Open and Distance Universities in Canada – Admissions to Universities in Canada (2023)

Frequently asked questions about open and distance universities in Canada

Q: Why should all Canadian students learn about open and distance universities?

A: Because they are an easy way to get into college without a high school diploma! Or, if you're already in college, they may offer you a broader range of courses.

Q: Are these non-high school programs just for dropouts?

A: No, absolutely not! These programs also provide university access to:

• those who live in remote areas and cannot or choose not to travel to a Canadian university
• alternative education students (alternative students, homeschoolers, child performers/athletes, travelers) who chose to have a unique high school experience or who focused on other interests/careers during high school and never graduated from high school secondary
• Gifted, accelerated, or high-achieving students who have chosen to "skip" high school and go directly to college-level studies.
• regular high school students who realized they could complete their university studies more flexibly and efficiently and avoid all the drama of admissions
• current students who want or need additional courses or more flexible offerings

Q: What if I want a traditional college experience or a non-distance learning program?

A: Many students enroll in open/distance universities for one or two years and then move on to other institutions. This means that without a high school diploma, you can study for just one year and then apply to the university and program of your choice.

Open and distance universities are routes of entry into Canada's university system for anyone who wants to prove themselves, regardless of their educational background or lack of credentials.

In fact, at the time of writing this article, there was a case (Academic transformation: the forces reshaping higher education in Ontario) for the need, among other post-secondary reforms, for an Open University in Ontario to accommodate the growing student population and remove barriers to entry. Open universities are a valuable and necessary part of a successful post-secondary educational system.

There are several reasons to take courses at a distance learning university in Canada. Canadian distance learning universities offer access and flexibility. Take advantage of the opportunity to complete an additional class in the summer, during a dual internship, during a semester, or even during high school. Enjoy a richer selection of courses than what your home university can offer. Or choose the ultimate in cost savings and flexibility and get your full title from the comfort of your home!

And choosing a distance university with an open admissions policy means thatYou can also apply if you do not have a traditional educational background.Open universities do not require formal education or credentials for admission and provide open and equal access to a college education for older students, homeschoolers, and those who have chosen to drop out of high school before earning a diploma.

Different types of open and distance universities

OPEN AND REMOTE UNIVERSITIES

Universities with no formal admission requirements and undergraduate courses can be completed through distance learning (usually online).

athabasca university– A wide range of distance learning programs leading to multiple undergraduate degrees (and multiple postgraduates) and an open admissions process make this Alberta university a popular choice for any Canadian student: mature college students, homeschoolers, gifted students, adults returning to school later. in life, high school students who want to earn college credit while still in high school. At Athabasca, you can complete the following college degrees completely online:

• Licensed in letters
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of General Studies
• Bachelor of Health Administration
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations
• Degree in administration
• Degree in nursing
• Bachelor of Professional Arts
• Bachelor of Science

Universidad Thompson Rivers– Similar to Athabasca, TRU in BC attracts a wide range of students and has a wide range of undergraduate degrees with an open admissions policy:

• Licensed in letters
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Business Sciences
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Technology
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Tourism Management

In addition, TRU offers a “startprogram for BC high school students, as well as a host of non-credit study and certificate options.

OPEN/DISTANCE EDUCATION CONSORTIUMS

The Canadian Virtual University-Université Virtual Canadian Consortium (CVU-UVC) was founded in 2000 as a coalition of Canadian universities specializing in online and distance education. The partner universities had agreements that allowed students to easily take courses from all institutions. After the e-learning landscape changed and the original purpose of CVU-UVC was achieved, CVU-UVC was discontinued in 2019.

CVU member universities that offer distance learning include:

• athabasca university(Open university, only distance degrees)
• Carleton University
• Laurentian University(See below for more information)
• Memorial University of Newfoundland(See below for more information)
• University of Mount Royal(See below for more information)
• universidad nipissing(See below for more information)
• Royal Military College of Canada
• university of royal roads
• TELUQ, the distance university of UQAM
• Universidad Thompson Rivers(Open university, only distance degrees)
• University of Manitoba(See below for more information)
• University of New Brunswick

Consortium of the University of British Columbia

Thompson Rivers University Open Learning(TRU-OL) has agreements to offer correspondence courses in addition to its own correspondence courses

• Simon Fraser University (SFU)
• the University of Victoria (UVic) and
• the University of British Columbia (UBC)

no separate admission to member universities.

Royal Roads University (RRU) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) are also members of the university consortium. However, your courses cannot be registered through TRU-OL and these schools must be contacted individually to take your courses as part of a TRU-OL degree.

University of Alberta Consortium

The consortium, formerly organized under the umbrella of eCampusAlberta, has not been centralized since 2017. eCampusAlberta's notice on the matter states: "With online learning well established in Alberta, it is time for eCampusAlberta to hand the baton back to its founding members, where quality online learning will continue to flourish." will take place among Alberta post-secondary institutions that wish to consider pursuing certain service offerings.” In the meantime, you can find correspondence course options directly throughUniversities that were members of the eCampusAlberta consortium.

OPEN DISTANCE EDUCATION TO GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR

Althoughathabasca universityYUniversidad Thompson Riversoffer full courses of study, many students opt for freedom of admission just to come to the university and start their academic career.

Then, after at least one full year of successful college study, students can request a changeany other university in Canada(not just a CVU member) as a college changer. A transfer student may also be eligible to transfer credits or advanced standing at the new university. Transfer policies are established individually at each university, so you should check with the university you wish to attend to confirm their policies for admission and receipt of transfer credits.

Even if you are offered admission without credit for your previous year of study at Athabasca or TRU, you have successfully gained admission to a Canadian university without a bachelor's degree!

University of Guelph– In addition to CVU member universities, the University of Guelph in Ontario also offers an Open Distance Learning program. of Guelphopen learningThe program allows students from around the world to pursue final credit distance learning courses for personal enrichment, career advancement, or perhapsRequest for a classic coursein Guelph without formal admission requirements. Success in the Guelph Open Learning program is one way to make a smooth transition to a degree program in Guelph. While Guelph has a wide range of distance learning course offerings, it does not specifically state that a bachelor's degree can be earned entirely online. Students may be required to take some courses on campus or transfer to another distance learning university to fulfill their degree requirements.

TRADITIONAL ADMISSION, DISTANCE LEARNING

Universities, which usually have normal admission requirements but offer a wide range of degree programs or complete bachelor's degrees through distance learning.Keep in mind that even if a full degree cannot be earned online, often with a letter of approval from the university, students can use a small number of courses from other institutions to help meet their degree requirements.

dalhousie universityin Nova Scotia offers a distance bachelor's degreesocial work. They also offer college diploma and certificate programs and some college-level degrees.

Lakehead Universityin Ontario offersbachelor's degreefully online distance learning courses including Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Post-RN) for Registered Nurses. They also offer select graduate degrees at the master's and doctoral levels.

Laurentian Universityin Ontario offers a variety of online and correspondence courses. CVU member school.

memorial universityin Newfoundland offersbasic studiesfully distance learning, including a Bachelor of Arts (only English and Police majors can be completed fully online), a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Maritime Studies, a Bachelor of Nursing (post RN), and a Bachelor of Technology. Master's degrees in education, nursing, and social work are also available.

Mount Allison Universityin New Brunswick offers a good variety of correspondence courses. It doesn't seem like you can get a full degree through distance learning. Students must meet regular college entrance requirements.

universidad nipissingoffers aBachelor of CommerceGraduated exclusively by distance. CVU member school.

queen's collegein Ontario has an extensive list of courses and programs that are available throughlearn onlineand students can complete a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science throughoutPostgraduate and distance education(CDS) on a number of topics. Students who are unable to attend day classes can earn their degree by combining Queens courses with distance learning courses taken at other universities with a Permission Letter of Permission. Admission requirements are the same as Queen's general admission requirements.

university of royal roadsin British Columbia offers an online Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management, Legal Studies and Professional Communications, as well as an online Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management (Hospitality and Tourism) and an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management. Online Masters, Online MBA, and Masters programs are also available, as well as online certificates and diplomas.

Ryerson Universityin Ontario has a wide range of online courses and bachelor's certificates, which in some situations can transfer to a bachelor's degree from Ryerson University. Admission requirements are the same as Ryerson's general admission requirements.

University of Manitobaoffers a completely distance-learning Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work. They also offer 140 distance learning courses from a variety of arts and science departments.

University of Ottawa in Ontariooffers a variety of online degree programs, but does not mention whether a bachelor's degree can be earned entirely through distance learning.

University of Waterlooin Ontario offers more than 240 online courses in more than 40 specializations leading to a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and even a graduate degreeTitles available entirely at a distance. Admission requirements are the same as for regular face-to-face courses.

Western Ontario Universityoffers a wide range of correspondence courses. As of 2010, some arts degrees are available with majors/minors in select liberal arts and social sciences fields of study. Admission requirements are the same as for regular face-to-face courses.

victoria universityin British Columbia offers a distance learning Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Note: Admission to the program requires the equivalent of two years of undergraduate study. Credits from another university are accepted, so you can start an undergraduate course at an open distance university, then apply to BSW and complete this program fully remotely.

Universidad Wilfred Laurierin Ontario offers a wide range of online courses for students. You can apply directly to OUAC for Laurier's distance learning program (subject to the same requirements as traditional participants), though it's unclear on the website whether a full degree can be earned remotely.

york universityin Ontario offers correspondence courses for undergraduate degrees through the Atkinson College of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies. This college offers bachelor's degrees in arts, public administration, human resource management, and social work, though its website does not clarify whether these degrees can be earned entirely online. They offer a wide range of online courses.

ANOTHER RESOURCES

Featured article on online higher education in University Affairs magazine