Distance Learning / Online University in Canada

Athabasca University:
Athabasca University (AU), Canada’s Open University, is dedicated to the removal of barriers that restrict access to and success in university-level study and to increasing equality of educational opportunity for adult learners worldwide. Our approach to post-secondary education is based on four key principles: excellence, openness, flexibility and innovation. We have a wide range of courses in undergraduate and graduate (degree, diploma or certificate) programs to choose from, in areas including arts and science. Our courses are designed for study online, at a distance, or in a classroom so you can continue your education without sacrificing personal, family, career, or community commitments. Our course fees include all textbooks and materials, so you will know what you're paying at the start.

Email: Contact us here     ( or request a callback ).

AU is a publicly funded post-secondary institution, one of four public comprehensive universities in the Province of Alberta, Canada. You can rest assured that your AU experience represents a rigorous, high quality university education. We are a respected and recognized university with a proven track record.

Canada:  AU is recognized by the Government of Alberta and reports to the Government of Alberta thrugh the Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology. AU's quality assurance mechanisms and program proposals are reviewed by the Campus Alberta Quality Council. AU has the mandate for the provision of university-level distance education programs in Alberta. Through Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act, the government authorizes Athabasca University Governing Council to govern the university and to grant degrees. Members of Governing Council are appointed by Orders in Council of the Government of Alberta. AU is also recognized by the Government of British Columbia.

United States: In 2006, AU became the first Canadian public university to receive accreditation in the United States, through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), one of six regional organizations in the U.S. that accredits universities. No other public Canadian university holds this level of foreign accreditation.

We serve over 38,000 students. Our university employs over 1,200 faculty and staff members on four Alberta, Canada, campuses located in Athabasca, St. Albert, Edmonton and Calgary. AU maintains over 350 collaborative agreements with other Canadian and international post-secondary institutions, with professional associations and employer groups and with First Nations institutions and communities.

Our approach to post-secondary education is based on four key principles: excellence, openness, flexibility and innovation.

- Excellence:  We are dedicated to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, scholarship and student service.
- Openess:  We are committed to our mission of guaranteeing access to post-secondary learning to all who have the ability and desire. If you are 16 or older, you are eligible for admission to undergraduate study.
- Flexibility:  Our flexible learning model adapts to your needs, putting you in the driver’s seat. You can enrol in most programs and register for most courses at any time of the year and work at your own pace, studying at home, at work or wherever you may find yourself.
- Innovation:  We continue to adopt and develop new, learner-centred learning models and technology-based alternatives to traditional, classroom-based instructional channels and contexts. We apply technology to make learning accessible.

AU offers over 700 courses in more than 90 undergraduate and graduate (degree, diploma or certificate) programs in a range of arts, science and professional disciplines.

Most AU courses are delivered through distance learning as individualized study. If you prefer the structure of learning in a classroom or online with other students, we also offer grouped study courses across Canada.

Study as an Individual:
Study on your own, at your own pace, using the course materials provided and support from your tutor. You will be assigned a tutor and given a recommended study schedule. You determine the actual timing of assignments and exams within the course contract period.

Study as part of a Group:
During grouped study courses, you meet as a group in a classroom or online and you are taught by an instructor. Receive a course materials package by mail at your home or workplace. Your instructor may use a variety of media to reach students unable to physically attend the classroom. For example, teleconferencing or videoconferencing courses allow students in one community to interact with an instructor and class in another community.