OSSD Graduation Requirements: Complete Guide
Everything You Need to Know to Earn Your Ontario Secondary School Diploma
The OSSD graduation requirements outline what students must complete to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), including required credits and additional provincial graduation requirements.
The exact requirements depend partly on when a student entered Grade 9. Students transferring into the Ontario education system may also have previous learning assessed to determine their remaining diploma requirements.
Quick Answer
What Are the OSSD Graduation Requirements?
To earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), students must:
- Earn a minimum of 30 credits
- Meet the provincial secondary school literacy requirement
- Complete 40 hours of community involvement activities
- Meet the online learning graduation requirement, where applicable
- Meet the financial literacy graduation requirement, where applicable
OSSD Graduation Requirements at a Glance
To earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), students must earn a minimum of 30 credits and meet additional graduation requirements. Students who entered Grade 9 in 2023–24 or earlier generally require 18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits, while students who entered Grade 9 in 2024–25 or later require 17 compulsory credits and 13 optional credits. Students must also meet the provincial secondary school literacy graduation requirement and generally complete 40 hours of community involvement activities. Depending on when they entered Grade 9 and their individual circumstances, students may also need to complete two online learning credits and meet the Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement.
30 Credits OSSD Graduation Requirement
OSSD Requirements for Students Who Started Grade 9 in 2024–25 or Later
Students who began Grade 9 in the 2024–25 school year or later require 17 compulsory credits and 13 optional credits, for a total of 30 credits.
17 Compulsory Credits
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| English — 1 credit per grade | 4 |
| Mathematics — Grade 9, Grade 10, and 1 Grade 11 or 12 credit | 3 |
| Science | 2 |
| Technological Education — Grade 9 or 10 | 1 |
| Canadian History — Grade 10 | 1 |
| Canadian Geography — Grade 9 | 1 |
| The Arts | 1 |
| Health and Physical Education | 1 |
| French as a Second Language | 1 |
| Career Studies | 0.5 |
| Civics and Citizenship | 0.5 |
| Additional credit from the STEM-related group | 1 |
| Total | 17 |
The additional compulsory STEM-related credit may be selected from eligible courses in business studies, computer studies, cooperative education, mathematics, science, or technological education.
13 Optional Credits
Students also need 13 optional credits.
Optional credits allow students to build an academic program around their interests, strengths, graduation needs, and future goals.
Students planning to attend university or college should select their Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses carefully because postsecondary programs establish their own admission prerequisites.
OSSD Requirements for Students Who Started Grade 9 in 2023–24 or Earlier
Students who began Grade 9 in 2023–24 or earlier generally follow the previous OSSD credit structure:
- 18 compulsory credits
- 12 optional credits
- 30 credits in total
The older compulsory-credit framework includes the Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 additional compulsory-credit requirements.
Students in this cohort should have their individual academic record reviewed to determine which requirements they have already completed and which remain outstanding.
💡 Academic Planning Tip
Your optional credits can significantly influence your university admission opportunities. If you’re unsure which courses best support your future goals, our Academic Advising Team can help you create a personalized course plan.
Provincial Secondary School Literacy Requirement
Students must meet Ontario’s secondary school literacy graduation requirement to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
For most students, this means successfully completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). The OSSLT assesses the reading and writing skills students are expected to have developed by the end of Grade 9.
Students who do not successfully complete the OSSLT may be eligible to meet the literacy requirement by successfully completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC), in accordance with Ontario Ministry of Education policy.
Community Involvement Requirement
Students working toward an OSSD generally must complete at least 40 hours of community involvement activities.
Community involvement gives students opportunities to contribute to their communities while developing experience and transferable skills.
Students should confirm that planned activities meet Ontario’s eligibility requirements before completing their hours. For certain students transferring into an Ontario secondary school after completing two or more years of secondary school, the principal determines the number of community involvement hours required.
Online Learning Graduation Requirement
Students who entered Grade 9 in the 2020–21 school year or later generally must earn at least two online learning credits as part of their OSSD requirements.
The requirement also applies to adult learners who entered the Ontario secondary school system in 2023–24 or later.
Ontario provides processes through which eligible students can opt out or be exempted from this graduation requirement.
Online learning credits earned at OIS may count toward this graduation requirement. Students should speak with OIS to determine how their completed and planned courses apply to their individual OSSD requirements.
Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement
Ontario introduced a new financial literacy graduation requirement beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
It applies to students who entered Grade 9 in the 2025–26 school year or later, subject to specific exceptions established by Ontario.
Students normally complete the requirement as part of the compulsory Grade 10 Career Studies course.
To meet the requirement, students must achieve at least 70% on the financial literacy modules. Students have up to two attempts during the course, and the result contributes 5% of the final Career Studies mark.
Once successfully completed, the requirement is recorded on the student’s Ontario Student Transcript.
Important Exceptions
Ontario identifies exceptions, including certain students who:
- completed Career Studies before the 2026–27 school year
- completed certain locally developed Grade 9 mathematics pathways within the specified transition period
- enter an Ontario school from outside Ontario in Grade 11 or 12 and receive the relevant Grade 9 and 10 credits through the equivalency process
Because these rules depend on the student’s circumstances, OIS should assess the student’s academic record rather than assuming that the financial literacy requirement applies in every case.
OSSD Requirements for International and Transfer Students
Students entering an Ontario secondary school after studying outside Ontario do not necessarily start their OSSD from the beginning.
Ontario policy allows a principal to evaluate previous learning and grant equivalency credits for placement purposes to students transferring from a school outside Ontario, home schooling, or a non-inspected private school.
At OIS, this makes an academic record or transcript review an important first step. The review can help determine:
- previous learning that may count toward the OSSD
- compulsory requirements already satisfied
- remaining compulsory and optional credits
- outstanding graduation requirements
- courses needed for the student’s intended postsecondary pathway
PLAR and Previous Learning
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is an Ontario process used to evaluate prior learning for credit in applicable circumstances.
PLAR rules differ depending on the student. Ontario has separate provisions for adolescent students and mature students, and equivalency is also used when assessing credentials from other jurisdictions.
Planning Your OSSD for University or College
Meeting the OSSD graduation requirements and meeting the admission requirements for a particular postsecondary program are not the same.
A student can satisfy OSSD graduation requirements but still need specific Grade 12 courses for a particular university or college program.
For example, different programs may require particular combinations of English, mathematics, sciences, or other Grade 12 courses.
Students should therefore plan their optional credits and senior-level courses according to their intended postsecondary programs.
How OIS Helps Students Plan Their OSSD
Ontario International School provides online OSSD courses and academic guidance for students working toward Ontario secondary school graduation requirements.
A student’s pathway may vary depending on their previous education, completed credits, Grade 9 entry year, intended graduation timeline, and postsecondary goals.
An academic assessment can help determine the student’s remaining requirements and appropriate course pathway.
💡 Every Student’s Path Is Different
Graduation requirements vary depending on when you started Grade 9 and whether you’re transferring credits from another school or country. A transcript assessment can help determine your personalized pathway to graduation.
Your Journey to an OSSD in 5 Steps
1. Understand the Graduation Requirements
Learn how the 30-credit structure and other applicable OSSD graduation requirements apply to your individual pathway.
2. Complete a Transcript Assessment (If Transferring)
We review your previous studies to determine eligible transfer or equivalency credits and your remaining OSSD requirements.
3. Build Your Personalized Course Plan
Work with your Academic Advisor to select the courses you need based on your remaining requirements and future goals.
4. Complete Your Credits and Graduation Requirements
Complete your required credits, literacy requirement, community involvement hours, and other applicable graduation requirements.
5. Graduate With Your Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Complete your individual OSSD requirements and earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma, ready for your next academic or career goal.
Ready to Start Your OSSD Journey?
Every student's academic history is different. Before selecting courses, students transferring into OIS can have their previous education and goals reviewed to determine an appropriate pathway toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Get a Free Transcript AssessmentSpeak with an Academic AdvisorFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Ontario recognizes eligible online learning credits toward the OSSD, and credits earned through a school authorized to offer OSSD credits may count toward the diploma requirements. Students must still satisfy all applicable OSSD graduation requirements.
Students need a minimum of 30 credits. Students who entered Grade 9 in 2023–24 or earlier generally require 18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits. Students who entered Grade 9 in 2024–25 or later require 17 compulsory credits and 13 optional credits.
Yes. If you transfer from another Ontario secondary school, your earned Ontario credits can transfer with you. If you studied outside Ontario, your previous education can be assessed to determine equivalent credits toward the OSSD and which compulsory and optional credits you still need to complete. The final determination is made by the school principal in accordance with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements.
There is no single Ministry-defined completion time that applies to every student. The time required depends on factors such as credits already earned or granted through equivalency, remaining compulsory and optional credits, and outstanding graduation requirements.
A transcript or academic assessment can help determine the student’s remaining requirements and expected pathway to graduation.
OSSD graduation requirements and university admission requirements are different. Students should choose their Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses according to the prerequisites of the university programs they plan to apply to.
No. Students can apply to Ontario universities while they are still completing their OSSD requirements. Universities may make conditional offers based on completed and in-progress Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses. Students must then meet the conditions stated in their offer, which may include completing the OSSD, required Grade 12 courses and program prerequisites, and maintaining specified grades.
Students must meet the secondary school literacy graduation requirement and complete their required community involvement hours before receiving the OSSD. Students who have not successfully completed the OSSLT may have another approved pathway to meet the literacy requirement, such as the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC), where eligible. The number of community involvement hours required may differ for certain transfer students and mature students, as determined in accordance with Ontario Ministry of Education policy.
Yes. Ontario International School offers online OSSD courses to students living in Canada and internationally. Students can complete their courses online from outside Canada while working toward individual OSSD credits or the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). International students who have completed previous secondary school studies may also have their academic records assessed to determine eligible equivalency credits and their remaining OSSD requirements.
Our Academic Advising Team provides personalized guidance throughout your educational journey. We help students:
- Review previous studies and assess eligible transfer or equivalency credits
- Understand Ontario graduation requirements
- Select the right courses
- Plan for university admission
- Stay on track toward earning their OSSD
Whether you’re beginning high school, transferring from another school, or returning to complete your education, we’ll help you build a personalized pathway to graduation.
Students generally must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). For certain transfer students and mature students, the principal may determine the number of hours required.
Students must meet Ontario’s secondary school literacy graduation requirement to earn an OSSD. For most students, this means successfully completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). Students who do not pass the OSSLT may be eligible to meet the requirement by successfully completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC), in accordance with Ontario Ministry of Education policy.
Students who entered Grade 9 in the 2020–21 school year or later are generally required to earn at least two online learning credits as part of the OSSD requirements. However, students may be opted out or exempted from this requirement in accordance with Ontario Ministry of Education policy. Adult learners entering the Ontario secondary school system in 2023–24 or later are also subject to the requirement unless they opt out.
No. Starting in the 2026–27 school year, students who entered Grade 9 in the 2025–26 school year or later must meet the Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement to earn an OSSD. Students complete the requirement as part of the compulsory Grade 10 Career Studies course and must achieve at least 70% on the financial literacy modules. Some students may be exempt, including certain students who completed Career Studies before the requirement took effect and certain students transferring into Ontario in Grades 11 or 12 who receive Grade 9 and 10 equivalency credits.
References
To ensure the information in this guide is accurate and up to date, we recommend consulting the following official resources: