Quick Facts
Credential:
Non-Credential
Campus:
Main
Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at NAIT's Main Campus in Edmonton. View map
Delivery Options:
- On-Campus Day - Your course activity is done in-person Monday - Friday in the daytime.
- On-Campus Evening and/or Weekend - Your course activity is done in-person on weekdays in the evening, or Saturdays and Sundays.
- Online Day - Your course activity is done online Monday - Friday in the daytime.
- Online Evening and/or Weekend - Your course activity is done online on weekdays in the evening, or Saturdays and Sundays.
- Online Flexible Delivery - Your course activity is not scheduled and therefore you can determine when to do the coursework.
Length:
Not Applicable
There is no specified length for this program.
Open Studies:
Available
This program has courses that are available for Open Studies. Open Studies allows you to explore credit courses without applying to a program. It is an opportunity to get a feel for school and what program you want to be in. View courses
International Students:
Accepted
This program accepts international students, however, program availability may be limited. Check program availability for this term. This program also meets the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Grad Employment Rate
Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.
Download report
Median Starting Salary
Salaries are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and are not a guarantee of future income. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.
Download report
Before applying
There are a few things you should know before completing the online application through Apply Alberta.
Upgrading courses are offered in 3 terms so you have flexible options while upgrading. Most courses are offered during the daytime, with some evening and online options available so you can work around your personal and professional commitments.
Fall Term: September to mid-December (15 weeks in total). Day, Evening or Online delivery.
Winter Term: January to end of April (15 weeks in total). Day, Evening or Online delivery.
Spring Term: May to end of July (courses are condensed and move at a rapid pace in this 12-week term). Day On-campus and Online delivery only.
Course Prerequisites (pdf)
- Review the document to see which courses have prerequisites
- Note that a GED will not be accepted for the entrance requirement or for required course prerequisites
Students are not permitted to enrol into courses at the same listed times.
Carefully review each class delivery mode to ensure your schedule suitability for the term.
NAIT upgrading final marks are not reported to the Alberta Ministry of Education to fulfill any high school diploma requirements.
NAIT does not have a mature student policy. Course and entrance prerequisites are required.
Final exams are written in the last week of each term. Additional course work will be required outside of class time.
All courses are 5 credits.
It’s important to plan your tuition and finances. Tuition deadline dates are posted in your MyNAIT student portal for the term of studies. Full fees will need to be paid by the deadline, no matter who is paying, or you will be cancelled.
2022-23 Tuition Fee Schedule (pdf)
Academic Upgrading Placement Test
The Academic Upgrading Placement test is only necessary to take if you are not able to provide an official high school transcript from Alberta, out of province or country pass mark for the entrance requirement, course prerequisite, or if you want to bypass a course prerequisite. This test will identify your course level to start in upgrading courses.
The Placement test can be written before or after an online application has been submitted.
The test score results, and communication can take up to 10 business days to receive by email.
The Placement test must be completed prior to the term starting.
Book your Academic Upgrading Placement Test
Funding Options
Funding is available to upgrading students who qualify.
Investigate your eligibility and how to apply on the ESL and Academic Upgrading Funding website.
Enrolled in two upgrading courses per term will qualify you for full-time funding eligibility through the Foundational Learning Assistance Program.
Academic Upgrading students are not eligible for student loans.
Students relying on funding must be prepared to pay for courses in full by the tuition deadline, as funding will need time for processing is applying late.
If you are being sponsored other than through Foundational Learning Assistance Program funding, the company will have to complete the Third Party Sponsorship degree, diploma and certificate form and submit.
Testimonials
“My gratitude [goes] to all Academic Upgrading people, who help[ed] me from the year 2019 until now. I received an invitation for the interview in my program, without the help of each one of you, I wouldn't be here. I learn[ed] so much from Academic Upgrading not only in academics but also in life in general. I am thirsty for knowledge, and all the great instructors were able to help me to fill my jar with their knowledge, understanding, and wisdom from their life experiences. The Academic Upgrading admin also help[ed] me with my questions, payment, and registration promptly. Each one of you has a part in my journey, your little help is counted because now I can reach a higher place.”
Maria Inggriani, 2022
“I was a student in the Math 30-2 asynchronous course. The instructor was very accessible, professional, and helpful throughout the course. As a full-time working mother with two toddlers, this course gave me the freedom of completing it anytime and anywhere.
I was afraid in the beginning that the video presentations would be hard to understand, so I even talked to a tutor to get help. I soon learnt, I had to cancel the tutor, because the videos were very clear and understandable.
I have already recommended it to a couple of my friends.”
Pawan Billing, 2021
Technology Requirements
All Academic Upgrading courses (regardless of delivery option) have recommended minimum technology standards, as Moodle, online textbooks, and some assignments require this.
Computer, laptop, or tablet
Device must meet the following:
- Wi-Fi connection: Wireless N, AC or better
- Windows 10
- Memory: 4GB RAM minimum or better
- Antivirus Protection
- Adequate bandwidth
Virtually Online and Self-Guided Courses
Requires a webcam with microphone - internal, external, or smartphone can be used as a camera with microphone.
Technology support is available to students. This will include access to computer labs at the Main Campus in several buildings, public Wi-Fi at Main Campus, limited loanable technology from the NAIT Library and free software and resources from NAIT's Learning Services. The ITS Help Desk will also be available to troubleshoot.
Not Recommended
Chromebooks, smartphones, and iPads are not recommend as a main device.
Technology - Free Downloadable and Software Tutorials
Refer to the website link below and select the "Access Online-learning Resources" in the orange ribbon at the top of the page.
NAIT's Learning Services provides all students with various information related to students achieving success.
This includes free software and free software tutorials, so that students can be well prepared for the technology being used in all upgrading courses, regardless if you are attending on-campus classes or taking virtually-online classes.
Access Learning Services
Math & Writing Modules
Refer to the website link below and select the tab "Learning Modules".
You are able to review Math 10C and English writing concepts.
Access Learning Services
Course Enrolments
Self-enrolments into Academic Upgrading courses can only be completed once you have been accepted and deposit is paid for the program, or you are enrolling into the courses that have been identified as Open Studies. Thus, an online application must be completed.
Placement test results, Open Studies, or other career program students will not be able to enrol into grade 11 or 12 course levels. You will have to email continuingeducation@nait.ca for program permission.
Make sure to check the prerequisite chart found under the Before Applying tab to make sure you have the course prerequisites. Proof of course prerequisites will be determined by official high school transcripts submitted at the time of your application or from an Academic Upgrading Placement test.
Depending on where your official transcripts are from, course equivalency and transfer credit posting for Self – enrolment can take 24 – 72 hours to successfully complete course enrolments.
The majority of upgrading courses are held during the day and with an instructor leading the class. Courses are delivered on-campus or online – synchronously during the week. We do not have weekend classes.
Spring 2023 Course Schedule (pdf) Fall 2024 Course Schedule (pdf)
Students can enrol in 1 – 3 courses per term. Two courses are considered a full-time NAIT student.
Work Experience Placements
Courses
Expand each course below to see details about credits, requisites, scheduling, and more.
Scholarships & Awards
The following scholarships and/or bursaries are available to you as a student in this program. To access your opportunities, visit the Student Portal.