Academic Upgrading - Durham College

What is Academic Upgrading?

Academic Upgrading is a FREE program designed for adults 18+ who want to improve their skills, complete high school credits, or prepare for post-secondary education. Whether you’re strengthening your literacy and numeracy, earning credits for college admission, improving your English, or building confidence as a learner, Academic Upgrading provides flexible, supportive courses to help you succeed.

Funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD), this program gives you the tools and guidance you need to reach your educational and career goals – one step at a time.

Classes start every January, May, and September.

ACE Communications
Grade 12 English (ENG4C Equivalent) 

ACE Apprenticeship Math
Grade 12 Math (MAP4C Equivalent) 

Chemistry
Grade 12 (SCH4C Equivalent)

See all Courses

Your Next Steps

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Complete the Application Form

Fill out the Academic Upgrading application form online or in person to start your registration process.

Complete a Short Online Assessment

Take a brief online assessment to determine your current academic level and help us place you in the right courses.

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Attend Your
One-on-One Orientation

Meet with an Academic Upgrading staff member for a personalized orientation to review program expectations, resources, and support services.

Sign and Return Registration Paperwork

Complete and submit all required registration forms to finalize your enrollment.

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Start Classes!

Begin your in-person classes and take the first step toward earning credits and reaching your educational goals.

Access Student Support Services

While you are registered, take advantage of our student advisors for academic guidance, assistance with college applications, and planning your next steps toward post-secondary success.

Hear from real students

We are #DCProud of all of our students. The following are just a few of the many successful stories we’ve been a part of.

Important Dates for Programs that Start in:

AU Spring/Summer 2026 Semester

Ongoing
Academic Upgrading applications open – apply anytime!
May 1
Registration deadline for ACE courses this semester – refer to intake process steps
May 4
Classes begin for most courses
May 12–13
Program Information Night – apply to Durham College for FREE at this event (refer to AU end date on your Learner Plan)
May 15
Automatically withdrawn from courses if no attendance recorded by Day 10
May 18
Victoria Day – college closed (no classes)
June 2
Classes begin for Conversational English
June 22–26
Reading Week (no classes)
July 1
Canada Day – college closed (no classes)
July 16
Last day of classes for Conversational English
July 20
Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W”; after this date, all courses will be graded and recorded on the academic transcript
July 31
Registration deadline for Bootcamp/Financial Foundations courses
August 3
Civic Holiday – college closed (no classes)
August 14
Last day of classes for most courses
August 19
Final grades available on MyDC as of 4:00 p.m.

AU Fall 2026 Semester

Ongoing
Academic Upgrading applications open – apply anytime!
September 4
Registration deadline for ACE courses this semester – refer to intake process steps
September 7
Labour Day – college closed (no classes)
September 8
Classes begin for most courses
September 8
Classes begin for Conversational English (first intake)
September 21
Automatically withdrawn from courses if no attendance recorded by Day 10
October 1
College Application deadline (equal consideration) for college program starting in January
October 12
Thanksgiving – college closed (no classes)
October 22
Last day of classes for Conversational English (first intake)
October 26–30
Reading Week (no classes)
TBD
Classes begin for Conversational English (second intake)
TBD
Last day of classes for Conversational English (second intake)
November 7
Fall Open House – apply to Durham College for FREE at this event (refer to AU end date on your Learner Plan)
November 23
Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W”; after this date, all courses will be graded and recorded on the academic transcript
December 4
Registration deadline for Bootcamp/Financial Foundations courses
December 18
Last day of classes for most courses
December 23
Final grades available on MyDC as of 4:00 p.m.
Dec 24–Jan 3
Holiday Break – college closed

AU Winter 2027 semester

Ongoing
Academic Upgrading applications open – apply anytime!
Dec 24–Jan 3
Holiday Break – college closed
January 4
College re-opens
January 8
Registration deadline for ACE courses this semester – refer to intake process steps
January 11
Classes begin for most courses
TBD
Program Information Night – apply to Durham College for FREE at this event (refer to AU end date on your Learner Plan)
TBD
Classes begin for Conversational English (first intake)
January 22
Automatically withdrawn from courses if no attendance recorded by Day 10
February 1
College Application deadline (equal consideration) for college programs beginning in May or September
February 15
Family Day – college closed (no classes)
TBD
Last day of classes for Conversational English (first intake)
TBD
Classes begin for Conversational English (second intake)
TBD
Last day of classes for Conversational English (second intake)
TBD
Spring Open House – apply to Durham College for FREE at this event (refer to AU end date on your Learner Plan)
March 1–5
Reading Week (no classes)
March 26
Good Friday – college closed (no classes)
March 29
Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W”; after this date, all courses will be graded and recorded on the academic transcript
April 9
Registration deadline for Bootcamp/Financial Foundations courses
April 23
Last day of classes for most courses
April 28
Final grades available on MyDC as of 4:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Academic Upgrading? 

Academic Upgrading is a program for adults 18+ who want to improve literacy, numeracy, and other high school-level skills to qualify for college programs or apprenticeships. 

Is Academic Upgrading free? 

Yes! Our program is fully funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD). Students do not pay tuition or fees, and no textbooks are required. 

Who can take Academic Upgrading courses? 

Anyone 18 years or older who wants to complete high school credits, improve their academic skills, or prepare for post-secondary education. Applicants under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

What courses are offered? 

We offer courses in English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Self-Management, Computers, Conversational English and Financial Literacy, and are always developing new courses to meet the demands of our students and community. 

When do Academic Upgrading classes start? 

Our in-person Academic Upgrading classes begin three times a year – in January, May, and September – allowing you to choose the start date that best fits your schedule and goals. Some other courses, such as Conversational English and Financial Literacy, may have additional intakes throughout the year. Complete the application form, and we’ll help you register for the next available intake. 

What is the ACE Certificate? 

Information about the ACE Certificate is available here.

Do I need textbooks for courses? 

No! All course materials are provided as part of the program, so you don’t need to purchase textbooks. 

What campus resources are available to Academic Upgrading students? 

Students have access to the Student Academic Learning Services (SALS), the Access and Support Centre, and other on-campus resources to support their learning and success. 

How do I apply? 

Complete the Academic Upgrading application form available on our website or at the Academic Upgrading office (SSB 120 Student Services Building). Our team can help guide you through the process. 

Are there any prerequisites for courses? 

Some courses may have recommended prerequisites, but we work with you to assess your current skills and place you in the appropriate level. 

Can I take courses online or in person? 

Our Academic Upgrading courses are offered in person at the Oshawa Campus, giving you the chance to learn directly with instructors and access on-campus resources. 

Will taking Academic Upgrading courses help me get into college? 

Yes! Individual ACE courses completed through Academic Upgrading can be used toward college admission requirements. 

Is travel or childcare support available? 

Yes! Travel and childcare reimbursements are available for eligible students to help remove barriers to participation. 

Can I take more than one course at a time? 

Yes! Depending on your goals and schedule, you may take multiple courses simultaneously to complete your ACE Certificate or prepare for college. 

Who can I contact for support or questions? 

Our Academic Upgrading office staff are here to help with course selection, applications, and support services. You can reach us by phone (905-721-3131), email, or in person at our office in the Student Services Building, Room 120. 

Ready to start?Fill out your application Apply Now Have more questions? Contact our office

Phone | 905.721.3131
Email | academicupgrading@durhamcollege.ca
SSB 120 Student Services Building

Start your application today

Ready to take the next step toward college or upgrading your skills? Apply now to our free, in-person Academic Upgrading program for adults 18+. Our friendly staff will guide you through the process, help assess your current skills, and get you on track to reach your educational goals.

Have questions? Speak with an advisor

Apply Now

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We develop customize training for employers, organizations, teams, and agencies to build literacy, numeracy, and other essential skills. Fill out our form, and we’ll work with you to create training tailored to your workplace or group.

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