To graduate from a high school from a British Columbia high school, students must complete 80 credits at the grade 10 to 12 levels. Most of these credits come from the following subjects: language arts, science, math, physical education, planning, fine arts or applied skills and graduation transitions. To make up the remaining credits student must take elective courses based on their personal interests and goals for their post secondary education.
If an international student begins their studies in the British Columbia school system in or before grade 10, they will progress through the graduation program with the same requirements as domestic Canadian students. International students that enter in Grade 11 or 12 will be required to provide proof of English proficiency and complete requirements of the graduation program. Credit eligibility is determined through the application process.
Please refer to the table below for British Columbia graduation requirements:
| Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| An English 10 | 4 |
| An English 11* | 4 |
| An English 12* | 4 |
| A Math 10 | 4 |
| A Math 11 or 12* | 4 |
| A Social Studies 10 | 4 |
| A Social Studies 11 or 12* | 4 |
| A Science 10 | 4 |
| A Science 11 or 12* | 4 |
| Physical Education 10 | 4 |
| Career Life Education* | 4 |
| Career Life Connections* (including 30 volunteer hours) | 4 |
| Fine Arts or Applied Skills 10, 11, or 12 | 4 |
| Grade 12 Course | 4 |
| Grade 12 Course | 4 |
| Grade 12 Course | 4 |
| Elective Credits (4 more classes) | 16 |
| Total Minimum Credits | 80 |
Effective the 2023/2024 school year, all students working toward a B.C. Certificate of Graduation (“Dogwood Diploma”), in English or French, must successfully complete at least 4 credits in Indigenous-focused coursework.
*Must be completed within British Columbia. Consideration will be provided to students who have completed coursework in English 2+ years.
Equivalency Credits
If a student has completed a course outside of a BC school, they may qualify for equivalency credit. This learning must be document by translated notarized transcripts for Grades 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Percentage equivalencies may be provided for an External Language 10, 11, and 12.