Important information for Open Studies (non-program) students
Learners attend Athabasca University (AU) for a variety of reasons!
Many learners come to AU to fill a gap in their educational requirements at a different institution and earn credit towards their credential. There are some key things learners need to know in order to make this important transition seamless to AU.
How do I apply?
AU accepts undergraduate applications throughout the year—if you’re interested in learning the AU way, you can start right away.
If you ultimately decide to take more than one course as a learner, decide to enrol in a program to earn a degree, diploma, or certificate, or just take some more courses as a non-program student—we’ve got you covered. If you decide later on that you would like to take an AU program or additional course, you won’t have to pay another application fee. You can start registering for courses as soon as you finish your application.
To apply, simply complete the Undergraduate Application, and pay the one-time (non-refundable) application fee. You can either enrol in a program, or just take courses as a non-program student.
When do your courses start?
Undergraduate individualized study courses generally start on the first day of every month. If you would like to start in a specific month, ensure you register by the 10th day of the previous month. Alternatively, you can provide a preferred start date when you register—this will be confirmed after your registration has been successfully processed.
Does AU require transcript for admissions?
AU offers open admission for undergraduate studies. Minimum requirement is you must be 16 years of age or older. AU does not require the submission of transcripts.
I am accessing government student financial aid. What do I do?
Athabasca University students, both full-time and part-time, may qualify for financial aid. Our financial aid team can assist you in identifying loans, awards and grants, and other planning tools to put your academic goals within your reach.
We suggest using this Student Financial Aid tool to get started.
How do I register for a course?
Before you can register for a course, you must become an AU learner by applying online or submitting a printable application. Once you have been admitted, you can register for individual courses or a program.
What is the timeline for completing a course?
Learners in individualized study courses have up to six months to complete a three-credit course, and up to 12 months to complete a six-credit course. Those in grouped study or those receiving financial aid have shortened course contracts. It’s important to understand the finer details of finishing a course in under three months.
How do I schedule and request an exam?
Nearly all exams are being offered online. You can use the online invigilation platform ProctorU, or you can have an online exam invigilated by any third-party invigilators who are already approved as part of AU’s Exam Invigilation Network. These invigilators’ services are subject to change, so learners are responsible to confirm an invigilator’s ability to supervise their exam prior to booking.
For all online exams, you must first book your exam invigilation appointment with ProctorU or another invigilator at least 20 calendar days before you would like to write your exam. You must then login to myAU and request your exam for the same date you’ve booked with your invigilator.
If you choose to use ProctorU, please carefully review the exam-booking instructions on the Office of the Registrar website. Then follow these steps:
- Set up an account through ProctorU.
- Book exam invigilation at least 20 calendar days prior to when you’d like to write your exam.
- Login to myAU and request your exam for the same date you’ve booked through ProctorU. Use invigilation identification number of 3278826.
Due to Covid-19, Athabasca University exam locations are closed and only ONLINE exams are being issued. Students must confirm that an invigilation centre is open before booking an exam. Please refer to the COVID-19 questions and answers page for any updates and current steps for booking an online exam.
Exams need to be requested within your course contract period. About one month prior to when you want to write your exam, you will need to start the process and review the exam information.
You can find more information about ProctorU and a FAQ page on ProctorU. You can also find tips on booking your AU exam with ProctorU here.
AU encourages learners to use ProctorU whenever possible, but we understand this service may not be accessible to all learners and some may prefer other options. If you are unable to use ProctorU, and no other external invigilator is available, please contact your faculty for alternative arrangements:
- Faculty of Business: Contact the Student Support Centre at business-support@athabascau.ca
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Contact your Course Coordinator
- Faculty of Health Disciplines: Contact your Course Coordinator
- Faculty of Science and Technology: Contact the Student Success Centre at fst_success@athabascau.c
AU is waiving exam-rebooking fees and late-exam fees at this time.
When will my final grades be available?
If your AU course includes an exam, it will take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete the marking and final grade processing after the final exam is written. You can use the ‘Check Your Grades’ option in myAU to monitor your progress. Once your final grade is available in myAU, it will be added to your transcript overnight. You may then proceed to request an official transcript.
If I enrol as a non-program student, can I apply to a program later?
AU charges a one-time, non-refundable application fee for undergraduate studies. You can choose to enrol as a non-program student now, and reapply later to a specific program using the Change Your Program option in the student portal myAU. If you have completed course credits, they will be reviewed to determine if they can be applied towards the requirements of the program you have applied to.
More information
As always, we’re here to help! If you have additional questions or needs, please reach out to us via email and we can triage to the correct unit within AU. Additionally, you can call the AU Information Centre.
