Canada's open and online university, built for flexible, distance learning at any stage of life.
Athabasca University is a public university based in Athabasca, Alberta, and is best known as Canada's open university. Most of its learning happens online and at a distance, which lets students study from anywhere without relocating.
The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs, certificates and diplomas across a wide range of fields. Many courses allow students to begin throughout the year and work at their own pace with the support of a tutor or instructor.
Athabasca serves working adults, parents, rural and northern learners, and students who want to combine study with other commitments. It also works with other institutions to recognize prior learning and transfer credit.
Tuition in CA$, 2026-2027
Students who live in Alberta apply for student aid through Alberta Student Aid; students from other provinces apply through their own province’s program. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.
Athabasca University offers its own bursaries and awards to help students with financial need and academic achievement.
Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical first-year arts program, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Confirm the current figure on Athabasca University’s fee page.
Ask Athabasca University about its entrance scholarships and bursaries.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with Athabasca University.
Applications to Athabasca University go through ApplyAlberta, Alberta’s application service.
Most undergraduate programs have open admission, meaning many applicants do not need to meet a minimum grade requirement. Some programs, such as graduate studies and certain professional programs, have specific entry requirements.
Apply through ApplyAlberta, Alberta's application service, and follow the instructions for your chosen program. Check the program page for any additional documents or prerequisites.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with Athabasca University and ApplyAlberta.
Athabasca is a small town in north-central Alberta, about 145 kilometres north of Edmonton. The university's main campus there is modest, since most students learn remotely, and much of its administration and teaching staff work across Alberta and beyond.
Because most study takes place online, student life centres on virtual communities and flexible support rather than a traditional campus. Students connect through the students' union, online forums and regional events.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.