Graduate Applications
Ensure you read entire application process of the program for which you are applying too, before pressing the "Start Application" button!
MBA Application Process
Your application package must include the following:
Resume
- A list of current and past job positions (most recent first) that includes
- company name and industry sector
- position duration (month and year) and location
- employment status (full-time or part-time)
- for part-time employment (less than 35 hours per week), average hours worked per week
- Description of duties and responsibilities that includes
- managerial and supervisory experience, including project management
- number of direct reports
- budgetary responsibilities
- Formal education and training that includes
- name of post-secondary institution attended
- degree or program sought or obtained
- start and end dates (month and year)
- academic achievements or awards received
- other training / educational experiences that relate to career and education goals (i.e. courses, workshops attended, etc.)
- Additional information that includes
- informal activities or life experiences that relate to career and graduate education goals
- a list of memberships in professional organizations
- a list of volunteer and community roles and activities
References
The MBA Admissions Committee requires three reference letters, which may be two business references and one academic reference, or three business references.
References must be submitted by individuals who will be able to attest to the depth and breadth of your managerial experience and suitability for graduate level studies.
References submitted by relatives or friends will not be accepted.
Partnership Applicants:
If you are applying under an accounting agreement, you must submit two business references plus one letter confirming membership in good standing from your provincial or territorial association/society.
Essay
To assess your managerial experience and your potential for graduate level studies, completion of a brief (1000 word) essay is required. Please respond to the following four questions in your essay:
- Why do you want to apply to the MBA program?
- How have your managerial responsibilities changed and progressed throughout your career?
- In the positions you have held, what three experiences have had the most impact on the development of your managerial skills and abilities?
- What do you expect the program to offer you in terms of personal development, career development and learning?
Transcripts
Official transcripts of your post-secondary educational achievements must be sent directly to the Faculty of Business, Graduate Studies from the respective institution(s) before the application deadline. These transcripts provide the basis for evaluating your educational history and for determining your capacity for graduate studies.
Your undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree must be a three (3) or four (4) year degree in any discipline from an accredited post-secondary institution.
Applicants applying with an accepted professional designation must submit either official transcripts or an official letter of program completion confirming that the professional designation has been earned and that the member is in good standing.
Please have each institution email official transcripts to: ssq@fb.athabascau.ca
NOTE: If your degree was obtained outside of Canada or the United States, your educational qualifications may require independent assessment*. International transcripts can be assessed by:
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- World Education Services-Canada (WES)
*If you have a degree accredited by the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) or Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the additional assessment is not required.
Online Form
All applicants are required to complete and submit an online application form. Once you begin the process of applying, the form will save your progress and allow you to return on multiple occasions to complete any required fields and attach required documents.
You may choose to submit the form and all required supporting documents at once or submit one at a time as they are completed.
Applicants without an undergraduate degree must apply to and successfully complete phase one of the MBA (first six courses and comprehensive exam), earning the Graduate Diploma in Management, and then apply to transfer into the remainder of the MBA. When completing the online application form, select GDM as your program type.
Fees
The application fee for Athabasca University Faculty of Business graduate programs is two hundred and five dollars in Canadian currency ($205 CAD), and is non-refundable.
You will be asked to provide payment by Visa, Mastercard, Debit Visa or Debit Mastercard when you submit your online application.
Additional Fees
Applicants applying to the accelerated entry, with an accounting designation or with the SCMP designation are also required to pay a $295 transfer credit evaluation fee.
Applicants applying to the Hockey Online MBA for executives are required to pay an $800 fee for assessment by the Business of Hockey Institute.
Application Deadlines for the MBA
March 15th, 2021 for a start date of May, 2021
June 15th, 2021 for a start date of August, 2021
October 15th, 2021 for a start date of January, 2022
Graduate & MBA Program Fees
The following fee charts are examples of payment schedules, illustrating the two MBA routes (applied project vs. course based).
In both examples, the student has chosen just one in-residence elective, located in Canada (tuition for international in-residence electives is higher, and varies depending on location).
Tuition fees include e-Textbooks and our learning environment software, but do not include Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel and Powerpoint are required), Internet charges, Graduate Student Association fees ($13 per credit), and some travel and accommodation costs associated with in-residence electives.
A $295 transfer credit evaluation fee applies to applicants applying to the accelerated entry, with an accounting designation, or with the SCMP designation.
Note: All Fees are payable in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.
Regular MBA Program
Course fees due upon registration.
Applied Project Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Phase One | |
6 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $18,817 |
Phase Two | |
4 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $12,544 |
2 online electives ($3,136 per course) | $6,272 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Applied Project | $4,834 |
Total | $47,708 |
Course Based Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Phase One | |
6 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $18,817 |
Phase Two | |
4 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $12,544 |
5 online electives ($3,136 per course) | $15,680 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Total | $52,282 |
You may choose to take your in residence elective outside of Canada, or choose more than one in residence elective. Your selections will affect your overall tuition; your student services coordinator can help you sort through your options.
The Application fee, admission fee, and transfer credit evaluation fee are non-refundable.
Accelerated MBA Program
Applied Project Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Transfer credit evaluation fee | $295 |
2 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $6,272 |
4 online electives ($3,136 per course) | $12,544 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Applied Project | $4,834 |
Total | $29,186 |
Course Based Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Transfer credit evaluation fee | $295 |
2 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $6,272 |
7 online electives ($3,136 per course) | $21,952 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Total | $33,760 |
You may choose to take your in residence elective outside of Canada, or choose more than one in residence elective. Your selections will affect your overall tuition; your student services coordinator can help you sort through your options.
The Application fee, admission fee, and transfer credit evaluation fee are non-refundable.
MBA for Accountants
Applied Project Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Transfer credit evaluation fee | $295 |
Phase One | |
5 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $15,680 |
Phase Two | |
3 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $9,408 |
1 online elective ($3,136 per course) | $3,136 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Applied Project | $4,834 |
Total | $38,894 |
Course Based Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Transfer credit evaluation fee | $295 |
Phase One | |
5 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $15,680 |
Phase Two | |
3 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $9,408 |
4 online electives ($3,136 per course) | $12,544 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Total | $43,168 |
You may choose to take your in residence elective outside of Canada, or choose more than one in residence elective. Your selections will affect your overall tuition; your student services coordinator can help you sort through your options.
The Application fee, admission fee, and transfer credit evaluation fee are non-refundable.
Accelerated MBA for Accountants
Applied Project Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Transfer credit evaluation fee | $295 |
2 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $6,272 |
3 online electives ($3,136 per course) | $9,408 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Applied Project | $4,834 |
Total | $26,050 |
Course Based Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Transfer credit evaluation fee | $295 |
2 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $6,272 |
6 online electives ($3,136 per course) | $18,816 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Total | $30,624 |
You may choose to take your in residence elective outside of Canada, or choose more than one in residence elective. Your selections will affect your overall tuition; your student services coordinator can help you sort through your options.
The Application fee, admission fee, and transfer credit evaluation fee are non-refundable.
MBA in Hockey Management
Application & Admission | ||
---|---|---|
MBA Application fee | $205.00 | due with your application |
BHI Application fee | $800.00 | due with your application |
MBA Admission fee | $856.00 | due upon acceptance into the program |
BHI Admission fee | $4,200.00 | due upon acceptance into the program |
MBA Courses | ||
Six MBA phase one courses | $18,816.00 | $3,136.00 per course, due upon registration |
Four MBA phase two courses | $12,544.00 | $3,136.00 per course, due upon registration |
Certified Hockey Professional courses | ||
Five CHP online courses | $34,155.00 | $6,831.00 each, payable upon registration |
One CHP in-residence course | $9,900.00 | payable upon registration |
Total | $81,476.00 |
The Application fee, admission fee, and transfer credit evaluation fee are non-refundable.
Certified Hockey Professional Designation
Application & Admission | ||
---|---|---|
AU Application fee* | $205.00 | due with your application |
BHI Application fee | $800.00 | due with your application |
BHI Admission fee | $4,200.00 | due upon acceptance into the program |
Certified Hockey Professional courses | ||
Five CHP online courses | $34,155.00 | $6,831.00 each, payable upon registration |
One CHP in-residence course | $9,900.00 | payable upon registration |
Total | $49,260.00 |
The Application fee, admission fee, and transfer credit evaluation fee are non-refundable.
MBA for Supply Chain Managers
Applied Project Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Transfer credit evaluation fee | $295 |
Phase One | |
4 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $12,544 |
Phase Two | |
4 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $12,544 |
1 online elective ($3,136 per course) | $3,136 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Applied Project | $4,834 |
Total | $38,594 |
Course Based Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Transfer credit evaluation fee | $295 |
Phase One | |
4 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $12,544 |
Phase Two | |
4 core courses ($3,136 per course) | $12,544 |
4 online electives ($3,136 per course) | $12,544 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Total | $43,168 |
You may choose to take your in residence elective outside of Canada, or choose more than one in residence elective. Your selections will affect your overall tuition; your student services coordinator can help you sort through your options.
The Application fee, admission fee, and transfer credit evaluation fee are non-refundable.
Accelerated MBA for Supply Chain Managers
Applied Project Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Transfer credit evaluation fee | $295 |
1 core course ($3,136 per course) | $3,136 |
3 online electives ($3,136 per course) | $9,408 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Applied Project | $4,834 |
Total | $22,914 |
Course Based Route | |
---|---|
Program application fee | $205 |
Program admission fee | $856 |
Transfer credit evaluation fee | $295 |
1 core course ($3,136 per course) | $3,136 |
6 online electives ($3,136 per course) | $18,816 |
Elective in-residence (Canada) | $4,180 |
Total | $27,488 |
You may choose to take your in residence elective outside of Canada, or choose more than one in residence elective. Your selections will affect your overall tuition; your student services coordinator can help you sort through your options.
The Application fee, admission fee, and transfer credit evaluation fee are non-refundable.
Graduate Diploma in Management
Current fees (September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020).
The following fees are effective for courses starting September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.). G.S.T. is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.
Program application fee (non-refundable), required each time a person applies: | $205 |
Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable): | $856 |
Program tuition fees
Program application fee | $205 |
Program Admission fee | $845 |
Phase 1 (6 courses at $3,136 each): | $18,816 |
AUGSA fees | $234 |
Total | $20,100 |
Estimated program tuition cost (2020-2021)
The total tuition cost for a student who takes all courses from Athabasca University, would be $20,111.
Note: Fees are subject to change.
Other fees
Course Withdrawal Processing fee1: | $383 |
AU Graduate Student Association fee (per credit): | $13 |
Comprehensive Examination fee (repeats): | $263 |
Transfer Credit Evaluation fee (one time): | $295 |
Program Transfer fee: | $114 |
Letter of Permission fee: | $84 |
Program Continuation fee: | $592 |
1 The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. Refer to Withdrawals.
Note: The University reserves the right to suspend students if their program fees are overdue.
The Application fee, admission fee, and transfer credit evaluation fee are non-refundable.
DBA Application Process
Your application package must include a completed online application form and the following six components:
Your Resume
Your resume should include the following information:
A list of current and past job positions (most recent first) that includes
- Company name and industry sector
- Position duration (month and year) and location
Description of duties and responsibilities that includes
- Managerial and supervisory experience, including project management
- Number of direct report
- Budgetary responsibilities
Formal education and training that includes
- Name of post-secondary institution(s) attended
- Degree(s) or program(s) sought or obtained
- Start and end dates (month and year)
- Academic achievements or awards
- Other training / educational experiences that relate to career and education goals (i.e. courses, workshops attended, etc.)
Additional information that includes
- Informal activities or life experiences that relate to career and graduate education goals
- A list of memberships in professional organizations
- A list of volunteer and community roles and activities
Three Letters of Reference
References must be submitted by individuals who will be able to attest to the depth and breadth of your managerial experience and suitability for doctoral level studies.
Submit three currently dated letters, one of which is from a current or previous employer. Where possible, one of the three letters should be from an academic who is in a position to judge your previous academic performance. If an academic reference is unavailable, the Admissions Committee will accept three business references. References submitted by relatives or friends will not be accepted.
- Academic Reference Form (PDF)
- Business Reference Form (PDF)
Important: In accordance with the Province of Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the information contained in letters of reference is not considered confidential. You may, upon request, view the information. It is your responsibility to notify your references of this fact.
An Expression of Research Interests
Compose a 500 to 1000 word expression of research interests. Please address the following:
- The topic you would like to research, your research question(s), and potential managerial implications;
- Personal and/or professional motivations that explain your interest in the topic and why you believe doing research about it is important;
- Some background knowledge about the topic and proposed research, using a combination of existing publications and applicant experience.
Transcripts
Official transcripts of your post-secondary educational achievements, including any professional designation transcripts, must be sent directly to the Faculty of Business from the respective institution(s) before the application deadline. These transcripts provide the basis for evaluating your educational history and for determining your capacity for graduate studies.
Please have each institution email official transcripts to: ssq@fb.athabascau.ca
NOTE: For applicants with degrees obtained outside of Canada or the United States, your educational qualifications may require independent assessment. International transcripts can be assessed by:
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- World Education Services-Canada (WES)
Please contact Student Services at 780-488-2832 or 1-800-561-4650 to determine if this applies to you. Details regarding this service will be provided at that time.
Demonstration of English Language Proficiency
DBA applicants must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirements outlined by the University's Faculty of Graduate Studies, subject to the following additional requirements:
- Applicants who submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must obtain a minimum score of 25 on the written component (internet-based test).
- Applicants who submit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) must obtain a minimum score of 6.5.
Documented proof must be submitted with the application for admission. Scores more than two years old are not acceptable.
Note: In addition, foreign language students may be asked to complete the CanTEST prior to or following registration and, if need be, remedial measures in language skills based on the results of the CanTEST may be recommended.
Application Fee
The application fee for the online DBA program is two hundred and five dollars in Canadian currency ($205 CAD), and is non-refundable. You will be asked to provide payment by Visa, Mastercard, Debit Visa or Debit Mastercard when you submit your online application.
DBA Program Fees
Current fees (September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020).
The following fees are effective for courses starting September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.). G.S.T. is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.
Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies: | $205 |
Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable): | $856 |
Year 1 | |
---|---|
Program Fee 1.1 | $2,333 |
DDBA 000 – DBA Orientation | 0 |
DDBA 800 – Conceptual Foundations of Organizational Research | $4,547 |
Program Fee 1.2 | $2,333 |
DDBA 801 – Current Research | $4,547 |
DDBA 802 – Management Research in Practice | $4,547 |
Year 1 Total | $18,306 |
Year 2 | |
---|---|
DDBA 001 – Onsite Research Workshop Yr. 2 | 0 |
Program Fee 2.1 | $2,333 |
DDBA 803 – Quantitative Research Methods | $4,547 |
Program Fee 2.2 | $2,333 |
DDBA 804 – Qualitative Research Methods | $4,547 |
DDBA 805 – Advanced Readings | $4,547 |
Year 2 Total | $18,306 |
Year 3 | |
---|---|
DDBA 002 – Onsite Research Workshop Yr. 3 | 0 |
Program Fee 3.1 | $2,333 |
DDBA 806 – Dissertation Proposal | $4,547 |
Program Fee 3.2 | $2,333 |
DDBA 807 – Candidacy Exam | $5,789 |
Year 3 Total | $15,001 |
Year 4 | |
---|---|
Program Fee 4.1 | $2,333 |
Program Fee 4.2 | $2,333 |
Year 4 Total | $4,665 |
TOTAL PROGRAM COST | $57,340* |
* The Athabasca University Graduate Studies Association fees of $13 per credit are not included in the above calculation, and will be added to the course tuition fee.
Please Note: The above fee chart is based on a standard expected completion time of four years. Total fees will vary depending on length of time required to complete the dissertation. Once all coursework is complete, students will continue to pay the program fee every six months ($2,333) until their dissertation is also complete.
Other Fees
Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee (one time): | $295 |
Course withdrawal processing fee1: | $383 |
AU Graduate Student Association fee (per credit): | $13 |
Out-of-Canada Surcharge (one time): | $410 |
Letter of Permission fee: | $84 |
1 The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. Refer to Withdrawals.
The following fees will be charged at rates approved by the Athabasca University Governing Council:
- Dissertation extension fee
- Program extension fee
- Course transfer fee
Notes:
- Application fee, admission fee, and program fees are non-refundable*
- Graduate Student Association fees of $13 per credit are payable over the course of the program.
- A full payment schedule is provided upon acceptance into the program.
- The above fee chart is based on a standard expected completion time of four years. Total fees will vary depending on length of time required to complete the dissertation. Once all coursework is complete, students will continue to pay a program fee of $2,333.00 every six months until their dissertation is also complete. Students have a maximum of seven years to complete the program.
- All fees are payable in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.
Application Deadline for the DBA
March 15th, 2021 for a start date of September, 2021
Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Management Application Process
Your application package must include the following:
Resume
- A list of current and past job positions (most recent first) that includes:
- Company name and industry sector
- Position duration (month and year) and location
- Employment status (full-time or part-time)
- For part-time employment (less than 35 hours per week), average hours worked per week
- Description of duties and responsibilities for each position held
- Formal education and training (if applicable) that includes:
- Name of post-secondary institution attended
- Degree or program sought or obtained
- Start and end dates (month and year)
- Other training / educational experiences that relate to career and education goals (i.e. courses, workshops attended, etc.)
- Additional information that includes:
- Informal activities or life experiences that relate to career and graduate education goals
- A list of memberships in professional organizations
- A list of volunteer and community roles and activities
Transcripts
If you have completed prior post-secondary education, official transcripts must be sent directly to the Faculty of Business, Graduate Studies from the respective institution(s).
Please have each institution email official transcripts to: ssq@fb.athabascau.ca
References
One letter of reference must be submitted by individuals who will be able to attest to your work experience and suitability for graduate level studies.
A reference submitted by a relative or friend will not be accepted.