Graduation Requirements

18 credits are required to graduate in Nova Scotia

13 of the 18 credits required to graduate are compulsory. The other 5 credits are electives.

• • 3 English Language Arts — one at each grade level

  • 3 Mathematics — from three different grade levels

  • 2 Sciences — a “first science” credit and 1 other – see course descriptions

  • 1 Canadian History course — Mi’kmaq Studies 10, Canadian History 11, Histoire du Canada 11F, African Canadian Studies 11, or Gaelic Studies 11

  • 1 Global Studies — Global Geography 12, Global History 12, Géographie Planétaires 12F, or Global Politics 12

  • 1 Physical Education — from Phys Ed 10, Physically Active Living 11, Mode de Vie Actif 11F, Dance 11, Phys Ed 11, Yoga 11, Phys Ed 12, Phys Ed Leadership 12, Dance 12

  • 1 Fine Arts — Art, Dance, Drama, Music Band/Strings/Theory/Vocals

  • 1 other credit from Technology, Mathematics or Science

• No more than 7 of the 18 credits may be from courses coded as Grade 10 and at least 5 must be from courses coded as Grade 12.

• Only one credit will be given for a course in the same subject at the same grade level, although both will show on the student transcript. For example, if a student completes English Communications 12 and English 12, it will only count as one credit toward the 18 credits required for graduation.

Post-Secondary admission requirements

Listed below are the grade 12 courses required for several post-secondary programs. Admission requirements refer to grade 12 Academic courses. It is important to check the specifics for each institution as they vary, especially outside Nova Scotia.

Typical University Entrance Requirements In Nova Scotia

Bachelor of Arts

• English + 4 other academic courses

Bachelor of Science

• English, Pre-Calculus Math, 2 Sciences + 1 other academic course

Bachelor of Commerce

• English, Mathematics (in some cases Pre-Calculus) + 3 other academic courses

Bachelor of Engineering

• English, Pre-Calculus Math, Chemistry, Physics + 1 other academic course

Calculus is required for Science and Engineering in many universities outside of Atlantic Canada.

Bachelor of Computer Science

• English, Pre-Calculus Math + 3 other academic courses

Bachelor of Nursing

• English, Math (academic) Chemistry, Biology + 1 other academic course

Community college requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent (some programs have specific subject requirements, particularly in mathematics and science).