George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Flexible, tuition-free learning options to help you gain the English, math or science credits you need.
George Brown Polytechnic will support you to build a learning plan that’s based on your goals. Academic Upgrading is a tuition-free program for English speaking adults who want to improve their reading, writing, math, science and computer skills.
- In this program, you will receive academic and vocational counselling and other supports from the college.
- Many of our students go on to successfully attend post-secondary or apprenticeship programs at George Brown and other colleges or find a job.
We offer two options for Academic Upgrading:
STUDY ON-CAMPUS (A751)Study Online (ACE Distance)
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) credits open doors for you
George Brown upgrading courses are offered at different levels, right up to ACE (Academic and Career Entrance, grade 12C equivalent). ACE credits are recognized by Ontario colleges for application purposes to college and apprenticeship programs and a growing number of employers.
Finished high school but missing credits?
Academic Upgrading can help you get the ACE English, math or science credits you need for the program you want.
Haven’t finished high school?
Students who complete 4 ACE (1 ACE Communications, 1 ACE Math, and 2 other ACE credits) Credits are eligible for the ACE Certificate, which is equivalent to completing Grade 12 in Ontario. Many employers also recognize the ACE Certificate.
Who can apply
If you are 18 years or older, fluent in English and are a permanent resident of Ontario, you can register for this program.
Cost
Academic Upgrading is tuition-free for Ontario residents (Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents or Conventional Refugee) who are 18 years or older. It is funded by Employment Ontario. Eligible students can apply for transportation subsidies.
Program length
Courses run for 15 weeks of class time, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at our St. James Campus location.
Program length depends on academic needs, personal goals, and progress.
Who to talk to
Our Academic Upgrading Intake Team is happy to talk to you.
- Email us at upgradinginfo@georgebrown.ca
- You can also attend one of our information sessions which run biweekly (alternating between morning and afternoon sessions) or come to one of our Intake Drop-Ins which run every Thursday from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m..
How to apply
For application information, email upgradinginfo@georgebrown.ca
Steps to apply in-person
- Attend an information session and tell us about your learning needs and personal goals. At that time, book your intake assessments.
- Complete the intake assessments.
- Meet with our Intake Counsellors and determine the right path for you.