New to Ontario? How to Transfer Your Credits and Earn the OSSD

Are you new to Ontario and wondering how to transfer high school credits to Ontario so you can earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)? Moving to a new province or country can be challenging, especially when it comes to education. The good news is that Ontario’s education system allows credit transfers, so you won’t have to start high school all over again. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the OSSD transfer process, explain credit equivalency in Ontario, and show you how you can earn your OSSD online. By understanding the steps and requirements, you’ll be well on your way to finishing high school and graduating with an Ontario diploma.

Understanding the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

Before diving into the transfer process, it helps to know what the OSSD is and why it’s important. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is the official high school graduation diploma in Ontario. Whether you’re a local student or an international student, you must meet specific requirements to earn this diploma. According to the Ontario Ministry of Education, to graduate with an OSSD, students need to:

• Earn 30 high school credits: This includes 18 compulsory credits (in specific subjects) and 12 optional credits of your choice​. (Note: Students entering Grade 9 in 2024 or later will need 17 compulsory and 13 optional credits due to updated curriculum requirements.)
• Complete key compulsory courses: These compulsory credits cover core subjects. For example, you need 4 credits in English (one per grade), 3 credits in Mathematics (with at least one in Grade 11 or 12), 2 credits in Science, 1 credit in Canadian History (Grade 10), 1 in Canadian Geography (Grade 9), 1 in the Arts, 1 in French as a Second Language, 1 in Health and Physical Education, plus 0.5 credit in Civics and 0.5 credit in Career Studies​. There are also 3 additional compulsory credits that must come from specific groups (like an extra credit in languages, social sciences, Canadian studies, or technological education). Your school can guide you on which courses can fulfill these group requirements.
• Pass the literacy requirement: All students must pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), usually taken in Grade 10. This test is administered by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) and ensures you have the reading and writing skills expected by the end of Grade 9. If you don’t pass on the first try, you can retake the OSSLT. There’s also a literacy course (OLC4O) that can fulfill this requirement if needed.
• Complete 40 hours of community involvement: Ontario students contribute to their communities by completing volunteer community involvement hours. The standard requirement is 40 hours of service. If you’re transferring as an older student (for example, mid-way through high school or from another province/country), the principal may adjust this requirement based on how much high school you’ve already completed. However, some amount of community service will almost always be required to encourage civic engagement.
• Earn 2 online learning credits: As of recently, Ontario requires at least two online learning credits as part of the 30 credits for the OSSD (this was introduced to encourage digital literacy and flexibility). If you have already taken online courses elsewhere, those might count. If not, you can fulfill this by taking courses through an accredited online school such as the Canadian Virtual School. (Students may opt out of the online credit requirement with parental consent or under special circumstances, but most will complete it.)

In summary, the OSSD ensures you have a well-rounded education with a mix of compulsory subjects and electives. Now, if you’re coming from outside Ontario, how do your existing high school credits fit into these requirements? The answer lies in Ontario’s credit transfer and equivalency process.

How to Transfer High School Credits to Ontario

Transferring your high school credits to Ontario is a straightforward process, but it involves a few important steps. Whether you’re coming from another Canadian province or from an international school, the goal is to recognize your previous work and determine what you still need to graduate under the Ontario high school curriculum. Here’s how to get started:

1. Gather your academic records: Begin by collecting official transcripts or report cards from your previous school. Ontario schools will need a record of the courses you’ve completed, the grade levels, and the grades or marks you earned. If your documents are not in English or French, have them translated by a certified translator. Accurate documentation is crucial for the credit evaluation process.

2. Contact your new Ontario school or board: If you’ve enrolled in a local Ontario high school (public or private) or an accredited online school, reach out to the Guidance counselor or admissions office to inform them that you have credits to transfer. They are familiar with the OSSD transfer process and will initiate a credit equivalency assessment. At Canadian Virtual School (CVS), for example, our Guidance Department will walk you through the steps to evaluate your previous credits once you register.

3. Undergo a credit equivalency evaluation: In Ontario, the school principal (or designated officials) will review your transcripts and compare your completed courses to the Ontario curriculum. This evaluation determines the equivalency of your credits. Essentially, the school is figuring out how many credits you’ve already earned towards the OSSD and which Ontario courses they correspond to. Don’t be alarmed – this is a normal part of the process for students transferring from outside Ontario. The principal will decide how many credits you get recognized (granted as “equivalency credits”) and identify any compulsory credits you are missing. For example, if you completed Grade 10 in another system, you might receive up to 16 credits (the first two years of high school) as equivalent credits toward the 30 needed for OSSD.

4. Learn what credits you still need: After the evaluation, the school will give you a report or update of your credit status. This will include how many compulsory credits and optional credits you have been awarded through equivalency and which specific requirements are remaining. You’ll want to pay close attention to any compulsory courses you haven’t covered. Common courses that transfer students need to complete in Ontario might include the Grade 10 Civics and Career Studies (since not all regions have these as requirements), the Grade 9 French credit (if you attended a school system with no second-language requirement), or the Grade 12 English credit (Ontario requires a Grade 12 English for all graduates). The evaluation will also indicate if you still need to complete the literacy test or any community hours.

• Within Canada: If you’re transferring from another Canadian province, many of your courses will have direct equivalents. For instance, an Algebra II course from another province might count as Grade 11 Mathematics in Ontario. Generally, Canadian high school credits transfer at face value – if you earned 12 credits elsewhere, you’ll likely get 12 credits in Ontario​. However, you might still need to take any Ontario-specific courses that have no counterpart in your previous province. The principal will ensure that you meet all Ontario requirements.
• International students: If you studied outside of Canada, the process is similar, but the school might be more meticulous in comparing curricula. They will look at course descriptions from your transcripts to match them with Ontario courses. If you have international student high school credits, you may receive “equivalency credits” for them. The number of equivalency credits granted depends on how many years of high school you completed. For example, students who completed Grade 11 (three years of high school) abroad might be granted a large portion of the 30 credits (possibly ~23 credits), and be required to earn the rest (perhaps 7 credits, including specific ones like Grade 12 English) in Ontario. The principal’s assessment is done as equitably as possible to give you credit for your prior learning​.

5. Plan your remaining coursework: With the list of needed credits in hand, make a plan to complete them. You have options on how and where to earn these credits:

• Regular day school: You can take the required courses at a local Ontario high school if you’ve enrolled in one. Counselors will place you in the appropriate grade and classes based on your credit evaluation.
• Online high school courses: If you prefer flexibility or need courses that fit your schedule, you can take courses online. For example, if you need an additional Grade 12 science credit, you might enroll in Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4U) through an accredited online school. Canadian Virtual School offers SCH4U – Grade 12 Chemistry and many other courses that count toward the OSSD. Online courses are a great option for completing credits from anywhere, especially for international students or those who have scheduling conflicts.
• Summer school or night school: Some students choose to take courses in summer school or evening classes to catch up or get ahead. This can be through local school boards or online programs like CVS’s online night school for adults or teens.
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR): In some cases (typically for mature students or unique situations), you can challenge a course or obtain credit through a PLAR assessment if you have informal learning equivalent to a course’s content. For example, if you have extensive knowledge in a subject not formally credited, the school may test you for that credit. However, for most typical teenage students transferring schools, this isn’t commonly used – you’ll simply take the course or get equivalency for coursework done elsewhere.

6. Complete the Ontario requirements: Now it’s time to actually earn the remaining credits and complete any other requirements:

• Take the required courses as planned (in school or online) and pass them to earn those credits.
• Fulfill the community involvement hours if you haven’t done so. If you’re partway through high school, consider volunteering a few hours per month to gradually reach the target. (Tip: Schools often accept volunteer activities from other provinces or countries if you have documentation. Be sure to check – the principal might count some of your past community service or may prorate the hours you need.)
• Prepare for the literacy test (OSSLT) if you haven’t written it yet. Schools usually provide resources to practice. If you’re an international student not used to Canadian standard tests, you might want to review sample OSSLT tests available on the EQAO website for practice. If you struggle with the test, remember you can take the Ontario Literacy Course as an alternative in Grade 12.
• Meet any new graduation requirements: As Ontario’s curriculum evolves, ensure you’re aware of current requirements. (For instance, the introduction of mandatory online credits or any other updates from the Ministry of Education. Always verify with your guidance counselor if there have been changes to OSSD criteria for your cohort.)

7. Receive your Ontario Secondary School Diploma: Once you’ve finished the required credits and checked off all the graduation requirements, you will be eligible to graduate and receive the OSSD! If you’re in a day school, this means you can join the graduation ceremonies with your peers. If you complete your OSSD online or through a virtual school, you will still receive the official diploma recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Education. (Online schools like CVS are inspected and authorized to grant OSSD credits, so the diploma you earn is the same OSSD diploma a student from any public high school would receive.)

By following these steps in the OSSD transfer process, you can smoothly transition into the Ontario high school system. Next, we’ll address some specific scenarios and tips, such as considerations for international students and how the Ontario high school curriculum might differ from what you’re used to.

Transferring Credits as an International Student

If you’re an international student, you probably have a lot of questions about how your international high school credits will be handled in Ontario. The process is very much like what we described above, but here are some extra points to keep in mind:

• Translation of documents: Ensure your transcripts and any certificates are translated into English (or French if you’re entering a French-language school in Ontario). The translation should be official, as schools need to trust its accuracy. This will help the evaluators understand the courses you took (course names and descriptions).
• Credit evaluation may consider curriculum differences: Different countries have varying curricula. For example, some countries finish high school in Grade 11, others have Grade 12; some systems might not have credits but rather year-long courses or national exams. Don’t worry – Ontario schools are experienced with evaluating international credentials. They will assess the years of study and content you’ve completed. Often, students who completed a full high school program abroad (e.g. earned a diploma equivalent to Grade 12) will receive a large number of equivalency credits. However, to earn the OSSD, they usually must still complete a few Ontario-specific credits. Typically, even if you have graduated abroad, you might need to take at least 4 Ontario credits (two of which must be Grade 11 or 12 courses) to meet the requirement that some credits are earned in Ontario​. One of these is almost always Grade 12 English since Ontario requires an English credit in the graduating year.
• English (or French) proficiency: If you did your schooling in another language, you may need to take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses when you come to Ontario. These can count as elective credits. Improving your language skills will help you pass the literacy test and succeed in the remaining courses. Many schools will assess your level of English and place you in the appropriate ESL level if necessary. Once you’re ready, you’ll move into the mainstream English curriculum. Tip: If you have already taken an English course in high school and have strong skills, you might not need much ESL support. On the other hand, if you’re not as confident, taking ESL classes early on will be very beneficial.
• Understanding the Ontario high school curriculum: As an international student, acquaint yourself with the Ontario curriculum for the courses you’ll be taking. Ontario’s approach might emphasize things differently from those of your home country. For example, Ontario might have more group projects or specific content like Canadian history. Knowing this can help you adjust your study habits. The Ministry of Education (and schools) often provide curriculum outlines or resources for new students to understand what each course entails.
• Support from Guidance counselors: Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Ontario schools have Guidance counselors dedicated to helping students integrate. They can explain anything you find confusing about credits, help schedule your courses, and even advise on post-secondary pathways. If you’re aiming for university admission, make sure you communicate your goals so you take the necessary courses (universities often look for certain Grade 12 courses and a completed OSSD or equivalent).
• Equivalency vs. actually taking courses: In some cases, if an international course you took doesn’t cleanly match an Ontario one, you might not get equivalency for it. For instance, you might have taken a general “Social Studies” course, but Ontario splits that into specific History and Geography credits. The principal might give you an equivalent credit for one of them and ask you to take the other. This is normal. It ensures that you meet the Ontario curriculum standards. While it might feel like “retaking” something similar, try to see it as learning new material that Ontario deems important. Plus, it’s an opportunity to improve in that subject with potentially a new perspective.

International students bring a wealth of knowledge and diversity to Ontario schools. The province’s credit transfer system is designed to recognize your achievements so far and integrate you into the pathway to the OSSD without unnecessary repetition. As long as you stay organized and proactive, you’ll soon earn your Ontario diploma just like any other student.

Ontario High School Curriculum Differences and Adaptation

One thing many newcomers notice is that the Ontario high school curriculum might have some differences compared to their previous school system. Understanding these differences will help you adapt more easily and plan your studies effectively:

• Credit system: Ontario uses a credit system where most high school courses = 1 credit (earned over a semester, roughly 110 hours of instruction). Some other places might use a similar credit system, while others use year-long courses or simply grade-level completion. In Ontario, you typically take 8 credits per year (4 each semester). As a transfer student, you might join mid-year or off the typical cycle, but you can catch up through summer school or an online course if needed. The key is that credits are the building blocks – each course you pass adds to your total.
• Semester vs. non-semester: Many Ontario schools operate on semesters (two per year, as mentioned). If you come from a non-semester school (where you had all subjects all year), adjusting to having a subject for only half the year might be new. This means the pace will be faster for that semester. Be prepared for a quicker tempo in classes like math or science because you’ll cover a full course from September to January, for example. On the bright side, you focus on fewer subjects at a time.
• Curriculum content: Ontario’s curriculum includes mandatory Canadian content, e.g., learning about Canadian history and geography and reading Canadian literature in English class. If you haven’t had these topics before, you’ll get to learn them here. Subjects like Civics (0.5 credit) teach about government and citizenship, and Career Studies (0.5 credit) helps with job skills and planning. These might be entirely new courses for you, but they are short. Math and science courses may cover topics similar to those in other places, but perhaps in different grades (for instance, Ontario does calculus in grade 12 for advanced math students, while some other systems might do it in freshman college or earlier).
• Assessment methods: Ontario schools evaluate students using a mix of assignments, tests, projects, and sometimes final exams. The final grade typically consists of a combination of term work (70%) and a final evaluation (30%), which could be an exam or project. If your old school relied heavily on big exams or only on final-year tests, be aware that in Ontario, consistent performance throughout the course is important. Keep up with assignments and tests throughout the semester.
• Language of instruction: Obviously, instruction will be in English (except for the French class or if you attend a Francophone school). If English isn’t your first language, this can be an adjustment. However, Ontario schools offer support like ESL classes, as mentioned, and even in regular classes, teachers are usually accommodating to help newcomers. Don’t hesitate to approach teachers if you need extra help understanding terminology or assignments. They want you to succeed.
• Academic pathways: Ontario has different course types in high school (Applied, Academic, University prep, College prep, etc., though this has been evolving). Ensure you enroll in the proper level of courses to meet your ability and future plans. For instance, Grade 12 University (U) level courses are required for university admission, whereas College (C) level courses prepare for college programs. If you come from a system without this distinction, get advice from Guidance on which level aligns with what you’ve already learned. As a transfer student aiming for university, you’ll likely want to take mostly “University prep” courses in grades 11 and 12. The good news: Any courses you took elsewhere won’t lock you out of a pathway; Ontario will place you in appropriate courses. You might have to take a prerequisite course first in some cases (for example, if you didn’t have Grade 11 Chemistry and want to take Grade 12 Chemistry for university prep, you’d need to take the Grade 11 course first, possibly in an accelerated manner or online).

Understanding these aspects of the Ontario curriculum will smooth your transition. Embrace the new curriculum content, as it will give you a richer educational background. And remember, resources like the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum guides are publicly available if you ever want to dig deeper into what’s expected in a course.

Earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma Online

Did you know that you can earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma online? This is a fantastic option for students who prefer a flexible learning environment or who may not be able to attend a local school in person. If you’re transferring to Ontario but still living abroad, or if you need to balance school with other commitments, an online OSSD program could be perfect for you.

Canadian Virtual School (CVS) is one example of an accredited online high school that serves students across Canada and internationally. Here’s how online learning can help you achieve your OSSD:

• Flexibility in course selection: Online schools often offer the same Ontario curriculum courses that brick-and-mortar schools do and sometimes even more options. You can pick up required courses you’re missing or retake courses to improve your grades. At CVS, you can find everything from Grade 9 Geography to Grade 12 Calculus. This is especially useful if your local school doesn’t offer a specific course you need (for example, a certain science or language course) – you can take it online instead.
• Learn at your own pace: One of the biggest advantages of earning credits online is that many courses are self-paced. This means if you’re highly motivated, you could finish a course faster than the typical semester. Conversely, if you need more time because you’re still improving your English or balancing a job, you can take things a bit slower (within the allowed course time frame). This flexibility lets transfer students catch up on credits without feeling rushed or held back. You can start an online course at any time of the year, which is great if you arrive in Ontario mid-semester or if you want to continue studying during school breaks.
• Anywhere, anytime learning: As long as you have an internet connection, you can study from wherever you are – be it your new home in Ontario or your home country. This is ideal if your family hasn’t moved yet or if you’re temporarily outside Canada. You can continue earning Ontario high school credits online, ensuring you don’t fall behind.
• Support and interaction: Online does not mean you’re on your own. Quality online schools provide certified Ontario teachers to teach and support you. You can ask questions via email, video call, or discussion board. CVS, for instance, has teachers and support staff to guide students through the material and even to help with the administrative side of credit transfer. Additionally, many online platforms have forums or class discussions, so you can interact with other students – you might even meet peers who are also new to Ontario or in similar situations.
• Recognition and credibility: It’s important to choose an online high school that is inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Credits earned through such schools are recognized by all Ontario institutions. CVS is one such school, as are others like the Independent Learning Centre (ILC) and various school-board-run e-learning programs. When you apply to university or college, the credits and OSSD you earn online will be treated the same as those earned in a regular school. In fact, the OSSD diploma certificate doesn’t state whether credits were online or in-class – it’s all the same credential.
• Earning OSSD from abroad: Perhaps you’re planning a move to Ontario but haven’t relocated yet. You can actually begin working on Ontario credits before you arrive by enrolling online. That way, once you move, you’ll already have some OSSD credits under your belt. This can reduce the course load you need later or help you graduate on time despite the transition. Many international students take this route to familiarize themselves with Ontario’s education system early.

If you decide to pursue the online route, make sure to register with the online school and inform them of your situation. You may need to provide your previous transcripts just like you would to any school so they can help you plan your courses. At CVS, our registration process is straightforward – you can start by visiting our CVS Registration page and filling in your details. Once enrolled, our guidance team will assist you in mapping out a plan to get all the credits you need.

Whether you complete your credits in a traditional school or online (or a mix of both), the end goal is the same: finishing with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma that opens doors to post-secondary education or employment in Ontario and beyond. Online learning is simply a convenient path to reach that goal, especially for those needing flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Start Your OSSD Journey Today

Transferring high school credits to Ontario may seem complex at first, but with the right Guidance, it can be a smooth journey. Remember, thousands of students transfer into Ontario schools each year – and they go on to successfully earn their OSSD and pursue college or university studies. By understanding the requirements and using resources like online courses, you can quickly catch up or integrate into the Ontario high school system.

If you’re ready to take the next step, Canadian Virtual School is here to help. Our team has experience assisting students from across Canada and around the world to achieve their OSSD on their own terms. Whether you need just one course or a full program, we offer flexible, accredited online classes to meet your needs. Don’t let your past hard work go to waste – transfer your credits, fill in the gaps, and get that Ontario diploma.

Ready to get started? Enroll with Canadian Virtual School today or contact our academic advisors for personalized support. We’ll help you navigate the credit transfer process and set you up on the fastest path to earning your OSSD. Your Ontario high school graduation is closer than you think – let’s make it happen!