Welcome to AC Online!
AC Online is the Algonquin College virtual campus. With more than 17 years of experience offering distance and online education, we offer 80+ programs, 800+ courses, and serve 20K+ students annually. Find out more about who we are and how we can help you reach your personal and professional goals online.
What skills do I need to be a successful online student?
If you prefer to take courses with the flexibility to study in the comfort of your home or office, or if you live a distance from our campuses, Online Learning may be right for you.
In addition to the study skills necessary for post-secondary learning, possessing the following skills will help you be a successful online student:
- Computer and Internet skills
- Organization and goal-setting
- Self-discipline and time management
- Ability to monitor your own progress
- Persistence and willingness to ask for help when needed
- Dedication to researching information
- Written communication skills
- Self-motivation and the ability to work independently
We provide flexible learning so students can find an option that fits with their schedule.
Still not sure if online learning is the right fit? Have more questions about studying from out of town or out of country? This may help.
What can I expect from Full-time online programs?
Full-time online programs at Algonquin College are defined as full-time education in an off-campus learning environment (i.e. work or home with a qualified facilitator using internet/web-based material).
Full-time online programs offer:
- The same credentials as on-campus programs.
- An equivalent workload to an on-campus full-time course load. Expect to devote 30-40 hours per week.
- Ability to access and complete coursework through web-based programming at all times of the day.
It’s important to note that while online students can log in any time to complete work at the time best suited to them, online courses are structured to include due dates which students are expected to adhere to.
Several of the full-time online programs are available beginning every other month, meaning you don’t have to wait for a traditional semester start to begin your studies. View the bi-monthly intake programs here.
If you aren’t sure if full-time or part-time studies will be right for you, we can help!
What can I expect from Part-time online studies?
Part-time online studies are another way to fit quality education into your busy life. In the comforts of your own home or office, you can use your spare time to complete individual courses or the program of your choice on a part-time basis.
Part-time studies offer:
- Flexibility to choose courses that work with your schedule.
- Easy accessibility through web-based programming at all times of the day.
- Quality programs and courses on a part-time schedule.
- The same credentials as on-campus programs, completed over the period of time that suits your needs.
It’s important to note that while online students can log in any time to complete work at the time best suited to them, online courses are structured to include due dates which students are expected to adhere to.
If you aren’t sure if full-time or part-time studies will be right for you, we can help!
What credentials are available online?
Our credentials are designed to meet the demands of all learners. AC Online graduates receive the same credentials as the equivalent on-campus program offerings.
| Credential Type | Duration | Description |
| Honours Degrees | 4 Years | Employers value the combination of theory and practical hands-on experience. You get the best of both worlds. |
| Advanced Diplomas | 3 Years | Develop the knowledge and skills required to work within a broad range of technical and/or management functions. |
| Diplomas | 2 Years | Diploma programs help prepare you for a specific field of work and include a broad base of study, preparing graduates to pursue various career specialties. |
| Graduate Certificates | 1 or 2 Years | Build on your post-secondary education fast. Get a career advantage with a high-demand specialization. |
| Certificates | 1 Year | These programs develop the level of skills and knowledge to help graduates perform a defined range of activities. |
I’m ready! What are my next steps?
What comes next depends entirely on you! AC Online offers the flexibility to apply to full-time and part-time online programs, or to register for individual courses to meet your professional and career goals. Check out the next steps based on how you want to study below.
| How you will study | Next Steps |
| Full-time online programs | Full-time online programs require an application.
Domestic students apply through ontariocolleges.ca International students apply through our International Education Centre. Please see individual full-time online program pages for admissions requirements and additional details. |
| Part-time online Graduate Certificate and select Diploma programs | Applications to part-time online Graduate Certificate programs, as well as the Early Childhood Education and Business-Trades Ontario College Diploma programs, must be submitted via our online application form. There is no application fee. |
| Part-time online open programs and individual courses | Take a course or start a part-time program You don’t need to apply for most part-time online programs and courses. You can begin by registering directly into a part-time course from the course description page, or by calling the Registrar’s Office at 613-727-0002, or toll-free at 1-800-565-GRAD (4723).To register online, select the Register Online link on any course description page. Register on a course-by-course basis and choose up to three courses per term to customize your personal and professional development or to work towards certificate or diploma completion. Please take note of the prerequisites and corequisites. Students are expected to have either completed the stated prerequisite course(s) or possess the equivalent knowledge prior to enrolling in a course. Students are also expected to register in the relevant corequisites in the same term. |