AU's Step-by-Step Guide for Visiting Learners

Your Path to Flexibility AU’s Step-by-Step Guide AU for Visiting Learners

Achieve your goals.

Anywhere.

Anytime.

Welcome to Athabasca University (AU), where we believe every learner should have the opportunity to achieve their academic goals, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Whether you've encountered challenges in your education, need a more flexible schedule, or want to explore new horizons, AU is here to support your journey.

What is a visiting learner Visiting learners can enroll in courses without commitment to a degree program, allowing you to leverage AU's educational offerings for various academic pursuits

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The AU Advantage

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Accredited and reputable AU is an accredited institution, and its courses are recognized and transferable to most degreegranting institutions. Last year, over 25,000 students stayed on pace in their program by taking a course with AU.

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Monthly start dates AU undergraduate courses start on the first day of each month. This offers you the flexibility to begin your studies when you're ready, without waiting for a specific semester. Register by the 10th of the month to begin your studies on the 1st of the next month!

Flexible and anywhere All AU undergraduate courses are online and on-demand, allowing you to study on your own time. There are no fixed class schedules, so you can create a timetable that works for you. Say goodbye to early morning classes and embrace a more flexible schedule!

How do I find an AU course that transfers back to my institution?

With our user-friendly Transfer Credit Service tool, finding an AU course that aligns with your institution's requirements is a breeze. Follow these steps to identify the perfect course for your program:

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Search for a relevant course Browse our courses and find a comparable course that fits your needs. Or, use the transfer credit service tool to search for an AU course that transfers back to your institution. Follow steps 1 and 3 to find a course that fits your program requirements. https://www.athabascau.ca/course/index.html?/undergraduate/all/all

https://www.athabascau.ca/registrar/forms/tcas/

Obtain a letter of permission Contact the Registrar at your home institution and request a Letter of Permission (LOP) to ensure a smooth transfer credit process. Most institutions require this document before approving transfer credits. Athabasca University does not require a copy of your LOP. Register and get started Once you’ve found a course and obtained your LOP, apply and register for the course by the 10th of the month to begin your studies on the 1st.

How to register for an AU course as a visiting learner Before you can register for a course, you must become an AU visiting learner (also known as a non-program student) by applying online. Once you have been admitted, you can register within your myAU portal Become an AU student:

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Apply online Visit the ‘Undergraduate Application’ web page.

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Enrol as a Non-Program Student Select the option ‘No, I would like to be enrolled as a non-program student.’

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Complete the application process Fill out the application form to start your journey as a visiting learner at AU. Once you've been admitted, you can register for individual courses or an entire program.

To register for a course:

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Use your AU student ID number to log into myAU Click on "Register for a Course" and follow the steps (find the course in which you received a Letter of Permission from your home institution) Pay for your course

Tips

You can also review the course syllabus to confirm the materials included with your registration and any extra requirements (ex: labs). https://www.athabascau.ca/course/index.html?/undergraduate/all/all

Check your myAU account 1-2 weeks prior to your start date for an e-letter with your tutor/ academic support contact information.

You will receive a confirmation of registration the day after you register in the course.

Here’s the top 10 courses to get you started.

Frequently asked questions for visiting learners.

Q: Why is a visiting student considered a non-program student in the application process?

A: A visiting learner is considered a non-program student because they typically enrol in courses at AU without being part of a degree program. This option allows learners to take advantage of AU's courses for various academic purposes, such as completing prerequisites, exploring new subjects, or supplementing their existing education.

Q: When do AU courses start? individualized study courses generally start on the first day of every A:: Undergraduatehttps://www.athabascau.ca/course/index.html?/undergraduate/all/all 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.

Q: I am accessing government student financial aid. What do I do?

A: Athabasca University students may qualify for financial aid. Our financial aid team can assist you in identifying funding eligibility for loans, awards and grants, and other planning tools to put your academic goals within your reach.

We suggest reviewing the information on our Financial Aid website to get started.

FAQ’s continued..

Q: How fast can I complete a course?

A: At AU, you have the freedom to complete courses at your preferred pace, whether that's as fast as one month or up to six months. For individualized study courses, you'll have up to six months to complete a three-credit course and up to 12 months for 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.

Q: Are exams online?

A: All exams are offered online, enabling you to write your exam from the comfort of your own home. If you choose an in-person exam, learners can find an AU approved invigilator or examination centre.

Q: When will my final grades be available?

A: 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 ipsum final grade is available in myAU, Lorem it will be added to your transcript overnight.

You may then proceed to request an official transcript.

Open your options to the world of flexible learning and academic possibilities with Athabasca University.

The top 10 courses to get you started

Regardless of the direction your post-secondary journey may take, there are a few fundamental courses that can earn you credits for nearly any path you choose.

These courses don’t have any prerequisites, so anyone can start their post-secondary journey.

AU Course Number

Course Name

Potential diploma matches

Potential degree matches

Accounting (ACCT) 253

Introductory Financial Accounting

Business, Accounting

BComm, BAdmin, BBA, BMgmnt

Administration (ADMN) 232

Introduction to Management

Business, Accounting

BComm, BAdmin, BBA, BMgmnt

Administration (ADMN) 233

Writing in organizations

Business, Accounting

BComm, BAdmin, BBA, BMgmnt

Biology (BIOL) 235

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Nursing, General Arts & Science

BSc, Nursing

Computing (COMP) 200

Indroduction to Computing and Information Systems

Computing Programing & related

BSc (Computors), BSc (general)

Economics (ECON) 247

Microeconomics

General Arts & Science, Business & Accounting

BA, BComm, BAdmin, BBA,BMmnt

Economics (ECON) 248

Macroeconomics

General Arts & Science, Business & Accounting

BA, BComm, BAdmin, BBA,BMmnt

English (ENGL) 255

Introductory Composition

General Arts & Science, Business

BA, BComm, BAdmin, BBA,BMmnt

Psychology (PSYC) 289

Pschology as a Natural Science

General Arts & Science, Nursing

BA, BSc (an elective for many degrees)

Psychology (PSYC) 290

General Psychology

General Arts & Science, Nursing

BA, BSc (an elective for many degrees)

Register for a course today or book an appointment with an advisor to discover your options. https://tux.athabascau.ca/oros/servlet/DispatcherServlet