What Ontario high school course codes mean
Every Ontario course has a five-character code, such as the one for Grade 12 university physics (SPH4U). Once you can read it, a timetable or a report card tells you which routes your child is keeping open.
Updated October 30, 2026 · 2 min read · Canada
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Ontario high school courses are named by a code that the Ministry of Education sets. The same course has the same code in every school in the province, so the code is the fastest way to check whether a course is the one a program asks for.
The first three letters: the subject
The first three characters name the subject, from the Ministry's list of common course codes. For example ENG (English), SPH (physics), SCH (chemistry), SBI (biology), MHF (advanced functions) and MCV (calculus and vectors).
Some schools add a sixth character for their own use, such as a section or a French version. The first five are what count.
The number: the grade
The fourth character is the grade: 1 is Grade 9, 2 is Grade 10, 3 is Grade 11 and 4 is Grade 12. So Grade 12 university physics (SPH4U) has a 4 in fourth place, and Grade 11 college English (ENG3C) has a 3.
The last letter: what the course prepares for
The fifth character is the type of course. In Grades 11 and 12: U is university preparation, M is university and college preparation, C is college preparation, E is workplace preparation, and O is open, meaning it is for everyone and not aimed at one route.
Grade 9 is now taught at one level for everyone: Ontario's policy offers Grade 9 courses only as de-streamed or open courses, and boards mark the de-streamed ones with a W in fifth place. Grade 10 still has three types: D for academic, P for applied and O for open.
Which letters each route needs
University: six Grade 12 courses ending in U or M, which means codes ending in 4U (Grade 12 university preparation) or 4M (university and college preparation), including Grade 12 university English (ENG4U), plus the courses the program names.
College: most diplomas ask for a Grade 12 English ending in C or U, and some add a math or science at a set level. Most college requirements accept either the C or the U version of a course.
Apprenticeship: every Ontario trade asks for either Grade 10 or Grade 12 to register. Each trade's page at Skilled Trades Ontario gives its own rule.
Why the letter in Grade 11 matters
Most Grade 12 university courses need a Grade 11 course of the right type first. A student who takes Grade 11 math at the college level, for example, usually cannot go straight into Grade 12 advanced functions, which most science, engineering and business programs require. The school's course calendar lists what each course needs before it.
If your child is unsure, the safer choice in Grade 11 is usually the higher level in the subjects their likely programs ask for.
Where to go next
Sources
- Ontario Ministry of Education: Ontario Student Transcript guideline, Appendix C (course codes)
- Ontario Ministry of Education: secondary school courses and course types (Grade 9 de-streamed, Grade 10 academic, applied and open)
- Thames Valley District School Board: course selection guide 2026 to 2027 (W marks a de-streamed course)
- Ontario: high school graduation requirements
- Niagara College: Computer Programming admission requirements (an example of a college diploma)
- Skilled Trades Ontario: starting your apprenticeship
General information, not financial or career advice.