Program Overview

English Upgrading

English Upgrading offers adult upgrading English courses for students looking to complete their Adult Graduation Diploma, get ready for the workforce, or satisfy admission requirements for undergraduate university programs. No matter what your previous English skills, we have a variety of levels to help you progress and achieve your goals.

We offer courses on our Richmond, Surrey and Langley campuses. We also offer courses using KPU's online learning technologies, so you can upgrade your English no matter where you are in Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada, or the world.

Why Should you Upgrade your English?

Whether you want to earn your BC Adult Graduation Diploma, qualify for an advancement at your workplace, or meet KPU's English proficiency requirements, ACP has a pathway to help you move forward.

We can help you at whatever stage you have got to in your English education, with upgrading program levels from Intermediate to Grade 12, as well as university English qualifying studies.

Who are our Students?

Our students are driven by a desire to reach a new personal best. To do that, they know they need to upgrade their English-language skills.

So, whether you need to hone your writing skills to qualify for a university program or improve your English comprehension to make work tasks easier, ACP has a pathway to get you there.

Our program is open to high school graduates and to non-graduates nineteen years of age or older. With special permission, students of high school age may be able to attend.

Program Details

Our English Upgrading courses will enable you to complete your BC Adult Graduation Diploma, and also serve as KPU's Pathway to Undergraduate Studies or career programs.

Math and science upgrading courses for the BC Adult Graduation Diploma are offered through KPU's Faculty of Science.

All adult upgrading courses are tuition free for eligible students (Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees and Diplomats). This includes all of our ENGQ courses, as well as math and science qualifying courses (BIOQ, CHEQ, MATQ, and PHYQ).

Program Admission

New students—with or without a BC high school diploma—can take English Upgrading (ENGQ) courses by completing three steps:

1. Apply to KPU
2. Take the free English Upgrading Assessment (if needed or recommended)
3. Register for classes.

Literacy Communities (LCOM)

The English Upgrading Department also features a Literacy Communities (LCOM) course for students with intellectual disabilities. Students in the LCOM course will learn and develop reading comprehension, social skills, practical math, and computer skills. An Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) will be developed based on the student's self-identified goals and the results of the student's entrance assessment. Students will work in small groups, one-on-one with the instructor or tutor, and independently on a curriculum designed to meet their goals.

This course is offered over two semesters (September- April) for those who demonstrate the minimum reading level, can interact in classroom discussions, attend classes consistently, and manage the campus independently.

Tuition

Tuition will vary by course and program. Our tuition estimator will give you an approximate cost of the tuition for your favoured program.

Academic Advising

For academic and course planning, book an appointment with an ACP Upgrading Advisor.

Adult Upgrading Grants (AUG)

The AUG assists students who are upgrading their education in preparation for post-secondary level studies.