NorQuest College operates as an accredited high school and offers courses that follow the Alberta Education curriculum. Get well-prepared to continue your studies at NorQuest or other post-secondary institutions in Alberta and across Canada.
Choose to upgrade only the courses you need for post-secondary entrance or you can earn a high school diploma.
Through Alberta’s Foundational Learning Assistance Program, you may qualify for financial support to cover tuition and fees. Apply for funding today!
Are you a Métis student?
You may qualify for support with tuition and fees from the Rupertsland Institute. Ask an advisor for more information about this funding opportunity.
In partnership with
Whether you are looking to improve your average or fill gaps in your transcript, Academic Upgrading offers a large selection of high school level courses in English, math, social studies, sciences, and information processing subject areas. Take only the courses you need, or aim for your high school equivalency diploma in a supportive and flexible environment. Each course takes four months to complete.
Not sure which level to take? Before applying, meet with a Readiness Advisor for academic advice or free placement testing to help determine the best starting point for you.
Students who intend to enter a post-secondary institution should check the applicable admission requirements to plan their enrolment in academic upgrading courses.
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: In the Fall and Winter terms, on-campus classes are 90 minutes and occur four days per week. Each Wednesday is a flexible online-learning day, meaning up to 20% of your coursework will be completed online.
Online: Classes are delivered through a virtual platform and may include real-time sessions or flexible anytime options, with occasional in-person labs for some programs.
Online real-time - In the Fall and Winter terms, online-only classes are 90 minutes and occur four days per week. Each Wednesday is a flexible online-learning day. Students in the Wetaskiwin area can receive support and access computers at the Wetaskiwin campus as needed.
Hyflex: In the Spring term, classes are three hours and occur five days per week. You may attend in-person or online.
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.
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In person |
Online real-time |
Online anytime |
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Daily schedule flexibility |
Low |
Medium |
High |
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Level of instructor direct support |
High |
High |
Medium |
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Level of students’ self-guided learning |
Low |
Medium |
High |
Classes are held in a classroom with face-to-face instruction and regularly scheduled meeting times.
Classes follow a set schedule and require you to attend live, online sessions at specific dates and times.
You choose how to participate—in person, online in real-time, or online anytime—while receiving the same quality learning experience in every format. Watch a video to learn more.
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.
This program qualifies for a study permit, but does not qualify for a post-graduate work permit in Canada as of June 24, 2025. Learn more about obtaining your study permit and other important immigration information.
Have a question about the Academic Upgrading program?
Get all the information you need on applying for your program in one, easy-to-follow application guide. We’ll deliver it straight to your inbox.
Yes, send me the guideThe personal information requested on this form is collected under the authority of section 33(c) of Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used to process your request for information, for internal statistical and enrolment management purposes and to provide ongoing information regarding our courses, programs or events. For information about the collection and use of this information, contact the Regulatory & Compliance Coordinator at 10215 108 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1L6, Tel. 780.644.6000.
We appreciate your interest in NorQuest’s Program name! However, this program is not open to international students at this time. For a full list of programs available to international students, please visit the Programs and Courses page.
If you’re not sure which program is perfect for you, NorQuest’s International Student Recruiters can help. Contact international.recruitment@norquest.ca or book a meeting.
