Undergraduate students
Apply anytime – no deadline!
You can apply to AU anytime without a deadline. All undergraduate programs enrol students year round. Just keep in mind that after your program application gets approved you will still need to register for courses to get started.
Learn more about undergraduate applications
Graduate students
Deadlines vary by program
Most graduate programs have specific intake dates each year with related application deadlines. To find dates relevant to your program:
Learn more about graduate applications
There are specific deadlines for student financial aid processes
Refer to the Student Financial Aid page for current application and submission deadlines.
Students with disabilities
4-6 months before beginning studies
If you have a disability, we encourage you to contact Accessibility Services 4–6 months before you want to begin your studies. Accessibility Services can provide services on a shorter timeframe, but starting the process early will ensure there is enough time to set up supports and apply for funding.
Get other helpful tips from Accessibility Services Undergraduate course registration
Courses start on the first of each month. However, you must register and pay by the 10th of the previous month to begin on the first.
Learn how to register for courses
Graduate course registration
Varies by program.
Many graduate programs are cohort-based and use online grouped study . These courses have defined start and end dates and a registration deadline. See your program website for specific information.
Some graduate programs also offer individualized study courses –
Find your graduate program
Withdraw with refund
Up to, or 30 days after course start date.
To process a refund will require approximately 45 days from receipt of request.
Generally, you will be eligible for a tuition refund, minus a processing fee, if you withdraw before a course starts, or within the first 30 days of the course.
View course withdrawal procedures
Course extension
Apply at least 30 days before course end date
You have 6 months to complete 3- or 4-credit individualized study courses. You have the option to purchase extensions if you need more time to finish.
Learn more about extensions and course procedures Transfer credit assessment
You may register in courses while waiting for the results of your transfer credit evaluation:
Graduate program offer letter
Varies by program
Courses start
Monthly, on the 1st of each month
Receive tutor information
1-2 weeks before course start
For more information, check myAU.
Access course materials
On or before start date.
For eText courses, check myAU.
Hardcopy textbooks will arrive before your course start date, and e-texts can be accessed through myAU. You won’t be able to submit assignments or quizzes, or post to the forums until your actual start date.
Maintain active student status
Register for at least one course every 12 months.
AU’s unique structure lets you take courses as close together or as spread out as you need them to be. As long as you take at least 1 course within 12 months of the end of your last course (or within 12 months of admission), you remain an active AU student.
If you need a longer break from your studies, you will become an "inactive" student.