A Canadian high school pathway.
An international future.
Understand the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, explore online study and plan your next step toward university—from wherever you call home.
Discover the OSSDHow to choose a schoolClear information. Practical planning. A world of possibilities.
*Applicable transfer-student provisions and exemptions should be confirmed with the school.
Plan for university while staying close to home.
An international education does not always need to begin with moving overseas. Online OSSD study can allow students to build their academic pathway while keeping the support of family and a familiar environment.
Keep family support close
Maintain a familiar routine, with support for time management, motivation and wellbeing.
Prepare for what comes next
Develop academic English, independent study habits and a clearer understanding of university expectations.
Make relocation a later decision
Explore university destinations as your goals develop, then decide when and where to take the next step.
What is the OSSD?
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma is the high school graduation qualification earned by students who meet Ontario’s secondary education requirements.
Students earn credits through individual courses and complete additional graduation requirements. Course choices help shape the university and college programs they can apply to.
For international students, the first step is understanding how previous studies fit into an Ontario graduation plan—and which remaining courses support future goals.
A pathway built through ongoing learning
OSSD courses involve learning and assessment throughout the course, including assignments, tests, projects, presentations and final evaluations where applicable.
Individual planning matters
A student beginning secondary school needs a different plan from someone transferring after several years in another education system.
Look beyond graduation
University admission also depends on subjects, grades, English proficiency and program-specific requirements.
Who might benefit from online OSSD study?
Students looking abroad
Explore how a Canadian high school qualification could support your university goals and subject choices.
Students changing direction
Find out how completed studies may count toward an Ontario graduation plan.
Students balancing commitments
Build a regular study routine around activities and other commitments, with suitable academic support.
Flexibility still requires consistent effort, active participation and time for assessments.
A different pathway—not a one-size-fits-all answer.
| Consideration | Online OSSD | Other secondary pathways |
|---|---|---|
| Learning structure | Individual Ontario credit courses, with a graduation plan | Varies by national curriculum, A-Level, IB or other program |
| Assessment | Ongoing coursework and required final evaluations | May combine coursework, school assessments and external examinations |
| Study schedule | School-dependent flexibility, with deadlines and participation expectations | Often follows a school calendar and fixed timetable |
| University planning | Choose relevant senior courses and check institutional requirements | Match qualification, subjects and results to admission criteria |
| Best starting point | Academic review and an individual study plan | Review your current progress and the implications of any change |
How online learning works.
Review your background
Share your transcripts, current curriculum and educational goals with the school.
Build your course plan
Confirm recognized credits, remaining requirements, prerequisites and target completion dates.
Learn, practise and progress
Access course materials, complete activities, receive feedback and meet assessment requirements.
Ask about live lesson times in your time zone, teacher contact, expected weekly workload, parent communication and examination arrangements.
OSSD graduation requirements.
Graduation involves more than completing a set of Grade 12 subjects. Ask your school for a written plan showing what has been recognized and what remains.
30 credits
Complete compulsory and optional credits. The compulsory structure depends on the year the student entered Grade 9.
Literacy requirement
Meet Ontario’s provincial literacy requirement through the applicable approved pathway.
Community involvement
Generally 40 hours of eligible activities, subject to applicable transfer-student and mature-student provisions.
Online learning requirements and financial literacy requirements may also apply, depending on entry year and individual circumstances. The school should confirm applicable exemptions, opt-outs and transfer arrangements.
Official Ontario graduation requirements ↗Your previous studies may count.
You may not need to start again. The receiving school can review your academic records to determine placement and possible equivalent credits.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, often called PLAR, may form part of this process under applicable Ontario rules. The result should clarify remaining courses, graduation obligations and a realistic schedule.
Prepare for an academic review
- Recent transcripts and school reports
- Your current grade or year level
- Your curriculum and completed subjects
- Translations or supporting documents, if requested
- Intended university destinations and degree subjects
Make a plan that works in practice.
How long will it take?
Your timeline depends on previous credits, remaining subjects, prerequisites, English ability and weekly study time. Plan backward from university document deadlines.
What will it cost?
Request a written quotation for the whole study plan: tuition, registration, assessment, examinations, documents and optional support. Check currency and refund terms.
How will you be assessed?
Ask for current course outlines covering grade calculation, attendance, participation, final evaluations and supervised examinations. Online does not mean exam-free.
Choose the support behind the qualification.
Look beyond the course name. Understand who awards the credits, how teaching works and what is included in the fees.
Verify the school
Request the legal school name and BSID. Check Ontario’s official information and confirm authority to grant OSSD credits. A BSID alone is not proof of that authority.
Understand the teaching model
Compare live lessons, independent study, teacher availability and feedback. Check that the schedule works in your time zone.
Ask how progress is supported
Understand parent communication, overdue work procedures and assistance when a student needs help.
Confirm academic records
Ask who maintains the student record, issues transcripts and coordinates graduation documents.
Meet Sauder Academy.
Turn your understanding of the OSSD into a conversation about your own academic plan.
Sauder Academy offers online Ontario secondary school credit courses for domestic and international students. Its published information describes flexible online learning, live Zoom teaching and academic support.
Explore the course information, then ask how previous studies, subject choices and learning arrangements would apply to your circumstances.
Visit Sauder Academy ↗Read the school’s FAQs
Start with three questions.
- How would my previous studies be assessed?
- Which courses support my graduation and university goals?
- What teaching and support does my study plan include?
Review the details and request a written study plan before enrolling.
University pathways, worldwide.
Start with the degree you want to study. Review each university’s current requirements for Ontario or Canadian secondary qualifications, subject prerequisites, grades and English proficiency.
CanadaUniversity of Toronto
Official admissions information ↗
CanadaUniversity of British Columbia
Official admissions information ↗
CanadaMcGill University
Official admissions information ↗
CanadaWestern University
Official admissions information ↗
CanadaUniversity of Waterloo
Official admissions information ↗
Hong KongThe University of Hong Kong
Official admissions information ↗
Hong KongThe Chinese University of Hong Kong
Official admissions information ↗
Hong KongHong Kong University of Science and Technology
Official admissions information ↗
United KingdomUniversity of Manchester
Official admissions information ↗
United KingdomUniversity of Birmingham
Official admissions information ↗Logos identify institutions whose official admissions information you can explore. They do not imply affiliation, endorsement, partnership or guaranteed admission. Requirements vary by institution and program.
Canada
Check senior course prerequisites, grade requirements, supplementary applications and transcript deadlines.
United Kingdom
Review Ontario qualification requirements, subject expectations, English proficiency and the relevant UCAS process.
Other destinations
Check each institution’s evaluation of Ontario qualifications. Policies can differ within the same country.
Your OSSD questions, answered.
Can international students study the OSSD online?
Schools offering online OSSD programs may enrol students living outside Canada. Confirm eligibility, course availability, lesson times and any local requirements that affect your schooling.
Do I need to move to Canada?
Some schools offer a fully online pathway that students can complete while living abroad. Confirm the arrangements for lessons, assessments and graduation requirements with the school.
Do I need to start all 30 credits again?
Not necessarily. The receiving school can review your previous academic records for equivalent credits and confirm the remaining graduation requirements.
How long does it take?
Your timeline depends on recognized previous studies, remaining courses, prerequisites, English proficiency and weekly study time. Request an individual assessment before relying on a completion date.
Can I study alongside my current school?
This may be possible. Check permission, workload, credit recognition and how both sets of academic records will be used before enrolling.
Is online learning entirely self-study?
Teaching models differ. Ask how much live teaching is included, how to contact teachers, how feedback works and what support is available if you fall behind.
Are there examinations?
Yes, students should expect assessments and may need supervised written examinations. Ask for the current course outline and examination arrangements.
Will I need IELTS?
Possibly. English language requirements and exemptions depend on the university, program and your educational background. An Ontario English credit does not automatically waive every language test.
Does the OSSD guarantee university admission?
No. Universities make their own decisions based on grades, subject prerequisites, language requirements and the complete application.
Can community involvement be completed outside Canada?
Eligible activities may be completed abroad, subject to school approval and applicable rules. Confirm the activity and documentation requirements before starting.
Does a BSID prove a school can award OSSD credits?
A BSID identifies a school. Check Ontario’s official information and separately confirm the school’s authority to grant OSSD credits.
Where can I learn about Sauder Academy?
Visit sauderacademy.ca to review its online OSSD courses and ask about academic assessment, tuition, teacher support and course planning.
A clearer plan begins with a conversation.
Start with your current studies, the subjects you enjoy and the destinations you are considering. An academic review can help turn those ideas into a practical course plan.
Have your latest school report or transcript ready when contacting the school.