Anyone 16 years of age or older is eligible for admission to Athabasca University, regardless of previous educational experience, with or without a high school diploma.

Students may not enrol in an Athabasca University undergraduate or graduate program while they are enrolled in a program at another post-secondary institution. Those students may take courses as unclassified students until they have either completed or withdrawn from the other program.

Past academic performance may restrict you from enrolling in specific undergraduate programs such as the Bachelor of Professional Arts, Bachelor of Nursing, or Bachelor of Commerce degree programs. Specific enrolment requirements are indicated on the program.

Unclassified student definition

Most of Athabasca University's undergraduate degree programs are “open-ended,” meaning there is no time limit for the completion of an undergraduate degree. Students should remain active in their program. Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

• Select the program in which you wish to enrol.

Within two to three weeks, you will receive a letter welcoming you to the University and confirming receipt of your application form.

If you have not completed any post-secondary courses before, we suggest you begin by selecting a preparatory (100 level) or junior (200 level) course in your degree area.

Select a course that includes topics that interest you, and consider all of the requirements within your specific degree or certificate program. Some of our undergraduate programs, such as the Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Commerce degree, have specific program requirements.

Most programs contain a number of core courses and required elective courses. Select courses that are designated as core or required electives first. These junior-level courses will help provide you with the information base you will need to successfully complete senior (300/400) level courses.

Athabasca University has developed program learning outcomes that outline the knowledge, skills, and values you may expect to obtain after completing a credential. Possible career options are also listed.

    Learning Outcomes

All Athabasca University students who graduate with an undergraduate degree and who have successfully completed a minimum of 24 credits at AU, are automatically considered for graduation with distinction or great distinction recognition. All completed AU courses taken as part of the undergraduate degree program in which the student is registered will be used in the program GPA calculation including unsuccessful course attempts.

For courses that are repeated, the highest grade achieved will be used in the program GPA calculation.

Courses excluded from the GPA calculation are:

• Transfer courses (courses for which transfer credit has been awarded)

• Courses using a pass/fail grading scheme

• Courses with a grade of W (Withdrawal) or WF (Withdrawal Failure), both without academic penalty

• Courses considered extra to the degree

• Credits awarded for Prior Learning Accreditation and Recognition (PLAR)

• Non-credit courses and courses with no grades.

If you are having difficulty pinpointing a specific program or course of interest, an Athabasca University counsellor or advisor can help. The following will help you determine the type of advice you require.

A counsellor will help you:

• clarify your educational and career objectives

• select a program of study

• develop study and time management skills

• identify and overcome any barriers to your learning.

Counselling Services is located in Athabasca. You may reach a counsellor by

    * Appointment Form
    * by phone: Canada and U.S.: 1.800.788.9041
        

An advisor will help you

• select courses for credit  (once you have enrolled
    in a program of study, advisors can help you
    with your course selection)

• interpret transfer credit assessments

• interpret Athabasca University policies and procedures

• complete Students Finance study plans.

Advising Services is located in Calgary and Edmonton. You may reach an advisor by

    * Appointment Form
    * by phone: Canada and U.S.: 1.800.788.9041
       Calgary area: 403.263.6465
       Edmonton area: 780.421.8700

Athabasca University recognizes students who have completed 30 or more credits in French—excluding French as a second language course—as part of their credential. These students are eligible to have a notation written on their parchment and transcript. If you qualify, and would like this notation written on your parchment, please complete the appropriate section on your Application for Graduation Form.

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