Unlock The Best International Universities with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Your pathway to a global education starts here.
Quick Facts
Global Acceptance
Over 90% of OSSD graduates are accepted into top-ranking universities worldwide.
Education Excellence
According to the OECD, Canada consistently places in the top 10 for Education.
Proven Success
Institutions like the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Imperial College London, Oxford, and the National University of Singapore regularly accept students holding an OSSD.
OSSD is Accepted by World-Class Universities
- OSSD Requirement: The University of Toronto, consistently ranked among the top 30 universities worldwide, requires applicants from Ontario to have completed the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). For many programs, students need six Grade 12 (4U) courses, including Grade 12 English.
- Relevance to OSSD: Possessing the OSSD streamlines the admission process, ensuring that students meet the baseline academic requirements. It signals to U of T admissions that the applicant has completed a curriculum recognized globally for its rigor and standards.
- OSSD Requirement: Imperial, ranked in the top 10 worldwide, recognizes the OSSD as a valid credential. For competitive STEM programs, Imperial often requests five or six Grade 12 (4U) courses, including specific subjects like advanced Mathematics, Chemistry, or Physics, depending on the major.
- Relevance to OSSD: Because the OSSD is widely accepted and considered academically rigorous, students with the OSSD can apply directly to top UK universities like Imperial. They don’t need a foundation year if they present strong OSSD results in the required subjects.
- OSSD Requirement: Oxford, a top 3 globally ranked university, explicitly lists the OSSD as an acceptable secondary school credential. They generally require six strong Grade 12 (4U) courses, including English and other prerequisites depending on the field of study.
- Relevance to OSSD: Having the OSSD with the right combination of Grade 12 credits (such as advanced Math and Science courses for Engineering, or Literature and Social Science courses for Humanities) meets Oxford’s demanding standards. It ensures the application is taken seriously at one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.
- OSSD Requirement: NUS, ranked in the top 10 globally, acknowledges the OSSD. Applicants must present strong Grade 12 credits in subjects relevant to their chosen field. For Engineering, for example, students may need Grade 12 English, advanced Math, and a combination of Physics and Chemistry.
- Relevance to OSSD: The OSSD’s international recognition opens doors to leading Asian institutions like NUS. With the correct selection of Grade 12 credits, students fulfill these global admissions standards and demonstrate readiness for highly competitive environments.
Introduction & Why the OSSD Matters
Are you aiming for admission into a top international university in Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, Singapore, or elsewhere around the globe?
If so, having the right high school credential is key.
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is recognized worldwide as a gold standard in secondary education. It’s not just another high school diploma—it’s your passport to leading universities and future success.
Why Sunray Academy & the OSSD?
At Sunray Academy, we do more than just offer the OSSD. We guide you every step of the way—helping you understand admission requirements, selecting the right courses, and preparing a strong application to the world’s best universities.
With Sunray Academy, you’ll get:
- Personalized Guidance: We assess your current academic background and aspirations, then tailor a personalized course plan for you.
- Flexible Credit Recognition: We grant equivalencies for the high school courses you’ve already completed in your home country, ensuring you don’t waste time repeating material you already know.
- Expert ESL Support: Need to strengthen your English before starting academic courses? We offer English as a Second Language (ESL) credits to build your confidence and ensure your academic success.
- Strategic Course Selection: We’ll recommend the Grade 11 and 12 credits you need to meet the specific admissions criteria of your chosen program—be it Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Architecture, or Computer Science.
Understanding the OSSD Credit System
To earn the OSSD, Ontario high school students typically complete a total of 30 credits. As an international student, many of your previously completed courses can be counted as equivalent credits. This means you might only need to complete a certain set of Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses—often fewer than you think.
Key Points About Credits:
- Total Required Credits: 30 credits in subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and more.
- Grade 12 Focus: The world’s top universities pay close attention to 6 key Grade 12 credits.
- These courses often include senior-level English and, depending on your intended major, subjects like Advanced Functions, Calculus & Vectors (for Engineering), Biology & Chemistry (for Health), Accounting or Economics (for Business), or Computer Science (for Tech Programs).
- Tailored Pathways: Your ideal credit combination depends on your chosen field of study.
- Business Majors: Grade 12 English, Math (Advanced Functions or Data Management), plus related electives like International Business or Economics.
- Health Sciences Majors (Medicine, Biotech, etc.): Grade 12 English, Advanced Math, plus senior-level Biology and Chemistry.
- Engineering & Architecture Majors: Grade 12 English, advanced Math courses (like Calculus & Vectors), Physics, and often Chemistry.
- Software & Computer Science Majors: Grade 12 English, high-level Math credits, and specialized courses like Computer Science or Data Management.
Where Are You Now & How We Help
- Already Finished High School? Great! We’ll review your transcript, convert your existing courses into OSSD-equivalents, and then guide you through the remaining credits.
- Partially Completed High School? No problem. We’ll determine how many credits you need, where ESL support might help, and how to advance to the crucial Grade 12 credits that top universities require.
- Concerned About English Proficiency? Our ESL credits help boost your language skills to the academic level demanded by world-class universities.
Take the Next Step: Let’s Plan Your Future Together
You’ve seen what the OSSD can do for your university goals. Now it’s time to take action.
Don’t Let Your Potential Wait! Speak directly with our admissions advisor, Miguel Velasco, to discuss your goals, desired universities, and the exact credits you need.