Overview
Alberta is updating high school graduation requirements to provide students with greater flexibility to pursue pathways that align with their interests, career goals and post-secondary education goals. Students will continue to graduate with a strong foundation in core areas like mathematics, sciences and humanities, while having more flexibility to pursue specialized interests such as skilled trades, finance, agriculture, engineering and legal studies.
New requirements
Alberta’s new High School Diploma requirements will become mandatory for Grade 10 students in fall 2028 and Grade 11 students in fall 2029, with full senior high school implementation beginning in fall 2030. Students will still be required to earn 100 credits but will have more options to tailor their learning through academic studies, career-focused programming, work experience and hands-on learning.
Francophone education partners will be engaged in the upcoming months to inform how changes impact the francophone diploma.
Credit requirements (English)
Students will have more flexibility due to fewer credit requirements in humanities, mathematics and science courses.
Available optional credits will increase from 44 to 53, allowing students to take more courses aligned with their interests and future goals. Students can browse Alberta’s approved senior high school courses, including complementary and core courses.
Table 1. Current diploma graduation requirements (English)
| Subject areas | Grade 10 credits | Grade 11 credits | Grade 12 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| English language arts | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Social studies | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Science | 5 | 5 | |
| Mathematics | 5 | 5 | |
| Physical education | 3 | ||
| Career and life management (CALM) | 3 | ||
| Total optional course credits | 44 | ||
| Total credits | 100 | ||
Table 2. Updated diploma graduation requirements (English) (Starting in 2028)
| Subject areas | Grade 10 credits | Grade 11 credits | Grade 12 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| English language arts | 5 | 10 humanities | |
| Social studies | 5 | ||
| Science | 5 | 5 | |
| Mathematics | 5 | ||
| Physical education and wellness | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Career and life management (CALM) | 3 | ||
| Total optional course credits | 53 | ||
| Total credits | 100 | ||
New mandatory high school courses
Starting in the 2028/29 school year, a new Grade 10-level career and life management course and a new physical education and wellness course will be mandatory. New mandatory courses in physical education, wellness and financial literacy will also be implemented for Grade 11 and 12 students, starting in the 2029/30 school year.
Assessment requirements
At least one diploma exam will be required to earn a high school diploma. Other diploma exams will remain available where required by the courses students choose. A financial literacy assessment is also under consideration for future development.
Implementation
Implementation will begin in the 2028/29 school year, providing school authorities, educators and education partners with significant time to prepare.
The implementation schedule for the new senior high graduation requirements is:
- Fall 2028: Mandatory implementation for Grade 10 students
- Fall 2029: Mandatory implementation for grades 10 and 11 students
- Fall 2030: Mandatory implementation for all senior high school students
Transition policies for grades 11 and 12 students learning in the 2028/29 school year will be informed by implementation discussions with education partners. School boards will receive more information in spring 2027.
Education system supports
School authorities and education partners will be invited to participate in engagement sessions between November 2026 and spring 2027. Implementation guides are anticipated to be released in June 2027 to support school authorities in implementing the new requirements. Information sessions for parents, students and public are also planned for spring 2027.