These requirements apply to any student earning the Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma.
Students require a minimum of 18 credits to graduate. No more than seven of the 18 credits may be for grade 10 courses, and at least five must be for grade 12 courses.
The following are compulsory credits for graduation:
Language, Communication, and Expression
- 3 language arts, one at each grade level
- 1 arts: dance, drama, music, or visual arts
Science, Mathematics, and Technology
- 3 mathematics, one credit at each grade level
- 2 science: one from Science 10, biology, chemistry, or physics, and one other approved science course
- 1 other from science or technology: eligible courses can be found in the Public School Programs (PSP) within the categories of Sciences; Skilled Trades; Technology Education; and Technology Integration and ICT Courses.
Personal Development and Society
- 1 physical education: eligible credits include Physical Education 10, Physical Education 11, Dance 11, Fitness Leadership 11, Physically Active Living 11, Yoga 11, Physical Education 12, and Physical Education Leadership 12
- 1 Canadian history: African Canadian Studies 11; Canadian History 11; Gaelic Studies 11; Études acadiennes 11 and Mi’kmaw Studies 11
- 1 global studies: Global Geography 12, Advanced Global Geography 12, Global History 12, Advanced Global History 12, Global Politics 12, and Advanced Global Politics 12
Within the 18 course requirements for a graduation diploma, in most cases, no student may receive credit for two courses in the same specific subject area at the same grade level. There are a few exceptions: these include Co-op courses and Language Arts with a Canadian Literature course.
Notes
- As a graduation requirement starting in 2020, students are required to successfully complete three high school mathematics courses, one at each grade level (10, 11, and 12). This means that students who started grade 10 as of September 2017 are required to successfully complete three mathematics courses as noted. Students who started grade 10 prior to September 2017 are required to successfully complete two mathematics courses to graduate, one from grade 10 and another.
- Individual Program Plans (IPPs) approved by a Regional Centre for Education or the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial for students with special needs are recognized for credit.
- Locally developed courses approved by the department are recognized as credit courses and count toward a High School Graduation Diploma Credits for a Graduation Diploma.
- Although the minimum number of credits required for graduation is 18, it is recommended that schools develop schedules that allow students to complete 20, 21, or even 24 credits. Schedules should be designed to meet student needs, interests, and abilities.
- To be eligible for the French Immersion Certificate, students must have been enrolled in an early or late French immersion program before entering high school and meet all the requirements as outlined here: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/dpslf/files-dpslf/docs/french_immersion_certificate_en.pdf.
- To be eligible for the Integrated French Certificate, students must have been enrolled in an early or late French immersion program before entering high school and meet all the requirements as outlined here: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/dpslf/files-dpslf/integrated_french_certificate_2021-10-14_en.pdf.
- To be eligible for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (DP), students should see the Nova Scotia International Baccalaureate (IB) website or speak to the IB school coordinator. http://ib.ednet.ns.ca/.
- For information on Personal Development Credits please refer to https://www.ednet.ns.ca/cbl/personal-development-credits. Please note that in July 2017 updates were made to the list of providers.
- Extended Mathematics 11 (full year-two credits) meets the requirements of one mathematics credit and one technology credit.
- French First Language programs are described in detail in Programme des écoles publiques, the French version of the Public School Programs (PSP).
For additional information, please contact:
Dr. Chris Boulter
Executive Director Education Innovation, Programs and Services
Education and Early Childhood Development
PO Box 578
Halifax NS B3J 2S9
Phone (902) 424–2461
Download Credits for Graduation Diploma in Nova Scotia (PDF)
