Credential
- Non-Credit
The BC Adult Graduation Diploma Program
The BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) or Adult Dogwood is a recognized BC adult high school diploma. VIU's Adult Basic Education (ABE) department provides all the necessary courses for obtaining your BCAGD. You can use the BCAGD to advance in your workplace or gain admission into your preferred university or trades program.
To be eligible to graduate from this program students must complete five courses:
- An English 12 course
- A Math 11 or 12 course
- At least three additional courses, which can be:
- Grade 12 or university, college, or trades courses
- Grade 11 Socials Studies course and two additional Grade 12 electives or university, college, or trades courses
Prior Learning Assessments
You may already have some credit toward your BCAGD. Come talk to our ACP Student Advisors to review your work experience or other training.
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 or contact Financial Aid and Awards.
To obtain your BCAGD, you will need to complete:
- An English 12 course
- A Math 11 or 12 course
- At least three additional courses, which can be:
- Grade 12 or university, college, or trades courses
- Grade 11 Socials Studies course and two additional Grade 12 electives or university, college, or trades courses
You may have previously completed some of these courses in high school. Talk to our ACP Student Advisors to review what courses you need for your BCAGD. VIU offers a wide variety of ABE courses. Not all courses will be available every term. Our ACP Student Advisors will help you choose the courses you need. Ask them about online and evening courses if you need more flexibility in your schedule.
- Students must be 18 years or older, or have special permission.
- Students must meet the prerequisites for each course to be taken.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
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 enrolment* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition: $0 per course | 0.00 |
| Student Activity fee (per enrolment) | 46.60 |
| Student Services fee (per enrolment) | 51.65 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (4 months x $28.87 per month) | 115.48 |
| Total | 213.73 |
* 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 the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
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 enrolment* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 2,447.31 |
| Student Activity fee (per enrolment) | 46.60 |
| Student Services fee (per enrolment) | 51.65 |
| VIU Students' Union fee | 115.48 |
| Total | 2,661.04 |
* 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.
Have questions or need some help choosing your courses? Reach out via phone or email.
Email:
- General inquiries: acp@viu.ca
- ACP Student Advisors
- Nanaimo: ABE.Advising@viu.ca
- Cowichan: ABE.Cowichan@viu.ca
- Tiwšɛmawtxʷ: PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca
Phone:
- Nanaimo: 250.740.6425
- Cowichan: 250.746.3500
- Tiwšɛmawtxʷ: 604.485.2878
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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.