Adult learning programs

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) offers a variety of free educational programs for adults across the province. NSSAL programs serve Nova Scotian adults who want to:

Eligibility

To participate in a NSSAL program, you must:

  • currently reside in Nova Scotia
  • be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident or protected persons
  • be 18 years of age or older
  • not currently be in school
  • be proficient in speaking and listening in the language of instruction to benefit fully from NSSAL programs (requirement doesn’t apply to a Deaf learner)

Learners who are temporary residents with a 900 series Social Insurance Number are not eligible to participate in NSSAL funded programming.

To write the GED, in addition to the criteria above, you must also not have a high school diploma recognized by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Service delivery providers

NSSAL programs are offered through service delivery providers around the province. Program availability may vary between regions and providers. To find out which program is right for you, please contact our adult education coordinators (PDF) or a service delivery provider near you.

Community learning organizations

Community learning organizations offer various non-credit programs to Nova Scotians that aim to improve their literacy, essential and academic skills for work and everyday life. Contact a community learning organization (PDF) near you to find out more about their specific program offerings.

General Education Development preparation courses

GED preparation courses help adults to develop academic knowledge to take the GED tests. These courses may also include practice tests to help adults familiarize themselves with the testing structure. Practice tests do not replace actual proctored testing at a Nova Scotia Community College testing centre toward the GED.

Family literacy programs

Family literacy programs are offered at some community learning organizations, they promote literacy in the home between adult learners and their children or grandchildren. This can include in-person sessions, virtual learning or take-home activities.

Nova Scotia Community College and Université Sainte-Anne

These credit issuing institutions will enable you to earn credits toward your Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults. The adult learning program, ALP 4, is offered in English through Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and in French through Université Sainte-Anne.

Contact NSCC or the Université Sainte-Anne for more information about their adult learning program.

The NSCC also provides GED testing across 13 of their campuses. Testing locations and hours are available online.

Adult high schools

Some regional centres for education across the province have adult high schools which offer grade 11 and 12 credits (public school program) toward the Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults.

Contact an adult high school (PDF) near you for more information about their course offerings.

Contact

Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning
1-877-466-7725

Resources