What OSSD Courses Do You Need for University?
If you're planning to attend university in Ontario, choosing the right OSSD courses is an important part of your high school plan. University programs have specific admission requirements and prerequisites, so students should check what courses they need before choosing their Grade 12 schedule.
For students thinking about university, September is a good time to review those requirements and make sure their courses line up with their post-secondary goals.
Which Courses Are Required for University?
The courses you need depend on the university program you want to apply to. Many Ontario university programs require specific Grade 12 University Preparation (4U) courses, while others have additional prerequisites.
For example, a student interested in engineering may need specific Grade 12 math, physics, or chemistry courses, while another program may have completely different requirements.
The best place to start is by researching the programs you're interested in and making a list of their required courses.
What Does 4U Mean?
A 4U course is a Grade 12 University Preparation course in Ontario.
Students planning to attend university will often need several 4U courses as part of their OSSD and university admission plan. However, the exact courses required depend on the program.
Don't choose your Grade 12 courses based only on what you think you'll need. Check the admission requirements for your intended program first.
How Do You Know Which Courses You Need?
Start by looking at the admission requirements for the university programs you're considering.
Pay attention to:
Required Grade 12 courses
Specific prerequisites
Required 4U or 4M courses
Minimum admission averages
Additional program requirements
It's also important to check the university's website for the most current information, since admission requirements can change.
What If You're Missing a University Prerequisite?
Finding out that you're missing a required course doesn't necessarily mean your plans have to change.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to take an individual OSSD course to meet a prerequisite, upgrade a mark, or complete a course that isn't available through your current school.
Aubrey Academy is a Ministry-inspected online private high school in Ontario offering individual OSSD courses for students in Grades 9–12.
Online courses can be particularly useful for students who need flexibility or want to complete a specific course without changing their entire high school program.
Can You Take an OSSD Course Online?
Yes. Students can take individual OSSD courses online through an Ontario private high school.
Aubrey Academy offers a range of university-preparation courses, including ENG4U, MHF4U, MCV4U, MDM4U, SBI4U, SCH4U and SPH4U, among others.
This can be an option for students who need a prerequisite, want to upgrade a course, or need a more flexible learning schedule.
Planning Ahead for University
Students don't need to wait until Grade 12 to start thinking about university. If you have an idea of the programs or fields you're interested in, reviewing admission requirements early can help you choose courses that keep your options open.
This can be especially helpful for students who are considering competitive programs or courses with specific prerequisites.
Getting Ready for Applications
If you're applying to university this year, September is the right time to review your course plan, confirm your prerequisites, and make sure you're on track to complete the courses required for your programs.
The 2027 Ontario university application cycle is now underway, with the OUAC application deadline on January 15, 2027.
Getting organized early can help you avoid discovering a missing prerequisite when an application deadline is approaching.
What About Student Athletes?
Student athletes may need to plan their courses around training, competitions, travel, and other commitments.
Online OSSD courses can provide additional flexibility for students who need to balance academics with athletics while continuing to work toward their university goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take just one university prerequisite online?
Depending on your circumstances, yes. An individual online OSSD course may be an option if you need to complete a specific prerequisite.
Can I upgrade a Grade 12 course?
Students may be able to retake or upgrade a course to improve their mark. Always check the requirements of the university program you're applying to.
Does Aubrey Academy help students choose courses?
Yes. Aubrey Academy provides academic guidance to help students understand their OSSD requirements, course options, and post-secondary pathways.
Start Planning Your Next Steps
Choosing the right courses starts with understanding where you want to go next. Whether you're planning ahead for university, preparing for applications, balancing academics with athletics, or missing a prerequisite, having a clear course plan can help you stay on track.
Aubrey Academy offers flexible online OSSD courses for Ontario students who need to complete a prerequisite, upgrade a course, or take a course that fits their individual schedule.
Ready to find the right course for your university pathway?