Dual Credits

Dual credit programs are approved by the Ministry of Education that allow students, while they are still in secondary school, to take college or apprenticeship course that counts towards both their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, degree, or a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

Dual credit programs are intended to assist secondary school students in completing their OSSD and making a successful transition to college and/or apprenticeship programs.

Dual Credit Policy and Procedures 

Who are Dual Credit Programs for?

Dual Credit Programs are aimed at students who:

• Are currently exhibiting the potential to be successful in a college setting and have faced challenges in completing the requirements for graduation. This group includes first-generation students, students lacking confidence in pursuing post-secondary, disengaged and underachieving students who have the potential to succeed but are at risk of not graduating, and students who left school before graduating. These students are the primary focus of dual credit programs;

Eligible students should meet the following criteria:

• • 16 years of age or older and will commit to attending college each week

  • can potentially graduate within 1or 2 years, but have not yet graduated

  • have the potential to successfully complete a college course 

  • benefit from college and career exploration

  • students who are disengaged and/or underachieving.

  • Students in Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs;

  • Students in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).

How does it work?

In the congregated classroom model, students attend classes at Loyalist College one morning a week for approximately 15 weeks. Upon successful completion of the college-delivered course, students earn both a college and secondary school credit which will count towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (elective credit).

In the team-taught model, courses are taught by a college professor or instructor and closely matched secondary course content is taught by a secondary school teacher. Students are eligible to receive credit for the college course, which is recorded on the college record, and for the secondary school course, which is recorded on the OST. In the case of team-taught courses, it is the code for the secondary school course (not the college course) that is recorded on the OST (e.g., TTJ4C, Transportation Technology), followed by the term “Dual Credit” in parentheses. 

Which colleges offer Dual Credits?

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board partner with Loyalist College and St. Lawrence College.

Please note: These courses do not require tuition fees or apprenticeship classroom fees for their classes/training. In addition, because students will travel to the college one morning a week, free transportation is provided.

Want more information?

Contact:  Matt Ronan HPEDSB SCWI Pathways Coordinator mronan@hpedsb.on.ca  

Dual Credit Applications:  

Fall 2025 Dual Credit Application 

Fall Dual Credit Flyer- 2025 

See your home school guidance department for more information.

Learn more about School Within a College (SWAC)  Updated flyer and application coming soon!