OSSD
What is OSSD?
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is the final certificate given to a high school student upon the successful completion of their studies. A student will earn one credit for each 110-hour course successfully completed. A minimum of 12 optional credits will be earned in courses of the student’s choice, reflecting particular interests and goals.
To receive an OSSD, students must:
- Earn 18 compulsory credits.
- Complete 40 hours of community involvement activities.
- Earn 12 optional credits (minimum).
- Pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test or Ontario Secondary School Course.
OSSD Advantages
Local Student Benefit
80% enrollment of Ontario universities comes from local students via OUAC101 Application.
Flexible Credit Transfer
International high school credits are acceptable to be transferred to Canadian high school.
Reasonable Course Selection
Students can select courses based on their own interests, as this makes it easier to earn good grades.
Fair Grading System
The final grade consists of 70% usual performance and 30% final exams, motivating students to have good behaviors at school.
Compulsory Credits (total of 18):
Plus One Additional Credit Is Required From Three Groups
Group 1:
- English
- French as a Second Language*
- Native Language
- Classical or International
- Language
- Social Science and the Humanities
- Canadian and World Studies
- Guidance and Career Education
- Cooperative Education**
Group 2:
- Health and Physical Education
- Arts
- Business Studies
- French as a Second Language*
- Cooperative Education**
Group 3:
- Science (Grade 11 or 12)
- Technological Education
- Computer Studies
- French as a Second Language
- Cooperative Education**
* A maximum of two additional credits in French as a Second Language can count as compulsory credits, one from group 1 and one from either group 2 or group 3. ** A maximum of two credits in Cooperative Education can count as compulsory credits.