Online University Courses in Canada

Thompson Rivers University:
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is one of the leading distance education providers in Canada. We provide independent-study programs and courses for students to earn recognized credits and credentials by distance learning through Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU-OL). The programs offered through TRU-OL include adult secondary school completion, certificates, and diplomas (including advanced and post-baccalaureate), associate degrees and bachelor's degrees.

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

TRU is an accredited public post-secondary institution with membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

About Us:
Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU-OL) is the division of Thompson Rivers University (TRU) that specializes in providing mature learners with flexible learning options, open access to education wherever possible, and a wide variety of course and program choices, meeting the needs of its own students and helping other institutions and organizations meet the open and online learning needs of their communities.

Supported by over 100 highly respected and qualified Open Learning Faculty members who telecommute from all over BC, over 16,000 students a year take courses toward 52 degree, diploma and certificate programs, including 220 TRU distance courses and another 200 delivered through consortium institutions, as well as a further 34 language courses that can be challenged. There are over 400 courses and nearly 40 programs through distance delivery. Students completing certificate, diploma, or degree programs by distance through TRU-OL are awarded Thompson Rivers University credentials.

TRU-OL aims to offer as many opportunities as possible so that learners can complete university diploma and degree programs in a way and time frame suited to their lifestyles and livelihoods, whether they need just one more credit or an entire program.

Prioritizing customer service, ensuring academic integrity and setting a high standard for quality products across the curriculum, TRU-OL strives to make all levels of post-secondary education available at a time, place and delivery modality convenient to the learner and actively focus on being customer-oriented and student-centred from inquiry through graduation.

Co-operative arrangements with other educational institutions, community organizations, industry, business, and professional associations provide students with choices in earning recognized credentials.

Distance learning (certificate, diploma, or degree) programs are provided in the following areas through Open Learning:

- Adult Basic Education Programs
- Arts Programs
- Business and Management Studies Programs
- Education Programs
- General Studies Programs
- Health and Human Services Programs
- Science Programs
- Technology Programs
- Tourism Programs
- Transfer, Continuing Studies, Extension Programs

- Paced Courses:  Some courses delivered by TRU-OL are offered as paced where a group of students works through the course together. Paced courses have specific start and end dates. Students start the course on the same date, submit assignments (and project examinations when appropriate) by specific due dates, and write their final examination at a pre-determined session. Extensions are limited and granted only in exceptional circumstances. Labs are not eligible for extensions.

- Independent Study with Open Learning Faculty Member Support:  TRU-OL distance courses are offered as independent-study courses. Students complete courses by studying on their own and receive instructional support from highly qualified Open Learning Faculty members. Students can communicate with their Open Learning Faculty member by email, phone, or regular mail for print courses and also by electronic conference for most web courses.

Most distance courses delivered by TRU-OL are offered on a continuous basis, so that students may register throughout the year. Courses with continuous registration delivered by TRU-OL are designed for students to complete within a specified time at a place and pace that suit their needs (self-paced). Labs, clinicals, selected classroom offerings, and some paced courses have fixed start and end dates.

Open Admission:
The flexible education environment offered by TRU-OL includes a continuous enrolment schedule and an open admission policy that sets it apart from other BC institutions. TRU-OL's openness also extends to students at other colleges and universities who can choose to stay at their home institution and register with TRU-OL for the courses they need.

Courses or programs can be completed by distance, as well as on campus. Enrolment in courses and programs can take place at any time and from anywhere. Program admission and course registration have few restrictions. Most programs have low residency requirements.

Credit Bank:
Students may take advantage of TRU-OL's Credit Bank service, which allows students to receive credit for courses and programs completed at other universities and colleges, and to have their work and life experience and non-traditional education recognized and accredited through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) in order to build a customized educational plan and maximize the benefits of previously gained skills, experience and learning.