Option 1: Regular secondary school diploma

In most of the provinces studied, adults have the option to complete a regular secondary diploma. (In Nova Scotia, adults who are over the age of 19 and out of school for more than one year must pursue a special adult diploma instead). While the requirements for a secondary diploma are similar across all provinces, there are important provincial differences in terms of service providers, costs, and special provisions made for mature learners.

• Service delivery - In Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia, adult learners may pursue a secondary diploma either through secondary or post-secondary institutions. In Ontario, adult learners may only pursue a high-school diploma through the secondary system or through the Independent Learning Centre (see Box 4.1). In Québec, adult learners may pursue a secondary school diploma or a diploma of vocational studies (vocational branch of secondary school) through an adult education centre.¹⁴
• Costs - There are significant differences in the costs and financial supports available to learners across provinces. In British Columbia, Ontario and Québec, pursuing a highschool diploma is free for students of any age. In British Columbia, adult learners may also be eligible for funding to help cover textbooks, transportation and other costs. In Alberta, students over 19 must pay tuition fees. However, if individuals are deemed ‘eligible’ by the Alberta Ministry of Advanced Education, the government covers 100 percent of their tuition and books costs. The Alberta government estimates that approximately three-quarters of full-time upgrading students are currently receiving government funding. In addition, some adult learners, who are not funded directly by the government, receive funding from Aboriginal and Metis Nations.
• Special provisions – Most provinces make some provision for adults. In Alberta, an adult learner may enrol in a high-school credit course without the necessary prerequisite(s). If the individual passes this course, they are also given credit for the prerequisite(s). In British Columbia, Ontario and Québec, adult learners may achieve credits through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

¹⁴ The Québec legislation defines two “régimes pédagogiques” (basic regulations), one for the youth and one for the adults. Everyone is in the “youth sector” until the end of compulsory education (age 16 presently). Beyond compulsory education one may choose to move to the “adult sector” for obtaining educational services.