ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY
The following description is provided by the institution in the working language at that institution.
Established in 1970, Athabasca University (AU) has a long history of being a leader and innovator in distributed learning. Today, AU is one of the world’s fastest growing digital education institutions, serving over 40,000 students worldwide. AU offers over 900 courses at the undergraduate, graduate, diploma and certificate program level in addition to online professional development. Disciplines include arts, business, health, education, and science.
To remove barriers for students, AU offers continuous enrolment; most courses start the first of every month and anyone 16 years or older, regardless of previous educational experience, can take AU courses. Textbooks, e-texts, and internet-based courseware are provided, along with academic support – whether it is from a tutor or one of the student support centres. Although students may be studying independently, at AU, they are not left on their own.
On average, undergraduates are 27 years old and graduate students are 35 years old. Nearly three-quarters of students work while they study and nearly two-thirds of graduates are the first in their family to graduate from university. Students can study from anywhere, anytime, and over 12 percent of students live in rural, remote, or isolated areas. Studying online does require discipline, but it is perfect for those who are looking for a flexible, open pathway for their educational journey.
Committed to advancing research, AU is home to Canada’s only UNESCO Chair in Open Education, four Canada Research Chairs, and two Campus Alberta Innovates Program Chairs.
STUDENT ENROLMENT
Part-time (undergraduates)
38 945
Part-time (graduates)
4 555
Source: Athabasca University (Total enrolment includes students enrolled in non-credit or continuing education programs) (2018 preliminary fall enrolment)
TUITION FEES
CANADIAN STUDENTS
Undergraduate tuition fees:
4 760 $ - 6 540 $
Graduate tuition fees:
13 500 $
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Undergraduate tuition fees:
14 330 $ - 14 900 $
Graduate tuition fees:
15 500 $
Source: Athabasca University. Fees for general programs in arts and humanities (2018-19).
Note: In addition to tuition fees, universities generally charge fees for goods and services supplied to students. This includes areas such as student associations, sports and health. These additional fees vary widely per university and per student and can run from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Check with the university for details.
RESIDENCE
Athabasca University does not provide on-campus housing given that all of its courses are offered online or by distance education.
