7 Myths About Academic Upgrading (And What It’s Really Like at Durham College)

If you’ve been thinking about academic upgrading, chances are you’ve also talked yourself out of it a few times.

Maybe you’ve wondered if you’ll feel out of place, if it’ll be too hard, or if it’ll just be high school all over again. Those worries are common, and they’re also the reason a lot of people wait longer than they need to.

At Durham College, our Academic Upgrading program offers FREE Grade 12 equivalent (C-level) courses for learners 18+ to help you qualify for admission to post-secondary programs and improve literacy and numeracy. Whether you need to upgrade for a job’s requirements or want to continue on with post-secondary school, it’s funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to help you learn for free. 

Let’s bust the big fears and misunderstandings, and walk through what it’s really like, especially if you’re considering the in-person experience at the Oshawa campus.

What is academic upgrading at Durham College?

Academic upgrading is a practical way to earn the academic skills (and equivalencies) you need to meet admission requirements for certain college programs, or to feel confident stepping into your next education or career move.

At Durham College, Academic Upgrading includes ACE (Academic and Career Entrance) courses that are Grade 12 equivalent at the C-level.

You can also view specific course options and upcoming intakes on our Free Courses page.

Myth #1: “I’m too old to go back.”

Reality: You’re not too old. You’re exactly who this program is designed for.

Durham’s Academic Upgrading is specifically a program for FREE Grade 12 equivalent courses for students 18+.  That matters, because the environment is meant for adult learners who are returning to school with real-life responsibilities and clear goals.

What it’s really like: Most people find that being older is actually an advantage. You’re not there to “do school” just for the sake of it. The maturity makes a big difference in unlocking what’s next for you in your life and career. 

Myth #2: “It’s just like high school all over again.”

Reality: It’s a different vibe and a different purpose here.

High school can feel like something you’re forced through. Academic upgrading tends to feel like something you’re choosing for your future. The program helps learners qualify for post-secondary admission while improving literacy and numeracy, so it’s built around progress and outcomes, not just getting through the year.

What it’s really like: You’ll be learning alongside people who want the same thing you do: a fresh start, a pathway, a new door opened.

Myth #3: “You have to be good at school already to join.”

Reality: You join because you want to build the skills, not because you already have them.

If you’re worried you’re not academic, that’s usually a confidence story, not a capability story. Our position is to provide you with a way to improve literacy and numeracy skills (which is exactly what many returning learners want).

What it’s really like: You’re allowed to ask questions. You’re allowed to take a beat to re-learn foundations. And you’re not expected to pretend you already know everything.

Myth #4: “Academic upgrading is impossibly hard.”

Reality: The better question is: Is academic upgrading hard, or is it just unfamiliar to you?

Yes, it can be challenging at times, because learning takes effort. But Durham’s approach is built around support and adult learners. The program is in person at the Oshawa campus, with a predictable weekly schedule, comfortable class sizes, and instructor support designed for adults returning to school.

What it’s really like: It’s structured. You don’t have to guess what to do next. And you’re not doing it alone.

If you’re worried about the difficulty, try this mindset shift:

Don’t expect Academic Upgrading to be “easy.” Aim for “doable with support.” That’s the whole point of upgrading.

Myth #5: “I’ve been out of school too long and I’ll be totally lost.”

Reality: Being out of school for years is normal in academic upgrading. Students come to us in their 30s, 40s, and 50s!

Durham’s program exists specifically to help adult learners strengthen core skills and qualify for admission.  If you’re rusty, you’re not behind. And it’s never too late to learn new things.

What it’s really like: The first little stretch is about rebuilding momentum. Once you get back into routine, a lot of learners are surprised by how quickly they improve.

Myth #6: “I’ll be in a huge class and nobody will notice if I’m struggling.”

Reality: The experience is more personal than most people expect.

Our program provides face-to-face learning at our Oshawa campus, with support from your instructors, and comfortable class sizes.

What it’s really like in the classroom:

Expect a friendly, adult-learner environment where questions don’t feel embarrassing. People are there to learn, not to judge. For many learners, just being in-person makes it easier to stay engaged and to get help right when something doesn’t click.

Myth #7: “I’ll never stick with it.”

Reality at Durham College: The program is in-person only at the Oshawa campus.

That can be a huge advantage if motivation and momentum are part of your worry. In-person learning creates routine, accountability, and real-time support.

What it’s really like: You show up, you get into a rhythm, you ask questions, and you leave each week feeling like you’re moving forward instead of trying to figure everything out alone.

What is academic upgrading like at Durham College?

The simplest summary is this:

  • Free, funded learning for eligible learners (no tuition costs)
  • Adult-focused, supportive approach to building skills and meeting requirements
  • In-person at the Oshawa campus 
  • A clear on-ramp to college programs, apprenticeships, and new career directions

And if cost/logistics are part of the barrier, qualified learners may be eligible for financial support for things like daycare and transportation.

Common courses learners take

Durham’s Academic Upgrading course listings include options like:

  • ACE Apprenticeship Math

  • ACE Biology

     …and others shown on the Free Courses page (each intake lists availability so you can plan your application in advance).

Busting More Academic Upgrading Myths

Is academic upgrading hard?

It can be challenging, but it’s designed to be manageable, especially with face-to-face learning, instructor support, and a predictable routine.

What is academic upgrading like day-to-day?

Expect an in-person classroom experience at the Oshawa campus, a steady weekly rhythm, and support geared toward adults returning to school.

Is Durham College Academic Upgrading free?

Durham states the program offers FREE Grade 12 equivalent courses and is ministry-funded (tuition-free for eligible learners).

How do I get started?

Durham’s application process begins with completing an online Skills Marker Assessment in reading and/or numeracy.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’ve been stuck in the “maybe someday” loop, consider this your sign to get real information, because most fears shrink fast once you understand what the experience is actually like.

Next steps: