There’s a lot of confusion around the requirements for studying online –

Some folks are worried: “Does studying online have any special entry requirements? ” And then there are others who are surprised: “Wait, there are entry requirements? You actually have to apply?”

No matter which category you fall into, we’ll answer your questions in this article. Applying for an online degree is mostly the same as applying for a regular on-campus degree, and we’ll run through the specific criteria for associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, graduate programs.

0. Basic Computer Skills

No matter which type of degree you’re studying having basic computer skills is an essential requirement:

Before you begin your program, no matter whether you’re an undergraduate or a master’s student, you’ll be able talk to your admissions advisor about how comfortable and proficient you are with using computers.

The computer skills you’ll need include:
Word processing
Organizing and sharing your files and folders
Using an internet browser
Communicating via email and chat rooms
Installing and using new programs/applications

You’ll also need to make sure you have access to a reliable internet connection and a computer with up-to-date software. It makes it harder to write essays and submit coursework if your internet keeps cutting out or your computer is always freezing!

1. Associate Degrees & Bachelor’s Degrees

Both associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees are undergraduate – so they have the same entry requirements:

First, you’ll need to have graduated from a recognized Canadian high school or the Canadian province-recognized equivalent. And you’ll need to provide some documents as evidence of that, like your high school diploma.

You’ll also need to show that English is your native language, or that you’re highly proficient in English if it’s not.

And if you’re applying as a transfer student, you’ll need to provide evidence you’ve completed coursework at a post-secondary school educational establishment (e.g. another university).

Worried you’ll struggle to know what documents you need? There’s no reason to be concerned: when you fill out your student application online, we’ll walk you through the exact documents you need to provide.

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2. Master’s Degrees

If you’re applying for a MM, MBA or MS:

You’ll need to have at least a baccalaureate degree from a university (or equivalent establishment). Additionally, you’ll need to provide documents which show this.

In some cases, you may be required to send in copies of your transcripts for review, too.

Some of the master’s degrees have additional requirements – you’ll be able to find those listed on the page of each individual program. So have a look at the profile of the degree you’re interested in, after you’ve finished reading this article!

If you’re applying for a MSN (School of Nursing):

You’ll need to have graduated with a baccalaureate degree program in nursing from an accredited university (or other institution).

And while you were completing this bachelor’s degree, your total cumulative grade point average (CGPA) has to have been 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale).

Plus you’ll need to hold a current active registered nurse (RN) license from any province or territory in Canada.

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Are you ready to start your application?

If you’re ready to apply for your online undergraduate degree, start by filling out a Student Application for Admission here.

If you’re ready to apply for an online master’s degree, you can fill out your Graduate Student Application for Admission here.

You’ll be assigned a personal enrollment advisor to guide you through the rest of the application process.

And if you’re not ready? Feel free to call us on 855.210.5641 with any questions, or have a browse through our blog and degree descriptions!


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Entry Requirements for Online Degrees at NAU - Associate Degree


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Entry Requirements for Online Degrees at NAU - Bachelor's Degree


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Entry Requirements for Online Degrees at NAU - Master's Degree