August 10, 2022 | Alberta

Going to college after high school has been seen as a natural progression by many people. But what if a prospective student wishes to pursue higher education in college but couldn’t obtain their high school diploma? This blog will help you discover the ways in which you can go to college, even if it’s without a high school diploma or GED.

After the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, more mature students are heading back to school in Canada than ever before. Some of these adults never received a high school education or couldn’t complete their high school diplomas due to many factors such as their financial situation, being homeschooled, or having to drop out due to personal reasons.

If you or someone you know falls under the category of adults who do not have a high school diploma, here are a three ways to get started on the college journey:

Enroll as a “Mature Student”

Many universities and college have a separate category of students to accommodate mature learners in their programs. This category is known as the mature student category. The qualifications for being recognized as a mature student vary by progrm and province of residency. Usually, it involves having reached a certain age and being a part of the workforce for a certain length of time. You can visit our website or talk to an admissions representative to find out if you can qualify to enroll as a mature student. 

Opt for Accelerated Training

An accelerated program that lets you complete your training and enter the workforce in a short period of time is one of the best options for people without a high school diploma. Students get practical hands-on training during their course of study and have endless options to choose from. CDI College offers a variety of programs in the business, health care, legal, art and design as well as education industry. Many of these programs can be completed in less than a year!

Get Your High School Diploma

For people who do not have a high school diploma, the Canadian government offers options to help them complete their education by offering courses through adult high schools, learning centres, community organizations, local boards, and online course offerings. These courses can help them complete high school diploma equivalent credentials, including:

• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
• General Educational Development (GED), specific to each province

You can learn more about how the government can support your journey to obtain a high school diploma through continuing education.

Conclusion

There are many good reasons to obtain your GED or high school diploma. However, it is not the end of the world if you don’t achieve this. Many post-secondary enrollment options are offered by CDI College to help you level up in your career journey so that you can achieve your dreams without a high school diploma or GED.

Many professions do not require a GED or even a degree, and your hard work and determination are the foundational pillars that will guide your success.