In short
Athabasca University is Canada's leading online and distance learning institution, offering flexible, open enrollment undergraduate programs and accredited degrees recognized globally. It provides a fully virtual study experience with diverse program options for learners worldwide.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1970
- Students
- 40,000
- International students
- 3,000
- Tuition (intl)
- €6–12k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Athabasca, Canada
Athabasca University (AU), established in 1970, is Canada's premier open and distance learning university, headquartered in Athabasca, Alberta. It serves over 40,000 students annually—primarily online—across undergraduate, graduate, diploma, and certificate programs in business, health, science, technology, arts, and education. AU's open enrollment model means most adults 16 or older can register without traditional admission barriers, making it one of the most accessible universities in Canada.
Why study here
- Open enrollment for most undergraduate courses—no competitive admission process, accessible to working adults worldwide.
- Fully asynchronous online learning: study on your schedule, from anywhere, at any pace.
- Over 850 courses and accredited degrees recognized by employers and professional associations across Canada.
- 92%+ alumni satisfaction with education quality; 91%+ employed in fields related to their studies.
- Alumni network spanning 90+ countries; strong community of practice for online learners.
Student life
Student life at Athabasca University is entirely virtual and designed around flexibility. Students engage through online discussion forums, collaborative projects, virtual study groups, and AU's learning management system. While there is no traditional campus, AU fosters community through online student associations, academic competitions (e.g., business case competitions), and virtual events. Students balance studies with full-time work and family commitments—the hallmark of AU's learner community.
Fees
InternationalInternational student course fees vary by program; a 3-credit undergraduate course is approximately CAD 900–1,200 (EUR 625–835). Annual cost for a full-time equivalent load is approx. CAD 7,000–12,000 (EUR 5,000–8,500).
HomeDomestic undergraduate course fees are approximately CAD 700–900 per 3-credit course. Annual full-time equivalent cost is approx. CAD 5,500–8,000.
LivingNo on-campus living required. Students study from home; no relocation costs. Living costs depend entirely on the student's location.
AU offers an online fee calculator. Various bursaries, scholarships, and government student loan programs are available. Canadian Forces members may transfer military credits.
Admissions
Undergraduate Open EnrollmentAny person 16 or older may register for most undergraduate courses; no prior degree needed
Graduate ProgramsUndergraduate degree required; specific prerequisites vary by program
English ProficiencyRequired for non-native English speakers; AU English Language Proficiency Program available
IELTS AcademicMinimum 6.5 overall for graduate programs
TOEFL iBTMinimum 86 for graduate programs
AU English Language Proficiency ProgramCertificate of Completion accepted
University scholarships
AU Graduate Student ScholarshipCAD 5,000–15,000; merit and research based
Research AssistantshipsVariable; posted by AU researchers for graduate students
Bursaries for Rural/Remote StudentsVariable; financial need-based support for students in underserved communities
Accreditation
Athabasca University is a publicly funded provincial university in Alberta, Canada, fully accredited and recognized by the Government of Alberta. It is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). The Faculty of Business launched the world's first online MBA in 1994 and its courses are recognized by numerous professional associations.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Programs
a selectionAthabasca University · Canada
Bachelor of Arts (3-year) General
The Bachelor of Arts (3-year) General program at Athabasca University aims to enhance critical and creative thinking through a diverse range of social, political, and cultural studies. This liberal arts education broadens perspectives on local and global affairs, encourages community involvement, and prepares students for lifelong learning and varied career paths. It is a respected credential in Canada and the United States, suitable for occupational diversity, though not primarily designed for direct entry into graduate-level studies.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Athabasca University · Canada
Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology Major
The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) program at Athabasca University is designed to enhance critical and creative thinking through a diverse range of social, political, and cultural studies. It provides a flexible education, fostering the development, understanding, and dissemination of knowledge, alongside critical thinking skills. This degree prepares students for lifelong learning, occupational diversity, and most graduate programs. The Anthropology Major specifically provides an in-depth understanding of archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology, emphasizing their interrelationships and fostering a comparative and holistic approach to understanding humanity.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Athabasca University · Canada
Bachelor of Arts, English Concentration
The Bachelor of Arts (3-year) with an English Concentration at Athabasca University is designed to enhance critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political, and cultural studies. This liberal arts education aims to broaden perspectives on local and global affairs, encourage community involvement, and prepare students for lifelong learning and diverse careers. The English concentration specifically focuses on reading and analyzing a wide range of literary works from diverse genres, countries, and historical periods, applying various literary theories, and developing skills in critical thinking, interpretation, and writing. This program is a respected credential in Canada and the United States, providing a highly marketable degree.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Athabasca University · Canada
Bachelor of Arts, English Major
The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) with an English Major at Athabasca University is designed to enhance critical and creative thinking through a broad study of social, political, and cultural programs. This liberal arts education aims to broaden perspectives on local and global affairs, encourage community involvement, and prepare students for lifelong learning and diverse career paths. The program emphasizes the analysis of diverse literary works from various genres, countries, and historical periods, utilizing a range of literary theories. Graduates are expected to possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills, preparing them for graduate studies and independent research.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Athabasca University · Canada
Bachelor of Arts, French Concentration
The Bachelor of Arts (3-year) with a French Concentration at Athabasca University is designed to enhance critical and creative thinking through a broad liberal arts education. This program aims to broaden perspectives on local and global affairs, encourage community involvement, and prepare students for lifelong learning. Graduates will achieve competence in oral and written French, fostering an awareness of linguistic and cultural differences. The curriculum enables students to read, analyze, and write critical essays in French, understanding stylistic nuances between French and English. This well-respected credential offers occupational diversity.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Athabasca University · Canada
Bachelor of Arts, French Major
The Bachelor of Arts (4-year) with a French Major at Athabasca University is designed to enhance your critical and creative thinking through a broad education in social, political, and cultural studies. This program specifically cultivates strong competence in oral and written French, enabling effective communication, text analysis, and critical essay writing. You will gain a deep understanding of French language structure, including pronunciation, grammar, reading skills, and vocabulary, alongside a comprehensive knowledge of the literature and culture of France, Quebec, and other Francophone regions. The curriculum also fosters an awareness of stylistic differences between French and English. Upon graduation, you will be equipped to conduct independent research in French language and literature and be well-prepared for most graduate programs. The program aims to broaden your perspective on global affairs, encourage social involvement, and prepare you for lifelong learning and diverse career paths. Athabasca University offers a flexible online learning environment, allowing you to study at your own pace.
Bachelor's
Level
€5k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is Athabasca University's admission process?
+
Athabasca University has an open enrollment model for most undergraduate courses, meaning individuals 16 or older can register without traditional admission barriers. Graduate programs require an undergraduate degree with specific prerequisites varying by program.
How much does it cost to study at Athabasca University?
+
International undergraduate course fees are approximately CAD 900–1,200 per 3-credit course, with an annual full-time equivalent cost of around CAD 7,000–12,000. Specific program fees and potential scholarships should be confirmed.
Does Athabasca University have a physical campus?
+
Athabasca University is headquartered in Athabasca, Alberta, but it is Canada's premier open and distance learning university. All studies are conducted online, and no physical campus attendance is required.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International students need to demonstrate English proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic with a minimum of 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT with a minimum of 86 for graduate programs. The AU English Language Proficiency Program is also available.
What kind of support does Athabasca University offer its students?
+
AU offers various scholarships, such as the AU Graduate Student Scholarship and Research Assistantships, as well as bursaries for students in need. Students engage virtually through online forums, study groups, and student associations.
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