Cautions on Course Load

Course Extensions and Course Load

Courses that have been extended do NOT qualify in the calculation of full-time student status after the initial course contract date.

For Example, if a course started on June 1 the original contract end date would be September 30. During this time period the course will count toward the course load calculation. However, if the course was to be extended to November 30, the course would not be calculated towards full-time status after September 30.

To Maintain Full-time Status

To maintain full-time status, a student must register in a minimum of 9 credits, unless otherwise specified, for each four-month term within a funding period. The courses must be completed (passed) by the term or original course contract date.

Full-time funded students may apply for course extensions. However, students are advised to investigate how the extension will affect their eligibility to maintain their funding or receive tax credit.

Please refer to section 7.2.1 Undergraduate Fees, Refunds, Financial Assistance in the online calendar. and/or contact your Student Financial Aid Advisor for more information.

If a student proceeds with course extensions in the first term that extend beyond the semesters funding period, the second term courses will begin on the first day of the month following the original contract end date.

For Example, if a course started on June 1, the original contract end date would be September 30. During this time, the course will count toward the course load calculation for the first term courses. The second term of full-time courses will begin on October 1, regardless of the first term courses have been extended.

Maximum Number of Courses

A student may only be registered in a maximum of six courses at a time. Please see the Athabasca University policy on maximum Course load.

Funding

Designation as a full-time student at Athabasca University does NOT ensure recognition of full-time status by a funding source.

A funded student may not reduce their course load during a term without possible repercussions for further eligibility or ongoing sponsorship during the term in absence of obtaining prior approval from the funding provider.

In most cases, a student must apply each funding term for approval to enrol as a full-time student with a 40% course load. Each provincial Student Aid program has different regulations about this.