About the program

This program helps you earn:

  • high school credits towards your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • prerequisite credits to enter postsecondary education or apprenticeship training

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is the province's official high school diploma. To earn a high school diploma, you need to earn 30 secondary school credits.

English programs are offered in English in English-language schools and French programs are offered in French-language schools.

You can also take credit courses at home through the Independent Learning Centre.

Mature students

Through a series of assessments and an application process that recognizes your formal and informal learning, training, skills, as well as work and volunteer experience, you can earn up to 26 of the 30 secondary school credits required to graduate.This is called "Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for Mature Students" (PLAR).

Contact a school board for more information about PLAR.

Learning options

  • in class
  • online
  • combination of in class and online
  • distance education (from home)
  • co-operative education

Schedule options

  • part-time or full-time
  • daytime or evening
  • Monday to Friday or weekend

Program length

  • Between 90 to 110 hours per credit course. The time you spend in the program will vary based on the number of courses you need and how the course is delivered.

Eligibility

You must be a resident of Ontario and one of the following:

  • refugee claimant
  • permanent resident
  • Convention refugee
  • Canadian citizen

Indigenous peoples living on reserve should contact their local school board or the Independent Learning Centre (ILC) for more information.

International visitors may be eligible to enroll in the program for a fee.

This program might be good for you if you:

  • did not graduate high school and want to earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma
  • graduated high school but are missing required credits to apply to postsecondary education or apprenticeship training
  • need to upgrade to apply to postsecondary education or apprenticeship training

Program cost

This program is free. International visitors may have to pay a fee.

Note: Schools may charge for activity or material fees and/or a book deposit. Contact a school board for more information.

How to register

  1. Contact a school board for information.
  2. Register and enroll in a credit course using their specified instructions.

Map of school board locations

Search for adult high school credit programs at a school board near you.