Can I Do Academic Upgrading While Working? How Part-Time Courses Fit Your Busy Life Posted on January 30, 2026 at 6:24 pm. If you’re working, raising kids, helping family, or doing all of the above, going back to school can feel impossible. You might be thinking: When would I even have the time? What if I’m too exhausted before or after work? What if I haven’t been in school for years? Here’s the good news: yes, you can do Academic Upgrading while working. At Durham College, Academic Upgrading is considered part-time, even if you take up to four courses per semester, so you can build a plan that fits your life. And one important thing to know right away: Academic Upgrading classes are taught in person at Durham College’s Oshawa campus. Let’s walk through what that can look like, with simple examples you can picture. First, what is Academic Upgrading at Durham College? Durham College’s Academic Upgrading program offers free Grade 12-equivalent courses (C-level) for adults (18+) who want to: Qualify for college programs. Finish missing requirements. Refresh math and English skills. Feel confident again in the classroom. It’s a free program funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). You don’t have to take every course. You just take the ones you need for your goal or to receive the ACE Certificate. Part-time Academic Upgrading: what that really means When people hear part-time, they often think it means slow progress. At Durham College, Academic Upgrading is considered part-time, even if you take up to four courses per semester. That’s a big deal if you’re juggling work and family, because it gives you a realistic way to keep moving forward without needing a full-time schedule. And you’ll complete the program and your requirements in a reasonable amount of time. It won’t be drawn out for years! Also, courses run every semester, so you can plan your next step when you’re ready. Real-life schedule examples for busy adults Your schedule depends on your job, your commute, and what’s going on at home. But here are a few common ways adults make it work. Option 1: Take 1 course (the “busy season” plan) This is a great start to building momentum if you: Work full-time. Have young kids. Haven’t been in school for a while. Want to build confidence first. What it can feel like: You come to campus for class. You do short practice at home (like 15-20 minutes at a time). You keep your weekends mostly for life stuff. This option is steady, not overwhelming. Option 2: Take 2 courses (the “steady progress” plan) This is a great fit if you: Can manage a consistent weekly routine. Want to hit your college or career goal sooner. What it can feel like: You attend class on set days. You review a little on most days (even 15–30 minutes helps). You build momentum faster, because you’re practicing more often. Option 3: Take 3–4 courses (the “move faster” plan) Yes, this happens, and it can still be part-time in this program. This can work well if you: Have flexible work hours. Have strong support at home. Want to meet a school deadline (like applying for a college program or apprenticeship). What it can feel like: School becomes a main part of your weekly routine. You treat it like a job schedule. You plan meals, rides, and childcare ahead of time. Why in-person learning helps when your life is already full When you’re busy, flexibility isn’t always the answer you need. It’s more support and accountability to stay on track and continue making progress. Durham College’s Academic Upgrading is built for adults, with: Face-to-face, in-person instruction. A supportive adult learning environment. People you can talk to when you’re stuck. Campus services around you. A lot of adults find this is the difference between trying to do it alone and actually finishing. Tips to make Academic Upgrading fit your work and family life Find a realistic schedule that works for you. Here are simple tips that help a lot of working adults: Start smaller than you think If you’re not sure, start with 1 course. You can always adjust later. Pick the same study time each day Even 15-20 minutes is enough if you do it often. Example: 20 minutes after dinner. 20 minutes before bed. 15 minutes on a lunch break. Use “tiny wins” Instead of “study for 2 hours,” try: Finish 1 worksheet. Read 2 pages. Do 5 practice questions. Tiny wins add up fast even with a busy schedule. Build a support plan If you have kids, you might need: A regular babysitter time. A family member to help one day a week. A swap with another parent. If you have shift work, you might plan week-by-week. Ask about support for childcare and transportation If you need financial support for daycare and/or transportation it may be available for qualified learners through Training and Support Allowance funds. If money is a big stress, bring it up early. We’ll do what we can to help all qualified students while funds are available. What courses can you take? Academic Upgrading includes Grade 11 and 12 equivalent courses like Math and English, with upcoming start dates listed online. On the course listings, you’ll see the full list of classes are in person at the Oshawa campus. How to get started Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. Step 1: Reach out to the Academic Upgrading office Durham College’s Academic Upgrading page says courses are offered every semester and you can email the office for start dates and details. Here’s the direct contact info: Phone: 905.721.3131 Email: academicupgrading@durhamcollege.ca Step 2: Do the Skills Marker Assessment Durham College explains that a first step is completing an online Skills Marker Assessment in reading and/or numeracy. This helps place you at the right level, so you’re not stuck in a class that’s too easy or too hard. Step 3: Choose your courses and build your plan This is where part-time really helps. You can pick a course load that works with your job and your home life. One important note: Student Advisors support you once you’re enrolled. Before you’re enrolled, the Academic Upgrading office is your best first contact. If your main goal is getting job-ready fast Academic Upgrading is great if your goal is college entry or stronger school skills. But if your goal is to get work skills fast for jobs hiring right now, you might also want to look at Essential Skills Training. Durham College’s Essential Skills training is: Free. Short-term and job-focused. Built around real workplace tasks. You can contact the Essential Skills team here: Phone: 905.721.2000 x2504 Email: essentialskills@durhamcollege.ca Want to visit campus and talk to someone in person? Sometimes the best next step is just seeing the place and asking questions. Check out more on our website for announcements about upcoming program information sessions and campus tours. If you’re on the fence, this is a great way to learn what your path could look like. Get the support you deserve for the future you’re dreaming of. If you’re working and still thinking about academic upgrading, that already says something about how you’re planning ahead. You don’t have to do it all at once. With a part-time structure, in-person support, and clear next steps, Academic Upgrading at Durham College can fit into a busy life. Ready to take the next step? Fill out the Academic Upgrading Application Form to get started today SHARE:
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