It depends on the province, because each one sets its own diploma rules: Ontario requires 30 credits, British Columbia 80 and Alberta 100, counted on different scales.
- Ontario (OSSD): 30 credits. Students who started grade 9 in 2024 or later need 17 compulsory and 13 optional credits, plus the literacy requirement, two online learning credits and 40 community involvement hours.
- British Columbia (Dogwood): At least 80 credits across grades 10 to 12, including 52 required and at least 28 elective credits, plus three provincial graduation assessments.
- Alberta: The Alberta High School Diploma requires a minimum of 100 credits, with specified courses in core subjects.
- Different scales: The numbers are not comparable. A full-year course is one credit in Ontario, four in British Columbia and usually five in Alberta.
- Transfer students: The school assesses previous transcripts and grants equivalent credits, then tells the family exactly what remains to graduate.
Please note: Other provinces and Quebec have their own totals; confirm current requirements with the provincial ministry or the school.
Official sources: Ontario: High school graduation requirements · British Columbia: Graduation requirements · Alberta Education PASI: 100 credits, Alberta High School Diploma
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