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Developmental Studies

Sylvia Duffy: Deciding to change her life was only the beginning. Read more.

Upgrade your skills for free

Great news for students looking to improve reading, writing and math skills: upgrading courses are now tuition FREE! (some college fees may apply).

That's right. The Provincial Government will pick up the tuition tab for your Developmental Studies courses at Douglas College (some schools call these courses "Adult Basic Education"). Your previous level of education doesn't matter - even if you didn't graduate from high school, you are eligible for free tuition.

Been out of the workforce a while? Looking to get ahead in your job or even switch to a new career? Developmental Studies courses prepare you to meet the requirements for any Douglas College program. Now that those courses are tuition free, there's nothing standing in your way.

All you need to do to get started is to apply to the College and complete an Assessment which will place you in the course that's right for you. To set up your assessment, call 604-527-5463 (New Westminster Campus) or 604-777-6196 (David Lam Campus in Coquitlam).

And for general information about Developmental Studies courses, please contact the DVST Coordinator.

(Note: the free tuition is not available for English as a Second Language courses.)

Foundation Programming

DVST offers two other ways to upgrade skills.

Human Services Foundation Program
This integrated course is for students wishing to pursue future studies and employment in human services.

Pre-Business Foundation Program

This one semester, full time program provides students with upgrading of math, English and word processing skills, as well as three credits of a university-transferable business course.

Meet some DVST students

Dean Lariviere: Education was his best option for a better future.

Sheryle Lissimore: Starting college is a big step. She made sure she was ready.