Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Requirements
 Ontario Ministry of Education - click here
In order to be granted an OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma), students must complete a total of 30 credits, 18 of which
are compulsory, and 12 of which are elective. Students must also complete two non-credit requirements. All of these requirements
are stipulated by the Ontario Ministry of
Education , and are used in all Ontario schools, both private and public.
Compulsory Credits:
4 English (one at each grade level)
3 Math (grade 9, grade 10, and grade 11 or 12)
2 Science (grade 9, grade 10)
1 additional Science (grade 11 or 12) or Technology (grade 9-12)
1 Geography (grade 9)
1 History (grade 10)
1 Arts
1 Physical Education
1 French
1 Career Studies/Civics
1 additional English, Third Language, Social Science, or Canadian and World Studies
1 additional Arts, Business or Physical Education
Elective Credits:
12 elective credits must also be completed. These may be in any subject area, at any grade level.
Non-Credit Requirements:
In addition to credit requirements, students must also fulfill 2 non-credit requirements. This includes passing the
OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) and completing 40 hours of community involvement.
Equivalent Credits:
If a student has completed secondary school courses in their home country, many of these credits may be used toward their
diploma in Ontario.
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Evaluating Overseas Schooling for Credit Purposes
When a student comes to SOC, his/her transcript is evaluated to determine how many compulsory credits he/she has already
earned and how many more credits are required in order to achieve an Ontario High School Diploma.
When applying to SOC, each student must fax or mail their high school transcripts. This will help us to assess their
equivalent credits and figure out which courses a student will need to take, and how long they will
need to study at SOC before attending university or college.
Students are given English and math tests upon arrival at the College. Our testing instruments include SAT tests,
TOEFL tests, and SLEP tests. Decisions for student placement are made dependent on the student's results.
Students also write English essays on generic topics.
Students are always provided with the option to move up to a higher level once they have proven their ability.
SOC honours international transcripts which are comprehensive, clear and come from respected educational systems.
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Different Types of Courses in Ontario Secondary Schools
The Ontario secondary school curriculum is designed with several types of courses.
Grade 9 and 10:
Applied Courses
Courses intended for students who wish to study at college or join the workforce after completing secondary school.
These are usually used as prerequisites for college preparation courses in grade 11 and 12.
Academic Courses
Courses intended for students who wish to study at university after completing high school. These are usually used as
prerequisites for university preparation courses in grade 11 and 12.
Open Courses
Courses intended for all students.
Grade 11 and 12:
College Preparation Courses
Courses intended for students who wish to study at college after completing high school.
Workplace Preparation Courses
Courses intended for students who wish join the work force after completing high school.
University Preparation Courses
Courses intended for students who wish to study at university after completing high school.
Open Courses
Courses intended for all students.
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An Explanation of Subject Areas in Ontario
Social Sciences
Family Studies (Home Economics), Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy
and World Religions
Canadian and World Studies
Economics, Geography, History, Law and Politics
Technology
Communications Technology, Construction Technology, Health and Personal Service (Health Care, Aesthetics, Child Development,
Gerontology, Medical Technology), Hospitality and Tourism, Manufacturing Technology, Technological Design,
Transportation Technology, Computer and Information Science and Computer Engineering
Business
General Business, Information Technology, Accounting, Entrepreneurial Studies, International Business,
Marketing, Organizational Studies and Human Resources
Arts
Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music and Visual Arts
English
Literature, Literacy Skills, Media Studies, Presentation and Speaking,
Writer's Craft and Communications
Math
General Math, Calculus, Algebra and Finite Math
Science
General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Physics,
Agriculture and Horticulture
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Selection of Courses
SOC helps students make appropriate educational choices and
career plans. Our guidance counselors, teacher-advisors and teachers help students to determine
their interests, needs, and special strengths, and explore the broad range of learning and employment opportunities
open to them.
University Preparation Courses
SOC's university preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance
requirements for university programs. The range of courses offered and the content of these courses will allow students to
prepare for university programs and related careers. All university preparation courses are based on the Ontario Ministry of Education
requirements.
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Admission Requirements for University and College
University (4 year degree):
All universities require six level 4 (4U) university
preparation courses, and a completed (OSSD) high school diploma (including 40 hours of community involvement and, if necessary,
a passing grade on the Ontario Literacy Test). Here is a list of common course requirements to help you plan your studies.
Program: Business or Commerce:
English
Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus
One other math (Data Management, Geometry and Discrete Math)
Three other university preparation (4U) courses (computers, geography, accounting,
economics, etc.)
Program: Science or Engineering:
English
Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus
Geometry and Discrete Math
Data Management (not always necessary)
Chemistry
Biology or Physics
Other university preparation courses (computers, geography, accounting, economics, etc.)
Program: Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Humanities and Arts
English and 5 other university preparation courses (computers, geography, accounting, economics, etc.)
College of Applied Arts & Technology (2 or 3 year diploma):
Each college in Canada has its own specific set of requirements. Most require:
A completed OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) including 40 hours of community involvement and, if necessary,
a passing grade on the Ontario Literacy Test. Grade 12 English (either college or university preparation). One grade 12 math (not applicable for all college programs).
Note: Admission requirements change yearly. Updated information is available from SOC's University Placement Office.
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All Programs
Credit
