Do you need your Grade 12 equivalency to meet admission requirements for a college program or for employment?
Are you missing a course or two required for your college application? Or have you been out of school for a while and need to brush up on your skills to prepare for college, apprenticeship, or the workplace?
If so, the tuition-free Academic Upgrading program may be the perfect choice for you!
The supportive adult-learning environment allows you to complete your coursework at your own pace. Complete English, math, or science courses needed to meet college diploma entrance requirements. Earn the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate, which is recognized across Ontario as a Grade 12 equivalency certificate for college admission, apprenticeships, and by many employers as meeting minimum employment standards.
You can also strengthen your digital literacy, computer skills, and personal and academic success strategies to support your learning journey.
Plus, get a taste of college academics by taking one tuition-free college course while enrolled in our program (dual enrolment for qualified ACE students)!
For more information, check out the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Program page linked below or fill out the online form, and our Academic Upgrading team will connect with you.
Contact Us
Phone: 705-759-2554 ext. 2433
Email: academicupgrading@saultcollege.ca
Facebook: @academicupgradingsaultcollege.ca
FAQ
- When are courses offered?
Courses are offered Monday to Friday from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. We offer year-round delivery with a one- or two-week break between terms. Students have 24/7 access to the Learning Management System (LMS).
- When can I start?
Academic Upgrading runs year-round with weekly intake. Placement testing in English and math may be required based on your goals. Once your eligibility is determined via placement tests and/or transcript review, you will complete the registration and orientation process. Then you can start your classes!
- How long will it take?
This depends on your placement, the time you spend on your studies, and how quickly you learn. Students may take anywhere from a few months to two years to reach their goals. When you attend orientation, you will get a personalized training plan that outlines approximate completion dates for your courses.
- What will it cost?
- The program is tuition free for most Ontario residents
- Learning materials and textbooks are loaned to students and must be returned in good condition
- A tote with a pen, pencil, and ear buds are provided
- I only need a course or two to enter college. Can you help?
Yes! Many of our students take just the course work they need to enter a college program. ACE-level courses meet college diploma program pre-requisites in math, English, and the sciences and are transferable to any Ontario college.
- What courses are offered?
- Communications (English)
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics (starting fall 2025)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Digital Literacy
- Student Success
- What are the courses like?
We offer the following course structures:- Self-paced, self-directed learning in a classroom or asynchronous online setting
- Computer-based and computer-assisted learning
- What if I've been out of school for many years?
We provide a supportive and welcoming start to higher education via refresher courses in math, English, computers, or student success. The SEL 93: Foundations course prepares you for the demands of a college education and aids in balancing academic and personal life.
- What if I'm not good with computers?
The digital literacy assessment allows you to see which skills you need to develop. Learn basic computer skills as well as the Windows environment, word processing, spreadsheets, database, and PowerPoint programs. Earn computer skills certificates in a variety of areas. We’re a Northstar Digital Literacy assessment and delivery site.- How do I enter college as "mature student"?
To see if your current English and/or math skills qualify you for direct entrance into a college program, you must write math and English assessments through Student Services for a fee. Save time and money by taking our free placement tests in math and English first to see if you'd be able to pass the "mature student" assessments. If you upgrade math or English with us, you will not have to pay the "mature student" assessment fees.- I heard you cover costs for a college course. Is this true?
Qualified ACE-level students enrolled in Academic Upgrading at Sault College can take a tuition-free, college-level course that counts toward a college certificate or diploma! We will even cover the cost of the textbooks. This is a great opportunity for students to “sample” a college course offering without having to take a full load. If you successfully complete a college course required for your intended college program, you will have a reduced course load in one of the semesters of full-time postsecondary enrolment.
The ACE Certificate program can be completed as full-time or part-time studies.