Graduation Program

Adult Graduation Program

Welcome to the Adult Graduation website. This site contains links to most of the information that administrators, counsellors, instructors, and adult students may wish to know about the Adult Graduation Programs offered in BC school districts.

What is the Adult Graduation Program?

The Adult Graduation Program is offered in almost every school district in the province.  Adult students may finish the courses necessary for receiving their regular dogwood diploma, or may work towards the BC Adult Graduation Diploma (also known as the Adult Dogwood). Courses are also offered through colleges in BC; please contact your local college for more information or visit the Ministry of Advanced Education web site. In the adult program, 20 credits are needed for graduation.  This is different from the regular graduation program which requires 80 credits for graduation.  To be eligible for the adult dogwood, the student must be at least 19 years of age, and must take at least three of their courses leading towards graduation as an adult.

How is the Adult Graduation Program offered?  Do I have to attend a high school?

There are a variety of ways in which adult programs are offered.  Some school districts offer night classes with traditional classroom style teaching.  Other districts may offer more non-traditional learning environments that are designed to accommodate the educational needs of adult learners.  Please contact your local district for more information.  Adult learning centres are often storefront offices in downtown areas, or located in other public buildings.

Adults who are interested in taking courses leading towards graduation should always check with their local school district to see if spaces are available and what type of courses they offer.  The spaces are limited and students are usually admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

How do I get involved with the Adult Graduation Program?

Contact your local school district and ask to talk to a counsellor about the adult graduation programs in your area.

Do I have to pay tuition fees for the adult program?

All courses leading towards graduation are tuition-free.  After an adult has graduated, tuition will be charged for any additional courses.

What is the BC Adult Graduation Diploma?

The BC Adult Graduation Diploma refers to the high school graduation credential used jointly by both the colleges and the school districts.