Academic Upgrading Program (A751)
Apply Now:
Domestic StudentsProgram Description
Program Overview
Academic Upgrading is a tuition-free, full-time/part-time program for English-speaking adults, designed to improve your reading, writing, math and science skills. The program prepares you for college-level post-secondary studies, further skills training, apprenticeship or employment. As a student, you will create individualized learning plans based on your goals.
For acceptance into the program, you are required to complete a reading and writing assessment to determine your literacy levels and eligibility for the program. While in the program, you are provided with advising services and may be eligible for a transportation allowance. The program runs year-round and runs new-student orientation classes every seven weeks (one week prior to the beginning of each semester and during each mid-semester intersession).
Beginning Fall 2022, students will have the choice between courses offered in-person and online, subject to availability. Students who are eligible may receive transportation subsidy, a netbook and/or monthly Internet device while registered and regularly attending the program.
Full Description
Academic Upgrading is a program for English-speaking adults who need to upgrade their communications, math, and science skills in order to prepare for college level post-secondary programs, apprenticeship or employment.
Communications courses are offered at the following levels of study:
- Foundations
- Pre-ACE
- ACE (Academic and Career Entrance, grade 12C equivalent course for college admission purposes)
- Personal and Professional Exploration (ACE level course designed to solidify student plans for college and careers)
Math courses are offered at the following levels of study:
- ACE Business Math (grade 12C equivalent course for college admission purposes)
- ACE Apprenticeship Math (grade 12C equivalent course for college or Apprenticeship admission purposes)
- ACE Technology Math (grade 12C equivalent course for college admission purposes)
Science courses (physics, chemistry, biology) are offered only at the ACE level for college admission purposes.
The Academic Upgrading program also offers academic and vocational counselling. Program length varies for each student according to their beginning level, their goals and their progress.
This program has intakes throughout the year. Prospective students participate in an assessment of reading and writing skills to determine academic preparedness for participation.
After the assessment, students will be placed in levels of courses based on their assessment results. Then students begin the program with one-day online orientation.
Students may be eligible for a transportation allowance.
There are no fees. This program is funded by the Employment Ontario branch of the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD).
Courses
Required Courses
Courses will vary depending on students’ goals and their current level of study.
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BIOL7104 | ACE – Biology |
| CHEM7104 | ACE – Chemistry |
| PHY7104 | ACE – Physics |
| COMP7101 | ACE Computer Studies |
| COMP7041 | LBS Computer Studies |
| ENGL7028 | Foundations Communications |
| ENGL7030 | Pre-ACE – Communications |
| ENGL7076 | Communication Grammar Support |
| ENGL7101 | ACE Communications |
| MATH7101 | ACE Math for Technology |
| MATH7102 | ACE Math for Apprenticeship |
| MATH7103 | ACE Math for Business |
| PREP7133 | Communications Support |
| PREP7160 | Orientation |
| PREP7138 | ACE Personal and Professional Exploration |
Program Learning Outcomes
Every Ontario community college program is designed to deliver a set of specific program learning outcomes. Program learning outcomes are statements that describe the knowledge and skills that students are expected to demonstrate by the end of their program of study.
Programs are designed to deliver both vocation or discipline-specific learning outcomes and more generic essential employability skills (including communication, numeracy, critical thinking and problem-solving, information management, interpersonal and personal skills).
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Financial Assistance
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- resident of Ontario
- admission assessment
- fluency in English
- mature student status (19 years of age or older)
Suitable for adults seeking to pursue post-secondary (college), employment or apprenticeship.
How to Apply
George Brown College’s Academic Upgrading program offers intakes into the program every seven weeks. Live information sessions are held biweekly and everyone is welcome to attend a session to determine if this program is right for them in preparing for their post-secondary, employment or apprenticeship goals.
Have more questions? Attend an information session
For information on upcoming information sessions, please register here.
To apply for the Academic Upgrading Program, complete your application form.
In order to apply for Academic Upgrading, all learners will complete a reading and writing assessment. Appointments for assessments are made during the information session. Assessment sessions are booked weekly throughout the year as space permits.
Contact Us
For more information, call 416-415-5000, ext. 3560 or email upgradinginfo@georgebrown.ca.
To apply for the Academic Upgrading Program, complete your application form.
CHOICES
Want to explore different options for post-secondary programs and careers?
Join our free week-long CHOICES class, offered at St. James Campus. To learn more, visit our CHOICES page, or email choices@georgebrown.ca.
MSAP
Are you interested in writing the Mature Student Assessment? Take our free three-week Mature Student Assessment Preparation class, offered throughout the year. Register online or email msap@georgebrown.ca.
U-LEVEL
Are you thinking of applying to a degree program at George Brown College but are missing a prerequisite course? Register for our Degree Bridging (U-level) courses. Courses are tuition-free and offered throughout the year in English, math, sciences and biology. These courses are accepted by George Brown College and Curriculum Services Canada as U-level equivalent courses for entrance to George Brown degree programs (courses currently not accepted for entrance to Toronto Metropolitan University BScN program and course credits are not transferrable to universities or other institutions). Register here!
ACE DISTANCE
Want to upgrade for post-secondary or apprenticeships online?
ACE level classes in math, sciences, computers and communications are available online through our ACE Distance Program.
DAUP
Are you Deaf or hard-of-hearing?
George Brown also offers Academic Upgrading for Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults.
If you are a Deaf or hard-of-hearing adult and would like to study online, you can join Deaf Learn Now.
Visit Our Campus
Learn more about our other Academic Upgrading program areas including Choices, Mature Student Assessment Preparation, and Degree Bridging classes.
Academic Upgrading Program (A751)
Apply Now:
Domestic StudentsProgram Description
Program Overview
Academic Upgrading is a tuition-free, full-time/part-time program for English-speaking adults, designed to improve their reading, writing, math and science skills. The program prepares students for college level post-secondary studies, further skills training, apprenticeship or employment. Students create individualized learning plans based on their goals.
For acceptance into the program, applicants complete a reading and writing assessment to determine their literacy levels and eligibility for the program. While in the program, students are provided with advising services and may be eligible for a transportation allowance. The program runs year-round and runs new-student orientation classes every seven weeks (one week prior to the beginning of each semester and during each mid-semester intersession).
Full Description
Academic Upgrading is a program for English-speaking adults who need to upgrade their communications, math, and science skills in order to prepare for college level post-secondary programs, apprenticeship or employment.
Communications courses are offered at the following levels of study:
- Foundations
- Pre-ACE
- ACE (Academic and Career Entrance, Grade 12C equivalent course for college admission purposes)
- Personal and Professional Exploration (ACE level course designed to solidify student plans for college and careers)
Math courses are offered at the following levels of study:
- ACE Business Math (Grade 12C equivalent course for college admission purposes)
- ACE Apprenticeship Math (Grade 12C equivalent course for college or Apprenticeship admission purposes)
- ACE Technology Math (Grade 12C equivalent course for college admission purposes)
Science Courses (physics, chemistry, biology) are offered only at the ACE level for college admission purposes.
The Academic Upgrading program also offers academic and vocational counselling. Program length varies for each student according to their beginning level, their goals and their progress.
This program has intakes throughout the year. Prospective students participate in an assessment of reading and writing skills to determine academic preparedness for participation.
After the assessment, students will be placed in levels of courses based on their assessment results. Then students begin the program with one-week orientation.
Students may be eligible for a transportation allowance.
There are no fees. This program is funded by the Employment Ontario branch of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU).
Courses
Required Courses
Courses will vary depending on students’ goals and their current level of study.
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BIOL7104 | ACE – Biology |
| CHEM7104 | ACE – Chemistry |
| PHY7104 | ACE – Physics |
| COMP7101 | ACE Computer Studies |
| COMP7041 | LBS Computer Studies |
| ENGL7028 | Foundations Communications |
| ENGL7030 | Pre-ACE – Communications |
| ENGL7101 | ACE Communications |
| MATH7101 | ACE Math for Technology |
| MATH7102 | ACE Math for Apprenticeship |
| MATH7103 | ACE Math for Business |
| PREP7160 | Orientation |
| PREP7138 | ACE Personal and Professional Exploration |
Program Learning Outcomes
Every Ontario community college program is designed to deliver a set of specific program learning outcomes. Program learning outcomes are statements that describe the knowledge and skills that students are expected to demonstrate by the end of their program of study.
Programs are designed to deliver both vocation or discipline-specific learning outcomes and more generic essential employability skills (including communication, numeracy, critical thinking and problem-solving, information management, interpersonal and personal skills).
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Financial Assistance
This program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- resident of Ontario
- admission assessment
- fluency in English
- mature student status (19 years of age or older)
Suitable for adults planning to begin a new career or enrol in apprenticeship.
How to Apply
George Brown College’s Academic Upgrading program offers intakes into the program every 7 weeks. Live information sessions are held bi-weekly and everyone is welcome to attend a session to determine if this program is right for them in preparing for their post-secondary, employment or apprenticeship goals.
Have more questions? Attend an information session
For information on upcoming information sessions, please register here.
Ready? Apply now!
In order to apply for Academic Upgrading, all learners will complete a reading and writing assessment. Appointments for assessments are made during the information session. Assessment sessions are booked weekly throughout the year as space permits.
Contact Us
For more information, call 416-415-5000, ext. 3560 or email upgradinginfo@georgebrown.ca.
CHOICES
Want to explore different options for post-secondary programs and careers?
Join our free week-long CHOICES class, offered at St. James Campus. To learn more, visit our CHOICES page, or email choices@georgebrown.ca.
MSAP
Are you interested in writing the Mature Student assessment? Take our free three-week Mature Student Assessment Preparation class, offered throughout the year. Register online or email msap@georgebrown.ca.
U-LEVEL
Are you thinking of applying to a degree program at George Brown College but are missing a prerequisite course? Register for our Degree Bridging (U-level) courses. Courses are tuition-free and offered throughout the year in English, math, sciences and biology. These courses are accepted by George Brown College and Curriculum Services Canada as U-level equivalent courses for entrance to George Brown degree programs (courses currently not accepted for entrance to Toronto Metropolitan University BScN program and course credits are not transferrable to universities or other institutions). Register here!
ACE DISTANCE
Want to upgrade for post-secondary or apprenticeships online?
ACE level classes in math, sciences, computers and communications are available online through our ACE Distance Program.
DAUP
Are you Deaf or hard-of-hearing?
George Brown also offers Academic Upgrading for Deaf and hard-of-hearing Adults.
If you are a Deaf or hard-of-hearing adult and would like to study online, you can join Deaf Learn Now.
Visit Our Campus
The Academic Upgrading program office is located within the School of Work and College Preparation. The office is in room 524A at 200 King St. E. (St. James Campus, “A” building), Toronto.
Book a general campus tour to see the common areas of the campus (i.e., cafeteria, student services, the gym, etc.) or explore our virtual tour.
