwood
  •    Upgrading and University Preparation
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