Student success

Hear from real AU students about why open, online learning is right for them to help achieve their life and career goals—for themselves and their families.

Loading posts

graduate

3MT competition a learning opportunity for graduate students

Athabasca University graduate students and alumni discuss the benefits of participating in the Three-Minute Thesis competition.

graduate

Earning an MBA built confidence and professional legitimacy

Michel Garneau says Athabasca University’s fully online MBA helped him balance full-time work with graduate studies while addressing long-standing self-doubt about not having a university degree.

students

A year of Learners Like No Other: Stories of balance, resilience, and community

These 2025 Learners Like No Other profiles reveal the heart of AU’s community: people making education fit around caregiving, work, and life.

students

Community at the heart of Athabasca-based nurse’s career and studies at AU

Meeting the needs of her community was a driving force for 2025 Derrick Rowlandson Memorial Award winner.

students

AU provides ‘seamless’ experience for accounting student pursuing CPA

As a newcomer to Canada, AU’s “seamless” transfer credit process and online flexibility has made it easier for Pradip Rokaya to earn a CPA designation.

graduate

‘I discovered many new strengths thanks to AU,' says counselling student

'I could not be happier with the quality of education I received through AU,' writes Master of Counselling student.

undergraduate

Former pro soccer player plants seeds of success with sustainable farm startup

AU business student Charlie Trafford trades in his soccer kit to co-found Trafford Farms.

Student success

3MT competition a learning opportunity for graduate students

Earning an MBA built confidence and professional legitimacy

Online learning made a career change possible

A year of Learners Like No Other: Stories of balance, resilience, and community

I proved to myself I could thrive in graduate studies

I finally found a university path that fits my life

Community at the heart of Athabasca-based nurse’s career and studies at AU

AU provides ‘seamless’ experience for accounting student pursuing CPA

Online Master of Arts program a ‘game changer’ like no other

‘I discovered many new strengths thanks to AU,' says counselling student

‘I am the first woman in my family to pursue post-secondary education’

‘I love the flexibility of AU’

‘AU has given me something invaluable: the chance to learn in a way that works for me’

Former pro soccer player plants seeds of success with sustainable farm startup

AU helped me break barriers as the first in my family to attend university

AU helped me find meaningful work in anthropology

‘We chose to invest in me and in AU’

55 years of excellence like no other: Athabasca University’s history in pictures

‘I couldn’t leave the community.’ Chief Tammy Cook-Searson misses convocation to lead Lac La Ronge Indian Band during wildfire evacuation

‘I wanted to prove I still had it,’ writes AU grad and senior

A celebration like no other: Highlights from Convocation 2025

Athabasca University Convocation 2025 in pictures

A class act: Meet Athabasca University’s Class of 2025

AU celebrates 2025 Governor General’s Gold Medal winner

Perseverance and the power of support: How an AU grad achieved a goal 35 years in the making

AU celebrates 2025 Governor General’s Silver Medal winner

Science grad’s ‘storybook’ journey leads to new career and academic opportunities

Two-time Olympian checks off another goal: AU grad

‘This is my second chance at life’: Grad rediscovers Indigenous roots, becomes first in her family to earn a degree

I have a healthy future thanks to AU, says eldest grad in Class of 2025

MBA grad's search for connection sparks networking app startup

‘AU didn’t just open the door to higher education—it welcomed me in,’ says communication grad

AU grad finds her calling in heritage work

AU grad one of the youngest elected officials in Canadian history

Business student’s startup helps families connect to past through DNA genealogy

I’m a better nurse, educator, and leader thanks to AU

AU has helped me grow as an educator

Only AU lets me fast-track uni while still in high school

I started studying at AU at 16, and the transition from homeschool has been seamless

Why self-paced online learning is ‘a perfect fit’ for me—and for other mature students

Students share why AU STEM programs are a great fit for women

‘Hard work and determination pays off,’ says future HR leader

Higher education ‘a lifelong dream’ for MAIS student

Graduate Student Research Conference aims to make the world a better place to live through knowledge

Student using virtual reality to share knowledge of making ribbon skirts

Here’s how 4 undergraduate science students published their research

How AU helped me connect with family history

Athabasca University Convocation 2024 in pictures

That’s a wrap on a convocation like no other!

Celebrating AU’s Governor General’s medal winners

AU grad balances high-level academics with high-level athletics

Applying the world’s natural rhythms to remote education in Canada’s North

Family the foundation of nursing grad’s global journey and success

Meet the Class of 2024

From Athabasca to Baton Rouge, DBA grad explores dual passions of running, volunteerism

Grad turns to AU to ‘fix my brain’ after traumatic injury

Counselling grad fights against human trafficking

AU helped me overcome university anxiety—and earn a master's in education

‘I never felt alone’ at AU, says grad and future teacher

How Athabasca University's flexible courses reignited my passion for learning

6 things to consider when writing your Athabasca University exam with ProctorU

3 tips for managing holiday stress as an online learner

AU experience a ‘win-win’ for psychology major

Flexible learning at AU a 'game changer' for world traveller

How online and remote nursing education can help treat Alberta’s ailing health-care system

Students present findings at annual Graduate Student Research Conference

Master of Nursing grad shines light on gaps in Indigenous health care

AU grad found flexibility in online Master of Science program

How distance learning made STEM education dreams a reality

Commerce grad proves it’s never too late to turn life around

AU student among world’s best at Map the System finals

Athabasca University convocation in pictures

Bringing Athabasca University convocation north of the Arctic Circle

That's a wrap on Athabasca University Convocation 2023!

Photo gallery: Athabasca University welcomes home Class of 2023

Finding strength to succeed: How an AU grad went from homeless and hopeless to HR pro, mom, and bodybuilder

Celebrating AU’s 2023 Governor General’s medal winners

Education grad finds creative spark in e-learning

Drugs, heartache, and homelessness: An AU grad’s journey from the dark