OC Early Start
OC Early Start gives high school students a head start on post-secondary education through dual credit and hands-on sampler programs.
Reasons for an OC Early Start
- Explore passions early: Try out areas like trades, health care, technology, science, social studies, humanities or business early on.
- Get a real taste of college life: Experience college-level learning in a supportive environment.
- Get ahead academically: Earn college credits while still in high school through dual credit or concurrent enrolment.
- Learn by doing—and enjoy it: Hands-on programs offer real-world experience, whether in shops, labs, or summer camps.
- Build confidence and independence: Early college experiences help students feel more prepared and capable for their next step.
Bonus: From Grades 4–12, students can begin their OC journey in a way that suits their age and interests. Whether through Camp OC, Sampler, Dual Credit, Concurrent Enrolment, or other youth programs.
Dual credit programs and courses
Dual credit programs
Dual Credit programs are offered to students currently in high school who wish to take college level courses while continuing their high school education. These programs are a collaboration of the School Districts and ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ to help students achieve their academic, career and life goals.
In most cases, the School District sponsors the students for all or part of the tuition portion of the post-secondary program.
for more information.
Benefits to students:
- Graduate with a Grade 12 academic (Dogwood) Diploma plus up to one year of post-secondary education and training
- Gain accelerated access to a career or further post-secondary education and training
- In entry-level trades programs, students also earn Level 1 of their technical training with the
Please contact your high school counsellor to confirm program availability.
*Some limited seating programs are marked with an asterisk (*) to indicate they are high-demand programs. These are especially popular and often reach full capacity within the first week of the application period. To increase your chances of admission, we strongly recommend applying as early as possible.
To apply for Dual Credit programs students need to speak to the career counsellor in their school district:
Limited seating programs have a restricted number of seats available for Dual Credit students. We can only accept a certain number of applicants per program.
These programs are open to all eligible high school students, regardless of which school district they attend from. Seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Administrative Assistant Certificate (HYBRID)
Audio Engineering and Music Production Certificate
Bookkeeping/Accounting Certificate (HYBRID)
Dental Office Administrative Assistant (HYBRID)
Education Assistant Certificate
Landscape Horticulture Certificate
Nursing Unit Assistant Certificate
Video Game Prototyping Micro-Credential (HYBRID)
Academic Dual Credit Courses
Take post-secondary courses in high school and earn credits that count toward both your high school diploma and a future diploma, degree, or certificate. These academically focused courses are a great way to get ahead on your post-secondary goals.
Please note that the class schedule will be updated closer to registration dates, and course availability may vary.
*Some academic dual credit courses are marked with an asterisk (*). These are lab courses, please click course links to check for prerequisites.
ANTH 103 - Introduction to Anthropology
ANTH 121 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
CMNS 100 - Introduction to Communications
CMNS 110 - Introduction to Mass Communication
CRWR 116 - Introduction to Creative Writing I
CRWR 126 - Introduction to Creative Writing II
ECON 115 - Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 125 - Principles of Macroeconomics
EESC 101 - Environmental Science
EESC 121 - Natural History of the Earth
ENGL 101 - University Writing - Indigenous Focus
ENGL 150 - Critical Writing and Reading: Poetry and Drama
ENGL 151 - Critical Writing and Reading: Short Fiction and the Novel
GEOG 214 - Global Climate Change
GEOG 117 - Introduction to Human Geography I
GSWS 100 - Introduction to Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
HIST 115 - Contemporary World from 1900 to World War II
HIST 116 - History of Western Civilization, 1450 to 1789
INDG 100 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies
PHIL 114 - Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking I
PHIL 111 - Introduction to Philosophy I
PSYC 111 - Introduction to Psychology: Basic Processes
PSYC 121 - Introduction to Psychology: Personal Functioning
SOCI 111 - Introduction to Sociology I
SOCI 121 - Introduction to Sociology II
BIOL 111 - Biology for Science Majors I*
BIOL 112 - Evolution and Ecology*
BIOL 131 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 133 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIOL 122 - Physiology of Multicellular Organisms*
CHEM 111 - Principles of Chemistry I*
CHEM 117 - Introduction to Forensic Science*
DSCI 228 - Introduction to Applied Data Analytics
HKIN 100 - Personal Well-being
ICT 111 - Computer Components and Peripherals*
MATH 111 - Essential Mathematics for Arts
MATH 114 - Business Mathematics
PHYS 111 - Calculus-Based Physics I*
STAT 121 - Elementary Statistics
STAT 124 - Business Statistics
WET 125 - Operations, Planning and Maintenance for Water Engineering Technology*
For high school counsellors
Our team is here to help you guide your students through a successful transition to post-secondary, and into any of our trades, technologies, health, science, arts, continuing studies or foundational programs.
We can help you set up tours for your students at one of our campuses, arrange a Student for a Day (Job Shadow), bring a Spotlight Session to your school, attend an event, or present about programs and admission requirements at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Recruiters are available to help students explore the possibilities available to them at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.
School resources for dual credit application
- Dual Credit Programs & Courses Application Checklist
- Dual Credit Approval Letter (School Letter of Recommendation)
- Consent to Release Information (ROI)
- *
*Students must be admitted to OC to view class availability and schedules through their account. For further assistance, contact an OC Education Advisor.
Agreements
In collaboration with the following School Districts (No. 19, 22, 23, 51, 53, 58, 67, and 83), ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ offers preferred admission seats to secondary students for select post-secondary programs. This initiative aims to support and facilitate the smooth transition of students from secondary education to post-secondary opportunities.
If your school doesn’t currently have an agreement with us, please fill out this .
Concurrent enrolment
Concurrent enrolment allows you, as a Grade 11 or 12 student, to enrol in college courses while finishing your high school diploma. No more than 12 credits obtained through concurrent studies may be applied toward a certificate, diploma or degree at the College.
This is not funded by school districts and is not considered as dual credit.
To apply for concurrent enrolment please ensure to do the following:
- Notify your high school counsellor for guidance to apply
- Submit an application through and pay a $30 application fee
- Submit an email to Admissions (admissions@okanagan.bc.ca) to confirm your application as a concurrent enrolment student
The following conditions will apply:
- The applicant must have a superior academic record
- The applicant must have the support and written recommendation of the secondary school principal
- The applicant must be enrolled at the Grade 11 or 12 level in a program of studies that meets the regular entrance requirements of the College program to which admission is sought
- The applicant must have the written approval of the appropriate ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ dean for the courses in which the applicant plans to enrol
- The applicant must have the written consent of the parent or legal guardian if under the age of majority on the first day of classes
Admission will be limited to one academic year; however, this may be renewable with the continued support of the regional dean and the program dean. Students in concurrent studies will be treated as regular students except that they may not enrol in a full course load. Their selection of courses must be approved by the appropriate dean, and their eligibility to register is valid for one year unless renewed by the dean. Standard transcripts will be issued, and fees, deadlines and all other regulations will be as for regular students.
If you are enrolled in concurrent studies at the College and satisfy program entrance requirements upon your secondary school graduation, you will be treated as a continuing student and will not be required to reapply but you may be fully admitted to the college program. For further details you can speak with the career counsellor at your high school or one of our college recruiters.
FAQ
Dual credit programs and courses allows high school students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously by completing them at OC. Subsidized and coordinated through your school district.
Sampler program let you explore different fields like health, tech, or trades without the pressure of committing to a full program. Typically offered for Gr. 10-12 (Ages 15-18) and usually does not provide credits.
Concurrent enrolment allows you to enrol in college courses while finishing your high school diploma. You need to apply for these through the college instead of through your high school. This is not funded by school districts and is not considered as dual credit.
To set up a Student for a Day experience, you’ll join a current college class for the day to see what it’s like to be a student at OC. You’ll observe class activities, explore shops and kitchens, and have the chance to speak with instructors and students. To book your experience, please contact the OC Recruitment Team.
Important: If you’re a high school student enrolled in the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ region (from Osoyoos and Princeton to Mica Creek and Revelstoke), please arrange your Student for a Day through your Career Centre Coordinator or School Counsellor. The experience is free of charge. Please note that CSA-certified steel toe boots are required for most trades programs in order to participate.
Yes! Participation in an Experience OC event can be used as a substitute for the Student for a Day experience. Please make sure to check with your school to confirm they accept this option. Also, bring any necessary documentation with you and ask the session facilitator to sign it at the end of your session.
We’re actively working to expand our partnerships and increase agreements throughout our communities to provide more opportunities for students. If your school doesn’t currently have an agreement with ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, please contact your school (in case you're a parent or student) and ask them to complete our to get started. If you are a school representative, please fill out the form yourself.
We recommend starting to plan as early as Grade 9. This allows enough time to meet prerequisites and admission requirements, ensuring a smooth path into dual credit courses.