Just a few clicks away from your next big milestone.
After you apply to become an Athabasca University student, you can register in courses. The application process varies depending on what level you wish to study (undergraduate, graduate or doctoral), where you live, and if you want to complete a full program or take courses as a non-program student.
What would you like to do?
Whether you want to earn a degree, diploma or certificate, or just take some courses, as a non-program student just follow these two steps:
Step 1
Undergraduate Online Application
You only have to apply once. After applying, you can register for courses (Step 2) immediately.
Note: If you are an international student, an inactive/former student (not active for 12 months or longer), or a student with a loan you will find all required information here:
We accept undergraduate applications year-round – if you’re interested in learning the AU way, you can start right away. Enrol in a program to earn a degree, diploma or certificate, or just take some courses as a non-program student - it’s up to you. If you change your mind later, you won’t have to pay another application fee. You can start registering for courses as soon as you finish your application.
No matter what route you choose, you’ll start with our online application system.
All undergraduate programs have continuous enrolment – you can start registering for courses as soon as you finish your application. Many undergraduate programs are open admission, but some do have specific entry requirements. Visit our programs page to find out what's needed for your program of interest.
About ApplyAlberta
AU is a part of the ApplyAlberta system. When you apply to an AU program, you’ll start and finish your application with us. In between, you’ll use ApplyAlberta - no matter what country or Canadian province you are from - to enter your personal and academic information and send us any required documents you may have. Want to know more?
Choose your program. Be sure to note the number of years (if applicable) and your major – you’ll need this detailed information for step 3 below.
If you have previous post-secondary education or significant work or life experience that could be assessed for credit, explore your options for transfer and advanced credit.
You are now ready to become an AU Student and receive an AU Student ID number, and apply to an Undergraduate Program.
ApplyAlberta will return you to the AU site. Complete the rest of the application.
Pay the one-time general application fee and the evaluation fee (if applicable). Be sure to have your official transcripts sent to AU if ApplyAlberta was unable to forward them automatically.
Write down your AU student ID number at the end of the application process. Your ID number will also appear on your printed or e-mailed receipt if you choose one of those options.
Be sure to have your official transcripts sent directly to AU, if ApplyAlberta was unable to forward them automatically. Also, arrange to submit any other required supporting documents, that pertain to your application, to the Office of the Registrar.
Whether you need a course to transfer to a program elsewhere, for professional development, or just for fun, you can do it as a non-program student at Athabasca University.
Non-program (or unclassified) students are those who want to take courses without registering in a degree, diploma or certificate program. If you later decide to enter an AU program, you can apply credits earned now toward your future program (if the credits fit that program’s requirements).
Write down your AU student ID number at the end of the application process. Your ID number will also appear on your printed or e-mailed receipt if you choose one of those options.
Once you are an Athabasca University student (program or non-program) you can register for your courses online at any time. Undergraduate courses start the first day of each month, but you must register and pay your fees by the 10th of the previous month to begin on the first. You can also choose to set a start date for a course up to 5 months in advance.
Next Deadline: Register by August 10th to start on September 1st
If you are enrolled in an AU program, you should review your program requirements (program regulations) before registering for courses.
If your application to Athabasca University was successful, you can start registering for courses immediately - just like everyone else.
Our courses are revised periodically to make sure the content stays relevant – those courses are unavailable during the revision period. Some other courses need professor approval, which can be requested during the online registration process.
You must register and pay by the 10th of the month to start your course on the 1st of the next month. You can also set a start date up to 5 months in advance. Your actual start date will depend on when your registration is received, so you’ll want to register early:
Choose your courses.
Log in to myAU. You will need your student ID number.
If this is your first time logging into myAU, your password will be your birthday (YYYYMMDD).
You will need to change your password and choose a security question after your first login.
You will receive an e-letter in myAU with your tutor or support information 1–2 weeks before your course starts. In most cases, you will also be able to access your courses from myAU before the official course start date.
Apply to Become an AU Graduate Student
You can get started on your application whenever you’re ready. Graduate programs have a multi-step application process. Most programs have application deadlines and intakes happen on a specific schedule.
Graduate programs and courses are advanced studies and generally require an undergraduate degree for admission. Doctoral degrees and post-masters certificates and diplomas require a master’s degree for admission.
Once you have accepted your offer of admission, you can begin registering for your courses. Please note that most programs require you to pay an admission fee after you’re accepted into the program.
Athabasca University’s graduate student application processes vary from program to program. Read the general application process below, then find your program to see its specific requirements and processes.
Application deadlines
Unlike our undergraduate programs, most graduate programs have specific intake dates. If you miss an application deadline, you will have to wait for the next intake to apply – this could be up to a year for some programs.
Be sure to review your program’s information carefully so you can meet all the necessary requirements in time for your application deadline.
If you have ever been an AU student in the past, log in to complete the application.
If you are a new AU student, be sure to write down your student ID number at the end of the application process. Your ID number will also appear on your printed or e-mailed receipt if you choose one of those options.
Submit a program-specific application form (available either as part of the application or on the program website).
If necessary, arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly from post-secondary institutions you have previously attended.
Gather and complete other materials required by the program you are applying to. These could include a resumé, a biography, questionnaires, or letters of reference.
In order to take graduate-level courses, you must satisfy certain prerequisites, which in most cases include an undergraduate degree. However, you don’t need to be enrolled in an Athabasca University graduate program to take our graduate courses.
Many programs allow you to take a limited number of courses as a non-program student. Each program has a different limit and a different application process. Check each program’s website for specific details.
Courses you successfully complete as a non-program student may be applied toward your graduate program when you become a program student.
Visiting students
If you’re enrolled at another university and want to take an AU course for one of your program requirements, you also register as a non-program student. We encourage you to get a letter of permission from your school to ensure your AU credits will transfer to your program. This is for your own records – you don’t have to send it to AU.