$1,000 cash

10th anniversary offer to students who start and finish a course in 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Canadian Virtual University?

2. What is distance education?

3. What are the advantages of taking an online degree from a CVU university?

4. How do I enrol?

5. Does Canadian Virtual University grant degrees?

6. Can international students enrol?

7. Can I use university credits earned in another country toward a degree listed on this website?

8. Can I get credit for knowledge or training I've gained at work?

9. How can I find out if CVU has a program I am interested in?

10. How can I get more information on a program?

11. Can I transfer credits I have already earned at one CVU partner university to another?

12. What are the registration deadlines?

13. How much do distance courses cost?

14. Who can help me find a program to best suit my needs?

15. Can I audit a distance course?

16. Can I receive financial aid from CVU?

17. If my university is not a member of CVU, can I still take online courses listed here?

18. Do I need special computing skills to take distance programs?

19. What kind of computer or other equipment do I need?

20. Where do I go for technical help?

21. When should I use the Letter of Permission form?

22. Can you send me a calendar in the mail?

1: What is Canadian Virtual University?

Canadian Virtual University, or CVU, is an association of Canadian universities that offer complete university degrees, diplomas, and certificates over the Internet or through distance education. CVU universities accept each other's courses for transfer credit.

Universities that belong to CVU.

2: What is distance education?

Distance programs are offered using a variety of methods to help you complete a degree according to your schedule, no matter where you live.

You may work with printed material that you receive in the mail or with electronic material you receive via the Internet. Some courses require computer conferencing, audiotapes, videotapes, television, and radio programs. You will likely use the phone, e-mail, or regular mail to submit assignments and to get help from your tutor.

Some programs are completely online, that is, available on the Internet. Others use a combination of these methods. Some courses have specific start dates; others may be started any day of the year.

If you are not sure if distance learning is right for you, see Is Distance Learning for Me?

Or read what real students say about their experiences.

If you are not sure if you are ready for university studies, try our university readiness tests.

3: What are the advantages of taking a program from a CVU partner?

When you enrol in a program listed on this website, you become eligible to take courses from other CVU universities without paying the standard Letter of Permission and Visiting Student Application fees.

This means that you have more courses to choose from. As long as the course meets your program needs, you can mix and match from the over 2000 distance courses offered by participating universities.

Each university is committed to allowing transfer credits, as long as long as the credits fit your program requirements.

Please read the instructions accompanying the CVU Letter of Permission Request/Visiting Student Application form.

4: How do I enrol in a program?

You may enrol in a program by clicking on Applying. This will take you to the online application form at the university offering the program.

If you are already enrolled at a CVU partner university and wish to take a course at another CVU partner university, please complete the Letter of Permission/Visiting Student Application form. This will save you fees and time, since you only need to complete one form, instead of two.

5: Does Canadian Virtual University grant degrees?

No. The degree, certificate, or diploma you earn will be granted by one of our partner universities, which is considered your "home" university.

Because all partners are chartered under provincial legislation and are members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), you can be confident you are earning a credential that will be recognized by other post-secondary institutions and employers around the world.

6: Can international students take courses?

Adult learners from around the world may enrol in many, but not all, CVU programs. Courses marked with "CND" mean they are only available to students living in Canada. Most universities charge higher fees for non-Canadian students. Each university has its own policy and Fees.

To help you decide if you are ready for university studies in the English language, please try our university Readiness Tests.

7: Can I use education taken in another country toward an online degree?

To determine how much of your past education may be recognized for credit in a program offered on this website, see Credit for Your Foreign Education.

For general information see the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.

8: Can I get credit for knowledge or training I've gained at work?

Universities may give credit for extensive training programs offered by employers. For more information on assessment of work place training for academic credits, please see Prior Learning Assessment.

9: How can I find out if CVU has what I am interested in?

See online and distance Programs.

See online and distance Courses.

If you cannot find what you are looking for here, you may wish to check for college-level programs found at OntarioLearn.

10: How can I get more information on a program or course?

Just click on the name of the program or course. This will take you to the most up-to-date information on admission requirements, fees, deadlines, and contacts for more information directly at the university offering the program.

11: Can I transfer credits that I have already earned at one CVU partner university to another?

Yes. But you must check with your home university (the university where you are enrolled in a program) to see if credits from other universities meet your program requirements. To do this, read the program requirements carefully. Contact an advisor at your home university if you are not sure.

12: What are the registration deadlines?

At some universities, you can registration year-round. Sometimes, programs have specific start dates. Read the program details on the home university's website or calendar for registration deadlines.

13: How much do courses cost?

CVU itself does not charge for its services. You simply pay the regular Fees set by the university offering the course you wish to take.

14: Who can help me find a program to best suit my needs?

For further information on career or program planning, please contact an Advisor at a CVU university.

15: Can I audit a distance course?

Yes. You will pay regular tuition fees but are not required to complete assignments and exams. You will not receive credit for the course when completed.

16: Can I receive financial help from CVU?

Not directly. However, we have provided links to Financial Aid offered by Canadian government programs.

CVU universities also offer many generous Awards and Scholarships.

If you start and finish any course on our website between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, you may apply for our $1,000 anniversary gift.

17: If my university is not a member of CVU, can I still take CVU courses?

Yes. Most CVU courses are university credit and can be transferred to any university in Canada, as long as the course meets your program requirements.

First, complete a Letter of Permission at your home university to be sure that your university will accept the CVU course for transfer credit.

18: Do I need special computing skills?

The level of computing skills varies. Many distance programs are delivered via print materials you receive in the mail. You communicate with your tutor through the phone, e-mail, or mail.

Some courses require computing, keyboard, and word-processing skills, and you must be able to navigate with your Internet browser.

19: What kind of computer or other equipment do I need?

It depends on the course. Some courses are offered completely online. Others may have online activities. Each course description tells you what equipment you need, if any.

20: Where do I go for technical help?

Once you have registered for a course, your home university will provide a contact for technical assistance.

21: When should I use the Letter of Permission form?

If you are already enrolled in a distance program listed on this website and wish to take a course from another CVU university, you should use the CVU Letter of Permission/Visiting Student Application form.

By using this form, you will save fees usually charged for these services.

22: Can you send me a calendar in the mail?

Most of our universities can mail you a print calendar of its own courses, programs, and policies. Please go to Order Print Calendar.

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