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Academic Upgrading

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Academic Upgrading

NorQuest College operates as an accredited high school and offers courses that follow the Alberta Education curriculum. These courses prepare you to continue your studies at NorQuest or other post-secondary institutions in Alberta and across Canada.

You can choose to upgrade only the courses you need for post-secondary entrance or you can earn a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED).

Willy Poveda - Academic Upgrading

I remember my first day at NorQuest. I was so afraid to talk. Now, I have learned so much and I am not afraid to talk to people. There is no judgement, just respect. You feel like the people there are your friends.

Willy Poveda

Academic Upgrading

What to expect from the program

Academic Upgrading is course-based. The variety of delivery methods and times provides you with the most flexibility. Choose the delivery method that suits your learning style and availability.

  • In-person: You will have four to five 90-minute classes per week in each course in fall/winter terms, and five three-hour classes per week in spring term. You may complete up to 20% of your coursework online.

  • Online real-time: You will have four to five 90-minute online real-time classes per week in each course in the fall and winter terms, and five three-hour classes per week in the spring term. Students in the Wetaskiwin area can get instructional support and use computers at the Wetaskiwin campus to attend their online real-time classes.

  • Online anytime: Work on your course when it is convenient for you and have up to 20 weeks to complete it. For more information about this delivery method, watch a video about online anytime courses.  

After applying, you may meet with a readiness advisor to help your registration with academic advice or placement testing.

  In person Online real-time
(with independent learning)		 Online anytime
Fixed start, end, and exam dates ✔ ✔  
Start anytime; study anytime     ✔
Study anywhere (fully online)   ✔ ✔
Online testing   ✔ ✔
Daily schedule flexibility Low Medium High
Level of instructor direct support
(1-1 real-time support is available on request for all students)		 High High Medium
Level of students’ self-guided learning Low Medium High
Real-time classes each week
(in person or online)		 4-5 4-5 0

Career opportunities

Academic Upgrading increases your work and educational opportunities. Academic Upgrading courses will help you meet the specific academic entrance requirements for certificate, diploma, and degree programs at post-secondary institutions.

Have a question about the Academic Upgrading program?

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