What Makes Athabasca University Unique?

Athabasca University (AU) is not your typical university. Founded on the principles of openness and flexibility, AU is Canada’s leading online and distance education university, serving over 38,000 students across 81 countries. Unlike traditional universities that require you to attend classes on campus at specific times, AU puts you in control of your education. Buy an Athabasca University transcript. How to get an Athabasca University transcript?

Whether you’re a working professional, a parent, someone with military service, or prefer learning at your own pace, Athabasca University offers accredited degrees, diplomas, and certificates that fit your life—not the other way around.

Q&A: Everything You Need to Know About Athabasca University

Q1: What is Athabasca University known for?

A: Athabasca University is known for being Canada’s premier open university. It was founded with a mission to remove barriers to higher education, including geographical location, work schedules, and family commitments. Key features include:

• 100% online learning – No on-campus residency required

• No set start dates – You can begin most courses at any time of the year

• Self-paced study – You have up to six months to complete a course, with extensions available

• Accredited programs – AU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, making it the first Canadian university to receive this prestigious U.S. accreditation 

AU is also one of four Comprehensive Academic and Research Universities in Alberta, recognized for its research contributions alongside its teaching excellence. How to order an Athabasca University transcript? Get an Athabasca University degree.

Q2: How do transfer credits work at Athabasca University?

A: Athabasca University values your previous education and life experience. You shouldn’t have to learn what you already know—that’s a core advantage of an open university. 

How to get transfer credits:

1. Apply to a program – You must be enrolled in an AU program before your transfer credits can be evaluated 

2. Use the transfer credit assessment tool – See how your previous courses might transfer, even if you didn’t complete a degree 

3. Submit official transcripts – Request transcripts from your previous institutions to be sent directly to AU’s Office of the Registrar 

4. Pay the evaluation fee – A one-time, non-refundable fee applies 

Processing time: Currently, 4 weeks after all documents are received, but it can take up to 12 weeks depending on circumstances.

For diploma holders: If you have a 2- or 3-year diploma, you may earn a minimum of 30 transfer credits toward a degree, and up to 60 transfer credits depending on your diploma content. This allows you to turn your diploma into a degree without starting over.

Q3: Can I register for courses while waiting for my transfer credit evaluation?

A: Yes. While you wait for the completion of your transfer credit evaluation, you may register for courses.

Important note: If you register in a course and are subsequently given transfer credit for a similar course completed previously, you have the option to withdraw from the AU course.

The advisors recommend completing one course initially before attempting multiple courses, as this helps establish a strong learning foundation.

Q4: How do I access my transcripts?

A: Since May 25, 2023, Athabasca University has partnered with MyCreds.ca, Canada’s national credential wallet, to issue official digital documents.

How to request your transcript:

1. Log in to the myAU student portal

2. Navigate to “Student Record” → “Request transcripts.”

3. Follow the directions

Cost: A $10 fee applies, which gives you unlimited access to share your transcript for 365 days. This is a one-year pass—not a per-transcript fee.

What you can do with MyCreds:

• Access your transcript 24/7 from anywhere

• Share directly with institutions and employers

• Share an unlimited number of times within the 365 days

• Be confident your documents are secure and verified 

Q5: What programs does Athabasca University offer?

A: AU offers a comprehensive range of programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

Undergraduate programs include:

• Bachelor of Arts (various majors)

• Bachelor of Commerce

• Bachelor of Science (including post-diploma routes)

• Bachelor of Nursing (post-diploma)

• Bachelor of General Studies

Graduate programs include:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

• Master of Health Studies

• Master of Nursing

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

• PhD programs in various fields

Post-diploma pathways: If you already hold a diploma, AU’s post-diploma programs allow you to earn a degree online, receiving credit for your previous studies while building toward a higher credential.

Q6: Is Athabasca University accredited?

A: Yes. Athabasca University is fully accredited and holds significant credentials:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) – AU is the first Canadian university to receive this U.S. regional accreditation 

• Comprehensive Academic and Research University – One of four such institutions in Alberta 

• Member of the Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada (ARUCC) 

These accreditations mean that your AU degree is recognized by employers and educational institutions around the world.

Q7: What happens if a student submits a fake Athabasca University transcript?

A: This is a serious matter. Athabasca University has strict policies against forgery and falsification of academic records, and consequences can be severe.

AU’s policy on forged documents:
According to AU’s Student Academic Misconduct Policy, forging or falsifying academic records is a serious offence that can result in expulsion and possible criminal prosecution. Specifically, it is an offence to:

1. Falsify or forge an academic record, including transcripts and grade reports

2. Create or present a fraudulent degree, certificate, or parchment

3. Assist another in falsifying or forging an academic record or credential 

Penalties include:

• Rejection of an application for admission or enrolment

• Failing grade in a course

• Suspension (6 months to 2 years)

• Expulsion

• Revocation of an awarded credential

• Permanent notation on the student’s transcript 

Real-world consequences: In a recent case at the University of Toronto, a student submitted a forged Athabasca University transcript to gain admission to a competitive program. The student received a five-year suspension and a six-year notation on their academic record. The tribunal found that had the forgery not been detected, the student would have received a benefit to which they were not entitled, depriving another worthy student of that opportunity.

Bottom line: There is no “clever trick” to replacing a diploma. The only legitimate path is to contact Athabasca University directly through official channels.

Q8: How do I apply to Athabasca University?

A: The application process is straightforward:

For undergraduate programs:

1. Complete the Undergraduate General Application online through the AU website

2. Pay the application fee

3. Submit official transcripts from previous institutions

4. Request transfer credit evaluation (if applicable)

For graduate programs:

1. Review program-specific requirements

2. Complete the graduate application

3. Submit transcripts, references, and any required supplemental materials

No application deadlines for most courses – Because AU uses a continuous enrolment model, you can apply and start at almost any time of the year.