Academic Upgrading Tutoring for Mature Students

Why Academic Upgrading Matters

Ontario’s Academic Upgrading (ACE) program is designed for adults who never finished high school or need Grade 12-level credits to meet admission requirements. It’s often the first step for mature students aiming for Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Paramedic, or University studies.

Who Needs Academic Upgrading?

You may need Academic Upgrading if you:

➤ Did not complete high school (missing OSSD / Grade 12 diploma).
➤ Completed high school years ago but lack required sciences or math for health programs.
➤ Studied internationally and need Ontario-equivalent prerequisites.
➤ Want to improve grades to meet program cut-offs.

Courses Offered in Academic Upgrading (ACE)

➤ Communications (Grade 12 English equivalent)
➤ Core Mathematics (Grade 12 Math equivalent)
➤ Biology, Chemistry, or Physics (depending on program requirements)
➤ Computer Studies (sometimes required)

Your Questions Answered

Who Can Take Academic Upgrading?

Academic Upgrading is open to:

➤ Adults 19+ without an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
➤ Mature students needing prerequisites for college or university programs.
➤ Internationally educated students needing Ontario equivalencies.

Why Take Academic Upgrading?

It allows you to:

➤ Complete missing English, Math, or Science credits.
➤ Prove readiness for higher education after years away.
➤ Improve grades to meet competitive cut-offs in health programs.

Why Not Apply Directly to College or University?

Without Grade 12-level courses (English, Math, Sciences), most colleges and universities will not accept your application. Academic Upgrading provides the recognized pathway to eligibility.

1) How do I know if I need Academic Upgrading?

Check admission pages for your chosen program. Missing Grade 12 English, Math, or Sciences? Low marks or international transcripts? You’ll likely need upgrading before applying.

2) When should I prepare to enroll?

You can start Academic Upgrading any time. Colleges offer multiple intakes per year. Many students complete it before applying to Nursing, Dental Hygiene, or other health programs.

3) What grades should I aim for?

To move into competitive health programs, aim for:

➤ 65–70%+ in English and Math for college diplomas (e.g., Practical Nursing, PSW).
➤ 75–80%+ in Biology, Chemistry, and Math for degrees (e.g., BScN, Dental Hygiene).

Tip: Academic Upgrading is not just about eligibility — it’s about rebuilding your confidence as a student. Many mature students use it as a first step back into education.

Top Academic Upgrading Programs in Ontario

Institution	Program	Highlights
George Brown College	ACE – Academic and Career Entrance	Flexible part-time and full-time delivery
Humber College	Academic Upgrading (ACE)	Free for eligible Ontario residents
Mohawk College	Academic Upgrading (ACE)	Bridge to health, technology, and trades programs
Algonquin College	Academic Upgrading (ACE)	Online and in-person learning options

Success Spotlight

Countless mature students have used Academic Upgrading to re-enter education and pursue health careers. With tutoring support, they built confidence in Math, English, and Sciences to qualify for Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Paramedic programs.

Future testimonials from upgrading students will be added here.

Academic Upgrading Tutoring for Mature Students

Why Academic Upgrading Matters

Who Needs Academic Upgrading?

Courses Offered in Academic Upgrading (ACE)

Your Questions Answered

Who Can Take Academic Upgrading?

Why Take Academic Upgrading?

Why Not Apply Directly to College or University?

1) How do I know if I need Academic Upgrading?

2) When should I prepare to enroll?

3) What grades should I aim for?

Top Academic Upgrading Programs in Ontario

Success Spotlight

Academic Upgrading Pathway

Academic Upgrading

Pre-Health Science

College/University Programs

Career

Start Your Academic Upgrading Journey Today