May 31st, 2024

The following message is shared on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Education.

View this message in PDF format:

The Ministry of Education has updated the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements. The changes include:

  • Grade 9 EQAO assessment results will represent at least 10% of a student’s final course mark
  • A new financial literacy graduation requirement to be completed in Grade 10 as of September 2025
  • Reduction in the number of compulsory courses, where students will now be required to earn 17 compulsory courses and 13 optional courses to obtain their OSSD
  • Mandatory credit for Grade 9 students from a list of STEM-related courses

The Ministry of Education said the aim of the changes is to provide students more flexibility in their course credits and provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen pathways. Students are still required to complete 30 credits to graduate.

The Ministry of Education is also engaging in consultations with families and caregivers, job creators and educators to inform changes to help students learn foundational life skills and prepare for a life beyond the classroom. Additional information and resources will be provided to school boards for guidance and career education.

For more information read the Ministry of Education announcement.