Academic Upgrading

Non-Credential

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NAIT’s Academic Upgrading program is designed for adults from various academic backgrounds to gain prerequisite entrance requirements needed for post-secondary career study. Once accepted into the program, students have the flexibility to choose specific courses that they require for upgrading.

Upon successful completion of our Academic Upgrading program, you will be eligible for conditional acceptance into NAIT credit programs, pending successful completion of all other entrance requirements.

Upgrading courses taken at NAIT can be used for admission requirements to a NAIT career program or other Alberta post-secondary institutions.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 03, 2024 (Fall) Varies by Class Varies by Class Main Not Applicable () Open Open
  Jan. 08, 2025 (Winter) Varies by Class Varies by Class Main Not Applicable () Open Open
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • Varies by Class: - Delivery mode varies by class. See Courses and Advanced Credit to view course scheduling details.

Time

  • Varies by Class: - Delivery time varies by class. See Courses and Advanced Credit to view course scheduling details.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

View Campus Map

Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Program Details

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.

Students have the choice to select their delivery from fully online synchronous classes or fully in-person. Both deliveries are instructor lead. 

Fall Term:  September to mid-December (15 weeks in total). On-Campus Day, Evening or Online synchronous delivery.
Winter Term:  January to end of April (15 weeks in total). On-Campus Day, Evening or Online synchronous delivery.
Spring Term:  May to end of July (courses are condensed and move at a rapid pace in this 12-week term). On-campus Day and Online synchronous delivery only.

Course Prerequisites (pdf) 
Spring 2024 Course Schedule (pdf)

Standard Course Details

  • All courses are 5 credits.
  • Final exams are written in the last week of each term.
  • Additional course work will be required outside of class time.
  • Students can take 1 – 3 courses depending on the need for full or part-time studies.

Tuition & Fees

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.

2023-24 Tuition Fee Schedule (pdf)

For more details please visit the Tuition & Fee tab.

Funding Options

Funding is available to upgrading students who qualify.

Investigate your eligibility and how to apply on the ESL and Academic Upgrading Funding webpage.

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.

ESL and Academic Upgrading Funding

The Foundational Learning Assistance program provides funding for Albertans in designated Full-Time and Part-Time programs.

Testimonials

“The program has been a great experience for me. My favourite part about the program is that it has given me the chance to understand the material in the Math 30-1 that I did not understand in high school. I did not take Physics 30 in high school, and even though this is my first time taking the course, I have been able to do very well through the Academic Upgrading program. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that despite the courses being online, the professors are very involved with the students, and are always available to help you if you don’t understand something. The professors put a lot of effort into teaching their lessons because they want the students to do well in their courses. I would definitely recommend this program to my friends or anyone who needs another course or better grades to get into their desired program. The Academic Upgrading program has allowed me to achieve my goals of receiving high marks so that I can apply for a competitive program.”

Talitha, 2023


“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

Before you apply

  • Review the information for the course(s) you want to study. 
  • Note that a GED will not be accepted for the entrance requirement or for required course prerequisites

Transcripts

If you studied in an Alberta high school, you do not need to submit transcripts for admission. If you studied in high school outside of Alberta, Canada, you will need to submit high school transcripts with your application online; if you do not have them, you can take a placement test before you submit an application. 

*If you plan to apply for funding, you will need to apply online to Academic Upgrading first. It is recommended to apply as early as possible.   

Course Enrolments

Students can enrol into classes following the below chart

Students who took a NAIT placement test to meet a course prerequisite Open Studies Student  Accepted and Continuing Academic Upgrading Students 
Definition: I wrote an Academic Upgrading placement test and have been accepted into the Academic Upgrading program.  Definition: I didn’t apply to the Academic Upgrading program.  Definition: I have been accepted into the Academic Upgrading program (after submitting an online application). 
Step 1: Review Course Times and Delivery modes: Step 1: Review Course Times and Delivery modes: Step 1: Review Course Times and Delivery modes:
Step 2: Please email continuingeducation@nait.ca with course you wish to enroll in. 

Step 2: Choose your course(s) 

Math 10, Math10C, Science 10, Biology 20, Biology 30, Computer and Skills Studies 

Step 2: Login to the MyNAIT Portal 
  Step 3: Follow this application checklist.  

Step 3: Click: Manage Classes 

Click: Enroll in Credit Courses 

  Step 4: Pay full tuition within 24 hours.  Step 4: Apply for funding  

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.

Fall 2023 Course Schedule (pdf)Winter 2024 Course Schedule (pdf) Spring 2024 Course Schedule

Enrolment in two courses are considered a full-time. We do not recommend enrolling in more than three courses.

Scholarships & Awards

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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