Athabasca University
Canada’s Leading Online & Distance Education University
University Overview
Established in 1970, Athabasca University (AU) is Canada’s pioneering
online and distance education institution, offering flexible learning opportunities to students worldwide.
With a strong emphasis on accessibility, AU serves more than 40,000 students annually,
including over 8,000 international learners from various countries. AU is recognized for
its innovative digital learning platforms and programs that cater to working professionals, adult learners,
and remote communities.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, business, health,
education, and science disciplines. Its commitment to flexible learning, research excellence, and student
support makes AU a preferred destination for those seeking quality education without the constraints of
traditional campus settings.
Key Facts & Highlights
Tuition & Living Costs
| Item | Cost (CAD/year) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Domestic Students) | 6,000 – 8,500 |
| Tuition Fee (International Students) | 10,000 – 14,000 |
| Living Expenses | 12,000 – 16,000 |
| Accommodation | 8,000 – 14,000 |
| Health Insurance | 600 – 900 |
| Application Fee | 120 (one-time, non-refundable) |
Note: Tuition fees at Athabasca University vary by program and level of study. AU offers flexible online and distance learning, which can reduce living costs significantly. Expenses depend on study mode, course load, and personal lifestyle. Visit the official AU tuition page for detailed and up-to-date information.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Athabasca University International Scholarship
The Athabasca University International Scholarship supports outstanding international students entering undergraduate or graduate programs. Awards typically cover partial tuition costs and are based on academic merit, leadership, and community involvement. Each year, multiple scholarships are granted to eligible students.
Distance Learning Excellence Award
This award recognizes exceptional students pursuing online and distance learning programs at AU. Recipients receive a CAD 1,500–3,000 scholarship per academic year and gain access to academic mentorship and learning resources. Open to both domestic and international students.
Graduate Tuition Bursaries
Athabasca University provides bursaries for graduate students demonstrating financial need. Awards vary in value and help cover tuition and program-related costs. Applicants must submit financial information and meet eligibility criteria through the AU Student Financial Services.
Program-Specific Awards & Bursaries
AU faculties and programs offer specialized awards for certain disciplines, including Business, Health, Education, and Technology programs. Visit the official AU financial aid page for full eligibility details and application deadlines.
Programs Offered
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Science in Information Systems
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Health Studies
PhD in Management
Admission Requirements
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: Overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 88–100 (varies by program)
- PTE Academic: Overall 65–70+
Academic Requirements
- High School Diploma or Equivalent (A-Levels, IB, or Canadian Secondary)
- Minimum average 70–80% (program dependent)
- Completion of prerequisite courses for selected program
Required Documents
- Official high school or previous academic transcripts (translated if required)
- Valid passport or government ID
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or personal statement
- Letters of Recommendation (2)
- Application fee: CAD 120–125 (non-refundable)
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: Overall 6.5–7.0 (varies by program)
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 88–100 (varies by program)
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution
- Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0 or equivalent
- Program-specific prerequisites or work experience (if required)
Required Documents
- Official undergraduate transcripts (translated if necessary)
- Valid passport copy
University of Toronto
Top Public Research University in Ontario
University Overview
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto (U of T) is Canada’s leading
public research university and one of the top higher education institutions globally. With three campuses—
St. George (Downtown Toronto), Mississauga (UTM), and
Scarborough (UTSC)—the university serves a diverse academic community of more than
97,000 students, including over 27,000 international students from
160+ countries. U of T consistently ranks among the world’s top 20 universities (QS,
THE, and ARWU rankings) for its academic excellence, research impact, and innovation leadership.
The university is home to pioneering discoveries such as insulin and stem cell research, and its
graduates are globally recognized for leadership and societal impact. With world-class facilities,
vibrant student life, and a strong commitment to inclusion, U of T remains a premier destination for
students seeking an exceptional education in one of the most multicultural cities in the world—Toronto.
Key Facts & Highlights
Tuition & Living Costs
| Item | Cost (CAD/year) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Domestic Students) | 6,100 – 14,200 |
| Tuition Fee (International Students) | 47,000 – 71,000 |
| Living Expenses | 13,000 – 18,000 |
| Accommodation | 9,000 – 16,000 |
| Health Insurance (UHIP) | 756 – 912 |
| Application Fee | 125 (one-time, non-refundable) |
Note: Tuition fees vary by faculty, degree level, and campus (St. George, Mississauga, or Scarborough). Professional programs such as Engineering, Computer Science, and Rotman Commerce have higher tuition rates. Living costs are estimated for the Toronto area and may differ based on lifestyle and accommodation choices. Visit the official U of T tuition page for detailed and up-to-date fee schedules.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
One of the University of Toronto’s most prestigious awards, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship provides full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support for up to four years. It is open to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, creativity, and leadership within their schools and communities. Approximately 37 scholarships are awarded each year.
President’s Scholars of Excellence Program
The President’s Scholars of Excellence Program recognizes about 150 of the top incoming undergraduate students across all faculties. Recipients receive a CAD 10,000 entrance scholarship, guaranteed access to on-campus research or international learning opportunities, and academic mentorship during their first year.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program supports graduate students in master’s and doctoral studies who have demonstrated academic excellence. Each award is valued at CAD 15,000 per academic year (CAD 5,000 per session) and is open to both domestic and international students enrolled in eligible programs. Candidates must apply through their graduate units.
Faculty- and Program-Specific Awards
Many U of T faculties and departments offer specialized scholarships, research awards, and bursaries for both undergraduate and graduate students. Examples include the Engineering Admission Scholarships, Rotman School of Management Awards, and School of Graduate Studies Fellowships. Visit the official U of T scholarships page for full eligibility criteria and application timelines.
Programs Offered
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Master of Public Health (MPH)
PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Admission Requirements
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: Overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 100 (writing 22)
- PTE Academic: Overall 70+
Academic Requirements
- High School Diploma or Equivalent (A-Levels, IB)
- Minimum 80% average (varies by program)
- Prerequisite courses completed
Required Documents
- Official academic transcripts (translated to English)
- Valid passport copy
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
- Application fee: CAD 125
How to Apply
Choose Your Program
Browse available programs and select the one that matches your interests and qualifications.
Check Requirements
Review admission requirements including academic credentials and English language proficiency.
Gather Documents
Prepare transcripts, test scores, SOP, recommendation letters, and other required documents.
Apply Online
Submit your application through the official university portal with all supporting documents.
Pay Application Fee
Complete payment of CAD 125 application fee.
Receive Offer & Apply for Study Permit
Once you receive your offer letter, proceed with your Canadian study permit application.
Important Dates
| Intake | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| Winter 2026 | September 30, 2025 |
| Summer 2026 | January 15, 2026 |
Note: Deadlines may vary by program. Always confirm on the official university website before applying.
What Our Students Say
Real experiences from students who achieved their Canadian study dreams with Mera Admission
Mera Admission made it so easy to understand the application process for UofT. The step-by-step guidance and clear information about requirements helped me get my offer letter in just 6 weeks!
I was confused about scholarships and costs, but Mera Admission's university pages had everything clearly laid out. I found the perfect program and even got the President's Scholarship!
The detailed information about Toronto's lifestyle and job opportunities really helped me make my decision. Now I'm studying at my dream university and working part-time in downtown Toronto.
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Study Permit & Visa Guide
Complete guide to Canadian study permits, visa requirements, and immigration processes for international students
Study Permit Application Process
Receive Letter of Acceptance
Get your official acceptance letter from University of Toronto before applying for a study permit.
Gather Required Documents
Prepare passport, acceptance letter, financial proof, medical exam results, and other supporting documents.
Apply Online or Paper
Submit your application through IRCC portal or paper application at your local visa office.
Biometrics & Medical Exam
Complete biometrics collection and medical examination if required for your country.
Wait for Decision
Processing times vary by country (typically 2-8 weeks for SDS applications).
Travel to Canada
Once approved, travel to Canada and present your study permit at the port of entry.
Student Direct Stream (SDS) vs Regular Stream
Student Direct Stream (SDS)
- Faster processing (2-4 weeks)
- IELTS 6.0+ in all bands
- GIC of $10,000 CAD
- First year tuition paid
- Available for select countries
Regular Stream
- Standard processing (4-8 weeks)
- Flexible language requirements
- Detailed financial proof
- Bank statements required
- Available for all countries
Required Documents Checklist
Essential Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Letter of Acceptance from UofT
- Completed application forms
- Passport-sized photographs
Financial Documents
- Bank statements (4+ months)
- GIC Certificate (SDS only)
- Tuition payment receipt
- Sponsor's financial documents
Important Tips & Common Mistakes
✅ Do's
- Apply early (3-4 months before start date)
- Provide complete and accurate information
- Keep copies of all documents
- Write a strong Statement of Purpose
❌ Don'ts
- Submit incomplete applications
- Provide false information
- Ignore document requirements
- Apply too close to start date
English Language Requirements
- IELTS: Overall 7.0 (no band less than 6.5)
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 105+
- PTE Academic: Overall 75+
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field
- Minimum 3.3 GPA (B+ average)
- GRE/GMAT (program dependent)
Required Documents
- Official academic transcripts (Bachelor's degree)
- Valid passport copy
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- Resume/CV
- Application fee: CAD 125
Location & Lifestyle
Toronto, Ontario
Located in downtown Toronto, the university offers access to Canada's largest job market, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent public transport. The city is known for its diversity, safety, and year-round activities.
- Climate: Four seasons, cold winters (-5°C to -15°C), warm summers (20°C to 30°C)
- Transportation: Excellent public transit (TTC) with student discounts available
- Career Opportunities: Access to major tech companies, financial institutions, and startups
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to Begin Your Study Journey in Canada?
Start your application today and take the first step toward your dream university.