Academic Upgrading – Study On‑Campus

Main Content

Flexible, tuition-free learning options to help you gain the English, math or science credits you need.

George Brown College will support you to build a learning plan that’s based on your goals. Academic Upgrading is a tuition-free program for English speaking adults who want to improve their reading, writing, math, science and computer skills.

  • In this program, you will receive academic and vocational counselling and other supports from the college.
  • Many of our students go on to successfully attend post-secondary or apprenticeship programs at George Brown and other colleges or find a job.

We offer two options for Academic Upgrading:

STUDY ON-CAMPUS (A751)Study Online (ACE Distance)

Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) credits open doors for you

George Brown upgrading courses are offered at different levels, right up to ACE (Academic and Career Entrance). ACE credits are recognized by Ontario colleges for application purposes to college and apprenticeship programs.

Finished high school but missing credits?

Academic Upgrading can help you get the ACE English, math or science credits you need for the program you want. Most students only need to complete 1 or 2 ACE credits to apply to their college program.

Haven’t finished high school?

Students who complete 4 ACE Credits are eligible for the ACE Certificate, which is accepted as an alternative to the Ontario high school diploma. Many employers also recognize the ACE Certificate.

Who can apply

If you are 19 years or older, fluent in English and are a permanent resident of Ontario, you can register for this program.

Cost

Academic Upgrading is tuition-free for all permanent residents of Ontario age 19 or older. It is funded by Employment Ontario. Eligible students can apply for transportation subsidies.

Program length

Courses run for 15 weeks of class time, Monday to Friday between 9 am and 4:30 pm at our St. James Campus location.

  • English and math start every month between September and July.
  • Advanced math and science courses start at the beginning of the semester in September, January and May.

Your program may take from 4-12 months to complete, depending on your academic needs, personal goals and progress.

Who to talk to

Our Academic Upgrading Intake Team is happy to talk to you.

How to apply

For application information, email upgradinginfo@georgebrown.ca

Steps to apply in-person

  1. Attend an information session and tell us about your learning needs and personal goals. At that time, book the reading comprehension and writing assessment.
  2. Complete the reading comprehension and writing assessments in-person.
  3. Meet with our assessor and determine the right path for you.
  4. If accepted, get started with our 3-week Core Skills orientation program, start directly in one of our classes (Communications, Math, Science, Computers), or be referred to another program to meet your educational need).

Steps to apply online

  1. Watch the short videos below to learn more about Academic Upgrading.
  2. Take the reading comprehension assessment.
  3. Once completed, you will receive a link to book an in-person writing assessment.
  4. Complete the writing assessment in-person.
  5. Meet with our assessor and determine the right path for you.
  6. If accepted, get started with our 3-week Core Skills orientation program, start directly in one of our classes (Communications, Math, Science, Computers), or be referred to another program to meet your educational need).

Learn More about Academic Upgrading

Classes, Times and Locations

How Long Does it Take to Complete?

How to Apply

Program information Session