The Ontario Secondary School Diploma, commonly known as the OSSD, is one of the most widely recognised high school credentials in the world. Issued by the Ontario Ministry of Education in Canada, this diploma opens pathways to top universities across North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and beyond.
For school owners and parents exploring globally recognised academic programmes, understanding how to get an OSSD is the essential first step. Whether your institution is looking to offer the programme or your child is preparing for university admission abroad, this guide breaks down the OSSD requirements, the timeline, and the process from start to finish.
Step 1: Meet Eligibility and Choose a Programme
The first step in learning how to get an OSSD is understanding the eligibility criteria. Since the OSSD covers Grades 9 through 12, students typically enter between the ages of 14 and 18. However, international students who join after Grade 9 can receive equivalent credits through a process called Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), which evaluates coursework completed in their home country.
English language proficiency is also a key admission requirement. Students from non-native English-speaking countries must complete an English Language Placement Test or submit a recognised score from IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or Cambridge.
Once eligibility is confirmed, the next decision is choosing the right programme pathway. Rosedale Global High School, for instance, offers several programme options tailored to different student needs:
- Full OSSD High School Programme: A three- or four-year programme with a broad course selection, allowing students to build a personalised learning path from Grade 9 onward.
- University Pathway Programme: A focused one-year programme designed for senior students who need to complete Grade 12 courses for university admission.
- Creative Industry Specialty OSSD Programme: A three- or four-year track that integrates creative media arts courses, such as animation and game design, developed in collaboration with leading arts colleges.
- English Language Learning Enhancement Programme: Designed for students who need additional English support, this programme integrates ESL courses with selected discipline courses.
Choosing the right pathway early helps students plan their OSSD credits efficiently and align their studies with university goals.
Step 2: Complete Credits, the OSSLT, and Community Hours
Earning the OSSD requires students to fulfil three core requirements set by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Each of these components plays a critical role in the diploma process.
Earn 30 OSSD Credits
Students must complete a total of 30 credits across Grades 9 to 12. These are divided into:
- 18 compulsory credits covering foundational subjects such as English (4 credits), Mathematics, Science, a Secondary Language, Canadian History, Geography, Civics and Career Studies, Arts, and Physical Education.
- 12 optional credits chosen from the school’s full course catalogue, allowing students to explore subjects aligned with their interests and career aspirations.
Each course earns 1.00 credit upon successful completion with a minimum average of 50%. Courses completed below that threshold earn no credit. For students who enter the programme after Grade 9, PLAR allows previously completed coursework to be assessed and recognised as equivalent OSSD credits.
One of the most common questions families ask is: how long is OSSD? The full programme typically spans three to four years for students entering in Grade 9. International students joining at a later stage, particularly through a university pathway programme, can complete the required credits in as little as one year, depending on prior academic standing and course load.
Pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
The OSSLT is a provincial examination administered once a year by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). It assesses reading and writing competencies to ensure all graduates meet Ontario’s literacy standards. Eligible students are registered through their school’s head office.
Students who do not pass the OSSLT have an alternative route: completing the Ontario Literacy Credit Course (OLC4O). This course provides an additional pathway to fulfil the literacy requirement, though students must attempt the OSSLT before enrolling in the course.
Complete 40 Hours of Community Involvement
Every OSSD candidate must complete 40 hours of community involvement activities. These hours are designed to encourage civic responsibility and personal growth outside the classroom. Students are expected to find, organise, and complete these hours independently, with guidance available from their school or partner institution.
For students enrolled through international partner schools, the community involvement requirement can often be fulfilled within their home country, provided the activities meet Ontario’s guidelines.
Step 3: Receive the OSSD and Apply to University
Once a student has earned all 30 credits, passed the literacy requirement, and completed their community hours, they are eligible to receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The diploma and final transcripts are issued by the accredited Ontario school and sent to students or their partner institutions upon graduation.
Students also receive an Ontario Student Transcript (OST), which records every course attempted, including withdrawn or incomplete courses. High-performing graduates whose six highest Grade 12 courses average above 80% are awarded the Ontario Scholar Certificate, an additional distinction that strengthens university applications.
The OSSD is recognised by universities around the world, giving graduates a competitive advantage in admissions. Rosedale graduates, for example, have collectively received over 4,400 university offers, with scholarship partnerships at institutions such as the National University of Singapore, University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and University of Birmingham.
With the OSSD in hand, students can apply directly to universities across Canada, the UK, Australia, the US, and other countries that accept Ontario credentials. For many families, knowing how to get an OSSD through a trusted partner school makes the entire process more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main OSSD requirements?
To earn the OSSD, students must complete 30 credits (18 compulsory and 12 optional), pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) or the Ontario Literacy Credit Course (OLC4O), and complete 40 hours of community involvement activities.
How long is OSSD?
The full programme runs for three to four years when starting from Grade 9. International students entering at a later stage can complete the requirements in one to two years through accelerated or university pathway programmes.
Can international students earn an OSSD from their home country?
Yes. Through accredited partner schools like Rosedale Global High School, students can access the OSSD curriculum from over 17 countries without relocating to Canada. Courses are delivered through a digital learning platform supported by local educators.
How does Rosedale help students and schools deliver the OSSD?
Rosedale Global High School provides the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum, a digital learning platform, and quality assurance services through its network of 100+ partner schools worldwide. Rosedale manages OSSD academic administration centrally to maintain consistent academic standards, while partner schools deliver instruction using their local teaching expertise.
Are OSSD credits transferable?
Credits earned through an accredited OSSD programme are recognised by Ontario’s Ministry of Education and appear on the official Ontario Student Transcript. These transcripts are accepted by universities globally.
Bring the OSSD to Your School with Rosedale
For school owners and education leaders looking to offer an internationally recognised diploma programme, partnering with Rosedale Global High School provides a proven, scalable solution. With a network spanning 100+ partner schools across 17+ countries and more than 5,000 students enrolled, Rosedale delivers the curriculum, education technology, and academic administration needed to run the OSSD programme with confidence.
Whether you are establishing a new programme or expanding your current academic offerings, Rosedale works with each partner school to design customised programming that fits your institution’s specific needs. Contact the Rosedale team to begin your school partnership conversation.
