Educads
AU Athabasca University logo

Athabasca University

· Public University

Admissions open
Type
Public University
Founded
Students
International

Athabasca University: the applicant's brief

6 findings
  1. The short answer

    Athabasca University is a Canadian public university that mainly delivers education online through distance learning. It suits students who need flexible study from outside Canada or who want a university built around distance education.

  2. What you can study

    Athabasca University primarily offers online distance education. No subject areas or programme names are listed, so confirm the current programme catalogue on the university website before applying.

  3. Getting in

    International applicants should apply through the university’s official admissions process and check programme-specific entry requirements on the website. Because the available information does not list language requirements, deadlines, or document rules, confirm those details directly with admissions before you submit an application.

  4. What it costs

    Tuition is charged in Canadian dollars, but no fee range is published in the available information. Confirm the current tuition for your programme with the university’s admissions office, and also budget for living costs in Canada, which will depend on where you study and your personal spending.

  5. Coming from abroad

    For a student moving from abroad, the main practical point is that Athabasca University operates primarily through online distance education. The instruction language is not stated, so check that, along with access to the programme you want, admission rules, and any technology or residency requirements on the official website.

  6. How it compares

    Among Canada’s 156 universities, Athabasca University stands out for its distance-education model rather than a campus-based experience. In Alberta, it is one of four comprehensive academic and research universities, so it is a relevant option for students who want a public university with an online-first format.

Written from this university's catalogue entry and its cited encyclopedia summary. Figures are only shown where the institution or a cited source publishes them — always confirm fees and entry requirements with the university itself before applying.

Questions about Athabasca University

What type of university is Athabasca University?

It is a public university in Canada.

How does Athabasca University teach most of its courses?

It primarily operates through online distance education.

Is Athabasca University in Alberta?

Yes. It is one of four comprehensive academic and research universities in Alberta.

Does Athabasca University publish tuition fees here?

No fee range is given. Confirm current tuition with the university’s admissions office.

Overview

Athabasca University (AU) is a Canadian public university that primarily operates through online distance education. Founded in 1970, it is one of four comprehensive academic and research universities in Alberta, and was the first Canadian university to specialize in distance education.

Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

On request

Indicative living cost

Fees vary by programme and are indicative. Confirm exact fees with the university before applying.

Admission requirements

How to apply

  1. 1Check the entry requirements and intake dates for your chosen programme on the official university website.
  2. 2Confirm you meet the academic requirements (high-school certificate, bachelor’s degree or equivalent) for the programme.
  3. 3Apply directly through the university admission portal, or via its official application platform.
  4. 4Submit your transcripts and English-proficiency scores (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo English Test) and pay the application fee.
  5. 5On receiving your offer letter, accept it and begin your student-visa process for Canada.

Related universities

MC McGill University logo

McGill University

Montreal, Quebec, Canada · Public University

★ 77 QS World #29 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
CAD 43,000 – CAD 58,000/yr
Founded
1821
UT University of Toronto logo

University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario, Canada · Public University

★ 75 QS World #21 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
CAD 52,000 – CAD 70,500/yr
Founded
1827
UB University of British Columbia logo

University of British Columbia

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada · Public University

★ 75 QS World #34 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
CAD 46,000 – CAD 62,500/yr
Founded
1908
WA University of Waterloo logo

University of Waterloo

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada · Public University

★ 66 QS World #112 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
CAD 48,500 – CAD 65,500/yr
Founded
1957

Last updated 29 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance — verify with official sources before applying.

Stay updated

Get admission alerts, scholarship deadlines & university news — free.