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Education Guide · 2026

What Is the OSSD Dual Diploma? Earning a Canadian High School Diploma While Studying in Turkey

Is it possible to earn a Canadian high school diploma while continuing at your school in Turkey? Yes — and it's called the OSSD dual diploma program.

5 min read·April 7, 2026·Catalyst Education

What Is the OSSD Dual Diploma?

The OSSD dual diplomais an international education model that allows students to complete Ontario's official high school curriculum in parallel with their existing school enrollment in Turkey — earning an official Canadian high school diploma alongside their Turkish diploma.

“Dual diploma” means exactly this: the student graduates with two diplomas — a Turkish high school diploma and an OSSD — each valid within its respective education system.

In this model, the student:

  • Continues attending their Turkish school under the national curriculum
  • Simultaneously completes Ontario-aligned courses through an accredited online platform
  • Receives the official Canadian high school diploma (OSSD) upon meeting all credit and graduation requirements

The OSSD is recognized for university admissions in Canada, the USA, the UK, European Union countries, and over 100 nations worldwide.

How Does the Canadian Dual Diploma Program Work?

The Canadian dual diploma model is built on the student running two education systems in parallel without disrupting either. The process begins with a personalized academic assessment.

1

Academic evaluation

The student's current transcript and course history are reviewed.

2

Credit mapping

Courses already taken in Turkey are matched to OSSD credit equivalents.

3

Gap analysis

Remaining Ontario courses to be completed are identified.

4

Online coursework

The student completes outstanding credits through the TVO ILC platform.

5

Diploma

Upon meeting all graduation requirements, the official OSSD diploma is issued.

Thanks to credit mapping, many students need fewer additional courses than they initially expect — making the program both time- and cost-efficient.

Can Students in Turkey Really Earn a Canadian High School Diploma?

Yes. This is the defining feature of the OSSD dual diploma program.

The program runs entirely online. Students do not need to leave Turkey, change schools, or disrupt their academic routine. Courses are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection and are designed with schedule flexibility in mind.

Students can carry both their Turkish school workload and their Ontario coursework within their existing daily routine. This flexibility makes the program practically achievable even for students with demanding academic schedules.

Key Program Features

  • No need to leave Turkey
  • Turkish school enrollment and Turkish diploma are maintained
  • Fully online, flexible course schedule
  • Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection

Who Can Apply for the OSSD Dual Diploma Program?

The OSSD dual diploma program is particularly well-suited for:

Middle or high school students aiming to study abroad after graduation
Students planning to apply to universities in Canada, the USA, the UK, or Europe
Students looking to build academic English proficiency and an international academic foundation
Students who want to strengthen their university application with an internationally recognized credential
Students who wish to earn an additional international diploma without changing their current school

Admission is assessed based on the student's academic background and goals. Each student receives a personalized education plan tailored to their specific situation.

How Long Does the Program Take?

The duration of the OSSD dual diploma depends on two factors: the grade level at which the student enrolls, and how many credits transfer through the mapping process.

Grade 9

3–4 years

Grade 10

2–3 years

Grade 11

1–2 years

These are average figures. Students with a high number of credit transfers may complete the program faster. The exact timeline is determined after the academic assessment.

What Are the OSSD Graduation Requirements?

To earn the Canadian high school diploma (OSSD), students must meet the graduation criteria set by the Ontario Ministry of Education:

  • Complete 30 credits (18 compulsory + 12 elective)
  • Successfully complete the compulsory English course (Grade 12 English)
  • Complete 40 hours of community involvement activities
  • Pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) or obtain an exemption

Once all requirements are fulfilled, the student receives the official Canadian high school diploma issued by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

What Does the OSSD Dual Diploma Give Students?

Earning a Canadian dual diploma gives students more than an additional credential — it builds a measurable academic profile that creates real advantages in university applications and beyond.

Academic Advantages

  • Direct application eligibility to universities in Canada, the USA, the UK, and Europe
  • OSSD grades and courses recognized by international admissions offices
  • Development of academic English writing and critical thinking skills

Career Advantages

  • An internationally recognized educational background
  • Adaptability to multicultural and multilingual academic environments
  • Access to global professional networks and opportunities

Practical Advantages

  • No need to leave Turkey
  • Turkish school enrollment and Turkish diploma are maintained
  • Fully online, flexible course schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

The OSSD dual diploma is an international education model that allows students to continue at their school in Turkey while simultaneously earning Ontario's official Canadian high school diploma (OSSD). Students graduate with both their Turkish diploma and the OSSD.

Yes. Because the program is delivered entirely online, students can earn a Canadian high school diploma without leaving Turkey or leaving their current school.

The OSSD is an official diploma issued by the Ontario Ministry of Education. It is recognized for university admissions in Canada, the USA, the UK, European Union countries, and over 100 countries worldwide.

Duration varies based on the student's starting grade and credit transfer results. Most students complete the program in 1 to 4 years.

TVO ILC is Ontario's largest accredited distance education provider, authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Catalyst Education is TVO ILC's sole authorized administrative representative in Turkey. The OSSD dual diploma program is delivered through Catalyst Education via the TVO ILC platform.

The process begins with an academic assessment. The Catalyst Education advisory team reviews the student's current transcript and prepares a personalized education plan.

Get a Free Consultation About the OSSD Dual Diploma

Find out which grade your child can start from, how many credits are required, and what the estimated completion timeline looks like. Get in touch with the Catalyst Education team.

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