Step-by-Step: How to Apply to Academic Upgrading at Durham College Posted on September 29, 2025 at 3:57 pm. Durham College’s Academic Upgrading program helps mature learners build the academic skills and specific equivalency courses you need to meet admission requirements for college or to improve your chances of getting a job you want—and it’s tuition-free for eligible learners through Employment Ontario. Who can apply? ACE stands for Academic and Career Entrance. It’s a provincial certificate program in Ontario that provides adult learners with Grade 12 equivalent credits recognized by all 24 Ontario colleges and many employers. When you complete ACE courses, you earn credits that are equivalent to Ontario Secondary School courses, but specifically designed for adult learners. These are particularly valuable for those who: You’re a strong fit if you’re: A mature student (18+) living in Ontario Missing Grade 12 courses needed for college or a job pathway Looking to refresh academic skills after time away from school Trained internationally and need equivalency for Ontario post-secondary admissions Our Durham College program offers supportive, in-person learning on the Oshawa campus, so you can focus, ask questions, and make steady progress. What “Grade 12 equivalent” means You’ll choose high school equivalency courses that match your goal: – ACE Communications (Grade 12 equivalent) – often used to meet English admission requirements – ACE Apprenticeship Math (Grade 12 equivalent) – common for trades and apprenticeship entry – ACE Biology (Grade 11 equivalent) and ACE Chemistry (Grade 12 equivalent) – useful for health and science post-secondary pathways – ACE Computer Foundations and ACE Self-Management – boost study habits and tech skills for college success Together, these academic upgrading courses can satisfy career entrance requirements for many programs and help you qualify for the ACE certificate recognized by colleges and trades pathways. The fast path: apply in 4 simple steps It’s easy to begin your journey as an academic upgrading student. To get started 1) Fill out the application and register Start your Academic Upgrading course plan by completing the short online application. 2) Complete your assessment You’ll do a quick reading and/or math assessment. This helps us place you in the right level and provide a Personalized Learning Plan so your upgrading courses match your goals. 3) One-on-one orientation Meet with an advisor to map your academic upgrading program plan. We’ll confirm which admission requirements you still need if you’re looking to apply for further post-secondary education, talk about timelines, and explain supports like tutor access and financial aid options with Durham College (limited Training and Support Allowance for things like daycare or transportation). 4) Classes begin At the start of your semester, head to campus and start learning with supportive instructors and classmates. You’ll practice real-world academic skills that lead straight into college or your apprenticeship pathway. Timelines and start dates (plan 3+ weeks ahead) Academic Upgrading runs each semester. Because you’ll move through application → placement test → orientation → register for classes, aim to start your application at least 3–4 weeks before your ideal start date. To guarantee your spot in the courses you need to complete, we suggest you plan ahead. Courses fill up and our advisors need the time to take you through completing your enrolment. If you’re targeting a specific college program, we’ll help line up your timeline so you’re ready for college deadlines. What to bring and what to expect on Day One Bring: your notebook or laptop, your schedule, water bottle, and any questions for your instructor. Expect: a welcoming class, clear course outlines, and hands-on practice with the skills you’ll use in college and on the job. You’ll also get connected to tutors, advisors, and Student Services. Support on campus (so you don’t go it alone) – Student Advisors: Choose the right upgrading courses for your post-secondary program or apprenticeship path. – Tutors & Learning Support: One-to-one help with writing, math, study strategies, and computer skills. Get support early—small help adds up fast. – Financial Aid: Ask about Training and Support Allowance funds for childcare or transportation. – Career Options guidance: Not sure which post-secondary or career entrance route fits? Chat with us about career options linked to your strengths and the courses that open those doors. Quick FAQ Do I need a full high school diploma to go to college? Not always. Many post-secondary institutions accept ACE equivalency courses to meet admission requirements for a specific post-secondary program. Is this available online? No. Durham’s Academic Upgrading program is in-person only at the Oshawa campus. Many learners prefer face-to-face support from instructors and tutors. Can this help with an apprenticeship application? Yes. ACE math and communications often meet career entrance requirements for trades. We’ll help you pick the right upgrading courses. Is there financial aid? Ask about the limited Training and Support Allowance for childcare or transportation. Advisors will review your options during orientation. Ready to start? (It’s quick!) Don’t put your education and career goals on hold any longer. Academic Upgrading at Durham College is your tuition-free pathway to college admission and better job opportunities. Click here to start your application now and join hundreds of successful graduates who transformed their future through Academic Upgrading. Your college journey is waiting, and we’re here to help you succeed every step of the way! SHARE:
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