Upgrading and University Preparation

Take the first step to a brighter future

Take the first step to a brighter future

If you are an adult learner and have not completed high school or need to upgrade to enter university, UFV Upgrading and University Preparation (UUP) can help you to achieve your personal, educational, and career goals.

UFV offers two program options: Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Adult Basic Education University Preparation (ABEUP).

In the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, you can take courses that help you improve basic literacy, numeracy and computer skills; meet ABEUP program requirements; or acquire high school-equivalent courses that you can use to meet university entrance requirements. Courses offered include biology, chemistry, computer science, education and career planning, English, First Nations studies, Indigenous People’s knowledge, math, and physics.

Adult Basic Education University Preparation (ABEUP) is designed to help you complete high school and earn the provincially-recognized Adult Graduation Diploma (Adult Dogwood). While taking Adult Basic Education courses, you can enroll in up to three first-year university level courses, which can be used to satisfy the Adult Dogwood requirements and meet post-secondary program requirements.

Don’t know where to start? Make an appointment with a UUP advisor to develop an action plan that is right for you.

All Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses for domestic students are tuition-free. Ancillary fees still apply. Grants are available if you qualify.

Career outlook for Adult Basic Education

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 if a degree or college diploma exceeds the actual skills requirements of their entry-level jobs.