Adults looking to upgrade their academic skills to access high-priority post-secondary career programs will continue to benefit from tuition-free Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) pathway programs across B.C.

The Province is investing nearly $4 million to support delivery of 23 pathways at 11 public post-secondary institutions and Native Education College (NEC). Kwantlen Polytechnic University, with campuses in 91Ô­´´, Cloverdale, Surrey, and Richmond, will receive $180,421.

The pathway programs are offered in addition to existing ABE and ELL programming available throughout the province, which became tuition-free in 2017.

The ABE and ELL pathway programs were launched in 2022 and provide opportunities for students to upgrade English, math, and science skills to meet prerequisites for entry into high-priority post-secondary career programs, in areas such as health care, early childhood education, skilled trades and technology.

The programs help students transition into post-secondary education and skills training and set them up for success by helping them integrate into post-secondary life, tailoring programs to students’ target careers or disciplines, and offering career guidance and additional academic support.

The 11 public post-secondary institutions and NEC each offer unique approaches that reflect their region, student population and programming. For example, institutions may customize their pathways to meet the needs of Indigenous students, students living in rural areas, or newcomer students.

Since 2017, ABE and ELL courses have been offered tuition-free to more than 85,000 students in B.C. The 2025-26 funding is the fourth round of one-time funding to support ABE/ELL.

Post-secondary institutions receiving pathway funds in 2025-26
• Camosun College ($397,120)
• Coast Mountain College ($108,614)
• College of Rockies ($159,040)
• Douglas College ($216,980)
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University ($180,421)
• Native Education College ($200,000)
• North Island College ($200,000)
• Northern Lights College ($194,880)
• Selkirk College ($598,440)
• University of the Fraser Valley ($505,719)
• Vancouver Community College ($581,705)
• Vancouver Island University ($600,000)