OSSD RESOURCES & STUDENT GUIDES
Explore clear, practical guides about the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), graduation requirements, course planning, credit transfers, university pathways, and applying to Ontario universities.
Your Guide to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Understanding the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) can involve many questions—from graduation requirements and course selection to transferring previous high school credits and preparing for university.
Our OSSD resources and student guides bring this information together in one place to help students and families understand Ontario secondary education and make informed academic decisions.
Explore the guides below to learn about OSSD requirements, credits, enrollment, university prerequisites, and Ontario university applications.
Featured Resources
OSSD Graduation Requirements
Learn about OSSD credits, literacy, community involvement, online learning, and other Ontario graduation requirements.
Transfer High School Credits to an OSSD
Learn how previous high school studies, equivalency credits, transcript assessment, and PLAR may count toward an OSSD.
OSSD Compulsory and Optional Credits
Understand Ontario’s compulsory and optional credit requirements and how they differ depending on when a student started Grade 9.
Applying to Ontario Universities Through OUAC
Learn how to research programs, submit an OUAC application, provide academic information, and respond to university offers.
University Prerequisites by Program in Ontario
Explore common Grade 12 prerequisites for Ontario university programs, including engineering, science, business, arts, and more.
How to Enroll in an OSSD Online High School
Learn how online OSSD enrollment works, including academic assessment, previous credits, course planning, registration, and next steps.
OSSD vs CEGEP: University Pathway Options
Compare the OSSD and CEGEP pathways and understand how each can lead toward university admission and future study options.
Reliable Information for OSSD and University Planning
OIS resources are designed to help students and families understand Ontario secondary education, OSSD requirements, course planning, and university pathways. Where applicable, our guides reference official information from the Ontario Ministry of Education, the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), Ontario Universities’ Info (OUInfo), and individual universities.
Requirements and admission policies may change. Students should always verify current program-specific requirements with the appropriate official source when making academic or university application decisions.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Not sure which OSSD pathway or courses are right for you? Request a free academic assessment and let the OIS team review your previous education, academic goals, and next steps.
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