Speak to an Advisor
Apply Now
NPU Flex Logo
Menu
Speak to an Advisor
Apply Now
Flexible Learning
Northern Pre-University
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma

An Ontario diploma. Your goals in mind.

The OSSD is Ontario’s high school diploma. Students earn credits across Grades 9–12, combining required subjects with courses that reflect their interests and future goals.

With NPU Flex, students can study online, complete individual courses or work toward the full diploma, with academic planning and support from experienced educators. Students can begin with NPU as early as Grade 7.

Speak to an Advisor
Explore academic profiles
The diploma at a glance
30credits across
Grades 9–12
17 compulsory + 13 optional

Previous studies may count toward the diploma. A formal credit assessment confirms the credits recognized and the requirements remaining.

Grades 7–8 prepare students for high school and do not count toward the 30-credit total. 

Ontario curriculum.
Ministry-inspected school.
NPU Canada is a private secondary school inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education (BSID 882700), authorized to grant OSSD credits. Official transcripts and diplomas are issued by NPU Canada.
About Northern Pre-University
Compulsory credits

The required academic foundation.

Core subjects build a foundation in language, mathematics, science and the wider world. Your academic plan connects these requirements to the courses you still need.

Optional credits create room to explore interests, prepare for senior courses and work toward post-secondary goals.

Explore Grades 6–11
Explore Grade 12
Core compulsory subjects
CreditsSubject and requirement
4EnglishOne credit per grade.
3MathematicsIncluding at least one in Grade 11 or 12.
2ScienceTwo compulsory science credits.
1Canadian historyOne compulsory credit.
1Canadian geographyOne compulsory credit.
1The artsOne compulsory credit.
1Health and physical educationOne compulsory credit.
1French as a second languageOne compulsory credit.
½Career StudiesHalf-credit requirement.
½Civics and CitizenshipHalf-credit requirement.
1Technological educationOne credit in Grade 9 or 10.
1STEM-related courseOne credit from the eligible STEM course group.
Good to know

What else is required to graduate?

Literacy

Meet the provincial literacy requirement through the OSSLT or, where eligible, the OSSLC.

Community involvement

Complete 40 hours of approved activities. Remaining hours are confirmed for transfer students.

Online learning

Two online credits count within the diploma’s 30-credit total, subject to exemptions or opt-out.

Financial literacy

Complete the Career Studies financial literacy requirement where applicable.

We confirm the requirements that apply each individual student. View Ontario’s graduation requirements.

Pre-university study profiles

Choose courses with university in mind.

Explore Science, Commerce and Liberal Arts profiles to see how senior courses connect to different fields of study. We help students choose courses that match their interests and meet the prerequisites for the university programs they are considering.

Science

For students considering engineering, health sciences, natural sciences, computer science and related fields.
Typical Grade 12 course combination
  • Advanced Functions
  • Calculus & Vectors
  • Chemistry
  • Physics or Biology
  • English or French
  • Elective
Science and mathematics choices are shaped around the intended university program, including the preparation needed for longer-term goals such as medicine.
View the full NPU Science profile

Commerce

For students considering business, management, economics, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship.
Typical Grade 12 course combination
  • Advanced Functions
  • Calculus & Vectors
  • Two commerce courses
  • English or French
  • Elective
Business course options and mathematics prerequisites are selected with the student’s intended programs in view.
View the full NPU Commerce profile

Liberal Arts

For students considering humanities, social sciences, communications, education and general university studies.
Typical Grade 12 course combination
  • English or French
  • Five pre-university courses
A broad selection of senior courses can reflect the student’s interests and intended field, including undergraduate preparation for future law studies.
View the full NPU Liberal Arts profile

Course choices reviewed with you.

We review the student’s credits, prerequisites and graduation requirements to confirm suitable courses, with university goals in mind. Ongoing planning and guidance can be tailored to the level of support you need and choose.

Start anytime. Study at your pace.

Students can enrol throughout the year and study online at their own pace. Planning and educator guidance are available based on the level of support they need and choose.
Prior credits and graduation planning

Build on what you’ve already completed.

Previous studies in Quebec, another province or another school system may count toward the OSSD. After registration, the NPU academic team formally reviews the student’s record to confirm:

Credits recognized toward the diploma.

Remaining courses and graduation requirements.

Prerequisites for senior courses.

From there, we recommend course options based on the student’s goals. Ongoing planning, including university preparation, can be tailored to the support you need and choose.

 

Book a free consultation
Explore university planning
Formal academic policies

Need the complete course and policy details?

The NPU School Course Calendar contains course descriptions, prerequisites, graduation requirements and student-record policies. An advisor can provide the current calendar and explain how it applies to the student.
Request the course calendar
Ready to explore your options?

Let’s talk about your goals.

In a free 30-minute consultation, we’ll discuss previous studies, explain the OSSD requirements and explore options for courses and support. 

Schedule a consultation