OSSD Explained: How International Students Earn an Ontario High School Diploma at SGA

19 hours ago

3 min read

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is the high school diploma of Ontario, Canada, and it is accepted by universities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and around the world. This guide explains what international students must complete to earn it, how long it takes, and how St. George Academy (SGA) in Toronto structures the program.

››› The three requirements of the OSSD

30 credits: 18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits. One credit is a course of about 110 hours.
40 hours of community involvement: unpaid volunteer work that benefits the community.
OSSLT: the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, a standardized reading and writing test.

››› The 18 compulsory credits

Subject	Credits
English	4 (one per grade)
Mathematics	3
Science	2
French or another language (French, Cantonese, Mandarin or Korean at SGA)	1
Canadian geography	1
Canadian history	1
Health and physical education	1
Arts	1
Civics	0.5
Career studies	0.5
Group 1, 2 and 3 electives	3 (one from each group)

Group 1: English, third language, social sciences and humanities, Canadian and world studies. Group 2: health and physical education, arts, business studies. Group 3: science (grade 11 or 12), technological education, computer studies.

››› How international students earn credits

Students who transfer from another country receive equivalency credits for their previous studies, so a student entering grade 11 or 12 usually needs only the remaining credits, not all 30. Ask the school for an evaluation of your transcripts before you apply.

At SGA: the admissions team evaluates transcripts during the registration process, and students take a level test on arrival. Students who need more academic English start in the Foundation Program (8-week levels, start any Monday) and move into credit courses when they reach the required level.

››› How long does it take at SGA?

SGA runs 5 semesters a year: September, November, February, April and a summer semester in July and August.
Students can take up to 14 credits in one year, compared with 8 credits in a regular two-semester school.
A grade 12 student who needs 6 to 8 credits can usually finish in one school year, including the university application season.

››› Tuition 2025-26

CA$2,600 per credit (CA$3,000 for AP), registration CA$350, materials CA$100 per subject. See the complete fee guide.

››› From the OSSD to university

Ontario universities admit students with six grade 12 University (U) or University/College (M) courses, including grade 12 English. SGA's counselors help students choose the right courses for their target program and prepare applications through OUAC. SGA graduates have received offers from the University of Toronto, McMaster, Waterloo, UBC, McGill, Western, Queen's and universities in the US and UK. See the offers by year.

Students who want to enter a partner college or university without an IELTS or TOEFL score can also use the University and College Pathway Program of the St. George Education Group.

››› Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a Canadian study permit with an SGA Letter of Acceptance?

Yes. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are Designated Learning Institutions. SGA issues the Letter of Acceptance after admission confirmation and payment of tuition.

Do I need IELTS to enter SGA?

No. New students take SGA's level test. Students below the required level start in the Foundation Program before credit courses.

I am under 18. What do I need?

A custodian in Canada (SGA issues a custodianship letter for CA$1,200 per year) and supervised housing. SGA's Finch Residence is for students under 18 and includes three meals a day.

Ready to plan your OSSD credits?

OSSD requirements are set by the Ontario Ministry of Education. SGA program details are from the official St. George Academy website and the 2025-26 Tuition & Fees sheet, September 2026.