Alberta to Ontario Course Equivalency Guide
If you are applying to a university, college, polytechnic, or other postsecondary program in Alberta, you may find admission requirements that list courses such as Math 20-1, Math 30-1, Math 31, Biology 20, Biology 30, Chemistry 20, Chemistry 30, Physics 20, or Physics 30.
But what if you did not complete the required Alberta course?
In some cases, students may be able to complete a comparable Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) course online to help meet a missing prerequisite.
Royal Ontario Academy (ROA) is an Ontario private high school offering OSSD credit courses online. This guide explains how common Alberta mathematics and science courses compare with Ontario Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses, and what students should check before using an OSSD course to satisfy an Alberta postsecondary admission requirement.
Many Royal Ontario Academy students apply to colleges, polytechnics, and universities in Alberta. Popular destinations include Bow Valley College, SAIT, and the University of Alberta. Because Alberta institutions use different high school course names and prerequisite codes than Ontario, students often need help understanding which OSSD courses may correspond to Alberta 20-level and 30-level requirements.
This guide is designed to make that process easier by comparing common Alberta mathematics and science prerequisites with Ontario OSSD courses and explaining what students should confirm before enrolling.
Understanding Alberta 20-Level and 30-Level Courses
Alberta and Ontario use different systems for naming high school courses.
- 20-level courses generally represent Grade 11-level study.
- 30-level courses generally represent Grade 12-level study.
- Math 31 is Alberta’s calculus course.
Ontario identifies courses differently. An Ontario course code tells you the subject, grade, and course type.
- SBI3U = Grade 11 Biology, University Preparation
- SBI4U = Grade 12 Biology, University Preparation
- SCH4U = Grade 12 Chemistry, University Preparation
- MHF4U = Grade 12 Advanced Functions, University Preparation
This difference in course naming can make admission requirements confusing for students who studied outside Alberta or who are considering completing an Ontario course online.
ROA also provides a broader guide to applying to universities in Canada with an OSSD, including a comparison of Grade 12 Ontario courses with courses in other Canadian provinces.
Alberta and Ontario High School Course Comparison
The following table provides a practical starting point for comparing common Alberta mathematics and science prerequisites with Ontario OSSD courses.
| Alberta Course | Level | Comparable Ontario OSSD Course |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics 20-1 | 20-Level | MCR3U – Functions |
| Mathematics 30-1 | 30-Level | MHF4U – Advanced Functions |
| Mathematics 31 | Calculus | MCV4U – Calculus and Vectors |
| Biology 20 | 20-Level | SBI3U – Biology |
| Biology 30 | 30-Level | SBI4U – Biology |
| Chemistry 20 | 20-Level | SCH3U – Chemistry |
| Chemistry 30 | 30-Level | SCH4U – Chemistry |
| Physics 20 | 20-Level | SPH3U – Physics |
| Physics 30 | 30-Level | SPH4U – Physics |
Important: These comparisons should be used as a guide rather than as a guarantee of admission equivalency. Each university, college, or polytechnic establishes its own admission requirements and determines which courses it will accept.
For Grade 12 courses, there is direct institutional support for many of these comparisons. For example, SAIT’s High School Course Equivalencies identifies the following Ontario courses for its Alberta admission requirements:
- MHF4U → Math 30-1
- MCV4U → Math 31
- SBI4U → Biology 30
- SCH4U → Chemistry 30
- SPH4U → Physics 30
Students should always confirm the required course with their intended institution before enrolling.
What Is the Ontario Equivalent of Alberta Math 20-1?
A student who needs a Grade 11 university-preparation mathematics course may consider:
MCR3U develops students’ understanding of mathematical functions and prepares Ontario students for senior university-preparation mathematics.
Because Math 20-1 is an Alberta 20-level course, students looking for a comparable Ontario course at the Grade 11 level may consider MCR3U.
If an Alberta college, university, or polytechnic specifically requires Math 20-1, students should confirm that MCR3U will satisfy the institution’s admission requirement before registering.
Explore all Royal Ontario Academy online OSSD courses.
What Is the Ontario Equivalent of Alberta Math 30-1?
Students who need Math 30-1 for an Alberta postsecondary program may be able to use:
MHF4U – Grade 12 Advanced Functions
MHF4U is an Ontario Grade 12 university-preparation mathematics course.
SAIT’s published High School Course Equivalencies specifically identifies MHF4U as an Ontario course corresponding to Alberta Math 30-1.
Math 30-1 is commonly found among admission requirements for university and college programs involving mathematics, science, engineering, technology, business, and other quantitative fields.
Students should check the exact mathematics requirement for their intended program because requirements vary between institutions and programs.
What Is the Ontario Equivalent of Alberta Math 31?
Alberta Math 31 is a calculus course. A comparable Ontario Grade 12 course is:
MCV4U – Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors
SAIT specifically identifies Ontario MCV4U as an equivalent for Alberta Math 31 in its High School Course Equivalencies.
MCV4U focuses on calculus and vectors and is commonly taken by Ontario students preparing for university programs such as engineering, mathematics, computer science, physical sciences, and some business programs.
Students interested in MCV4U should also check the Ontario prerequisite requirements before enrolling. At Royal Ontario Academy, MHF4U Advanced Functions must be taken before or concurrently with MCV4U.
What Is the Ontario Equivalent of Alberta Biology 20?
Students looking for a Grade 11 biology course comparable in level to Biology 20 may consider:
SBI3U is Ontario’s Grade 11 university-preparation Biology course.
Students may encounter Biology 20 as a prerequisite for certain Alberta postsecondary programs, particularly programs related to health and science.
Because individual Alberta institutions determine whether an Ontario course satisfies a specific admission requirement, students who need Biology 20 should confirm whether SBI3U will be accepted before enrolling.
What Is the Ontario Equivalent of Alberta Biology 30?
Students who need Alberta Biology 30 may consider:
SBI4U is Ontario’s Grade 12 university-preparation Biology course.
SAIT’s official High School Course Equivalencies identifies Ontario SBI4U as corresponding to Alberta Biology 30.
SBI4U may be particularly relevant to students applying to programs in health sciences, biological sciences, life sciences, kinesiology, nursing, and other science-related fields, depending on the institution’s specific admission requirements.
What Is the Ontario Equivalent of Alberta Chemistry 20?
Students who need a course comparable in level to Alberta Chemistry 20 may consider:
SCH3U is Ontario’s Grade 11 university-preparation Chemistry course.
A 20-level science course can sometimes be an admission requirement in its own right rather than simply a prerequisite leading to a Grade 12 course.
Students who specifically need Chemistry 20 should therefore confirm that SCH3U is acceptable to the Alberta institution evaluating their application.
What Is the Ontario Equivalent of Alberta Chemistry 30?
Students who need Alberta Chemistry 30 may consider:
SAIT’s High School Course Equivalencies identifies Ontario SCH4U as corresponding to Alberta Chemistry 30.
Chemistry 30 or an accepted equivalent is required for admission to a variety of Alberta postsecondary programs.
Students considering health sciences, engineering, laboratory sciences, biological sciences, or other STEM programs should carefully review whether Chemistry 30 is required for their specific program.
What Is the Ontario Equivalent of Alberta Physics 20?
Students who need a Grade 11 physics course comparable in level to Alberta Physics 20 may consider:
SPH3U is Ontario’s Grade 11 university-preparation Physics course.
Physics 20 can be important because some Alberta postsecondary programs specifically require a 20-level physics course rather than Physics 30.
Students considering SPH3U to meet an Alberta Physics 20 requirement should confirm with the postsecondary institution that the Ontario course will satisfy its admission requirement.
What Is the Ontario Equivalent of Alberta Physics 30?
Students who need Alberta Physics 30 may consider:
SAIT’s published High School Course Equivalencies identifies Ontario SPH4U as corresponding to Alberta Physics 30.
Physics 30 or an accepted equivalent may be required for programs in engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, and other technical areas.
Why Alberta Students May Need an OSSD Prerequisite Course
There are many reasons a student may discover that they are missing a course needed for an Alberta postsecondary program.
- Graduated from high school without taking a particular science or mathematics course
- Changed their intended university or college program
- Decided to pursue engineering, health sciences, technology, business, or another field with different prerequisites
- Studied in another Canadian province
- Completed their education internationally
- Took a different mathematics or science pathway in high school
- Discovered that their chosen program requires a 20-level course that they did not complete
In these situations, completing an Ontario high school credit online may provide another pathway for obtaining the academic preparation you need.
Do Alberta Universities and Colleges Accept Ontario OSSD Courses?
Ontario high school credits are used by students applying to postsecondary institutions across Canada, but the receiving institution decides whether a particular course satisfies its admission requirements.
Some Alberta institutions publish equivalency information that makes the comparison straightforward.
For example, SAIT’s High School Course Equivalencies specifically lists Ontario courses that it recognizes for several Alberta 30-level requirements.
Royal Ontario Academy also provides information for students applying to universities in Canada with an OSSD and applying to colleges in Canada with an OSSD.
Other Alberta universities, colleges, and polytechnics may use their own equivalency rules. Always verify your course directly with the institution that will evaluate your application.
Do I Need a 20-Level Course or a 30-Level Course?
Check the specific admission requirements for your program, not simply the institution’s general admission requirements.
A common mistake is assuming that all postsecondary prerequisites must be Grade 12 or 30-level courses.
That is not always the case.
Some Alberta programs specifically require 20-level mathematics or science courses, while others require 30-level courses.
Your required course depends on the program you are entering.
This is also why students should not automatically take a Grade 12 Ontario course simply because they are applying to postsecondary education. First determine the exact Alberta prerequisite and then confirm which Ontario course the institution will accept.
Can I Take Just One OSSD Course?
Yes. You do not necessarily need to complete an entire Ontario Secondary School Diploma to take an individual OSSD credit course through Royal Ontario Academy.
This can be useful for students who have already completed high school but need one or more additional prerequisites for postsecondary admission.
For example, a student may already meet most admission requirements but still need:
- MHF4U Advanced Functions for a mathematics requirement
- MCV4U Calculus and Vectors for a calculus requirement
- SBI4U Biology for a senior biology requirement
- SCH4U Chemistry for a senior chemistry requirement
- SPH4U Physics for a senior physics requirement
Students needing a Grade 11-level prerequisite may also be able to take an appropriate Grade 11 OSSD course.
Looking for an individual prerequisite course?
Browse Royal Ontario Academy’s complete online OSSD course catalogue.
Before You Register: Confirm Your Course with the Institution
Course equivalency is ultimately determined by the university, college, polytechnic, or other institution reviewing your application.
Before registering for an OSSD course to meet an Alberta prerequisite:
- Find the official admission requirements for your specific program.
- Identify the exact Alberta course listed, including whether it is a 20-level or 30-level requirement.
- Identify the comparable OSSD course.
- Check whether the institution publishes a Canadian high school course equivalency table.
- Contact the institution’s admissions office if the Ontario equivalent is not clearly published.
- Ask the institution to confirm whether the specific Ontario course code will satisfy the prerequisite.
For example, instead of asking:
“Can I take an Ontario chemistry course?”
ask:
“My program requires Alberta Chemistry 30. Will Ontario SCH4U, Grade 12 Chemistry, University Preparation, satisfy this admission requirement?”
Providing the exact course code helps the admissions office give you a more useful answer.
Taking Ontario High School Prerequisites Online with Royal Ontario Academy
Royal Ontario Academy offers online OSSD credit courses that can help students complete missing high school prerequisites.
Courses are asynchronous and online, allowing students to work toward an additional prerequisite without attending an Ontario school in person.
Students can take an individual course or, when several prerequisites are missing, enrol in multiple courses.
Before registering, students should review both the prerequisite requirements for the OSSD course they want to take and the admission requirements of their intended Alberta postsecondary program.
- Applying to Universities in Canada with Your OSSD
- Applying to Colleges in Canada with Your OSSD
- Browse All Online OSSD Courses
Planning to Apply to an Alberta University or College?
If you are missing a mathematics or science prerequisite for an Alberta university, college, polytechnic, or other postsecondary program, an online OSSD course may provide a pathway to completing the academic prerequisite you need.
Whether your program lists Math 20-1, Math 30-1, Math 31, Biology 20, Biology 30, Chemistry 20, Chemistry 30, Physics 20, or Physics 30, start by identifying the comparable Ontario course and confirming that course with your intended institution.
Ready to find the course you need?
Explore Royal Ontario Academy’s online OSSD courses.
Important: Admission and course-equivalency decisions are made by individual postsecondary institutions. Always confirm that the specific OSSD course you intend to complete will satisfy your program’s admission requirement before enrolling.