- CredentialCertificate
Are you looking to upgrade for entrance into college, university or trades programs? Want to complete your BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCADG)? Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses at VIU can help you reach your goals. The program provides an inclusive and supportive environment were you receive the individual attention you need to succeed.
You can get started on your journey right away. At VIU, self-directed classes start every two weeks. Traditional in-person classes start in September, January and April. You can choose from a variety of options for classes – traditional face-to-face, fully-online or blended - depending on the course. Talk to our Student Success or Aboriginal Student Transition Advisors to find the best fit for your goals.
These courses do not have any tuition or application fees for domestic students.
Other student fees or textbook costs will apply, but you may be eligible for financial aid to help cover some or all of these costs.
Adult Basic Education
Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses are for adults who want to:
- complete prerequisite courses needed for further study
- obtain a BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCADG or Adult Dogwood);
- prepare for employment
- refresh skills and gain confidence for work or further studies
- reach a personal goal
Courses are available starting from basic levels up to Grade 12 in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Studies, English, Mathematics, Physics, Education and Career Planning, and Study Skills.
Note: Availability of course options is subject to funding and enrollment.
For more information, please contact our ACP Student Advisors.
BC Adult Graduation Diploma
The BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) or "Adult Dogwood" is a diploma that is equivalent to a BC Grade 12 diploma. Check the BC Adult Graduation Diploma for further details.
Our ACP Student Advisors can walk you through the process of getting your BCADG.
Student Supports Available
Would you like some help finding the resources you need? Please contact our Student Success or Aboriginal Student Transition Advisors.
ACP Student Supports
• Volunteer Tutor Program - You may be able to get a free tutor to help you with your classes! Contact the Volunteer Tutor Coordinator at VolunteerTutorCoordinator@viu.ca for more information or to sign up.
• Pathways to Post-Secondary Programs - Develop career-specific skills while gaining prerequisites to your program of choice. Email the Program Coordinator at Pathways@viu.ca for more information.
• Digital Student Support Assistant - You can ask technology questions about any of your classes and get help. Check out the link above for more information.
• Financial Support - You may qualify for the Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) and/or other financial supports. Talk to our ACP Student Advisors for more information.
Other VIU Resources for ABE Students
For more information about ACP programs and courses, see the Course Schedules and Descriptions.
- 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 | International Fees
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees - per course* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition: $0 per course |
0.00 |
|
Student Activity fee ($14.93 per course) |
14.93 |
|
Student Services fee ($16.55 per course) |
16.55 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (4 months x $26.59 per month) |
106.36 |
|
Total |
137.84 |
* 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
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees - per course* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition |
2,329.44 |
|
Ancillary fee |
99.30 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee |
106.36 |
|
Total |
2,535.10 |
Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.
* 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.
UpdatedHave questions or need some help choosing your courses? Reach out via phone or email!
Email:
- General inquiries: acp@viu.ca
- ACP Student Advisors
- Nanaimo, Parksville, and tiwšɛmawtxʷ: ABE.Advising@viu.ca
- Cowichan: ABE.Cowichan@viu.ca
Phone:
- Nanaimo and Parksville-Qualicum: 250.740.6425
- Cowichan: 250.746.3500
- tiwšɛmawtxʷ: 604.485.2878
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.
Ryan Michael
“The ABE program was very thorough in the fundamentals of the courses I took and it’s really filled in the foundation and the information that had atrophied out. I feel 100% prepared for my future endeavours. My teachers truly cared about my success and were very generous with their time and knowledge. Their enthusiasm and passion for their subjects instilled a real interest in the subject matter for me, and I’ve never received such high marks before. I was in the top five of the more than 100 people who applied to enter the Engineering Certificate program.”
Ryan is working on his Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate after upgrading in the Adult Basic Education Program