Graduate Diploma in Instructional Design application information

Program application deadline

People wishing to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Instructional Design program must hold a baccalaureate degree (3- or 4-year) from a recognized post-secondary education institution.

If a potential applicant does not have a degree, but believes their education and experience is equivalent to an undergraduate degree, then it is the responsibility of the applicant to put forward this position in writing as part of the application process.

There are 3 program intakes per year. All application materials must be received by:

• Jan. 15 for a course start date in spring of the same year
• May 15 for a course start in fall of the same year
• Sept. 15 for a course start in winter of the following year

Please complete all components of the application process before the deadline. We cannot proceed with your file until the application is complete.

Transferring outside credits

If is possible for students to transfer up to 9 credits of graduate study from other universities into the Graduate Diploma in Instructional Design program.

After being admitted to the program, students may request a review of such course work. A faculty committee will review the work to determine whether the student should be awarded advance standing or transfer credit in the program.

See Course Regulations and Procedures for more information.

Application procedures

How to apply 

• Create an account as a new user or sign in if a returning user and select the program intake for the Graduate Diploma in Instructional Design program.
• Complete all components of the application by the deadline and pay the application fee.

1. Transcripts

Official transcripts must be received directly from the accredited institution(s) by mail, email, or MyCreds. They must include the date of graduation, degrees granted, and any completed courses. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted to finalize the application, but official transcripts will be required before admission is considered.

a. Mailing address:

b. Email address: augradapply@athabascau.ca

Applicants submitting any official documents (e.g., transcripts) in a language other than English must provide an official translation of such documents. If the credential being submitted has been earned outside Canada or the United States, documentation measuring its equivalence based on Canadian qualifications can be acquired using an evaluation service.

2. International students: English language proficiency 

There are minimum English language proficiency requirements allowed for admission to a graduate program at Athabasca University. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they meet the minimum requirements.

3. Reference (1)

Submit a reference from an individual, preferably in a supervisory position, who is familiar with the applicant's work history, motivation and work habits, and capacity for independent and self-directed learning.

Non-program application

Persons wishing to enrol as a non-program student are not required to hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized post-secondary education institution. Non-program students may take up to 5 courses in total. However, no more than 2 courses per semester are allowed.

Courses taken as a non-program student may also be applied towards Distance Education program degree requirements according to program regulations, if and when the student becomes a program student. Athabasca University is under no obligation to admit non-program students into AU Distance Education programs.

Students currently in an AU graduate program interested in taking an elective with MEd must contact mde@athabascau.ca directly.

Non-program applications will be reviewed on a continual basis and must be completed 1 month before the course start. Failure to complete all steps will result in your application not being reviewed for approval or processed.

How to apply

Create an account as a new user or sign in if a returning user and select Non-Program - MEd and Continuous Admission.

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