| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Type: Public, Open, Online University
Established: 1970
Location: Athabasca, Alberta, Canada
Primary Mode of Learning: Online and Distance Education
Motto: Open. Flexible. Anywhere.
Athabasca University is Canada’s leading online university, serving over 40,000 students worldwide. It's designed for flexibility, making it a great option for students who want to learn at their own pace, especially while working or living in another country.
Fully Online Programs: Learn from anywhere in the world
Self-Paced & Structured Options: Choose between flexible deadlines or term-based courses
Transfer-Friendly: Accepts prior academic credits from many institutions
Open Admissions Philosophy: Many programs have less competitive entry requirements
Ideal for: Working professionals, parents, international learners, and remote students
Athabasca offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including:
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Management
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Health Administration
Bachelor of Nursing (Post-RN)
Bachelor of General Studies
Computer and Information Systems
Master of Business Administration (MBA for Executives)
Master of Nursing
Master of Counselling
Master of Education
Master of Health Studies
Graduate Diplomas in Leadership, Management, etc.
AU’s MBA program is one of the most recognized online MBAs in Canada, highly respected for professionals looking to study while working.
International students are welcome to study fully online from their home countries
No study permit required unless planning to reside in Canada (very rare for AU)
Tuition is typically higher for international students
Full access to online student services, advising, and academic support
Fees vary by program and number of courses taken.
Undergraduate (per 3-credit course):
~$800–$1,200 USD (for international students)
Graduate (per 3-credit course):
~$1,500–$2,000 USD
MBA Program (full program):
~$40,000–$45,000 USD
Athabasca University does not have a traditional on-campus experience, as nearly all learning is remote and online. However:
Students interact via online forums, Zoom classes, and collaborative platforms
Online orientation, academic advising, mental health support, and virtual libraries are available
Fully accredited by the Government of Alberta and Canadian national education bodies
Credits are transferable to and from most Canadian universities
Well-respected for online and adult education
High school diploma or equivalent
Open admission for many programs
English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL iBT 80+, Duolingo 105+)
Bachelor's degree
GPA requirements vary
Letters of recommendation, SOP, and resume (depending on program)
Bachelor of Commerce (General, Accounting, HR, Finance, etc.)
Bachelor of Management
Bachelor of Administration
Bachelor of Finance
Bachelor of Science (General or with a major in Computing and Information Systems)
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Bachelor of Science in Human Science
Bachelor of Applied Studies
Bachelor of Computing and Information Systems
Bachelor of Arts (Majors in Psychology, English, Sociology, Political Science, etc.)
Bachelor of General Studies
Bachelor of Professional Arts (Human Services, Communications, Governance, etc.)
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
Bachelor of Nursing (Post-RN for registered nurses)
Bachelor of Health Administration
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Master of Business Administration (MBA for Executives)
Graduate Diploma in Management
Graduate Certificate in Leadership
Master of Nursing
Master of Health Studies
Graduate Diploma in Health Administration
Graduate Certificate in Health Studies
Master of Counselling (collaborative program with UCalgary & UofLethbridge)
Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education
Graduate Certificates in Instructional Design and Adult Education
University Certificate in Accounting
University Certificate in Human Resources
University Certificate in French Language Proficiency
University Certificate in Counselling Women
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Architecture
Certificate in Educational Technology
Certificate in Indigenous Studies
Self-paced and group-paced courses
Full-time or part-time, start any month
100% online — accessible worldwide
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Commerce |
4 years |
~$10,000 – $11,000 |
|
Bachelor of Management |
4 years |
~$10,000 – $11,000 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (General / Majors) |
3–4 years |
~$9,000 – $10,500 |
|
Bachelor of Science (General) |
4 years |
~$10,500 – $11,500 |
|
Bachelor of Nursing (Post-RN) |
3 years |
~$11,000 – $12,000 |
|
Bachelor of Health Administration |
4 years |
~$10,500 – $11,500 |
|
Bachelor of General Studies |
3–4 years |
~$9,000 – $10,000 |
|
Bachelor of Professional Arts (Various Streams) |
4 years |
~$10,000 – $11,000 |
|
Bachelor of Computing and Information Systems |
4 years |
~$10,500 – $11,500 |
|
Bachelor of Human Science |
4 years |
~$10,500 – $11,500 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
2.5–3 years |
~$15,000 – $18,000 |
|
Master of Nursing (MN) |
2 years |
~$11,000 – $13,000 |
|
Master of Health Studies (MHS) |
2 years |
~$11,000 – $12,500 |
|
Master of Counselling |
3 years |
~$13,000 – $15,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies |
2 years |
~$10,000 – $12,000 |
|
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Distance Education |
2 years |
~$10,000 – $12,000 |
|
Graduate Diploma in Management |
1 year |
~$9,000 – $10,000 |
|
Graduate Certificate in Leadership |
1 year |
~$6,000 – $7,000 |
|
Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design |
1 year |
~$6,000 – $7,500 |
|
Graduate Diploma in Counselling |
1–2 years |
~$8,500 – $10,000 |
Athabasca University is Canada’s premier online and distance-learning university, offering fully online undergraduate and graduate programs that you can complete from your home country, on your own schedule.
This makes AU especially appealing to:
Working professionals
Students who want a Canadian degree without relocating
Learners in remote areas
Parents or caregivers who need flexibility
You get the same accredited Canadian education — without the cost of living in Canada or needing a student visa.
AU offers a wide range of programs at all levels:
Bachelor’s degrees in Arts, Science, Business, Nursing, Computing, and more
Master’s degrees in Business Administration, Education, Health Studies, Counselling, and more
PhD programs in Distance Education and related fields
Certificates and diplomas in Management, HR, Instructional Design, French Language, etc.
Courses are delivered through an easy-to-use online learning platform, with access to digital libraries, discussion forums, academic advisors, and professors via email or video calls.
AU’s study model is built around maximum flexibility:
You can start most courses any month (rolling enrollment)
Choose self-paced or scheduled formats
Study part-time or full-time
Learn from anywhere in the world — no need to come to Canada unless you want to
This is ideal for students managing work, family, or other responsibilities.
International tuition at Athabasca is charged per course rather than per semester or year, making it easy to control your pace and spending.
Undergraduate: ~$1,000 – $1,200 USD per 3-credit course
Graduate: ~$1,500 – $2,000 USD per 3-credit course
MBA (full program): ~$40,000 – $45,000 USD
Since you’re studying online, you save on:
Housing and living expenses in Canada
Visa and travel costs
On-campus fees
There are also no study permits required if you remain in your home country while studying online.
Requirements vary by program, but generally include:
High school diploma or equivalent
English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL 80+, Duolingo 105+)
A recognized undergraduate degree
Relevant GPA (usually 2.5–3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
Resume, statement of intent, and letters of recommendation (for some programs)
Master’s degree in a related field
Research proposal
Academic references
English test scores (IELTS 7.0+, TOEFL 100+ for doctoral level)
While AU does not have a physical campus community, it still provides strong support services for its global student base:
Online academic advising
Tech support for the learning platform
Virtual libraries and databases
Writing and tutoring services
Flexible deadlines (in most programs)
You’ll connect with professors and peers through online forums, group assignments, and video conferencing.
You want a Canadian degree but can’t move to Canada
You need to balance study with work or family
You prefer self-paced or online learning
You are looking for a more affordable study option than traditional universities
You're a mid-career professional upgrading your education or switching fields
Athabasca University welcomes applications from students worldwide. Since AU is fully online, you do not need a study permit if you're planning to study from outside Canada.
You can apply for:
Bachelor’s degrees
Master’s degrees
PhD programs
Certificates & diplomas
Start by browsing programs on the AU website: N/A
Pick your preferred program and check:
Admission requirements
Tuition fees per course
Required documents
For Undergraduate Programs:
High school diploma (Grade 12 or international equivalent)
English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL iBT 80+, Duolingo 105+)
Some programs may require specific subjects (e.g. Math for BSc or BCom)
For Graduate Programs:
Recognized bachelor’s degree (in a related field)
Minimum GPA (usually 2.5–3.0/4.0)
Resume, Statement of Purpose, and Letters of Recommendation (varies by program)
English proficiency: IELTS 6.5–7.0, TOEFL iBT 90–100+
For Doctoral Programs:
Master’s degree in a relevant field
Research proposal
Letters of recommendation
Academic writing sample
IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100+
AU’s application portal:
https://www.athabascau.ca/admissions/apply/
Steps:
Create an account
Fill in your personal and academic info
Select your program
Upload required documents
Pay the non-refundable application fee:
Undergraduate: $118 CAD ($85 USD)
Graduate: ~$175–$200 CAD depending on the program
You’ll need to provide:
Official academic transcripts (high school or previous degrees)
English test scores (if applicable)
Government-issued ID (e.g., passport)
Other documents like resume, SOP, or references for graduate studies
Documents can be submitted electronically or by mail (depending on the program).
Application processing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks
You’ll receive an email notification once a decision is made
If accepted, you’ll receive an official letter of admission
Once admitted:
Log in to the myAU student portal
Choose your courses
Pay for individual courses (tuition is per course)
Begin studying on your start date
Flexible start dates: Many courses can be started on the 1st of any month, while others follow structured terms.
Athabasca University offers one of the most flexible intake systems in Canada. There are no traditional semesters, and students can begin many courses year-round.
Most courses can be started on the 1st of any month (Individualized Study)
Some programs offer group-paced (term-based) formats with fixed start dates (usually September, January, and May)
Cohort-based programs (like MBA, M.Ed., EdD, etc.) have specific start dates, often once or twice a year
Check program-specific pages for exact application deadlines
Academic Requirements:
High school diploma or international equivalent (e.g., A-Levels, CBSE, WAEC, etc.)
Some programs may have course-specific prerequisites (e.g., Math for Science or Business)
English Language Proficiency: Required for non-native English speakers. Accepted tests include:
IELTS: 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: 80
Duolingo English Test: 105
PTE Academic: 50
Exemptions available for applicants from English-instruction countries
Academic Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree (normally 4 years) from a recognized institution
GPA requirement: 2.5–3.0 out of 4.0 (varies by program)
Work experience may be required (especially for the MBA)
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS: 6.5 – 7.0
TOEFL iBT: 90 – 100
Duolingo: 115 – 120+
Supporting documents: Resume, letters of recommendation, Statement of Intent, etc.
Academic Requirements:
Master’s degree in a relevant field
Strong academic background (GPA of 3.3/4.0 or higher recommended)
Research proposal (for PhD programs)
Academic references and professional experience (depending on the program)
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS: 7.0+
TOEFL iBT: 100+
May include interviews or academic writing samples as part of the process
Scholarship Name |
Level |
Value (USD) |
Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AU International Student Bursary |
Undergraduate |
~$500 – $1,000 |
Financial need + satisfactory academic standing |
|
AU Academic Achievement Scholarship |
Undergraduate |
~$750 – $1,200 |
GPA of 3.60+ after completing 15+ credits at AU |
|
AU Student Awards for Graduate Studies |
Graduate |
~$1,000 – $2,000 |
Academic merit + research potential (program-specific) |
|
AU Graduate Student Travel Award |
Graduate |
~$500 – $1,000 |
For presenting research at conferences (virtual or physical) |
|
AU Access to Students with Disabilities Award |
All levels |
~$750 – $1,200 |
For students with documented disabilities |
|
AU Student Union (AUSU) Awards |
Undergraduate |
~$500 – $1,000 |
Various awards for leadership, need, academics (members only) |
|
Graduate Student Scholarship Fund (FGS) |
Graduate |
~$1,000 – $2,500 |
Merit-based; awarded by the Faculty of Graduate Studies |
|
External Scholarships (e.g., Vanier, SSHRC) |
Graduate/PhD |
$15,000 – $50,000+ |
Competitive national-level awards for research students |
Campus/Location |
Type of Campus |
Accommodation Available |
Estimated Cost/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Main Campus – Athabasca, Alberta |
Administrative / Academic Office |
No on-campus residence |
Off-campus: $6,000 – $9,000 |
|
Calgary, Edmonton, & Other AU Learning Centres |
Learning & Testing Centres |
No student housing |
Private rentals: $7,000 – $10,000 |
|
Study from Home (Online Students) |
Remote/Online Learning |
Live at home / your location |
Depends on your country/city |
Athabasca University is designed for flexibility and accessibility, which means there’s no physical campus community like traditional universities. Instead, student life at AU is centered around a virtual environment — perfect for learners who want to balance studies with work, family, or other responsibilities.
You won't find dorm parties or cafeteria meetups, but you'll discover a tight-knit, global online community that connects through virtual classrooms, forums, and support services.
AU students come from all walks of life:
International students studying from their home countries
Full-time professionals upgrading their qualifications
Parents balancing family and education
Rural or remote learners without access to traditional campuses
People switching careers or completing degrees later in life
You’ll meet classmates from all over Canada and the world, bringing a diverse and experienced perspective to discussions.
Classes at AU are conducted entirely online, using platforms like:
Moodle or Brightspace (D2L) for course materials and assignments
Discussion forums for peer interaction and academic debates
Zoom or Teams for live sessions (occasionally in some programs)
Email and messaging for contacting instructors and peers
While you're studying independently, you're never alone. Professors are accessible, and course tutors provide guidance throughout the term.
Even without a physical campus, AU offers many ways to stay engaged:
Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU) — Represents undergraduates, offers awards, wellness programs, and a mobile app
Graduate Students’ Association (AUGSA) — Hosts virtual events, wellness initiatives, and academic workshops
Online clubs and networking groups based on interests or academic programs
Webinars, speaker events, and mental health sessions
There are also virtual graduation ceremonies, alumni networking events, and even online meetups.
AU offers extensive student support, including:
Academic advising
Writing and tutoring services
Career and employment resources
Technical support
Mental health and wellness resources
You can also access digital libraries, citation tools, and academic databases — all online and available 24/7.
Perhaps the biggest perk of AU student life is freedom. You can:
Study anytime, anywhere
Set your own schedule
Learn at your own pace (with flexible start dates in many courses)
Balance your studies with work or other life commitments
This makes AU student life more personalized and independent, but still well-supported.
Unlike some traditional universities, Athabasca University does not have a formal "placement cell" or guaranteed job placement program. However, AU provides strong career support, practical education, and professional development tools to help students succeed in the workforce.
Because AU is primarily online and adult-focused, most students are:
Already working professionals enhancing their careers
Switching industries or seeking promotions
Studying part-time while working full-time
AU offers a variety of career services to help students and alumni:
Career advising and coaching (available online)
Resume and cover letter reviews
Interview preparation tips
Webinars and virtual career events
Access to job boards and career tools via the Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU) and AUGSA (Graduate Association)
There’s also a career section on the AU website with resources for building your personal brand and LinkedIn profile.
Most AU programs are course-based and do not require co-op or internships, but:
Some graduate programs (e.g. Master of Counselling, Master of Nursing) may include practicums or field placements, often arranged in the student’s home country or local area
Students are encouraged to apply their learning directly in their current jobs (a strong feature of AU’s applied education model)
AU’s MBA for Executives includes real-world projects that simulate business scenarios
Athabasca University degrees are recognized across Canada and internationally. Many AU grads go on to:
Advance into senior management or leadership roles
Move into new industries (especially after completing online MBAs or tech certifications)
Transition into academia or consulting
Launch their own businesses (entrepreneurship is big among AU grads)
You won’t find “campus recruiters,” but you will find networking, career flexibility, and practical, career-aligned education.
These are rough estimates based on graduate feedback and Canadian job market data:
MBA graduates: $70,000 – $120,000 CAD/year
Bachelor of Commerce grads: $50,000 – $75,000 CAD/year
Nursing or Health Studies grads: $60,000 – $90,000 CAD/year
IT/Computing grads: $65,000 – $90,000 CAD/year
AU grads often earn more because they’re already employed and using their degree for advancement.
If you're an international student studying from your home country, your AU degree can help you:
Improve job prospects in your local or international job market
Qualify for Canadian work opportunities if you later apply for immigration or study a program with in-Canada components
If you’re in Canada and studying AU part-time, you're eligible to:
Work part-time under your current visa conditions (if applicable)
Use your AU degree toward PR applications via pathways like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Acceptance Rate: 85% – 95%
Athabasca University follows an open admission policy for most undergraduate programs, meaning it is non-competitive and designed to be accessible to as many learners as possible — especially adult learners, working professionals, and international students.
Open University Model:
AU is committed to inclusive education. Many undergraduate programs accept students based on basic eligibility (e.g., high school diploma or equivalent) without requiring high grades or entrance exams.
Online & Flexible Learning:
The university focuses on flexible access rather than academic competition. Students study from anywhere, at their own pace, so there's no cap on classroom space or housing that would limit admissions.
Self-Paced or Term-Based Learning:
Students choose how many courses to take and when to start (rolling admissions for most undergraduate courses). This makes scheduling easier and avoids application bottlenecks.
While undergraduate programs are widely accessible, master’s and doctoral programs are more selective and have formal application processes.
Graduate acceptance rate: Estimated 50% – 70%, depending on the program
Competitive programs like the MBA, Master of Counselling, and Doctor of Education may have stricter admission requirements, including:
GPA minimums
Letters of reference
Work experience
English proficiency scores
Interviews or writing samples
International students are very welcome and can apply from anywhere in the world.
Since most programs are fully online, no study permit is needed unless you plan to live in Canada.
As long as you meet basic eligibility and language requirements, your chances of acceptance are very high — especially at the undergraduate level.
This is the official main campus of Athabasca University.
Located in the town of Athabasca, about 145 km (90 miles) north of Edmonton, Alberta.
Type of Campus: Administrative and academic support offices — not a traditional teaching campus.
Students do not need to visit this campus, as all programs are delivered online.
Although AU is an online university, it also operates smaller offices and learning centres:
Urban location used for testing, academic support, and administration
Occasionally hosts professional exams or in-person sessions
Home to AU’s Faculty of Health Disciplines and other academic offices
May offer services for graduate programs, including practicum coordination
Athabasca University students are located across Canada and around the world.
Courses are fully online and asynchronous, meaning you can study from home, while working, or while traveling, with no need to attend in person.
No. You can complete your entire degree from your home country.
You do not need a Canadian study permit or visa unless you plan to move to Canada for other reasons (very rare for AU students).
