Academic-Related Regulations

5.5.2 Letter of Permission

If you are taking a course at Athabasca University as a visiting student on a Letter of Permission, please see Section 5.5.3.2 Visiting Students.

A Letter of Permission is a document that permits an Athabasca University credential student to take one or more courses at another post-secondary institution for credit toward the student’s Athabasca University program. When a Letter of Permission is issued, one copy goes to the external institution and one goes to the student. Athabasca University no longer charges a fee for this service.

The Letter of Permission is your student record—a means of tracking the courses you take at other institutions—and it keeps you active in your program. The letter also indicates to the external institution that you are a visiting student. Information regarding the transfer equivalencies of particular external courses is also indicated in the letter.

The letter indicates the course equivalency at Athabasca University, but it is not a guarantee that the course(s) will be applied towards your credential.

Athabasca University students are responsible for ensuring that any courses taken elsewhere will fit into their Athabasca University program. If you need program planning assistance, complete and submit an Information Request Form or phone 1.800.788.9041 and ask to speak to an Athabasca University advisor.

• Letter of Permission Request Form (PDF)
• Information Request Form

5.5.2.1 Before You Register

Before you register at another post-secondary institution and take courses for credit to be applied towards your Athabasca University credential, you must request the Letter of Permission from Transfer Credit Services. It is important to remember that credit will not be applied to your credential if you do not first obtain a Letter of Permission, and until Athabasca University receives an official transcript that indicates successful completion of the course taken elsewhere.

Request the Letter of Permission a minimum of one month before the course registration date. This will allow Athabasca University time to process, approve, and forward the letter. When you complete the external course, you must ensure that official transcripts are forwarded to Athabasca University. If you need program planning assistance, complete and submit an Information Request Form or phone 1.800.788.9041.

• Transfer Credit Services
• Information Request Form

5.5.2.2 Visiting Students

Visiting students take courses at Athabasca University for transfer credit to other post-secondary institutions. Before you register in a course at Athabasca University, you are advised to obtain a Letter of Permission from your home institution that indicates it will accept the Athabasca University course in your program.

Make sure you are aware of any special considerations that your home institution has related to course completion, course withdrawal, course extensions, supplemental exams, and delivery mode. For example, some institutions require that their students complete the course within specified timelines, will not accept a grade if a supplemental exam has been written, or will not accept a grade if it was taken by Challenge for Credit.