Do I Need Grade 12 for College? How Academic Upgrading Fills the Gaps

Thinking about college but missing a course from high school (or a few)?

You’re not alone. Many adults come back to school after a break, after moving to Canada, or after changing careers.

The good news: Durham College’s Academic Upgrading can help you meet admission requirements with free, Grade 12-equivalent courses—taught in person at our Oshawa campus.

Below, we’ll walk you through what Grade 12 equivalent really means, which courses matter most, how Ontario colleges look at applicants without their full Grade 12 diploma, and how to plan your timeline so you’re ready to apply.

How does Academic Upgrading help meet college requirements?

The Academic Upgrading program offers ACE (Academic and Career Entrance) courses—these are Grade 12 equivalents that Ontario colleges accept for admission. They’re free, designed for adult learners (18+), and delivered on campus with lots of support.

Programs that offer Grade 12-equivalent education

At Durham College, Academic Upgrading includes ACE Communications, ACE Core Math, ACE Apprenticeship Math, ACE Biology, ACE Chemistry, ACE Computer Foundations, and ACE Self-Management. These courses run in person at our Oshawa campus with set start and end dates each semester.

Completing specific required courses through Upgrading

Let’s say your target program needs Grade 12 English and Grade 12 Math. You can take ACE Communications and ACE Apprenticeship Math to meet those prerequisites.

Headed for health or science? Add ACE Biology and ACE Chemistry if your program lists them.

The ACE page shows the direct equivalencies so you can be sure you’re choosing the right ones needed for getting into college.

Who it’s for: 18+ and missing admission requirements

Academic Upgrading is built specifically for adults 18 years or older who are missing the courses needed for college, want to refresh skills after time away, or need Ontario equivalents after international schooling.

What specific courses do I need to upgrade for my college program?

We suggest you start by listing your program’s required courses.

Then match each one to the ACE course that meets it.

Popular ACE courses at Durham College include:

  • ACE Communications (English ENG4C Equivalent)
  • ACE Apprenticeship Math (MAP4C Equivalent)
  • ACE Core Math (Grade 11 equivalent—useful for some DC applicants)
  • ACE Biology (SBI3C)
  • ACE Chemistry (SCH4C)
  • ACE Computer Foundations
  • ACE Self-Management (study skills, self-management, and teamwork)

All of these are offered in person at Durham College’s Oshawa campus, with upcoming intakes posted on our Courses page.

Grade 12 English requirements and equivalency options

Most Ontario college programs require Grade 12 English (ENG4C). At Durham, ACE Communications gives you the accepted equivalency for ENG4C—clear and simple.

Math or science prerequisites for specific programs

  • Business, tech, and many diploma programs often need Grade 12 College Math (MAP4C) → take ACE Apprenticeship Math.
  • Health, science, or pre-health pathways often ask for Biology (SBI3C) and sometimes Chemistry (SCH4C) → take ACE Biology and ACE Chemistry.

    Durham’s own Pre-Health Sciences page even lists the exact equivalents it accepts so you can plan with confidence.

How to determine which courses to prioritize in Academic Upgrading

  1. Check your program page for admission requirements.
  2. Map them to ACE using Durham’s equivalency chart.
  3. Fill out the application form (more on this below) to connect with our office and confirm your plan before you enroll. Once you’re enrolled as a student at the college, you’ll also be able to get support from our Student Advisors. 

What are the typical admission requirements for college programs?

Understanding basic college entrance requirements

In Ontario, most college programs require an OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) or an equivalent. “Equivalent” can include ACE Certificate, CAEC (the credential that replaced the GED), or being admitted as a mature student, depending on the program and college policies.

Grade 12 courses typically required for college admission

For many diploma programs, colleges commonly look for Grade 12 English (ENG4C) and sometimes Grade 12 Math (MAP4C), plus any program-specific prerequisites (for example, Biology and Chemistry for health programs). A large share of programs across Ontario look for Grade 12 English and/or Math at a minimum.

How admission requirements vary by program type

  • Certificates & Diplomas: usually need Grade 12 English, sometimes Math, plus specific prerequisites.
  • Advanced Diplomas & Degrees: may set higher math/science demands or additional requirements.

     Always check your program page and keep the Equal Consideration dates in mind (see our “Timeline” below).

Can I attend college without completing high school?

Exploring alternative pathways to meet college requirements

Yes—many adults get in without a full high school diploma by showing they meet program requirements through ACE courses, pre-admission testing, or mature student status. (Mature student status is typically for applicants 19+ without a high school diploma; colleges still expect you to show you’re ready for the program, which may include placement or testing.)

Academic Upgrading options for those without a high school diploma

If you never finished high school, Academic Upgrading (ACE) is a popular path because it gives you the exact course equivalents colleges ask for, like ENG4C or MAP4C, at no cost, on campus, with lots of support.

How colleges evaluate applicants with non-traditional education

Colleges look at whether you’ve met the specific prerequisites. They may also use testing to confirm your skills in English and/or Math, which can be faster than taking a full course if you’re close. At Durham, Pre-Admission Testing is offered through the Test Centre and is a budget-friendly option when appropriate. If you’ve completed our ACE courses, you already have the required equivalents and don’t need to do pre-admission testing.

How do Ontario colleges assess applicants without a complete Grade 12?

Ontario Secondary School Diploma alternatives

Three common ways to show Grade 12-level readiness:

  1. ACE Certificate (from Ontario public colleges) – recognized as Grade 12 equivalent for college admissions and apprenticeship registration across Ontario. (Durham College)
  2. CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Credential) – replaced the GED; it’s a recognized high school equivalency for adults. (Ontario)
  3. Mature Student status (typically 19+) – colleges may consider you based on age and readiness, even without a diploma, typically requiring testing to verify.

When should I start the Academic Upgrading process?

Short answer: as soon as you can! 

Many programs in Ontario follow the Equal Consideration timeline: apply on or before February 1 for Fall programs to maximize your chances (and by October 1 for many Winter intakes at Durham). Exact dates can vary, so always check the Admissions page and your program page.

How advising + placement help you pick the right courses

Once you’ve filled out the application and before you register, Durham College asks you to complete a short Skills Marker Assessment (reading and/or numeracy). It’s not a pass/fail test. It simply shows where you’re at so our team can build a Personalized Learning Plan with the right ACE courses, then talk to an advisor to walk you through the next steps and paperwork.

Planning your upgrading timeline to meet college application deadlines

Here’s a simple planning map:

  1. Pick your program(s). Note every required course (English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, etc.).
  2. Match to ACE. Use Durham’s equivalency chart to choose the exact ACE course that meets each requirement. (Durham College)
  3. Book your assessment & orientation. Confirm your plan, start dates, and study load. (Durham College)
  4. Register for ACE courses at the Oshawa campus and track your finish dates. Many ACE courses run in fall/winter/spring, so you can sequence them to finish before Equal Consideration.
  5. Apply to college through Ontario Colleges before the Equal Consideration Date (often February 1 for Fall). For highly competitive programs, being early and complete matters a lot.

Timeline for Academic Upgrading before college application

  • 3–6 months out: Complete the online application, take the Skills Marker Assessment, complete your orientation, and register for the ACE course(s) you need.
  • During your course(s): Keep assignments on track; ask for help early.
  • By Equal Consideration: Have your final grades posted (or complete Pre-Admission Testing if that path was approved for your program). (Durham College)
  • After you apply: Watch for offers (colleges can start sending them as early as Nov 1 for Fall starts). (Ontario Colleges)

Balancing upgrading courses with college preparation

We can help you set a realistic course load. Even at four courses per semester, the Academic Upgrading program is part-time, making it realistic to balance with your other priorities. Many learners stack ACE Communications + ACE Math first, then add Biology or Chemistry if needed for health/science paths. Because courses run in person with set dates at Oshawa, you’ll get into a good routine and have access to campus supports along the way.

How long different upgrading pathways typically take

  • One missing course: ~1 semester
  • Two to three courses: 1–2 semesters
  • ACE Certificate (4 courses: English, one Math, and two others): often 2–3 semesters, depending on availability and your schedule. (There are certain ACE Certificate rules—like needing 70%+ in each course—on our ACE certificate page.)

Getting started at the Oshawa campus

All Academic Upgrading courses listed on our Courses page run in person at the Oshawa campus with posted start and end dates. That means real classrooms, face-to-face instruction, and easy access to student services.

Your first step: complete the quick Academic Upgrading application and Skills Marker Assessment. After you submit, our team will reach out to set your one-on-one orientation and finalize your plan.

Ready to move forward?

You’ve got this. Whether you need one course or a full plan, Academic Upgrading at Durham College gives you free, in-person learning at the Oshawa campus, clear Grade 12 (C-level) equivalents, and support from real people who want you to succeed.

Next steps (simple and clear):

  1. Check your program’s requirements.
  2. Match them to ACE using Durham’s equivalency chart.
  3. Apply to Academic Upgrading and complete the short Skills Marker Assessment. We’ll follow up to book your one-on-one orientation.
  4. Start your course(s) on campus in Oshawa and stay on track for your Equal Consideration date.

Have questions or ready to start?

  • Apply to Academic Upgrading (it takes just a few minutes).
  • Prefer to talk it through? Email our team at academicupgrading@durhamcollege.ca or call the Academic Upgrading office at 905-721-3131—we’re happy to help you plan the right course path.

P.S. All Academic Upgrading courses mentioned here are offered in-person at the Oshawa campus. If you’re local and want face-to-face learning with lots of support, this is for you.