Credential
- Certificate
Upgrade your education and increase your career opportunities
Do you want to apply to a college, university or trades program? Do you want to start a new career? Would you like to get your adult high school diploma? Through VIU’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program you can take the high school courses you need to achieve your life goals.
This is a flexible program. You can work on your ABE courses even if you have a lot of competing demands for your time.
Depending on the class, you can learn online, in a traditional classroom setting or in a blend of online and classroom study.
Learn more about VIU
What can you do with ABE?
VIU’s ABE program unlocks new opportunities. With these courses you can:
- apply to college, university or trades programs
- earn your BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD)
- increase your opportunities in the workplace *or* upgrade to change careers
- reach a personal goal
The BCAGD, also called the Adult Dogwood, is equivalent to a BC Grade 12 diploma. Check the BC Adult Graduation Diploma for further details.
Support as you study
Student Success Advisors
Get help with registration, course selection, next steps and more.
Student Success Advisors
Pathways program
Get personalized support and more.
Learn more about Pathways
Tutor program
Get help in math and sciences, writing skills, essays, English and more.
Volunteer Tutor program
Financial support
You may qualify for the Adult Upgrading Grant or other financial supports. For more information, talk to our ACP Student Success Advisors or contact Financial Aid and Awards.
About the Adult Basic Education program
VIU’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program includes literacy through to high school upgrading for adults. You can take classes in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Studies
- English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Education and Career Planning
- Study Skills
We offer all the necessary courses for the BCAGD. Courses will be available depending on the number of enrollments and funding.
Courses and Concentrations
For more information about ACP programs and courses, see the Course Schedules and Descriptions.
Admission Information
- Minimum 17 years of age and out of school for one year
OR
- High school graduation
OR
- Enrolled in a VIU academic or trades/vocational program.
Note: An assessment may be required for placement purposes prior to course registration. For questions, please contact our ACP Student Advisors.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - per enrolment* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition: $0 per course | 0.00 |
| Student Activity fee (per enrolment) | 47.53 |
| Student Services fee (per enrolment) | 52.68 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (4 months x $50.08 per month) | 200.32 |
| Total | 300.53 |
* The above table is based on a four-month semester. Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses can run more than, or less than, four months.
Contact the Adult Basic Education Department for a list of required textbooks and costs.
You may qualify for the Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) or other financial aid. The AUG grant covers student fees, textbooks, as well as some other expenses. For help or questions about financial aid reach out to Financial Aid & Awards or our ACP Student Advisors.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - per enrolment* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 2,496.27 |
| Student Activity fee (per enrolment) | 47.53 |
| Student Services fee (per enrolment) | 52.68 |
| VIU Students' Union fee | 200.32 |
| Total | 2,796.80 |
* The above table is based on a four-month semester. Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses can run more than, or less than, four months.
Contact the Adult Basic Education Department for a list of required textbooks and costs.
You may qualify for the Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) or other financial aid. The AUG grant covers student fees, textbooks, as well as some other expenses. For help or questions about financial aid reach out to Financial Aid & Awards or our ACP Student Advisors.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Course flexibility
The program offers flexibility in how you take courses. Depending on the course, options may include:
- traditional face-to-face
- blended
- self-directed evening
- self-directed online
Self-directed ABE classes start every two weeks. Traditional in-person and blended classes start in September, January and April.
For more information, you can contact our Student Success Advisors.
Want more information?
For more information about Adult Basic Education, including schedules and support for students, see the Academic and Career Preparation department site.