Before you get started...
Do some career research.
Answering the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?” takes a little more thought now than it did when you were a kid. It is important to research your career options and figure out what you want to be.
Meet with an advisor.
Upgrading courses are used only for admission to post-secondary institutions and do not count towards completing a high school diploma or CAEC. Check with an academic advisor to determine if your career path requires a high school diploma.
Make “cents” of your money.
We have two different types of upgrading courses, and each type is funded differently. Our Grade 12 equivalent courses are not post-secondary courses and therefore not eligible for student loans. For these courses, you may be eligible for Foundational Learning Assistance or other funding through your financial institution. Our post-secondary preparation courses are eligible for funding by student loans.
How to become an upgrading student
Once you’ve determined your career path and ensured that you need upgrading for admission purposes, you are ready to become an upgrading student at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
We invite you to visit us on-campus to explore the many possibilities that are available to you at Lethbridge Polytechnic:
Applying to Lethbridge Polytechnic has never been easier. We’re part of ApplyAlberta, your one-stop application site that allows you to apply to Lethbridge Polytechnic and authorize the transfer of your Alberta high school and/or post-secondary transcripts.
Your first stop for information about grants for upgrading students and various financial planning resources.
Although you may not have finished high school, it is helpful to know which courses you have previously completed. Bring a copy with you to your advising appointments or when you apply.
An academic advisor can help you choose the best courses to meet your goals, and they’re available to meet with you in person, by phone, and by video call.
If you receive an Offer of Admission, return your acceptance of the Offer of Admission along with a tuition deposit to accept your seat in the program.
After your tuition deposit has been processed, you will register yourself in your upgrading courses.
Comparing Traditional Upgrading to Post-Secondary Preparation Courses:
| Traditional Upgrading Courses (Grade 12 level) | Post-Secondary Preparation Courses |
|---|---|
| Accepted for admission at most post-secondary institutions | Accepted for admission at Lethbridge Polytechnic |
| Not eligible for funding by loans (may be eligible for Foundational Learning Assistance) | Eligible for funding by loans |
| Recommended to have Grade 11 level background before attempting the Grade 12 level course | Recommended to have Grade 10 level background before attempting the post-secondary preparation course |
| Typically completed while enrolled in the Academic Upgrading program | Typically completed while enrolled in General Arts and Science (or Open Studies) |
| Subjects include English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics | Subjects include Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics |
| Course numbers start with “003” (e.g, MTH-0032, BIO-0030) | Course numbers start with “113” (e.g., MTH-1130, BIO-1130, BIO-1131). Note: LAR-1130 is not considered a post-secondary preparation course. |