University and College Access Program (UCAP)

Are you looking for a pathway to a new career?

Aurora College will be accepting applications in person and by email for fall 2026 programs while the application self-service web-portal remains offline for maintenance. Applications will be processed once the completed form is received and application fees are paid. Fees can be paid in person at any Aurora College campus or by phone at 1-866-266-4966.

School:

Locations:

Program length: 1 Year

Start date: September

Credential:

  • Aurora College Record of Achievement

Delivery:

  • Full Time
  • Classroom
Apply Online

Program Description

The University and Access Program (UCAP) is under the broader umbrella of the Aurora College School of Developmental Studies. UCAP provides a combination of prerequisite and college preparation courses to enable students to enter the following Aurora College post-secondary programs: General Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nurse, Business Administration, and Environment and Natural Resources Technology.

UCAP includes a combination of 85 percent Adult Basic Education (ABE) and British Columbia Grade 11 and 12 courses, and 15 percent Specialty Access courses. The Aurora College School of Developmental Studies has developed the ABE curriculum to include five levels of study. The ABE Courses in UCAP range from Grade 10 to Grade 12 levels.

Courses in this program enable students to learn or relearn skills needed to meet employment, personal or educational goals. Participants in the University and College Access Program enroll in a program of study according to their career goals and academic levels. UCAP is designed to be one academic year in length.

Due to the extensive range of courses available, the course offerings will vary at each Aurora College campus location. The courses for every Aurora College Career Pathway may not be available at each campus. Participants mainly enroll in the program to meet the prerequisite entry requirements for Aurora College certificate, diploma, and degree programs. Students may enroll in this program on a full-time basis through either classroom or distance (online) delivery.

Aurora College has developed a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process to ensure the ABE curriculum used in the Access Programs is current and relevant.

Program Eligibility

Individuals must be at least seventeen years of age and meet specific academic prerequisites depending on their career pathway of choice.

Applicant Assessment

Applicants must meet the program eligibility requirements and may be required to complete assessments to assess English (reading and writing) and math skills. The assessment methods are not pass or fail, but are designed to place the learner at an appropriate level. Also, as part of the placement process, Aurora College staff will interview each participant to assess suitability for the program and course selection. If secondary school (grades 10-12) transcripts can be provided, a copy of the transcript will also be used to assist with the assessment.

Program Admission

Applicants must meet the program eligibility requirements. High school transcripts must be provided, and if necessary, Aurora College placement assessments may be administered to determine an applicant’s academic levels. Depending on the applicant’s chosen pathway, they will be advised/requested to submit a criminal record check and/or immunization record.

Program Information

  1. Access Program delivery varies at each campus location.

  2. The program consists of 85 percent core courses in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Computers, and 15 percent Specialty Access courses. Not all courses are available at all locations.

  3. An NWT Secondary School Diploma may be obtained by adult learners who complete a minimum of 20 academic credits through the Adult Diploma pathway. While ABE courses are not for-credit courses, they may be eligible for secondary school credit in the NWT. Applicable course grades are submitted to ECE at the end of each academic semester.

  4. Students are placed in a program of study based on their interests and needs.

  5. Most courses are delivered in the classroom, but some courses may be delivered through distance delivery.

  6. Students attend all scheduled classes in accordance with College and/or Program policy.

Program Objectives

The University and College Access Program (UCAP) will provide the students with the following opportunities to:

  1. Achieve prerequisite courses for entry into post-secondary programs at Aurora College (Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nurse, General Studies, Business Administration, and Environment and Natural Resources Technology);
  2. Develop basic skills in specific subject areas using the Adult Basic Education (ABE) curriculum Grade 10 to Grade 12 levels;
  3. Expand critical and creative thinking skills;
  4. Acquire skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to meet personal, employment, or educational goals;
  5. Explore a range of learning experiences;
  6. Apply new knowledge to different situations;
  7. Develop career pathways leading directly to employment or entry into post-secondary programs through the study of carefully chosen courses;
  8. Identify skills, knowledge, and attitudes acquired through life experiences as well as course-based learning; and
  9. Explore an alternative pathway for adult learners to earn an NWT Secondary School Diploma.

Completion Requirements

Students must achieve 50 percent or greater in all courses, including the Specialty Access courses, unless otherwise identified in the course outline.

Aurora College post-secondary programs and other colleges/universities may require higher course pass marks for entrance into specified programs of study.

The course completion requirements for an Aurora College Access Program Record of Achievement are determined by the chosen career pathway.

Document of Recognition

Record of Achievement

NWT Secondary School Diploma may be awarded by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) to an adult learner who meets the adult NWT Secondary School Diploma requirements.

Courses

Tuition & Fees Housing Information