What Is the OSSD, and Who Is It For?
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is Ontario's secondary school graduation qualification. Students must meet the applicable credit and other graduation requirements. ISSCC provides OSSD course advice and application support for Hong Kong students. The teaching school handles credit assessment, teaching, grades and graduation eligibility.
The OSSD may suit students seeking an Ontario secondary school qualification or additional secondary-level subjects for university entry. Whether a transfer is suitable, how many courses you need and how long study may take depend on an individual assessment of your transcripts and intended programme.
Planning an OSSD online course from Hong Kong
Bring details of your current school year, recent transcripts, target university programmes and intended entry dates to your consultation. The teaching school will assess your recognised credits and outstanding requirements. Compare class times in Hong Kong, weekly study hours, assessment methods and total fees. You canbook OSSD course adviceor exploreCanadian study pathways.
What does an OSSD online course cost?
Costs depend on the subjects you need and the school’s current fees. Request a breakdown of tuition, application fees, other applicable charges and refund terms in Canadian dollars. Compare the full cost of your study plan once your credits have been assessed.
Read our OSSD online course checklist for Hong Kong students
OSSD Graduation Requirements
| Requirement | Overview of Official Requirements |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | At least 30 credits. Students who began Grade 9 in September 2023 or earlier need 18 compulsory and 12 optional credits. Those entering Grade 9 from 2024/25 need 17 compulsory and 13 optional credits. |
| Literacy | Students must meet Ontario's secondary school literacy requirement. The school will confirm the applicable assessment route. |
| Community Involvement | 40 hours of community involvement. The school assesses the applicable arrangements for transfer students under the relevant policy. |
| Online Learning | Generally, at least two online learning credits, subject to applicable exemptions or opt-out provisions. |
| Financial Literacy | Introduced in the 2026/27 school year for students who entered Grade 9 in 2025/26 or later. |
This is an overview. The school must assess transfer credits, exemptions and the requirements for your entry cohort. See the Ontario Ministry of Education's diploma requirements .
The Roles of Sauder Academy and ISSCC
Sauder Academy's website lists school number BSID 881786 and offers OSSD credit courses combining online learning with live video classes. Students should confirm their chosen subjects, delivery format, time zone, assessment methods, support arrangements and current fees directly with the school.
ISSCC helps students understand the courses, prepare applications and communicate with the school. Sauder Academy is the course provider; ISSCC is not the school awarding the OSSD. Visit Sauder Academy's website and official application page .
Checklist Before Applying
- Provide recent transcripts and details of completed subjects so the school can assess recognised credits.
- Identify your target universities, degrees and prerequisite subjects when planning your courses.
- Request a written study plan, estimated completion time and assessment arrangements.
- Obtain current tuition, application fees, additional charges and refund terms in Canadian dollars (CAD).
- Check start dates, expected weekly study time, technical requirements and how to contact teachers before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OSSD Exam-free?
The OSSD should not be described as exam-free. Courses include assessments, and students must meet the provincial literacy and other applicable graduation requirements. The school sets assignments, tests and final assessments under its course policies.
Does Completing the OSSD Guarantee University Admission?
No. Universities assess applicants' qualifications, subjects, grades, English proficiency and other requirements. Check the entry requirements for your intended programme directly.
Can I Take Individual Subjects?
Sauder Academy's application page includes individual-course options. If you remain enrolled at another school, first confirm whether it accepts those credits and which permission documents are needed.
How Long Does It Take to Graduate?
This depends on recognised credits, outstanding requirements, course selection and actual learning progress. A student's age or an advertised minimum timeframe alone cannot determine the completion date.
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Updated 25 September 2026. Policy information is based on the official Ontario source linked above. Refer to the school's latest written information for individual courses and fees.
