OSSD Diplomas

Empowering Your Future with High-Quality Education

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is an internationally recognized qualification that opens doors to numerous educational and career opportunities for international students. Awarded by the Ontario Ministry of Education in Canada, the OSSD represents a high standard of academic achievement and signifies the completion of secondary education.

The OSSD is highly regarded by universities and colleges worldwide, offering international students a competitive advantage in their pursuit of higher education. With its rigorous academic requirements, the OSSD equips students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and credentials to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.

To earn the OSSD, students are required to accumulate a total of 30 secondary school course credits, comprising 18 compulsory courses and 12 optional courses. Additionally, students must fulfill a community involvement requirement of 10 hours per year and pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). International students have the opportunity to transfer their previous coursework from their home country to obtain Ontario secondary school credits by presenting their original transcripts to the school.

The OSSD holds significant value as it not only grants students a recognized diploma but also opens doors to diverse educational pathways and opportunities. Students with an OSSD are well-positioned to pursue higher education at Canadian and international universities, setting them on a path towards future success.

What are the requirements to graduate from high school?

30 Credits

• 18 Compulsory Credits
  Examples of compulsory subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Canadian History & Geography, the Arts, Health & Physical Education, Second Language, Career Studies, and Civics.
• 12 Optional Credits
  Students can choose elective courses from the course calendar.

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

• Prepared and evaluated by the EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office)
• Assess language skills based on the Ontario curriculum expectations for language and communication – particularly reading and writing – up to and including Grade 9.
• Students who don’t pass the OSSLT will have the opportunity to retake the test or complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) to fulfill the requirement for a secondary school diploma.

40 Hours of Community Involvement

• Students are required to complete 40 hours of community service.
• These hours can be completed at any time during their years in the secondary school program.
• Community service can be performed in various settings, including businesses, not-for-profit organizations, public sector institutions (including hospitals), and informal settings, as long as community service doesn’t replace paid employment.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

• Upon successful completion of high school, students are granted the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
• Students who have taken secondary school courses in another country will receive equivalent credits based on the successful completion of those courses.