Transferring directly from an International high school? Use the drop down menu below and select your Country to display the requirements. If your country isn’t listed please contact us.
Algeria
General secondary school programs are 3 years and are offered at lycées ďenseignement général (general education secondary schools). After completion of the 3rd year, students sit for an examination leading to the Baccalauréat de ľEnseignement Secondaire (Secondary Education Baccalaureate). Vocational/technical secondary school programs are 3 years and are offered at lycées ďenseignment technique (technical education secondary schools). After completion of the 3rd year, students sit for an examination leading to the Baccalauréat Technique (Technical Baccalaureate).
Admission to universities requires a Bachiller en Ciencias, Bachiller en Humanidades, Bachiller en Ciencias y Humanidades
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded, depending on their educational track, one of the following:
• Baccalauréat de ľEnseignement Secondaire (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
• Baccalauréat Technique (equivalent to Canadian vocation or alternate grade 12 education)
Argentina
The program consists of nine compulsory years of primary followed by three years of senior secondary. Senior secondary education, now known as Polimodal (multi-modal), provides students the option to study academic or specialized career streams in grade 10-12. Completion of the polimodal Bachiller program (and occasionally a fourth year of senior secondary, equivalent to grade 13) is required for entrance to university.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded, depending on their educational track, one of the following:
• Bachiller (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
• Técnico; Técnico en; Maestro Mayor, or Perito Mercantil (equivalent to Canadian vocational or alternate grade 12 education)
Australia
Secondary school starts in Year 6 or Year 7, and consists of two stages: secondary school, finishing with Year 10, and senior secondary school, made up of Year 11 and Year 12. The subjects taken in the first two years are general in nature and compulsory for all pupils. Pupils must take at least six subjects per school term. The core subjects include English, mathematics, physics, social studies, the environment, foreign language, technology and creative subjects.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Note: the name of the certificate varies depending on the issuing state)
New South Wales: Higher School Certificate
Queensland: Queensland Certificate of Education
South Australia: South Australian Certificate of Education
Victoria: Victorian Certificate of Education
Western Australia: Western Australian Certificate of Education
Australian Capital Territory: ACT Year 12 Certificate
Northern Territory: Northern Territory Certificate of Education
Other:
Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) Program
The GAC consists of Levels I―III, with a fast track option available for those who meet the specified entry requirements.
GAC modules include Academic English, Mathematics, Computing, Study Skills, Business, Science and Social Science supported by a systematic study of learning skills for success at university.
Elective units allow students to choose between the International English Language Testing System™ (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language® (TOEFL) preparation, and they also have the option of taking an additional mathematics module during Level III.
Successful completion of Level 3 constitutes completion of the Global Assessment Certificate Program (099-level)
International English 12 final grade results are assessed as equivalent to BC English 12 provided that the student has completed the last three years of full-time secondary education (grades 10-12) in one of the following countries, where English is the official first language and principle language of instruction:ENGLISH EQUIVALENCY
Australia
New Zealand
British Virgin Islands
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
Ireland
United States
Austria
The basic structure of education is 4 years lower secondary (grades 4-8) followed by 4 years upper secondary (grades 9-12).
Lower secondary education (grades 4-8) is divided into two types, with students averaging 4 or higher in primary school progressing to Allgemein bildende höhere Schule (AHS), and those with averages lower than 4 going to Hauptschule.
Hauptschule – General/vocational secondary (only the top students attending Hauptschule are able to switch to AHS starting from grade 9)
Allgemein bildende höhere Schule (AHS)– Academic secondaryThese are equivalent to completion of Canadian grade 10.
Upper Secondary education (grades 9-12) students continue on the same tracks. Only the top students attending Hauptschule are able to switch from Berufsbildende to AHS at the start of grade 9.
Berufsbildende (vocational/apprenticeship track) Further divided into 3 tracks, which are identified by the type of school :
Berufsbildende Pflichtschulen- Compulsory vocational school
Allgemein bildende höhere Schule (regular academic track) Further divided into 3 tracks, which are identified by the type of school :
Gymnasium – Languages track
Realgymnasium – Math and sciences track
Wirtschaftliches Realgymnasium – Arts and Humanities track
Following completion of grade 12, AHS students sit for a leaving examination known as the Reifeprufung examination. Hauptschule students sit for a Reife –und Diplomprüfung examination.
Admission to university requires the Reifeprufungszeugnis (Maturity Certificate) or for vocation study, the Berufsreifeprüfung (Vocational Maturity Examination).
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Abschußzeugnis einer berufsbilden mittleren schule (Certificate of Upper Vocational School) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Berufsreifezeugnis (Vocational Education Maturity Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Reifeprüfungzeugnis (Maturity Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Bahamas
Senior secondary education is usually 2 years in duration, grades 11 and 12, although there are institutions at which senior secondary education may be defined as 3 years, grades 10-12. Successful completion of senior secondary results in the awarding of the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE). Students may also choose to complete GCSE ‘O’ Levels or GCE ‘A’ Levels in preparation for further studies at university. The GCE ‘A’ Levels are administered by examining authorities in the United Kingdom. Students may also sit for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), SAT II, or the College’s Board’s Advanced Placement Examinations (AP’s), administered by examining authorities in the United States.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies students are awarded one of the following:
Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
General Certificate of Education – Ordinary Level (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
General Certificate of Education – Advanced Level (GCE A-level (equivalent to Canadian advanced grade 12 education)
Bolivia
The educational system consists of 4 years senior secondary study (grades 9-12). Grade 11 and 12 streaming options include technical, vocational, or career training.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
• Bachiller or Bachiller en Humanidades (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
• Maestro(a) Normal (equivalent to Canadian vocational or alternate grade 12 education)
Brazil
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Diploma / Certificado de Ensino Médio (Certificate of High School) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Diploma / Certificado de Técnico de Nível Médio (Certificate of Basic Technical) (equivalent to Canadian vocation or alternate grade 12 education)
Diploma / Certificado de Professor (grades 1 to 4) (Certificate of Teaching)
Diploma de Professor de Educação Infantil e Séries Iniciais do Ensino Fundamental (grades 1 to 4)(Diploma of Early Childhood and Elementary Education Series) (equivalent to Canadian vocation or alternate grade 12 education)
Diploma de Professor de Ensino Fundamental (grades 1 to 4) (Diploma of Teaching Fundamentals)(equivalent to Canadian vocation or alternate grade 12 education)
Cameroon
Francophone System Secondary Education
Lower secondary is 4 years, and students are awarded the Brevet D’études de Premier Cycle du Second Degré (Certificate of First Cycle of the Second Degree Studies) upon completion. Technical secondary schools (lycée technique) are 7 years and, upon completion, students are awarded a Brevet de Technicien Supérieur or a Brevet Professionnel (Higher Technical Certificate or Professional Certificate). Students who have completed the collège can continue upper secondary studies at a lycée. Upper secondary is 3 years and students are awarded a baccalauréat upon completion.
Admission to universities requires a Bachiller en Ciencias, Bachiller en Humanidades, Bachiller en Ciencias y Humanidades.
Anglophone System Secondary Education
Lower secondary school is 5 years and at the end of study students sit for the Cameroon General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level Examination (Cameroon GCE “O” Level). This is equivalent to grade 10.
Upper secondary school is 2 years and students sit for the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Examination (GCE “A” Level) at the end of studies. Technical secondary schools also offer 7-year programs following primary school, and students sit for the City and Guilds Part III examinations.
Admission to universities requires a Baccalauréat, Brevet de Technicien Supérieur / Brevet Professionnel (BTS / BP), or O-level or A-level GCSE’s
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded, depending on their educational track, one of the following:
Francophone System Secondary Education
• Baccalauréat (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
• Brevet de Technicien Supérieur / Brevet Professionnel (BTS / BP) (equivalent to Canadian vocation or alternate grade 12 education)
Anglophone System Secondary Education
• Cameroon General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
• General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (equivalent to Canadian advanced grade 12 education)
Chile
The educational structure is 4 years of senior secondary (grades 9-12) called Medio. In grades 9-10 students focus on standard academic subject areas, and completion of grade 10 may choose from a variety of technical and vocational streams for grades 11 and 12.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies students are awarded the Licencia de Educación Media (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
China
The basic educational structure is 3 years junior or lower secondary (years 1-3)(grades 7-9), followed by 2 years upper secondary (years 4-6)(grades 10-12). Following junior middle school (grade 9) students may select from three Upper Secondary streams:
General Academic – at a Senior Middle School
Professional Secondary – at a professional secondary school
Vocational or Technical – at a vocational secondary school
Many institutions reserve the final year or final semester of grade 12 for preparation to take the school leaving examinations, called the Gaokao (National Matriculation Examinations). The curriculum of the general academic stream for senior middle school is divided into two and a half years, with the final semester in the third year reserved for preparation for graduation examinations.
Note: If the applicant has provided a transcript which shows no results for the second semester of year 3, the student must also provide their Gaokao examination results, and the average of the two is used for placement. Gaokao examination results alone are not used for university placement at Alexander College.
National Examinations
In order to be awarded a Senior Secondary diploma, a Chinese student must pass all course credit requirements as well as at least one exit examination.
A student will take one of 2 types of senior secondary graduation exams, dependent on the year and province of graduation:
Huikao (Joint Graduation Examination)
The Huikao examination was implemented in 1993 and phased out in 2010.
Xueye Shuiping Ceshi (High School Academic Proficiency Test, HS APT)
The HS APT Examinations replaced the Huikao examinations nationwide beginning in 2007. In most provinces the HS APT examinations are conducted by the provincial education department, however in Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, and Shanxi the HS APT examinations are administered by the school.
Gaokao (National Matriculation Examination)
Translated as ‘the High Test’, the Gaokao examination is written by more than 10 million Chinese high school seniors each year. The test determines ranking, and only the top ranking students are eligible for limited space in China’s public universities.
Admission to university requires the Upper Middle School Graduation Certificate and a top Gaokao ranking.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Regular (academic track)
Upper Middle School Graduation Certificate (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Vocational (non-academic track)
Vocational Upper Middle School Graduation Certificate (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Specialized Technical Middle School Graduation Certification (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Skilled-workers School Graduation Certificate (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 10 completion)
Adult Technical Training school Graduation Certificate (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 10 completion)
Adult Secondary Self-Study Examination Graduation Certificate (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 10 completion)
Colombia
The structure of lower secondary education is 4 years in duration (grades 6-9), resulting in a Certificado de Estudios de Bachillerato Básico (Certificate of Basic Baccalaureate Studies) or a Certificado de Conclusión del Ciclo Básico (Certificate of Completion of Basic Cycle). This is equivalent to completion of grade 10 in Canada.
Upper secondary (Educación Media) and technical upper secondary (Educación Media Técnica) is 2 years in duration (grades 10-11) and is offered at colegios and liceos, resulting in a bachillerato upon completion of studies. Students may choose from academic, science, humanities, technical, industrial, commercial, pedagogical, agricultural, or social promotion tracks.
Admission to university requires a upper secondary bachillerato and a state entrance exam (examen del estado).
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded, depending on their educational track, one of the following
• Título de Bachiller Académico (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
• Título de Bachiller Media Técnica (equivalent to Canadian vocational or alternate grade 12 education)
Costa Rica
Educational structure-Entering ciclo medio) (senior secondary) students may choose to enter either Ciclo Basico (academic track) or Ciclo Diversificado (vocational track). Senior secondary education is commonly 11 years in duration at a public institution, however it is also commonly 11 years at private religious institutions which play an important role in the education system. The academic year is usually divided into 3 semesters (quarters I-III).
Entrance to university requires a Bachillerato.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded, depending on their educational track, one of the following:
• Certificado Conclusion de Estudios de Educacion General Basica (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 9 education)
• Bachillerato (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
• Bachiller en Educacion Media (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 11 education)
• Diploma de Conclusion de Estudios de Educacion Diversificada (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Denmark
Lower secondary education is from grades 1-9, with an optional 10th year called Folkeskole. Senior secondary education is 2-3 years, dependant upon the track and whether or not the student completed the Folkeskole year.
If the student intends to continue to university, they will complete the Folkeskole year, followed by senior secondary for 2 years (grades 11-12). This program of study leads to the HØjere Forberedelseksamen (Higher Preparatory Examination).
If the student does not intend to continue to university, they would not complete the Folkeskole year, and continue to complete 3 years of senior secondary education, resulting in a Studentereksamen (School Leaving Certificate) or Eksamenbevis for HØjere Teknisk Eksamen (Higher technical Certificate).
Admission to university requires the HØjere Forberedelseksamen. Denmark offers free and unlimited public university education to all citizens.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Eksamenbevis for HØjere Teknisk Eksamen (Higher technical Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational or alternate grade 12 education)
Studentereksamen (School Leaving Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational or alternate grade 12 education)
HØjere Forberedelseksamen (Higher Preparatory Examination). (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Congo
General upper secondary school (lycée ďenseignement general) is 3 years. Upon completion of the program, students sit for the Baccalauréat (Baccalaureate) examination. Admission to universities requires a Lycée ďenseignement General or Baccalauréat.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded, depending on their educational track, one of the following:
• Brevet de Technicien (equivalent to Canadian vocational or alternate grade 12 education)
• Baccalauréat Technique (equivalent to Canadian vocational or alternate grade 12 education)
• lycée ďenseignement general (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
France
Senior secondary education is 2 years for vocational track or 3 years for academic track.
Students who intend to continue to university will study senior secondary at a Lycée d’Enseignement General, Technologique, et Professionnel for 2 years (grades 11-12). Students who do not intend to continue to university will study senior secondary at a Lycée Professionnel for 2 years (grades 10-11).
Admission to university requires completion of a Baccalaureat General, Technologique, Professional or a Brevet de Technicen.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Lycée Professionnel (2 years, grades 10-11)
Brevet d’Etudes Professionnelles (BEP) (equivalent to Canadian academic grade 12 education); or,
Certificat d’Aptitude Professionele (CAP) (equivalent to Canadian academic grade 12 education)
Lycée d’Enseignement General, Technologique, et Professionnel for (2 years, grades 11-12)
Baccalauréat Général (General Bachelor) (equivalent to Canadian academic grade 12 education);
Baccalauréat Technologique (Technological Bachelor) (equivalent to Canadian academic grade 12 education);
Baccalauréat Professionnel (Professional Bachelor) (equivalent to Canadian academic grade 12 education);
Brevet de Technicen (Technician’s Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian academic grade 12 education)
Lycée Professional (2 years, grades 12-13)
Baccalauréat Professionnel (Professional Bachelor) (equivalent to Canadian academic grade 12 education)
Gambia
Gambia is one of 5 nations (Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia) for which secondary education is regulated by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded, depending on their educational track, one of the following:
West African School Certificate, General Certificate of Education
West African Examinations Council (WACE) West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) results, 5 subjects passed including English language – (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education) Please note: WACE English cannot be used for placement.
Germany
The educational structure is determined by each of the 16 constituent states, and varies slightly from one to another. The basic structure is 5-6 years of Sekundar I (lower secondary, grades 5-9, and in some states, 10) which is followed by 2-3 years of Sekundar II (upper secondary , grades 11-12, and in some states, 13).
Sekundar I (lower secondary), also called ‘main’ school, or ‘middle’ school) may take place at any of the following school types, depending on the state and educational track :
Hauptschule – Grades 5-9
Realschule – Grades 5-10
Gymnasium – Grade 5-10, occasionally also continuing grades 11-12 or 13
Gesamtschule – Grades 5-10
Following successful completion of Sekundar I, student receive a Main school completion certification, called Hauptschulabschlusszeugnis, equivalent to completion of Canadian grade 10.
Sekundar II (upper secondary) may take place at any of the following school types, depending on the state and educational track :
Following completion of grade 12 or 13, students sit for a leaving examination known as the Abitur.
Admission to university requires the Zeugnis der Allgemein Hochschulreife (Certificate of General University Maturity). Germany offers free and unlimited public university education to all citizens
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Zeugnis der Allgemein Hochschulreife (Certificate of General University Maturity) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Abschlusszeugnis der Berufsfachschule (Certificate of Completion of Vocational Technical School) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Abschlusszeugnis de Berufschule (Certificate of Completion of Vocational School) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Abschlusszeugnis der Fachschule (Certificate of Completion of Technical School) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Zeugnis der Fachhochschulreife (Certificate of Maturity for Universities of Applied Sciences) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife I (grade 12) (Certificate of General Maturity for Higher Education) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife II (grade 13) (Certificate of General Maturity for Higher Education) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Ghana
Ghana is one of 5 nations (Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia) for which secondary education is regulated by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).The educational system is now a 6-3-3-4 structure, consisting of six years of primary school, three years of Junior Secondary School, three years of Senior Secondary School.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded, depending on their educational track, one of the following:
West African School Certificate, General Certificate of Education
West African Examinations Council (WACE) West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) results, 5 subjects passed including English language – (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Haiti
The educational structure in Haiti is modeled after the French education system, however is currently undergoing a period of reform. The current system, based upon the French model, considers secondary education to be 7 years in duration, from the approximate ages of 12 to 19 years. The structure is divided into two cycles of 3 years lower secondary plus 4 years upper secondary. Technical Secondary Education is offered at the Technical Secondary School. The length of the program is 3 years, from ages 15 to 18.
The reformed system will be structured as 9 years of primary followed by 3 years of senior secondary.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
The Baccalaureat I is a certificate awarded after succeeding in the state examination at the end of the third year (grade 12)
The Baccalaureat II, taken at the end of the fourth year (grade 13), is a state diploma that marks the end of the secondary level
Hong Kong
The structure of education retains some elements of the British framework, and GSE/GCSE leaving examinations are still common in some regions. The system has changed dramatically since becoming part of the PRC in 1997. Today, the basic educational structure is 3 years junior secondary (years 1-3)(grades 7-9), followed by 2 years senior secondary (years 4-6)(grades 10-12), followed by 1-2 years senior secondary VIII (years 7-8)(grades 12-13) in which HKALE examinations take place. Further reform is expected in the years ahead, geared toward bringing the educational model in line with the Chinese structure of 3 years lower secondary followed by 3 years senior or upper secondary. The language of instruction is either Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) or English.
The Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) was replaced in 2012 by the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). The HKDSE is considered to be equivalent to GCE A Levels, Australian Secondary Certificate of Education, or a US university preparatory program. Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations (HKALE) are university entrance examinations, and are conducted during the last year of secondary education.
Admission to university requires the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) and in most cases, successful completion of the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations (HKALE).
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Pre 2012 – Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Post 2012 – Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
India
The basic structure is 3 years of secondary (grades 8-10) followed by senior secondary (grades 11-12). Following completion of secondary (grade 10) students select from two possible branches (also called tracks) : academic or vocational. Students who choose the academic branch will further select from 3 possible streams : science, business, or humanities. Vocational studies may focus on computer science, mechanics, or any number of technical vocations.
Following completion of grade 12 students sit for state or national (All-India) leaving examinations
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Note: names of qualifications vary depending on the affiliated board. There are more than 40 recognized state boards, and 3 national boards. To verify the authenticity of a board.
All India Senior School Certificate (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
Indian Senior School Certificate (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Certificate of Vocational Education (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Various States
Intermediate Certificate (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Pre-University Certificate (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Indonesia
The basic structure is 3 years of Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) (lower secondary) (grades 7-9). Following completion of grade 9, students choose one of 3 streams : academic, technical/vocational, or teacher training, each of which is further divided into regular or Islamic branches, and continue to 3 years of Sekolah Menengah Atas (upper secondary) (grades 10-12).
The language of public school instruction is Indonesian.
Admission to university requires a Surat Tanda Tamat Belajar (STTB) or Sekolah Menengah Unum Tingkat Atas (SMA) depending on the type of institution and program.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Surat Tanda Tamat Belajar (STTB) (Graduation Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Sekolah menengah Unum Tingkat Atas (SMA) (Graduation Certificate-Upper Class)(equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Surat Tanda Tamat Belajar (STTB) – Sekolah Teknik Menengah (STM) (Graduation Certificate – Technical Secondary School) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Surat Tanda Tamat Belajar (STTB) – Sekolah Pendidikan Guru (SPG) (Graduation Certificate – School of Teacher Training, equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Iran
The basic educational structure is 3 years of راهنمایی Dawra’i-rahnama’ii tahsili (Guidance/Lower Secondary) (grades 6-9), followed by 3 years of دبیرستان Dabirestan (Intermediate/Upper Cycle). The language of instruction is Persian.
Results in awarding of the Diplom (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Pre-University
(1 Year)
Grade 12
Upon successful completion of National Entrance Examinations, graduates are awarded the Peesh-Daneshgahii (Pre-University Certificate
Admission to university requires the گواهی پیش دانشگاهی Pishdaneshgahi.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Students are required to sit for the Konkur (Iran University Entrance Exam). Upon successful completion of the examination, students are awarded one of the following:
گواهی پیش دانشگاهی Pishdaneshgahi (alternate spellings: Peeshdaneshgahe, Pishdaneshgah-ii, Pishdaneshgahyi) (Pre-University Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Note: Vocational graduation qualifications, called Diplom or Diplom Fanni va Herfe-ii, are considered equivalent to completion of Canadian grade 11 and not equivalent to completion of grade for the purpose of placement/prerequisites.
Iraq
The basic educational structure is 3 years of Intermediate (1st-3rd forms) (grades 7-9), followed by 3 years secondary (4th-6th forms) (grades 10-12). From the beginning of secondary (4th form, grade 10) students are streamed according to interests and aptitudes into regular academic, vocational, or teachers education. Teachers education follows an alternate timeline of either 4 years (grades 10-14) or two additional years following completion of grade 12 preparatory (grades 13-14)
Admission to university requires the وثيقة مدرسية / المرحلة الإعدادية wathîqa madrasiyya / al-marhalla al-i‘dâdiyya.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Students are required to sit for baccalaureat examinations (preparatory or vocational). Upon successful completion of the examination, students are awarded one of the following:
وثيقة مدرسية الإعدادية المهنية al-marhalla al-i‘dâdiyya (6th Form/Preparatory Baccalaureat) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
ادية المهنية عدادية al-i’dâdiyya al-mihaniyya (Vocational Baccalaureat) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
ي دبلوم diblûm fannȋ (Technician’s Diploma) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Ireland
The basic structure is 3 years of Timthriall Sóisareach (Junior Cycle)(grades 6-9) followed by a one year Idirbhliain (Transition Year) (grade 10), followed by 2 years of Timthriall Shinsearach (Senior Cycle) (grades 11-12).
Following completion of grade 12 students sit for one of three possible leaving examinations known as the Teastas Shinsearach.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Leaving Certificate Vocational Program (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Leaving Certificate Applied (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Ardtesistiméireacht (Leaving Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
International English 12 final grade results are assessed as equivalent to BC English 12 provided that the student has completed the last three years of full-time secondary education (grades 10-12) in one of the following countries, where English is the official first language and principle language of instruction:ENGLISH EQUIVALENCY
Australia
New Zealand
British Virgin Islands
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
Ireland
United States
Israel
The basic educational structure is modeled after the British system due to the earlier occupation of Israel by Britain. Lower secondary is 3 years (grades 7-9), and is followed by 3 years of Upper Secondary (grades 10-12). The ongoing political and religious divide between the Jewish Israeli and Palestinian groups has resulted in segregated schools. Other religious groups also operate schools, including Agudath Yisrael, Bedouin, Druze-Circassian, and Haredi. A fair number of secondary and higher education institutions also teach a foreign curriculum, for example American or British schools, etc. All secondary schools in Israel are required to follow the same core curriculum but differ in religious instruction and language of instruction. Males and females are educated separately in both Israeli and Palestinian schools.
Admission to university requires the תעודת תעודת בגרות Teudat Bagrut (Matriculation Certificate).
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Students are required to sit for the Bagrut Examination (National Secondary Examination). Upon successful completion of the examination, students are awarded one of the following:
תעודת בגרותTeudat Bagrut (Matriculation Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
רגיל מקצומסלול גמר תעודת Teudat Gemer Maslul Miktzoi Regil – MASMAR (final diploma of the regular secondary technological and vocational track) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
תיכון מקצומסלול גמר תעודת Teudat Gemer Maslul Miktzoi Tichon – MASMAT (final diploma of the secondary technician and vocational track) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
מעשי מקצומסלול גמר תעודת Teudat Gemer Maslul Miktzoi Ma’asi – MASMAM (final diploma of the specialized secondary technological and vocational track) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
תיכונית גמר תעודת Teudat Gemer Tichonit (secondary school final diploma) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Military service is compulsory for both genders following Bagrut Examinations. Christians, Circassians, and Muslims are exempt from military service. Service usually begins at the age of eighteen and is three years for males and two years for females.
Jamaica
The second cycle (Upper Secondary) allows students to choose from 3 possible tracks, academic (Jamaican curriculum), IGCSE O-levels, or technical studies. Some high schools also offer grades 12-13 for students taking GCE A’levels. Each track culminates in one or more exit examinations, which (when successfully completed) results in the awarding of the credential.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Please note that the following credentials are not deemed equivalent to completion of high school in Canada, and thus do not satisfy the high school graduation requirement :
Jamaica School Certificate (JSC)
Secondary School Certificate (SSC)
Japan
The basic educational structure is 3 years of中学校 chūgakkō (middle school) (years 1-3=grades 7-9), followed by 3 years高等学校 kōtōgakkō (high school) (years 1-3=grades 10-12). Beginning from grade 11 onward, students may choose from 7 specialized tracks, including : agriculture, industry, business, fishery, home economics, nursing, science and mathematics. The language of instruction is typically Japanese, although many institutions issue academic records in both Japanese and English as a matter of practice.
Admission to university requires the Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shosho and results of national university entrance examinations.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shosho (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate – academic or vocational) (equivalent to Canadian regular or vocational grade 12 education)
Kazakhstan
After completion of the 9th grade, students receive a certificate of incomplete secondary education. Student who wish to go on to university must complete an additional two years to receive their ‘Attestat’ or Attestation of Middle (Complete) Secondary Education.
Secondary education is currently 11 years in duration, however there are plans to extend the secondary system to include a 12th year.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Secondary education in Kazakhstan ends after year 11. Each academic year is called a ‘form.’ Form 11A is equivalent to BC grade 12.
• Regular academic stream: ‘Attestat’ or Attestation of Middle (Complete) Secondary Education
(Attestat o Srednem obščem Obrazovani, or in Russian: Аттестат о среднем (полном) общем образовании)
• Regular academic stream: ‘Attestat’ or Attestation of Middle (Complete) Secondary Education
(Attestat o Srednem obščem Obrazovani, or in Russian: Аттестат о среднем (полном) общем образовании)
• Vocational or technical stream : ‘Diploma of Specialized Secondary Education’
(Diplom o Srednem Spetsialnom Obrazovanii, or in Russian:
Macau
The structure of education retains elements of the Portuguese, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong framework, as well as elements of the British system such as GCE/GCSE examinations. There is no single body to regulate education in the country, and the majority of schools are privately owned and operated by catholic and protestant churches. The system has changed dramatically since becoming part of the PRC in 1999. Today, the basic educational structure is 3 years lower secondary (grades 7-9), followed by 3 years upper secondary (grades 10-12), or alternately 2-3 years of vocational upper secondary. The language of instruction is either Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) or Portuguese.
Admission to university requires either a Hong Kong Certificate of Education (HKCE), General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE ‘O’ Levels), or General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE ‘A’ Levels). Some students may also complete university entrance examinations on the mainland.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Hong Kong Certificate of Education (HKCE) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE ‘O’ Levels) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (equivalent to Canadian regular/advanced grade 12 education)
General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE ‘A’ Levels) (equivalent to Canadian advanced grade 12 education, some advanced credit may be granted)
Malaysia
The basic structure is 3 years of Sijil Rendah Pelajaran (SRP) or Penilaian Menengah Rendah (SMR) (lower secondary) (grades 7-9). Following completion of grade 9, students may choose one of 2 streams : academic or technical/vocational and continue to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (regular upper secondary) (grades 10-11) or Sijil Tingqi Pelarajan Malaysia (advanced upper secondary) (grades 10-11).
Admission to university requires a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Sijil Tingqi Pelarajan Malaysia (STPM), depending on the type of institution and program.
Graduation Equivalencies
Please note that Malay secondary education is complete after 11 years. The following graduation equivalencies and grade scales cover the Malay educational structure only. To evaluate credentials from independent schools using a different structure and curriculum, use the admission requirements page for that specific country.
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) (Open Certificate Examination) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Sijil Am Pelajaran (Completion Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
This credential is awarded to students who pass 1 or 2 subject examination, but fail 6 or 7 out of 8.
Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (Malaysian Higher School Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian advanced grade 12 education)
Mexico
Upper secondary education branches into three distinct tracks; Certificado de Bachillerato General (General Baccalaureate Certificate), Bachillerato Tecnologico (Technical Baccalaureate), or Educacion Professional Tecnica (Professional Technical Education). Admission to university requires completion of a bachillerato
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Certificado de Bachillerato General (General Baccalaureate Certificate)
The basic educational structure is based upon the soviet (Russian) model of 4 years lower secondary (grades 5-8) followed by 2 years upper secondary (grades 9-11). Students from Mongolia graduate from high school between the ages of 18 and 19, due to the age to start grade 1 being 9 years as opposed to 6 years in Canada.
Admission to university requires the senior High School diploma or Senior Vocational High School diploma, depending on the type of program and post-secondary institution, as well as the results of national university entrance examinations.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Gerchilgee (School Leaving Certificate) (not equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education, student should be placed in grade 11)
Netherlands
The education structure was revised in 2002, and current structure is 7 years basisscholen (primary education) (grades 1-7) followed by 4-6 years voortgezet onderwijs (secondary education) (grades 8-11, 8-12, or 8-13). Upon completion of basischolen (primary education) students are assessed and must choose one of the following tracks :
At the end of the second year the pupil chooses a ‘profile’- a package including both compulsory and elective subjects. The following profiles are offered:
Culture and society
Economics and society
Nature and health
Nature and technology
After the fourth year, the pupil will be a period called the ‘study-house’ (studiehuis), where independent study is essential. In addition to traditional lessons, the study house offers a broad scope for individual approach.
Students choose from the following training types during grades 8-10 :
Atheneum – General curriculum
Gymnasium – General curriculum plus additional coursework in the study of Latin, ancient Greek, and/or classical culture
Upon completion of grade 10, students will choose a profile from the following options :
Culture and Society
Economics and Society
Nature and Health
Nature and Technology
Upon completion of grade 11, students begin a period of independant study called studiehuis (study-house) which combines traditional classroom learning with independant study or private lessons.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Hoger Algemeen Voortgezet Onderwijs (HAVO) Diploma (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs (MBO) Diploma (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Voordereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) Diploma (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
New Zealand
The national curriculum runs from Year 1 to Year 10, of which primary education covers Years 1-8 and secondary education Years 9 and 10 (junior secondary education). Years 11-13 cover senior secondary education. Years 7 and 8 can also be attended at an Intermediate School.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Years 11, 12 and 13 do not form part of the compulsory curriculum; however they are important for admission to higher education. Between 2002 and 2004, the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) was introduced as the national senior secondary school qualification. There are three NCEA: Level 1 (year 11 or Form 5), Level 2 (year 12 or Form 6), and Level 3 (year 13 or Form 7).
ENGLISH EQUIVALENCY
International English 12 final grade results are assessed as equivalent to BC English 12 provided that the student has completed the last three years of full-time secondary education (grades 10-12) in one of the following countries, where English is the official first language and principle language of instruction:
Australia
New Zealand
British Virgin Islands
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
Ireland
United States
Nigeria
Nigerian education, since the introduction of the Senior School Certificate, has a 6+3+3 system of primary-secondary education. Six years of primary education are followed by three years of junior high school. High school (senior secondary education) is also three years. The Senior School Certificate is awarded upon graduation. Nigeria is one of 5 nations (Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia) for which secondary education is regulated by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Alternately in Nigeria, national examinations may also be administered by the National Examinations Council (NECO).The language of instruction is English.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded, depending on their educational track, one of the following:
West African School Certificate, General Certificate of Education
West African Examinations Council (WACE) West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) results, 5 subjects passed including English language – (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education) Please note: WACE English cannot be used for placement.
Norway
The basic education structure is 3 years Ungdomstrinnet (secondary education) (grades 7-9) followed by 3 years Videregående Skole (upper secondary education) (grades 8-12).
Upper secondary education is divided into three stages :
Grunnkurs, ettårig (secondary level 1) (grade 10)
Vidergående Kurs I (secondary level 2) (grade 11)
Vidergående Kurs II (secondary level 3) (grade 12
General track
Vocational track
Admission to university requires completion of a Vitnemål Fra Videregående Skole or Trade/Journeyman Certificate, depending on the university and program type. Norway offers free and unlimited public university education to all citizens.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCY
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Vitnemål Fra Videregående Skole (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Trade/Journeyman Certificate (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Philippines
The country has one of the shortest secondary program cycles in the world, with secondary students completing it after grade 10 (age 16 or 17). The basic structure is 6 years of elementary school (grades 1-6) followed by 4 years of high school (grades 7-10). From 2016 onward there will be no more grade 10 graduates, and the educational structure will change from a 6+4 to a 6+6 structure, with graduation requiring completion of grade 12. The first graduates of the new 12 year system will complete it in 2018.
Admission to university requires a High School Diploma.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Please note that the Philippine secondary education is generally complete after 10 years, however some independent catholic schools operate an 11 year system, and some Chinese schools operate a 12 year system.
Philippine System – Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Katibayan (Diploma) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Katunayan (Certificate of Graduation) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Permanent Record (Form 137A) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Portugal
Secondary education lasts for three years from the ages of 15-18 with four tracks available: Scientific-humanities, technology, specialized arts, or professional studies.
Admission to higher education depends on the requirements set by each individual institution. However, institutions often require a Diploma of Secondary Education and sufficient scores on an entrance examination.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Diploma de Ensiono Secundário (Diploma of Secondary Education) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Certificado de Fim de Estudos Secundárias (Certificate of End of Studies) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education) *awarded until the mid 2000’s
Diploma de Formação Profissional de Nivel III (Diploma of Third Level Professional Training) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Diploma de Estudies Profissionais (Diploma of Professional Studies) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Certificado de Qualificação Profissional de Nivel III (Certificate of Third Level Professional Studies) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Russia
The basic structure is 5 years of basic (Incomplete) general education (Junior Cycle)(grades 5-9) after which students sit for the state final attestation, successful completion of which results in the awarding of the Attestat ob Osnovnom Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Incomplete Secondary Education), which enables progression to secondary (complete) general or vocational stream (upper secondary) (grades 10-11). During upper secondary a student will choose from 2 possible streams, academic or vocational/professional. A number of private gymnasia and lyceums also offer alternate programs such as GCE/GCSEs, International Baccalaureate (IB), or advanced studies in languages, mathematics, fine arts, or sports.
Admission to university requires an Attestat o srednem (polnom) obschem obrazovanii or Diplom o nachal’nom Professional’nom obrazovanii (depending on the type of institution and program) and Единый государственный экзамен, ЕГЭ, Yediniy gosudarstvenniy ekzamen, EGE (Unified State Examination, USE).
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Аттестат о среднем (полном) общем образовании (Attestat o srednem (polnom) obschem obrazovanii) (Certificate of General Secondary Education) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
диплом о начальном профессиональном образовании Diplom o nachal’nom Professional’nom obrazovanii (Diploma of Completion of Specialized Secondary Education) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Saudi Arabia
The basic structure is 3 years of Shahadat Al Kafa’at Al Mulawassita (intermediate/lower secondary) (grades 7-9) followed by 3 years Shahadat Al-Marhalat Al-Thanawiyyat (upper secondary) (grades 10-12). Following completion of grade 9, students one of 3 streams, general, religious, or vocational. The vocational stream further branches into vocational, commercial, or agricultural studies.
Admission to university requires a Shahadat Al-Marhalat Al-Thaniwiyyat or Diplom, depending on the type of institution and program.
Graduation Equivalencies
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Shahadat Al-Marhalat Al-Thanawiyyat (General Secondary Education Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Shahadat Al Thanawiyyah Al ‘Aama li Ma’aahid Al llmiyya (Religious Secondary Education Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Diplom Al Madaaris Al Thanawiyyah Al Mihaniyyah (Technical/Vocational School Diploma) (equivalent to Canadian specialized technical grade 12 education)
Diplom Al Madaaris Al Tijaariyyah (Technical/Commercial School Diploma) (equivalent to Canadian specialized technical grade 12 education)
Diplom Al Madaaris Al Ziraa’iyyah (Technical/Agricultural School Diploma) (equivalent to Canadian specialized technical grade 12 education)
Scotland
The basic structure is 4 years of Lower Secondary (S1-S4) (grades 7-10) followed by 2 years of Upper Secondary (S5-S6) (grades 11-12).
All secondary educational qualifications in Scotland are organized in the National Credit and Qualifications Framework which has 5 levels: Access (has 3 different sub-levels 1-3), Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher. Access 3 replaces the former Standard Grade Foundation Certificate, Intermediate 1 replaces Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE) General level, and Intermediate 2 replaces SCE Credit level. The Advanced Higher Level replaced the former Certificate of Sixth Year Studies.
Students sit for Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC) following years S4 (SQC Intermediate II), S5 (SQC Higher level and appropriate National Qualifications Framework level), and S6 (Advanced Higher, Higher, or lower level). Completion of each levelled certificate is required for progression to the next level.
Qualifications Framework Level
BC Grade
S1
Grade 7
S2
grade 8
S3
Grade 9
S4
Grade 10
SQC Intermediate II
S5
Grade 11
SQC Higher Level + National Qualifications Framework level
S6
Grade 12
SQC Advanced Higher, Higher, or lower
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Before 2002
Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
After 2002
Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC) Higher Grade (a.k.a. Scottish Higher Grade) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC) Advanced Higher Grade (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
ENGLISH EQUIVALENCY
International English 12 final grade results are assessed as equivalent to BC English 12 provided that the student has completed the last three years of full-time secondary education (grades 10-12) in one of the following countries, where English is the official first language and principle language of instruction:
Australia
New Zealand
British Virgin Islands
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
Ireland
United States
Singapore
While curriculum for public and independent schools is determined by the Ministry of Education, autonomous schools may choose alternate curriculum. The basic public educational structure is 4 years of lower secondary (forms 1-4) (grades 6-9) followed by 2 or 3 years of higher secondary (forms 5-6 or 7) (grades 10-11 or 12).
Following completion of lower secondary (Form 4) students are tested and streamed according to their results into one of three tracks : Normal (bottom 40%) or Special and Express (for the top 60%).
The Normal (N) track allows students to choose from academic or vocational branches and prepares them to sit for the Singapore-Cambridge ‘N’ level examinations. The Normal track completes after year 10 (Form 5/grade 10)
Special and Express tracks prepare students to sit for Singapore-Cambridge ‘O’ level examinations and earn their GCSE. The Special and Express tracks complete after year 11 (Form 6/grade 11).
An optional year of pre-university study (Form 7/grade 12) prepares students for GCE ‘A’ level examinations.
The language of instruction is English for all public schools, while independent schools may provide education in Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, or other language.
Admission to university requires Singapore-Cambridge ‘A’ levels.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education ‘N’ levels (5 or more subjects passed is equivalent to completion of grade 10 in Canada)
Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education ‘O’ levels (5 or more subjects passed is equivalent to completion of Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education ‘A’ levels (5 or more subjects passed is equivalent to completion of Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Korea
The basic educational structure is 3 years of middle school (years 1-3=grades 7-9), followed by 3 years high school (years 1-3=grades 10-12). Beginning from grade 11 onward, students may choose from a number of tracks, including vocational (recently officially name ‘professional’), humanities and social sciences (further divided into geography, history, politics, economics, and cultural studies), or natural sciences (further divided into physics, chemistry, biology, or earth science). In many instances students are steered toward a particular track due to ranking of their middle school test scores.
The language of instruction is Korean.
Admission to university requires the Immungye Kodung Hakkyo, Silop Kodung Hakkyo, or Kanho Kodung Kisul Hakkyo, dependant upon the program and type of post-secondary institution, and sufficient ranking on the mandatory College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT).
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Immungye Kodung Hakkyo (High School Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
High School Equivalency Examination Certificate (equivalent to Canadian GED equivalency)
Note: Equivalency exam results do not meet prerequisite requirements
Silop Kodong Hakkyo (Vocational High School Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Kanho Kodung Kisul Hakkyo (Nursing High School Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Spain
Primary education lasts for six years, from the ages of 6-11 and secondary education consists of four years, from the ages of 12-16.
Secondary education is divided into two cycles lasting two years each. The first cycle is from the ages of 12-14 (grades 7-8) and the second lasts from the ages of 14-16 (grades 9-10). Completion of secondary school leads to the Graduado en Educaciόn Secundaria certificate. This certificate is required to progress to Higher/Upper secondary (Bachillerato) studies or intermediate vocational training, which last a further 2 years (grades 11-12). Students choose from 5 tracks, including: Arts and Letters, Natural and Health Sciences, Technology, Social Sciences, or Arts.
Entrance to university requires completion of the Titulo de Bachillerato and university entrance examination called Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Titulo de Bachillerato (Bachelor’s Degree) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Certificado de Técnico (Technician Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Sweden
The basic education structure is 9 years Grundskola (primary/compulsory education) (grades 1-9) followed by 3 years Gymnasieskola (upper secondary education) (grades 10-12).
At the end of Grundskola students will choose from 17 tracks, called national programs:
Arts
Automotive and Transport
Business Administration
Child and Recreation
Construction
Electricity and Energy
Faculty
Finance
Handicraft
Health and Care
Hotel and Tourism
HVAC and Building
Industrial Technology
Natural Resources
Naturvetenskap (Natural Sciences)
Restaurant and Food
Samhallskunskap (Social Science)
Admission to university requires completion of a Avgångsbetyg från Gymnasieskole or Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskole, depending on the university and program type. Sweden offers free and unlimited public university education to all citizens.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Before 2011
Högskoleförberedande Examen Higher Education Preparatory Diploma (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Since 2011
Avgångsbetyg från Gymnasieskole (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskole (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Switzerland
Vocational or professional training is a integral component of upper secondary education, and the majority of programs include a practicum and/or apprenticeship component. The basic education structure is 9 years Primarschule and Sekundarchule I (primary/secondary I education) (grades 1-9) followed by 3 years Sekundarschule II (secondary II education) (grades 10-12). Educational structure is determine independently by each canton.
During Sekundarschule II students are streamed according to aptitude and career plans as follows:
Matura Schools (grades 10-12 or 10-13)
Specialized Middle Schools (grades 10-12) followed by Specialized Baccalaureate School (College year 1)
Basic Vocational Education (grades 10-12), followed by Vocational College (+1-2 years) followed by Professional Baccalaureate School (+ 1 year)
Admission to university requires completion of a Avgångsbetyg från Gymnasieskole or Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskole, depending on the university and program type. Switzerland offers free and unlimited public university education to all citizens.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Eidenössisches Maturität, Maturité Fédérale, Baccalauréat or Maturita Federale (federal high school certificate)(equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Handelsmaturität, Maturité Commerciale, Maturita Commercio (Federal vocational high school certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Eidgenössisch Anerkannte Kantonale Maturität, Maturité Cantonal Reconnu par la Confédération, Maturita contonale Riconosciuta dalla Confederazione (cantonical high school certificate) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Diplom, Handelsdiplom, Diplôme des Écoles Supérieures de Cardres pour l’économie et l’administration, Diploma Commerciale (cantonical certificate of vocational high school) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Taiwan
The basic educational structure is 3 years junior secondary (forms 1-3)(grades 7-9), followed by 3 years senior secondary (forms 4-6)(grades 10-12). Beginning from grade 10 onward, students will choose an upper secondary institution based upon their intended track.
Senior High School – Regular academic track
Focus on math and sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science
Senior Vocational High School – Vocational track
Specializations include agriculture, commerce, medical technology, nursing, opera arts, maritime studies, home economics, and engineering
Junior College – Vocational track
Students complete 3 years at the upper secondary level, followed by 2 additional years of college or university leading to a degree or professional qualification
Admission to university requires the Senior High School diploma or Senior Vocational High School diploma, depending on the type of program and post-secondary institution, as well as the results of national university entrance examinations.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Senior High School Diploma (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Senior Vocational High School Diploma (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Thailand
The basic structure is 3 years of Matthayom 1-3 (lower secondary) (grades 7-9). Following completion of grade 9, students choose one of 2 streams : academic or technical/vocational and continue to Mathayom 4-6 (upper secondary) (grades 10-12).
Admission to university requires a Certificate of Secondary Education (Matayom 6, also called MS 6)
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Matayom VI (also called MS 6) (Certificate of Secondary Education) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Bor Wor Saw (Certificate in Vocational Education) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Certificate in Dual Vocational Education (also called DVT) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Turkey
The basic educational structure was last revised in 2012, and is currently 4 years of Second Level (grades 6-9), followed by 4 years of Lise (High School) (grades 10-12). Beginning in grade 10, students choose to pursue either the general branch (further divided into 4 streams : mathematics, science, social sciences, or foreign languages) or the vocational branch. Depending on the track and stream studies may take place at general public, foreign language, science, or teacher training high schools. Alternately, independent private schools called Anatolian schools are popular, allowing students to specialize in teacher training and fine arts.
Admission to university requires the Lise Diplomasi (Secondary School Diploma) and, dependent upon the program and type of post-secondary institution, and sufficient score on the Student Selection Examination (OSS).
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Lise Diplomasi (Secondary School Diploma) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Meskek Lise Diplomasi (Vocational High School Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Teknik Lise Diplomasi (Technical High School Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
United Kingdom
The basic structure is 5 years of secondary, which may take place at one of 5 school types. Schools are considered selective (admitting students on the basis of academic standing) or non-selective. All schools in the United Kingdom with the exception of Independent Schools are required to follow the National Curriculum framework, implemented in 1988.
Secondary Modern School (replaced by Comprehensive secondary schools in the UK, today is primarily located in Northern Ireland)
Comprehensive Secondary School/Free School (public, non-selective, academic National Curriculum)
City Technology College (public, non-selective, vocational + National Curriculum)
County Grammar School/Community School (public, selective, academic National Curriculum)
Independent School/Voluntary Aided School (religious education) (selective, academic National Curriculum or independently developed curriculum)
NATIONAL CURRICULUM :
The National Curriculum is subdivided into 4 segments, called Key Stages. Key Stage 1 (grades 1-2), Key Stage 2 (grades 3-6), Key Stage 3 (grades 7-9), and Key Stage 4 (grades 10-11). In grade 12 students study for General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) ordinary or advanced level examinations to earn their General Certificate of Education (GCE) qualification.
GCSE examinations are conducted by one of seven independant examination boards, including :
Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) http://www.aqa.org.uk/ (operated in Manchester, UK)
University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) http://www.cie.org.uk/ (operated in the UK and more than 150+ countries globally)
Council for the Curriculum, Examinations, and Assessment (CCEA) ccea.org.uk (operated in Belfast, Northern Ireland)
Pearson Edexcel (Edexcel) http://www.edexcel.com/Pages/Home.aspx (operated in the UK and more than 70 countries worldwide)
International Curriculum and Assessment Agency Examinations (ICAAE)
Oxford, Cambridge, and RSA Examinations (OCR) ocr.org.uk (operated in the UK and more than 150+ countries worldwide)
Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) wjec.co.uk recently named Eduqas (operated in Cardiff, Wales)
BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION :
The Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) is a secondary graduation qualification, equivalent to GCE completion but with a vocational focus. BTEC is operated by the examination board Edexcel
Admission to university requires completion of the General Certificate of Education (GCE) and specific GCSE examination scores at the ordinary O-level or advanced A-level dependent upon the program and institution.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
General Certificate of Education (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Intermediate General Vocational Qualification (Level II) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Vocational Certificate of Secondary Education (VSCE) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Business and technician Education Council (BTEC) National Certificate (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Note: To be considered equivalent to completion of grade 12 education, Alexander College requires a minimum of 5 GCSE/IGCSE O-level academic subjects, with a minimum accepted grade of 4 or higher.
Students successfully completing courses with excellent grades at the GCE (A or A/S) level may be awarded advanced standing or credit.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EQUIVALENCY
International English 12 final grade results are assessed as equivalent to BC English 12 provided that the student has completed the last three years of full-time secondary education (grades 10-12) in one of the following countries, where English is the official first language and principle language of instruction:
Australia
New Zealand
British Virgin Islands
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
Ireland
United States
United States of America
The United States is composed of 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia. As a result, education in the U.S. is highly decentralized. Each state has the authority to implement its own educational policy as long as that policy does not violate the U.S. constitution or federal law. Unlike most other countries, the federal government does not have responsibility over educational requirements or recognition or authorization of institutions at any level and there is no national system of education.
Education in most states is compulsory until the age of 16, with variations of 17 or 18 in some states. The language of instruction is English.
The U.S. education structure also differs from many others in that there is one secondary leaving credential, the high school diploma. The high school diploma is offered in general, technical/vocational, academic college-preparatory, and honors tracks, including:
Advanced Placement (AP) programs
The AP Program is offered at most high schools in the U.S. Advanced Placement Tests, which are administered by the College Board, were created to allow students the opportunity to gain advanced credit or standing in their university studies. AP tests are standardized national tests that may be written following rigorous university preparatory courses that are taught at high schools.
In order to be eligible for advanced credit at Alexander College, the final AP course grade must be B or higher.
Honours programs
Students may have the option to take honours courses at their high school. The curricula are developed at either the school, or school board, level and are designed to provide a more rigorous preparation for higher education. These courses are also indicated on the high school transcript.
Honours courses can be used to meet prerequisites but are not eligible for advanced credit at Alexander College.
International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
The IB Program is an international qualification based on the leading education systems around the world and is currently offered at 387 schools in the U.S. During the final two years of high school, students follow a standardized curriculum and are assessed through examinations and assignments.
To be considered graduated from high school, a student must complete at least 5 subjects with a minimum grade of E, or equivalent, in each subject. IB courses can be used to meet prerequisites but are not eligible for advanced credit at Alexander College.
Regardless of whether a student completes the standard or specialized curriculum, all students who successfully complete the graduation requirements are awarded a high school diploma. There are no national leaving examinations for the completion of high school. Forty-four states use Carnegie course unit requirements ranging from 10.25 to 24.00 credits. Seventeen states currently have requirements for either a minimum competency test or exit exam.
Students who leave the education system before graduating from high school do not receive any kind of certificate of incomplete education, but they may pursue the General Education Development (GED) tests.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
All states
High School Diploma
General Education Development (GED) Equivalency Certificate
Alabama
First Choice Diploma
Alabama High School Diploma
Alabama Occupational Diploma – for students with disabilities
Alaska
5 subjects passed, Alaska High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE)
Arizona
3 subjects passed, AIMS HS Competency Exams in Writing, Reading, and Mathematics
Arkansas
Core (basic), Smart Core (advanced), or Career Focus High School Diploma
California
5 subjects passed, California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE)
complete list coming soon…
ENGLISH EQUIVALENCY
International English 12 final grade results are assessed as equivalent to BC English 12 provided that the student has completed the last three years of full-time secondary education (grades 10-12) in one of the following countries, where English is the official first language and principle language of instruction:
Australia
New Zealand
British Virgin Islands
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
Ireland
United States
Venezuela
On completion of basic education (grade 10) students are awarded a Certificado de Educaccion Básico (Certificate of Completion of Basic Education). This is equivalent to Canadian grade 10 graduation.
Upper secondary, called Educacion Media, consists of 2 cycles, Educacion Media Diversificada and Educacion Media Profesional. Students not intending to pursue post-secondary studies may exit on completion of grade 11 with the qualification Bachillerato en (Options: Ciencias (Science), Humanidades (Humanities), Artes (Arts). Students who intend to continue to university are required to complete an additional year specialization (grade 12), with options including industrial, commercial, administrative, agricultural, and health sciences. Completion of grade 12 results in the awarding of a Bachillerato Tecnico or Bachillerato Tecnico Medio.
Admission to universities requires a bachillerato.
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded, depending on their educational track, one of the following:
Bachillerato en Ciencias, Bachillerato en Humanidades, Bachillerto en Artes (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 11 education)
Bachillerato Tecnico, Bachillerato Tecnico Medio (equivalent to Canadian grade 12 education)
Vietnam
The basic educational structure is 4 years of Trung hoc co so (lower secondary) (grades 6-9), followed by an entrance examination called the Intermediate Graduation Score (IGE) which will determine the type of senior school they will attend for a further 3 years of Trung học phổ thông (upper secondary) (grades 10-12). Beginning in grade 10, students are streamed into three groups : natural science, social science and humanities, and technical/vocational. Following completion of Trung học phổ thông, students will sit for the High Graduation Examination (HGE), which determine the type of post-secondary institution and program they may attend. The language of instruction in Vietnam is Vietnamese.
Admission to university requires the Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông, Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Dạy Nghề, or Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Bổ Túc Văn Hoá, dependant upon the program and type of post-secondary institution, and sufficient score on the High Graduation Examination (HGE).
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded one of the following:
Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông (High School Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian regular grade 12 education)
Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Dạy Nghề (Vocational High School Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education)
Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Bổ Túc Văn Hoá (Intensive High School Certificate) (equivalent to Canadian vocational grade 12 education
Results from class years 11A and 12A used for placement
Zimbabwe
GRADUATION EQUIVALENCIES
Upon completion of studies, students are awarded, depending on their educational track, one of the following:
Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level
To be considered graduated, a student must have successfully passed at least 5 subjects.
Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level
To be considered graduated, a student must have successfully passed at least 2 subjects
Applicants must successfully complete at least 9 transferable post-secondary credits, with a cumulative GPA of 1.50 or higher. University transfer applicants with cumulative GPA’s below 1.50 may be admitted provisionally.
