Universities and programs
These three institutions are starting points for your research, not a ranking. Their distance education offerings do not mean that every program is available in every country.
| Institution | What you can explore | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Université TÉLUQ | Distance university programs, each with its own admission requirements. | Can I complete all required activities from my country? |
| Athabasca University | An approach intended in particular for international applicants who remain in their country while studying. | What are the requirements and assessment methods for the program I am interested in? |
| Thompson Rivers University | Distance courses and programs leading, among other things, to degrees and certificates through its Open Learning offerings. | Does this program accept applicants in my situation, and does it require in-person attendance? |
To look beyond the title of a program listing, consider an example. Athabasca describes the Bachelor of Commerce, General as an online degree requiring 120 credits. At least 30 upper-level credits must be earned at the university. This information clarifies the degree structure, but does not by itself confirm that every exam can be arranged in your country or that your previous studies will receive credit.
At Athabasca, graduate applicants must also consult the requirements for their specific program. At TÉLUQ, checking the program requirements is one of the steps to complete before applying for admission.
Check the entire program before applying
First, define your goal: are you looking for a single course, a certificate, or a complete degree? The fact that a course is offered online does not establish that every component of the degree can be completed without travelling.
Write to the university and state your country of residence, your status, the exact program name, and the period you are considering. Ask:
- whether you can apply and complete the program from your country;
- what academic and language documents are required;
- where and how exams and any mandatory practical activities take place;
- whether travel is required and, if so, whether an alternative arrangement is accepted;
- who awards the credential once the program requirements have been met.
Keep the response together with the program description. Confirmation that you can access a course does not constitute admission to the degree or confirm its other arrangements.
Study permits and a possible stay in Canada
According to the guide from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), distance education is generally among the situations that do not require a study permit. An international student who completes their entire program from abroad therefore generally does not need this permit for those studies alone.
This does not, however, give you the right to enter or work in Canada. If an exam, placement, or other activity brings you to Canada, check the rules that apply to your stay and the activity planned separately.
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not have the same immigration status as an international student. Regardless of your status, tell the institution what it is and where you will be studying so you can learn which conditions apply to your file and fees.
This information is general. The sources for this article were consulted on November 7, 2026; check the rules in effect before taking action.
If you are considering working in Canada after graduation
Do not choose a program completed entirely from abroad on the assumption that it will automatically lead to a post-graduation work permit.
For programs with a reference date of September 1, 2024, or later, IRCC requires, among other things, that at least 50% of the program be completed in class in Canada to be eligible for this permit. The reference date is the earlier of the program start date and the date the study permit application is received. Time spent studying abroad is deducted from the permit duration.
Other conditions apply. IRCC also distinguishes between earlier programs and certain temporary measures. If working in Canada is part of your plan, check the rules that apply to your dates and situation before choosing an arrangement.
Recognition: start with how you plan to use the credential
Do you want to continue your studies, have your credential assessed, or practise a regulated profession? As you prepare to choose, treat these goals as separate questions: an answer to one does not necessarily resolve the others.
Before enrolling, contact the institution or authority responsible in the country where you plan to use the credential. Specify the university name, program name, expected credential, and the fact that you will be studying remotely from abroad. Ask whether the study format matters to the assessment and what documents will be required.
If you are considering a regulated profession, also ask the authority responsible for that profession in the place where you plan to practise. If you want to receive credit for previous studies in your new program, ask the university about its procedure separately: this is not the same decision as the future assessment of your credential in another country.
Compare costs and make a decision
Ask for an estimate that reflects your status, where you will study, and the number of credits you are considering. TÉLUQ, for example, distinguishes between status and study-location categories; materials and shipping fees may also apply. Its fee schedule does not represent the fees of all universities.
For each option, check what is included and ask about any possible additional fees, particularly for exams or travel. Also ask about withdrawal and refund conditions. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living abroad, do not assume that the rate listed for an international student applies to you.
Before paying or submitting your application, seek written answers to three questions: Can you apply from your country? Can you complete the required activities? Can the credential be assessed for the use you have in mind? Then compare the options on the same basis.
To think about study organization, pace, and exams, also consult our guide to distance education in Canada.