Accreditation

AU is a publicly funded post-secondary institution, one of four public comprehensive universities in the Province of Alberta, Canada. You can rest assured that your AU experience represents a rigorous, high quality university education. We are a respected and recognized university with a proven track record.

Canada

AU is recognized by the Government of Alberta and reports to the Government of Alberta through the Ministry of Advanced Education. AU's quality assurance mechanisms and program proposals are reviewed by the Campus Alberta Quality Council. AU has the mandate for the provision of university-level distance education programs in Alberta. Through Alberta's Post-secondary Learning Act, the government authorizes The Governors of Athabasca University to govern the university and to grant degrees. Members of the board are appointed by Orders in Council of the Government of Alberta.

AACSB accreditation

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) announced on Feb. 16, 2022, that Athabasca University’s Faculty of Business earned accreditation as one of the world’s best business schools.

Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide.

Synonymous with the highest standards of quality, AACSB accreditation inspires new ways of thinking within business education globally. As a result, fewer than 6% of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold <AACSB business accreditation.

AACSB accreditation ensures continuous improvement and provides focus for schools to deliver on their mission, innovate, and drive impact. AACSB-accredited schools have successfully undergone a rigorous review process conducted by their peers in the business education community, ensuring that they have the resources, credentials, and commitment needed to provide students with a first-rate, future-focused business education.

Follow the link below to learn more about AACSB accreditation on the Faculty of Business website:

Learn more about AACSB accreditation

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

As a public post-secondary institution in Canada, AU’s degree-granting authority is established by the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education through legislation. Between 2005 and 2025, Athabasca University voluntarily participated as a member and accredited institution of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). It was among a small group of internationally accredited institutions and the only Canadian university with this US accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education, including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions.

After extensive reflection and consultation, AU voluntarily withdrew from the MSCHE, effective March 31, 2025. AU retains its degree-granting authority from the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education, irrespective of its former MSCHE accreditation status.

Memberships

AU is a full member of the following associations:

Updated May 13, 2025 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)