One of the most common questions we receive at Toronto Global Academy is: "Can I transfer my existing credits to the OSSD?" The answer is almost always yes—and doing so can save you significant time and money.
How Credit Transfer Works
Credit transfer allows students to receive recognition for courses completed at other schools—whether in Canada or internationally. Rather than repeating work you've already done, you complete only the courses needed to graduate.
The process involves submitting your transcripts to a Ministry-inspected school, where academic advisors evaluate your coursework against Ontario curriculum standards and determine equivalent credits.
What Can Be Transferred?
Credits may transfer from:
- International programs: IB Diploma, A-Levels, IGCSEs
- US high schools: Including AP courses
- Canadian provinces: All provincial curricula recognized
- International schools: CBSE, ICSE, Gaokao system, and others
- Home schooling: With proper documentation
Typical Credit Equivalencies
| System | Typical Credits Granted | |--------|------------------------| | Full IB Diploma | Up to 30 credits | | 3 A-Levels + GCSEs | 20-26 credits | | US Grade 11 completion | 22-24 credits | | CBSE Class 11 | 16-20 credits |
Actual credits vary based on subjects, grades, and documentation.
The Transfer Process
Step 1: Gather Documents
Collect official transcripts from all schools attended, along with course descriptions if available. International documents may require certified English translation.
Step 2: Submit for Assessment
Enroll at a Ministry-inspected school like Toronto Global Academy (BSID 884434) and submit your documents for evaluation.
Step 3: Receive Your Assessment
Within 1-2 weeks, you'll receive a Credit Assessment Report showing:
- Credits granted and their Ontario equivalents
- Remaining credits needed for OSSD
- Estimated graduation timeline
Step 4: Complete Remaining Credits
Take only the courses you still need—often just 6-10 credits for students with substantial prior education.
PLAR: Credits for Prior Knowledge
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) lets you earn credits by demonstrating knowledge gained outside formal classrooms—through work experience, self-study, or non-recognized programs.
PLAR typically involves challenge exams or portfolio assessment. It's useful when your coursework doesn't directly align with Ontario courses but you have equivalent knowledge.
Common Questions
How long does the process take? Typically 3-5 weeks from document submission to starting courses.
Can I improve transferred grades? Yes. You can retake any course online to achieve higher marks for university applications.
Do transferred credits count for university? Yes. Transferred credits appear on your official OSSD transcript.
Get Your Credits Evaluated
Book a consultation to submit your transcripts and discover how many credits you can transfer. Our academic advisors will create a personalized plan to complete your OSSD efficiently.
Toronto Global Academy has evaluated transcripts from students in over 45 countries, helping them build on their existing education to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.