Études secondaires pour adultes (DESPA)

The Études secondaires pour adultes program (DESPA) is run by the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) and helps francophone adult students obtain a high school diploma. Individuals acquire knowledge in various disciplines, including French, mathematics, English as a second language and science.

The program also allows students who already hold a high school diploma to improve the grade of a previously passed course and to take prerequisite courses for the post-secondary education of their choice. 

Individuals interested in this program may need to undergo placement tests. They must pass seven mandatory courses and three elective courses to receive their high school diploma.

This program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis at nine locations: Bathurst, Bouctouche, Campbellton, Caraquet, Dieppe, Edmundston, Shediac, Shippagan and St-Louis de Kent. Remote learning is also available for people in rural communities. 

To enter the DESPA program, applicants must:

• have completed grade 8 or its equivalent
• be at least 18 years old or turn 18 during the enrollment year
• have been out of public school for at least one year

Candidates receiving home education must:

• have completed grade 8 or its equivalent
• be at least 16 years old or turn 16 during the enrollment year
• submit a copy of the Minister’s letter to parents allowing exemption from public school

These requirements are the same as for the CESA program.

Subjects offered in the program:

• English as a Second Language
• Biology
• Chemistry
• French
• Software Applications
• History
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Natural Sciences

Courses may vary from one campus to another based on demand. Lectures and individualized instruction allow students to progress at their own pace. They are guided in their learning and must set deadlines that are monitored by a teacher.

To receive the diploma, students must successfully complete the following courses:

• French 11th grade
• French 12th grade
• Mathematics 11th grade (first course 11th)
• Science 10th grade
• English as a Second Language 10th grade
• History 11th grade
• Computer Science
• Three elective courses, including one pure science course

By submitting proof of academic achievements, the candidate may receive recognition for courses already completed, provided their content is equivalent to the courses required for the DESPA. CCNB recognizes courses offered in secondary schools and alternative schools (e.g., Vitrail) that are officially recognized, for both francophone and anglophone sectors.

Students also have the possibility of receiving experiential recognition by presenting documents that validate competencies equivalent to a course.

Each course costs $300.