The complete guide to the Canadian curriculum

Ontario's curriculum (OSSD - Ontario Secondary School Diploma) is the most common Canadian curriculum delivered internationally. British Columbia's curriculum is also widely used, particularly across Asia. Alberta's curriculum has a smaller international footprint. The choice between provinces affects which Canadian universities offer easiest admission paths back.

The OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) is awarded to students who complete 30 credits across Grades 9-12, including 18 compulsory and 12 optional credits, plus 40 hours of community service and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). The OSSD is recognised by Canadian and international universities.

Canadian schools use percentage grading: 80%+ is generally considered honours level. Top-six average from Grade 12 is the standard university admission metric. Ontario universities require typically 75-90% for competitive programmes; UofT and McGill engineering and medicine programmes typically expect 95%+ averages.

Yes, well recognised. The OSSD is accepted by US universities, UK universities, EU universities, Australian and Asian universities. Canadian universities themselves universally accept any provincial Canadian credential. Recognition is comparable to A-Levels or IB DP, though admissions teams sometimes need extra context for non-Canadian universities.

Similar in structure (K-12, Grade 12 diploma, percentage grading) but with differences. Canadian curriculum is more standardised at the provincial level. Canadian students take fewer Advanced Placement (AP) courses on average; provincial Grade 12 courses are themselves rigorous. Canadian universities often prefer the OSSD over US transcripts for Canadian-focused applications.

Typically similar to IB or slightly less expensive. Canadian international schools usually charge $14K-$30K per year, broadly comparable to American or IB schools. Canadian-curriculum schools are most common in Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, China) and the Middle East.

Yes, many Canadian international schools offer AP courses alongside the provincial curriculum. AP-focused students might take 4-8 APs across Grades 11-12, which strengthens applications to US universities. Some Canadian schools also offer the IB DP as an alternative pathway alongside or instead of the provincial Grade 12 credential.