Athabasca University is a leader in open, online, and distance education, serving over 40,000 students a year from across Canada and 90 countries around the world. AU’s academic programs and research activities are distributed among five faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Business, Health Disciplines, and Graduate Studies, and the University offers over 850 courses in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degree, diploma, and certificate programs. Anyone 16 or older is eligible for admission to undergraduate study, regardless of previous educational experience.
AU courses are offered through two modes of delivery: individualized study and grouped study. Students can start individualized study courses on the first day of any month and establish their own work schedule within the time allowed to complete a course (six to 12 months). They receive full student support either through an assigned tutor or access to a support centre. Most individualized study courses use print or online texts as well as a variety of other online components—study guides, streamed audio or video components, online quizzes and exams, chatrooms, asynchronous and synchronous learning activities—all designed to help meet the learning objectives of each course. The amount of online activity varies from course to course, but most courses are offered completely online. Grouped study courses follow a traditional university schedule and engage students as part of a program cohort. Undergraduate grouped study courses are usually delivered in classrooms at collaborating institutions such as public colleges, hospitals, or aboriginal learning centres. Most graduate courses are offered online using a grouped study format.
Many students enrolled at other post-secondary institutions take AU courses to help them complete their degrees, transferring the credits earned to their home institution. Still others take individual courses out of personal interest or for professional development. Distance education through AU allows students to tailor a program to suit their needs and interests while maintaining their involvement in other personal, professional, or community commitments.
Offices
Our offices in Athabasca offer admission, registration, advice, and exam services.