8. Undergraduate Fees, Financial Assistance, Refunds
Effective Sept. 1, 2002 to Aug. 31, 2003
Course fees, for illustration purposes in this section, are calculated by combining the tuition fee, learning resources fees, and mandatory Students' Association and Alumni Relations fees.Fees are listed, and payable in Canadian dollars. Academic-related fees are exempt from the federal Goods and Services Tax. (see 8.8.1 G.S.T)
The payment of course fees entitles students to receive most learning resources (e.g., texts, student manuals and study guides, and other instructional materials required to complete the course) and other support services (including tutorial assistance where provided) for the period of active registration. Miscellaneous fees may be associated with specific courses.
Students may pay their course registration fees by cheque, money order, or authorize fees to be charged to Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®. Interac® is available at Athabasca Central, and the Calgary and Edmonton Learning Centres. Post-dated cheques are not accepted for individualized-study registrations. Continuing students, paying by cheque, should ensure their student ID number is clearly written on the cheque. Cash may be paid in person; do not send cash in the mail.When submitting fees by Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express®, indicate the specific fee being paid (e.g., admission fee, evaluation fee, etc.). If an error is made in determining the amount, Athabasca University will automatically charge the correct fee to the credit card. This service avoids the delay caused by subsequent communications and helps reduce the associated credit card transaction fees.
To avoid duplication of charges and/or processing, do not
- mail original documentation after you have registered by fax or
- fax requests that have already been submitted via the University's online Web form(s).
Requests with insufficient fees cannot be processed until full payment is received. Full payment must accompany application forms regardless of the registration method used (online, in person, by mail, or by fax).
8.3 Fee Summary: Effective September 1, 2002
The following fee schedule applies to students registering in courses that have a September 1, 2002 or later start date. It is Athabasca University's intention to increase its tuition fees in future years by the maximum amount permitted under the Government of Alberta's Tuition Fee Policy.
8.3.1. Initial Application Fee
When first seeking admission to Athabasca University, all students submit a $50, one-time, non-refundable application fee with their completed Undergraduate General Application Form. This fee covers the administrative costs involved with entering student demographic information and creating student accounts and records. The $50 application fee is payable only once, regardless of how long ago the student was active. This fee is non-refundable, even if you are unable to register in your preferred course or for a requested start date.The Undergraduate General Application Form, used to apply for admission, is separate from the Undergraduate Course Registration Form, used for registering in most Athabasca University courses.
8.3.2. Course Fees
Course fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a three-credit course, for example, are calculated by combining the following: Note: The learning resources fee and the Students' Association and Alumni Relations fees do not apply to one-credit courses.
- Tuition fee $355
- Learning resources fee $131
- Students' Association ($8) and Alumni Relations fees ($2) $ 10
- Alberta student total $496
8.3.3. Reregistration Fees
Reregistration fees include the tuition fee, Students' Association and Alumni Relations fees only. Students are required to purchase course materials if the course has been revised since their last registration in which case the learning resources fee is added to the reregistration amount.
8.4.1. Students Who are Permanent Residents of Alberta
This fee applies to students who are living in Alberta, or abroad while they are working for a Canadian embassy, consulate, or the Canadian Forces. It does not apply to students studying in Alberta on a student authorization.(Refer to 8.3.1 Initial Application Fee.)
Regular and Audit Registrations (see 8.3.2)
1 credit: $118
0 or 3 credit: $496
4 credit: $609
6 credit: $859Reregistrations (see 8.3.3)
1 credit: $118
0 or 3 credit: $365
4 credit: $478
6 credit: $7288.4.2. Students Who Live Outside the Province of Alberta but in Canada
This fee applies to students (except province of Alberta students, see 8.4.1.) who are living in Canada but outside the province of Alberta, or abroad while they are working for a Canadian embassy, consulate, or the Canadian Forces.
(Refer to 8.3.1 Initial Application Fee)
Regular and Audit Registrations (see 8.3.2)
1 credit: $118
0 or 3 credit: $566
4 credit: $679
6 credit: $929Reregistrations (see 8.3.3)
1 credit: $118
0 or 3 credit: $435
4 credit: $548
6 credit: $798
8.4.3. Students Who Live Outside Canada (International)
This fee applies to students who live outside Canada except when the student is living abroad while working for a Canadian embassy, consulate, or the Canadian Forces.
(Refer to 8.3.1 Initial Application Fee)
Regular and Audit Registrations (see 8.3.2)
1 credit: $118
0 or 3 credit: $746
4 credit: $859
6 credit: $1,109Reregistrations (see 8.3.3)
1 credit: $118
0 or 3 credit: $615
4 credit: $728
6 credit: $978
8.4.4. International Students Who Live Temporarily In Canada
(refer to 8.3.1 Initial Application Fee)Before a non-Canadian student who is living temporarily in Canada may be admitted or registered in a course at Athabasca University, he or she must possess and present a valid student authorization confirming permission to study in Canada.
The Government of Alberta requires that international students who are living in Canada, and studying on a student authorization, must pay tuition fees that are double those paid by Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Admission and evaluation fees are in addition to these fees. Students' Association and Alumni Relations fees (where applicable), the learning resources fee, and the out-of-province fee, are included in the following fees.
In Alberta
1 credit: $236
0 or 3 credit: $851
4 credit: $1,077
6 credit: $1,569In Canada and Outside Alberta
1 credit: $236
0 or 3 credit: $921
4 credit: $1,147
6 credit: $1,639
8.4.5. Senior Citizen's Fees (Canadian Seniors Only)
Canadian senior citizens (65 years of age or over) are offered a reduction in course registration fees. Seniors pay the full learning resources fee portion of a registration but are given a reduction of one-half the tuition registration fee as reflected below. Seniors are also given a reduction of one-half of the course extension fees; however, all other course and academic-related fees, including the one-time, non-refundable application fee and any service fees, must be paid in full. The seniors' reduction does not apply to international seniors.Regular and Audit Registrations (Canadian Seniors Only)
1 credit, senior in Alberta: $59.00
1 credit, senior in Canada (outside AB): $59
0 or 3 credit, senior in Alberta: $318.50
0 or 3 credit, senior in Canada (outside AB): $388.50
4 credit, senior in Alberta: $375.00
4 credit, senior in Canada (outside AB): $445.00
6 credit, senior in Alberta: $504.00
6 credit, senior in Canada (outside AB): $574.00Reregistrations (Canadian Seniors Only)
1 credit, senior in Alberta: $59.00
1 credit, senior in Canada (outside AB): $59.00
0 or 3 credit, senior in Alberta: $187.50
0 or 3 credit, senior in Canada (outside AB): $257.50
4 credit, senior in Alberta: $244.00
4 credit, senior in Canada (outside AB): $314.00
6 credit, senior in Alberta: $373.00
6 credit, senior in Canada (outside AB): $443.00
The challenge for credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter including intellectual or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course. Refer to section 6.4. Challenge for Credit Option for details.
The challenge for credit fee is non-refundable.
8.5.1. Students Who Live in Canada
3 credit: $167
4 credit: $167
6 credit: $3348.5.2. Students Who Live Outside Canada (International)
3 credit: $220
4 credit: $220
6 credit: $4108.5.3. International Students Who Live Temporarily in Canada (Student Authorization)
3 credit: $334
4 credit: $334
6 credit: $668
8.6. Other Academic-Related Fees
These fees apply to all students. The necessary forms are available online.
Change of Program Fee/Reactivation Fee: levied when a student changes programs or changes from inactive to active status in a program (is reactivated): $50
Evaluation Fee: for students able to wait until they have completed six Athabasca University credits; payable only once and levied for the review of non-Athabasca University post-secondary studies. Refer to Transfer Credit Procedure: $55
Evaluation Fee: for students requesting an evaluation before the completion of six Athabasca University credits. Refer to Transfer Credit Procedure: $200
Extension Fee: up to three extensions (each is two months in length) will be granted during any one individualized-study course registration: $118 per extension
Invigilation Fee:
Most invigilation centres charge a fee for exam invigilation. This fee is not covered in your tuition paid to AU. Please consult with your local invigilation centre to determine its fee schedule: variableLaboratory Fee: Lab component only: $309
International students: Lab component only (student authorization) for students living temporarily in Canada: $609Learning Resources Fee:
refer to Section 8.11. Refunds and Returns: $131Letter of Permission Fee (Refer to Letter of Permission): $20
Multiple Exam Fee: levied each time an examination is returned unwritten and requested again. Refer to Unwritten Exams: $40
Parchment Replacement Fee (Refer to Parchment Replacement Policy: $60
Prior Learning Assessment Fee: $250
Supplemental Examination Fee (Refer to Supplemental Exams: $80
Transcript Fee (per copy) (Refer to Transcript Requests: $10
Withdrawal Processing Fee: retained by Athabasca University if a student decides to withdraw before or within 30 days of an individualized-study course start date. Refer to Refunds and Returns): $75
8.7. Students' Association and Alumni Relations Fees
The following mandatory fees are included in the total course registration fees (i.e., included in the $496 for a three-credit course for an Alberta resident) and are displayed here for information purposes. These fees are not included as tuition for the T2202A tuition tax credit amount.
Students' Association and Alumni Relations fees are refunded by Athabasca University only if the student withdraws before or within 30 days of the start date. After 30 days the fees will not be returned.
Students' Association fee per course registration or reregistration
3- or 4-credit course: $8
6-credit course: $16Alumni Relations fee per course registration or reregistration
3-, 4- or 6-credit course: $2
8.8.1. G.S.T.The federal government's current guidelines exempt academic-related fees from the Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.). G.S.T. is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.
The Athabasca University Calendar, Abridged Version is provided free of charge to students living in Canada.
International students (students living outside of Canada) are charged $10 Canadian funds or $8 US funds for a Calendar. VISA®, MasterCard® American Express® or a cheque or money order may be used. The University will not issue a Calendar until payment is received.
A complete list of publications is online.
8.8.3. Publications Available at Edmonton or Calgary Learning Centre
- Alberta Universities Writing Competence Test: $50
- Coping with Exam Anxiety Handbook (no charge to registered Athabasca University students and available through AUSA)
- Improve Your Study Skills: A Series of Seven Modules for Adult Students (no charge to registered Athabasca University students and available through AUSA)
A complete list of publications is available online.
Students with delinquent accounts will have their registration cancelled. Students will not receive Athabasca University services, including the issuance of exam results, transcripts or record of academic standing, Letters of Permission, evaluations, library borrowing privileges, online computing access, or subsequent enrolment, until accounts have been settled. This policy encompasses all financial obligations due Athabasca University, including those attributable to fees and deposits; non-return of equipment, material, or library books; failure to follow formal withdrawal or cancellation procedures; and any dishonoured cheques returned by the bank.
A returned-cheque charge of $20 will be assessed on dishonoured (N.S.F., payment stopped, account closed, etc.) cheques. A cancelled registration shall constitute withdrawal from all courses and forfeiture of all fees paid to date. Accounts that remain unsettled 25 days after the date Financial Services issues written notification are considered delinquent.
When students register in a course, they will be issued a confirmation letter that indicates, among other details, the course fees paid. Receipts for payment of fees are not issued unless requested. Students who require another receipt for reimbursement purposes by an employer, or for fees other than those listed in the confirmation letter, must submit a separate request when they register or contact the Student Fee Coordinator, Financial Services. In February, receipts for income tax credit purposes are issued (refer to Section 8.12.1. Tuition and Education Tax Credit Receipt Information).
There are two levels of refund available to students who withdraw from an Athabasca University undergraduate course either before the course start date or no later than 30 days after the course start date providing they meet course withdrawal criteria.
To formally withdraw from a course, you must complete and submit a Course Withdrawal Request Form. The form is included in the Forms Package of your course materials or you may download a copy from the Web. Please mail or fax the completed form to the Office of the Registrar. An e-mailed withdrawal request will not be accepted.
The date of withdrawal will be the postmark on the request, or, if the notice is hand-delivered or faxed, the University date stamp, or the date of the online submission.
To receive a refund, students must include their full name, address, and student identification number with any returned material. Students are required to pay the postage on any returned course materials.
Refunds are processed 45 days after withdrawal from a course. Students will not receive refunds for course materials returned to the University outside these time frames. Returned course materials become the property of the University.
This refund policy does not apply to course materials that are provided electronically or downloaded from the World Wide Web.
Refund A: Course Materials Undamaged. If the course materials package is completely unmarked, able to be issued to another student, and received by Athabasca University within 30 days of the processing of a refundable withdrawal request, students will receive a refund of tuition paid less the withdrawal processing fee (e.g., $496 - $75 = $421).
Return the Withdrawal Request Form and the course materials package to:
Athabasca University
Course Materials Production
Tim Byrne Centre
4001 Highway 2 South
Athabasca, AB T9S 1A4Refund B: Course Materials Damaged, Marked, or Missing. If the course materials package has been damaged, marked, or some materials are missing, the student will have both the withdrawal processing fee and the learning resources fee deducted from his or her course tuition (e.g., $496 - $75 - $131 = $290). The course materials will remain the student's property and should not be returned.
Return the Withdrawal Request Form to:
Athabasca University
Office of the Registrar
1 University Drive
Athabasca, AB, T9S 3A3Late Withdrawals
There are no refunds for students who withdraw more than 30 days after the course start date. If the course materials are returned to Athabasca University after the 30 days by students withdrawing from a course and hoping to obtain a refund, the course materials will be retained by Athabasca University.
8.12. Financial Information/Assistance
8.12.1. Tuition and Education Tax Credit Receipt Information
In Canada tuition and academic fees may be used to reduce income tax for qualifying students. Each February, the University mails the appropriate Tuition and Education Credit Certificate Form T2202A to the address on record for qualifying students. Students should notify Athabasca University immediately following any address change.
To be eligible for the tuition tax credit, the total of such fees paid to an educational institution in Canada for the year must exceed $100. Fees paid to the Students' Association and Alumni Relations are not eligible for inclusion in the tuition tax credit.
The calendar year for which the fees are paid, not the date on which the fees are paid, is used to calculate eligible tuition fees. Tuition fees paid for courses that extend beyond the calendar year-end will be pro-rated on the T2202A according to the period of course delivery pertaining to each calendar year. For example, if a course has an October 1 start date and a March 31 contract end date, only 50 percent of the tuition fee representing the October through December period will be reflected in the current year tax credit certificate. The remaining 50 percent, representing January through March, will be reflected on the following year's T2202A.
Students may be eligible for the education tax credit for each month of part-time or full-time registration. For income tax purposes, a full-time student is defined as a person actively registered in a minimum of two credits per month. The T2202A Tuition and Education Credit Certificate will reflect the number of months of enrolment that are eligible to be considered as part time or full time. Further details concerning the Tuition and Education Tax Credit may be found in Canada Customs and Revenue Agency's (CCRA) Personal Income Tax Guide or by contacting a CCRA district taxation office.
Financial assistance is available to part-time and full-time students from their local financial aid agency. Full-time students may be eligible for loans, grants, bursaries, or scholarships. Part-time students (students completing fewer than nine credits in a four-month period or 18 credits in an eight-month period) may be eligible for bursaries, loans or grants. The amount of loan or bursary varies according to need.
The regular course contract dates of six and 12 months are reduced to four and eight months for full-time Athabasca University students receiving financial aid. The regular six- and 12-month contract dates apply to full-time students at other institutions who are taking only one or two courses with Athabasca University. All start dates per semester must be the same.
The regulations on course load and course completion requirements for Alberta Students Finance are subject to change at any time. The regulations for funding require that academic progress be monitored. Students with student loans must also consider the minimum course requirements of their loan programs. Typically, this requires three courses per four-month funding period in order to maintain your full-time loan status.
8.12.3. How to Apply
Alberta Residents
To obtain a Financial Aid Package that contains application forms, contact Athabasca University. The signed study plan, the Application for Financial Assistance and, if applicable, the General Application Form and non-refundable application fee, are submitted to the Office of the Registrar for endorsement and forwarding to Alberta Students Finance for processing. Processing of applications may take up to 12 weeks from the time that complete documentation is submitted. Students should apply for funding at least three months before their anticipated course start date.Refer to Office of the Registrar or Canada Student Loan Programs for details.
Others
Students may contact their local financial aid agency to obtain a financial aid package. Before the financial aid application is sent to the agency, students should contact the Office of the Registrar where a Financial Aid Advisor will help complete the financial aid application.Students should apply for funding at least three months before their anticipated course start date.
Requested dates for funding periods cannot be changed without reassessment of the loan certificate by the particular student financial aid agency. Refer to Office of the Registrar or Canada Student Loan Programs for details.
8.12.4. Student Awards
Each year Athabasca University recognizes the dedication, determination and success of its students. All students are automatically considered for awards without application, unless specified otherwise. A list of award recipients is publicized twice a year: at convocation and in the late fall.
Unless stated otherwise, awards will be calculated on grades obtained from July 1 of the previous year to June 30 of the current year. The Office of the Registrar, 800.788.9041 (ext. 6147), administers the academic awards program.
Refer to Office of the Registrar for details.
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