Dual Credit

As a high school student, you have the opportunity to take a post-secondary course and earn credits in high school and at Northwestern Polytechnic at the same time. You can experience our courses, teaching styles and learning environments while continuing to receive support from your high school Guidance Counsellor and your parents.

Why dual credit?

Participating in dual credit enables you to progress toward a post-secondary program before finishing high school or to prepare for the workforce after completing high school. Dual credit can help you determine what post-secondary program to apply for by finding areas of study you're interested in or ruling out areas in which you thought you were interested. Research indicates a number of benefits from being involved in dual credit programs, including increases in student attendance, student engagement and achievement, and career and life goal setting.

What courses are offered, and how are they delivered?

Dual credit is available for:

• University Transfer courses
• Certificate and Diploma programs

We offer dual credit courses in person, through video conference and online. Currently, dual credit opportunities are available in many different programs. A complete list of courses is here. Your school's Guidance Counsellor will have details about courses and programs available to your school.

Who is eligible for dual credit?

Generally, students in grades 11 and 12 can apply for dual credit courses. Your school's Guidance Counsellor will assist you to determine if you're eligible and if there is a dual credit course or program that fits your interests and schedule. Courses have different prerequisites to consider when selecting which one to apply for. You can contact dualcredit@NWpolytechca for assistance as well.

What does it cost to enrol?

Each school district will address costs independently. Please speak to your Guidance Counsellor for the particulars of your school. You can expect to pay the application fee when you apply, but your school may cover the cost of tuition and expect you to cover the costs of the textbook or other additional fees. They may also ask you to submit a Caution Fee to be reimbursed once you successfully complete the course. Ask your Guidance Counsellor about your school district's Caution Fee.

How do I apply?

Meet with your high school Guidance Counsellor to plan course or program options. You will be required to complete an Application Package and submit this, along with the Application and Caution Fees, to your school. The school will make arrangements to send it to our admission team. To get an application package, please talk to your school's Guidance Counsellor or Principal; you can also contact dualcredit@NWpolytech.ca. 

We strongly encourage you to submit your package as early as possible to save your seat in a course. Registration begins in the May before the next academic year, and you may register for both fall and winter courses. Please note that application packages submitted at the start of a semester will have delays in processing, and a seat in the course may not be available.

How do I know if I am accepted?

Once NWP Admissions approves your application, we will notify you by email and direct you to your myNWP Self-Service Account to register. If there are concerns with your application, Admissions will contact you.

When do I start, how will I know where to go, and what textbook do I need?

Most courses start in our fall and winter semesters, beginning in early September and January. Before classes start, we host a new student where you will receive all the necessary information about being an NWP student. If you cannot attend or have questions along the way, you are always welcome to contact dualcredit@NWpolytech.ca, 780.539.2911, or call toll free 1.888.539.4772.

Once classes start, your instructor will communicate directly with you, often through myClass. If you are struggling, please get in touch your instructor, dualcredit@NWpolytech.ca, and/or your guidance counselor. We want you to be successful and will help you address the issue or look at options to ensure you meet your goals.

You can find what textbook your course requires through the on-campus Bookstore.

Academic Advising

If you're starting to plan for post-secondary (it's never too early to start!), an Academic Advisor can help answer your questions. They can explain how a dual credit course would fit into a program, transfer to another institution, or if you have the high school requirements to get into a program. To book an appointment, please go to Student Services, Grande Prairie Campus Office H103, or call 1-888-539-4772.

Can I take a course with you and still go to another University?

Many of our dual credit courses are transferable to other institutions. The ACAT Guide will help you understand NWP course transferability to Alberta universities. If you have any questions about transferring, please speak with an Advisor.

Do I get an official transcript?

YES! You will receive a letter grade on an official NWP transcript. Your high school transcript will include a numeric grade for the equivalent course(s) and a note that a post-secondary institution awarded it.

Questions?

Please contact dualcredit@NWpolytech.ca, 780.539.2911, or 1.888.539.4772.