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University Guide
About Athabasca University
Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.
Located in Canada, Athabasca University is an open university founded in 1970 with the motive to remove barriers on access to education for adult learners around the world. It provides high-quality post-secondary education to over 40,000 students through more than 850 courses with 55 undergraduate and graduate programs. It is also one of the 4 public comprehensive universities in Alberta and is one of the reputedly ranked higher education institutes of Canada.
Over the years, the institute has entered more than 350 agreements to collaborate with other Canadian and international post-secondary institutions and employers. With a total student enrollment of over 40,000 that includes international candidates from over 87 countries around the world, the institute is undoubtedly a site of diversity and inclusion in the country.
Admission at Athabasca University is available in multiple intakes round the year and requires a nonrefundable application fee of 118 CAD. The institute observes a moderate acceptance rate and a high rate of employment which is nearly 93%. This ensures that the university not only guarantees quality education for all but also can help its candidates land some of the high-paying jobs in Canada.
Highlights
| Type of university | Public university specializing in online distance education |
| Total faculty and staff members | 1000+ |
| Courses offered | 850+ |
| Total students | 40000+ |
| Test scores accepted | IELTS, CAEL, MELAB, PTE, TOEFL PBT, TWE, TOEFL iBT |
| Marks required | IELTS- 6 CAEL- 60% MELAB- 80 PTE- 59 TOEFL PBT- 213 TWE- 4.5 TOEFL iBT- 80 with an essay score of 20 |
| Website | http://www.athabascau.ca/ |
Athabasca University Campus and Accommodation
- Athabasca University laid its foundation in 1970. Initially, AU’s main campus was located in Edmonton which was later moved to Athabasca in 1984.
- The campus is majorly online and has both rural and urban set up on campus.
- AU’s Athabasca University is the main campus operating along with others in Edmonton, Calgary, and Center for Innovative Management and AU Learning Link.
- Being an online university, the campus for distance learners is wherever they are learning from around the world.
- The institute is a non-residential campus which means there is no on-campus housing opportunity for students.
Athabasca University Courses
- There are limited classroom programs for international students at AU.
- AU is an online university offering a plethora of courses for international students including undergraduate courses and short-term visa graduate courses related to arts, science and professional studies.
- Some of the undergraduate programs offered include Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, General Studies, Health Administration, Professional Arts, Management, Science, etc.
- Some of the graduate programs offered include courses in fields like Arts, Business Administration, Education, Health Studies, Nursing, Information Systems, etc.
- They also have more than 850 courses available that can work as a pathway to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. These include Accounting, Finance, Nursing, Science, Business, etc.
- Graduate programs such as Master of Counseling and Master of Nursing are offered with study permits issued only for the duration the student is required to be in Canada.
- International students have the opportunity to study at other institutions in Canada while taking online courses from AU and transfer the credits.
Top Programs at Athabasca University
| Programs | Tuition Fees | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | 52,282 CAD | Fall: March 15 Winter: June 15 Spring: October 15 |
| Mater of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies | 20,449 CAD | Fall: March 1st Winter: September 1st |
| Master of Education in Open Digital and Distance Education | 20,449 CAD | Fall: March 1st Winter: September 1st |
| Master of Counselling | 27,996 CAD | Fall: February 1 |
| Master of Nursing | 19,448 CAD | Spring: November 1 Fall: March 1 Winter: July |
Athabasca University for Application Process
How to Apply?
Application Portal:
- Online application portal – ApplyAlberta
- UG applicants: Undergraduate General Application
- PG applicants: Graduate Application Form
Application Fee: 89 USD (118 CAD)
Application Deadlines
UG applicants do not have to meet any application deadlines. Classes for courses begin at the starting of each month. While deadlines for postgraduate programs can be found in the table below:
| Program | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Master of Counseling | February (each year) |
| Master of Nursing (General) | March, July and November |
| Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) | April, August and December |
Basic Admission Requirements
- Standardized test scores of SAT/ ACT are not particularly required for applying to AU.
- English proficiency test scores – International students must take English proficiency tests and send scores to the university. The minimum requirements of these test scores are:
| Exam | Minimum Requirements for Undergraduates | Minimum Requirements for Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL - IBT | 80 | 80 |
| TOEFL - PBT | - | 550 |
| TOEFL - CBT | 213 | - |
| IELTS | 6.0 | 6.0 |
Supporting Documents to be submitted with the admission application for evaluation include those which can be used for getting credits such as:
UG applicants: Official transcripts, post-secondary education records, previous diplomas, undergraduate degree credits, and foreign credentials from other institutions in the U.S. or Canada, work and life experiences.
PG applicants: Official transcripts from post-secondary institutions, resume, biography, questionnaires, and letters of reference.
Athabasca University Cost of Attendance
For all the prospective candidates of the institute seeking enrolment in the upcoming seasonal year, an estimated cost of living in Canada is as been tabulated below
| Expense | Estimated Cost for students living in Canada | Estimated Cost for students living outside Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | 1020-3060 USD (0-9 credits) | 510-1530 USD (0-9 credits) |
| Course Administration and Technology Fee | 139 USD | 139 USD |
| Course Materials Fee | 51 USD | 51 USD |
| Out of country fee | - | 1127 USD |
Scholarships/Financial Aid
The institute provides various awards and scholarships in Canada for international students. Candidates willing to avail financial aid must firstly apply for student financial assistance following which they must submit the course registration plan. The institute offers 55 scholarships to its students based on the level of study, residency, and various other factors.
The following table gives details of various scholarships, eligibility criteria and the amount awarded to international students:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Amount Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University Institutional Leadership Scholarship | Enrolled in undergraduate or graduate program at AU; Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher | 1000 USD |
| AU Academic Leadership Scholarship | Enrolled to an undergraduate degree program at AU; Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher | 1500 USD |
| AU PLAR Scholarship | Enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at AU; Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher; S submit an essay within 1000 words explaining the role of PLAR in their success and future goals. |
1000 USD |
| Dominique Abrioux Graduate Scholarship | Enrolled to master’s degree program at AU; Completed at least 12 credits since July 1 of the previous year; Minimum GPA of 3.6 or higher; Not be enrolled for a doctoral program |
2000 USD |
| AU Graduate Student Scholarship | Enrolled to a graduate program at AU; Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher. | 1500 USD |
| Walker Family – Master of Counseling Scholarship | Enrolled as a full-time AU Master of Counseling student; Must be in the third year of the program; Minimum GPA of 3.8 or higher must be achieved in the program; Must be in a practicum placement. |
1000 USD |
Athabasca University Placements
The Master of Counselling program graduates have an employment rate of 93% with an average salary of 65000 USD. The graduates of the Master of Nursing program have maintained a 100% employment rate with students earning an average salary of 70000 USD.
The University provides career opportunities and career tools through Career Cruising.
- AU's MBA and Nursing program have an employment rate of 100%.
- Master of Counselling has an employment rate of 93%.
Average salary of AU graduates as per program:
| Program/Degree | Average Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Master of Counselling | 65,000 |
| Master of Nursing | 70,000 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | 70,000 |
| Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting | 45,000 |
| Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management | 91,000 |
| Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing | 91,000 |
| Bachelor of Science | 72,000 |
| Bachelor of Arts | 45,000 |
Alumni Network
Alumni members are entitled to several benefits including TD Home and Auto Insurance, Manulife Life and Health, rewards with Athabasca University Master card, access to online library, career counseling services, attending AU events, staying connected with other members, reading award-winning magazines etc. Some outstanding alumni members who have been recognized by AU include: Esmail Bharwani, Shastri Ramnath, Dr. Djenana Jalovcic, Barb Tiedemann and many others.
FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum GPA required for admission in Athabasca University?
Ans. A minimum of 3.0 GPA or higher is required for admission in Master of Business Administration program.
Ques. What are the courses offered by Athabasca University?
Ans. Athabasca University offers 50 undergraduate and 35 graduate programs and 850 undergraduate and graduate online courses.
Undergraduate programs are offered in Anthropology, Commerce, Accounting, Human Resources Management, Law, Criminal Justice, English, French, Humanities, Political Science, Psychology, Women and Gender studies including some certificate courses etc.
Graduate programs are offered in Interdisciplinary Studies, Business Administration, Counselling, Nursing, Health, Information System including certificate course in Data Analytics, Information Security, Design, Architecture etc.
Ques. What is the Admission process for International Students in Athabasca University?
Ans. International students should have a minimum of 16 years of age for admission in undergraduate programs. They also require high school or previous academic transcripts.
Graduate admission requires a minimum of 3.0 GPA in bachelor's.
Ques. What is total Enrollment in Athabasca University?
Ans. Athabasca University has a total enrollment of 40,000 students.
Ques. What is the tuition fee in Athabasca University?
Ans. Master of Business Administration has a total tuition fees of 52,282 CAD and Master of Nursing program has a total tuition fee of 19,448 CAD. Tuition fee of other graduate and undergraduate programs varies as per total credit hours.
Courses & Fees
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Courses
12
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₹11,12,233.5
Exams
IELTS · TOEFL
Showing 4 bachelors
Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 11.1 L/Yr
Native FeeCAD 16,275 /Yr
Fee trendTuition progression
Admission Guide
Admission Process
Founded in 1970 Athabasca University is a prestigious university in Canada. The University offers more than 55 undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines ranging from Arts, Business, Technology to Nursing and much more. More than 850 courses are available for students without enrolling to undergraduate and graduate programs.
The University has an enrollment of around 40,000 students with 7,800 full-time students making it one of the best universities in Canada. Students from every Canadian province and territory and 87 countries around the world enroll at the university.
To apply, students must take note of the following:
- Athabasca University does not have a fixed application timeline.
- Most programs start every month and applicants can apply by the 10th of the previous month.
- Students have the option of setting an advance start date for programs up to 5 months.
- The application requirements, deadlines and process for international students depend upon whether they wish to study online in their home country or in Canada.
- International students who plan to attend on-campus programs at Athabasca University must apply in advance to allow time for visa processing.
- There are no significant requirements for applying to undergraduate programs except that the age of the applicant must be at least 16 years.
COVID-19 Admission Updates
- Athabasca University is conducting classes online.
- The University has not cancelled any of their online courses. Enrollment process and admissions are going on smoothly.
- All safety measures are taken care of during the enrollment process.
- None of the facilities at the university will be operational for the time being.
Highlights
| Application Portal | UG: ApplyAlberta PG: Online Application |
| Application Fee | 115 CAD |
| Mode of Payment | Credit card/ Debit card |
| Academic Calendar | Semester-based |
| Intake Season | Varies from program to program |
| Work Experience | Required for some programs |
| Financial Aid | Scholarships, grants, loans |
Athabasca University Admission Deadlines
Students who wish to enrol in online distance learning courses should make sure that they enrol for the course by the 10th of every month to start online distance learning courses from the first day of the next month. There are no fixed application deadlines for undergraduate programs. Students can apply any time during the year.
Note: Student’s financial aid application deadline is February 28, 2023 for students who are starting their course on May 1.
Athabasca University International Admissions
Athabasca University accepts international applicants from all around the world. The application process for international and domestic applicants is alike. Nonetheless, international applicants are required to meet some additional requirements.
Application Portal: Students may apply online through ApplyAlberta system
Application Fee: 115 CAD
Basic Admission Requirements: International applicants must satisfy the following requirements for admission to Athabasca University:
- A completed online application
- Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
- Statement of Purpose for Canada
- Official transcripts from previously attended institutions must be sent directly to AU or uploaded via the ApplyAlberta system.
- English language proficiency test scores
- LOR for Canada
- Copy of passport
- Certificate of Finance and bank statement
- Work experience for graduate programs
English Language Proficiency Requirements
International applicants are required to submit one of the following test scores and meet admission requirements to demonstrate English proficiency. The minimum required scores by the university are:
| Test | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 |
| TOEFL (Computer-based) | 213 |
| TOEFL (Internet-based) | 80 |
| PTE | 59 |
| MELAB | 80 |
| CAEL | 60% |
Additional information for international student
- If an applicant has completed their education in an institution from outside Canada or the United States then such applicant must get their credential assessed by an international assessment agency. Assessment of credentials must be done by the IQAS agency.
- It is advisable to check the programme specific requirement. There are some courses which may ask for some additional documents.
- The minimum requirement for applying to any course is that the applicant must be 16 year or more.
- There are also some programmes which will require you to give an interview.
- Athabasca University also provides English language courses for students who want to meet the English requirement for the course or for their job. In the said programme they make sure to cover all the areas for overall development of the student.
Visa Process for International Students
International applicants who wish to study at Athabasca University by attending physical classes must apply for a study permit for the duration of the program. Study permits are issued by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Students who wish to enroll for online programs should simply follow the university application process as they do not require a visa.
Aspirants will be required to submit the following documents while applying for a student visa for Canada:
- Valid Passport
- Proof of Health Insurance
- Proof of Acceptance
- Letter of Explanation to the officer explaining goals and aspirations to study in Canada.
- Other relevant financial documents as mentioned by the immigration authorities of Canada
- All international applicants also need to provide evidence of sufficient financial funds to cover all expenses for at least one calendar year before a visa will be issued.
If required students can schedule an interview with the nearest Canadian Embassy once their application is complete.
Athabasca University Undergraduate Admissions
Athabasca University offers a distinct number of online undergraduate programs under the field of Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Applied Social Sciences, Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Law, Medicine, and Management. Students can apply to any undergraduate programs regardless of previous education.
Where to Apply: Students may apply online through the ApplyAlberta system
Application Fee: 115 CAD plus evaluation fee 113 CAD
Admission Requirements: According to the university there are no formal requirements with regards to admission documents for enrolling. However, you need to be older than 16 years of age to be eligible for all undergraduate programs.
Athabasca University Graduate Admissions
Athabasca University offers master’s degrees, certificates and doctoral programs in Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Management, and Applied Social Sciences to students from all over the country and all around the world.
Where to Apply: Graduate Application Portal
Application Fee: 150 CAD
Admission Requirements:
The following table depicts the admission requirements for some graduate programs offered at the university:
| Requirements | Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Adult Education | Master of Business Administration | Master of Counselling Education | Master of Science in Information System | Master of Health Nursing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transcripts | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Academic Qualifications | Completed bachelor's degree in relevant field | Completed bachelor’s degree in relevant field | 4-year bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 | Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems or related field. | 4-year bachelor's degree in health related field |
| Academic Writing Assessment (AWA) | Required | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| Professional CV/Resume | Not required | Required | Not required | Required | Required |
| Work Experience | Not required | Required, at least 3 years of managerial work experience | Not required | Experience of work using IT knowledge | Experience in healthcare field |
| Admission Interview | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
International students planning to attend Athabasca University must be aware that for students on a study permit, the university has limited offerings. Master of Counselling, Master of Nursing - Nurse practitioner, post-baccalaureate diploma in counselling, university certificate and post-baccalaureate diploma in Heritage Resources Management are the only programs open for students on a study permit.
FAQs
Ques. Is my application fees refundable?
Ans. No, application fees are non-refundable.
Ques. Which English proficiency test is accepted by Athabasca University?
Ans. Athabasca University accepts IELTS, PTE, TOEFL computer/paper base, TOEFL internet based exams as proof of English proficiency.
Ques. Is credentials assessment available in Athabasca University?
Ans. Yes, universities can do assessment of students' credentials. However it is not available for international students.
Ques. How long does it take to do assessment of credentials by the university?
Ans. It takes at least 4 weeks to assess after submission of the document but it may also take 12 weeks depending on the document.
Ques. If I am opting for an online course do I have to get a study permit from Canada?
Ans. No, study permit is not required as the education is in online mode and comes under distance education.
Ques. How can I pay my application/ course fees to the university?
Ans. Applicants have many options like credit card, cheque or in cash. You can pay such an amount through online mode/ mail/ fax/ in person. Note if you are paying fees in cash then it should be done in person. Do not mail cash.
Ques. Is there any financial support available to international students?
Ans. Yes, there is financial support available for international students like scholarships, grants and loans.
Ques. Does Athabasca University provide English language programme?
Ans. Yes, Athabasca University provides a certificate course for English language which is mainly for students who want to take education in English or for employees who want to work in English speaking country.
Ques. What is the minimum grade required for satisfying the requirement of a course in English language programme?
Ans. Minimum B grade is required to be considered as successful progress. For meeting requirements of course 75% or 3.0 GPA is required in the programme.
Ques. What is the deadline for applying to student financial aid, if I am starting my course in May?
Ans. If you are starting your application in May then the deadline for applying for financial aid is February 28, 2023.
Placements & Recruiters
Athabasca University Placement Details
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