The 13 Best Online Colleges in Canada in 2024

With nearly 9 million students taking college courses exclusively online, it’s an increasingly popular way to learn. Attending college online is a great way for students to learn at their own pace. Many schools offer online course options, but they’re not all created equal. 

When looking for the best online colleges in Canada, it’s important to explore your options before committing to a specific school or program. Depending on your learning style and life phase, your needs will vary. The criteria that a recent high school graduate is looking for will be very different than someone making a career change at 40. 

Here are some of the best online colleges in Canada and what makes them so great. 

The 13 Best Online Colleges in Canada

1. Robertson College:  Best for all types of learners
2. Humber College: Best for their innovative approach to learning 
3. Athabasca University: Best for their wide range of online-only programs
4. Queen’s University: Best for online undergraduate options
5. Laurentian University: Best for bilingual students (English and French)
6. McGill University: Best for those who like a challenge
7. University of Fredericton: Best for those interested in business and leadership
8. Yorkville University: Best for hybrid and flexible options
9. Royal Roads University: Best for mature and postgraduate students
10. Thompson Rivers University: Best for students who value accessibility
11. University of Manitoba: Best for postsecondary education courses
12. Mount Royal University: Best for fast-track options
13. University Canada West: Best for their online Business Administration Master’s

The best online colleges in Canada offer a range of courses at various price points. They also work to meet the needs of individual students, whether that means flexibility to self-pace their learning or a more structured learning experience. 

These are all things to consider when looking at the best online colleges in Canada. Here is a breakdown of the top schools offering online courses and their features. 

1. Robertson College

Best for all types of learners

As one of the best online colleges in Canada, Robertson College offers a variety of flexible program options, including in-person, hybrid, and online programs. With a focus on providing learning opportunities that help students find in-demand jobs they’ll enjoy, Robertson College also offers career-focused micro-credentials. 

Robertson’s online learning options include both structured and flexible courses. Using the online learning platform Brightspace, students can easily connect with their instructors and classmates. Course options include: 

• Full-Stack Web Developer Diploma
• Active Listening to Lead Micro-Course
• Medical Office Assistant Diploma
• Paralegal Diploma

Average Tuition: $$$

Best Features:

• Career-focused courses
• Great student support offerings, including mental health and financial support options
• Online, in-person, and hybrid options

2. Humber College

Best for their innovative approach to learning

Humber College is a polytechnic school, which offers hands-on and multidisciplinary learning opportunities. Humber works closely with different employers to give their students hands-on, real-world experience in their field. 

The largest polytechnic in Canada, Humber offers unique learning spaces and options. With multiple campuses in Ontario, students can experience in-person learning as well as online courses. With full-time options offered in the daytime, evenings, and weekends, there are many courses to choose from, such as: 

• Business Management Diploma
• Computer Programming Diploma
• Creative Book Publishing Certificate
• Music Business Certificate
• Wellness Coaching Certificate 

Average Tuition: $$$

Best Features:

• Valuable, real-world experience available for students
• Variety of courses offered, with different days and times
• Interactive and collaborative classes

3. Athabasca University

Best for their wide range of online-only programs

One of the first online colleges in Canada, Athabasca describes itself as Canada’s “open university.” With more than 50 different programs, students can get their education wherever and whenever they want. And with undergraduate, graduate, individual, and career development course options, Athabasca offers something for everyone.

Without the need to be enrolled in a specific program to take an Athabasca course, students have true flexibility to pursue their education in the best way for them. Degree options include:

• Anthropology
• Accounting 
• French 
• Psychology

Average Tuition: $$$$

Best Features:

• Exclusively online
• Online Bachelor’s and Master’s degree options
• Very wide range of course choices

4. Queen’s University

Best for online undergraduate options

Based in Kingston, Ontario, Queen’s University has a good reputation among Canadian universities. Offering 140+ online courses across 10 disciplines, there are undergraduate and postgraduate options as well as micro-credentials for career enhancement. 

Queens’ online offerings suit various types of learners with a blend of collaborative and independent learning. While learning is mostly asynchronous, with live and recorded sessions, courses do have set start and end dates. Additionally, some programs will require some in-person elements, such as labs or fieldwork. 

Degrees offered include:

• History
• Life Sciences 
• Global Development Studies 

Average Tuition: $$$$ 

Best Features:

• Online courses use the popular Desire2Learn program
• Courses are asynchronous
• Emphasis on sustainability

5. Laurentian University

Best for bilingual students (English and French)

Laurentian University offers the largest selection of online bilingual courses in Canada. Students also get a high degree of flexibility with self-pacing options. 

Laurentian offers both Degree and Diploma programs, a Master’s in Business Administration program, and certification and upskilling courses. Some of these options include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
• Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work
• Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology
• Cardiac Care on the Web professional development course

Average Tuition: $$$$ 

Best Features:

• 34 programs offered in English and French
• Special focus on meeting the needs of Indigenous students
• Small class sizes 

6. McGill University

Best for those who like a challenge 

McGill University is consistently ranked one of the top universities in Canada. This also means it’s quite competitive. However, their online programs primarily focus on professional development, with a variety of courses on topics such as project management, business administration, and cyber security. 

Because McGill’s online courses centre around professional skills, classes that require live attendance are scheduled outside working hours in the evenings. Courses are also largely asynchronous, with both live classes and independent work, requiring only about five hours a week. 

Featured online courses include:

• Graduate Certificate in Chronic Pain Management
• Certificate in Public Administration and Governance
• Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity

Average Tuition: $$$

Best Features:

• Flexible course schedules
• Expert instructors at the top of their field
• Well-respected educational institution

7. University of Fredericton

Best for those interested in business and leadership

The University of Fredericton, also known as UFred, is a private, 100% online business and leadership-focused university. Along with offering degree, diploma, and certificate courses, UFred is well known for its Master of Business Administration program.

The multidisciplinary program offers nine different leadership-focused disciplines, including Global Leadership, Professional Selling & Leadership, and Artificial Intelligence Leadership. With a maximum of 25 students per class, students are given the support they need to succeed. According to their website, UFred’s MBA was voted the best online MBA in 2023. 

Some additional course offerings include:

• Associate Degree in Occupational Health and Safety (AOHS)
• Certificates in Psychological Health & Safety (PHS)
• Certificate in Ergonomics

Average Tuition: $$$$

Best Features:

• 100% online
• Highly rated MBA program 
• Small class sizes

8. Yorkville University

Best for hybrid and flexible options

Yorkville is a private university that offers a smaller roster of online programs. The programs they offer online cover a range of disciplines, from Psychology to Interior Decorating. With small class sizes, flexible schedules, and a focus on engaging coursework, Yorkville prides themselves on helping students achieve their goals — both personal and professional. 

Students can choose from full- or part-time coursework and have the option to do accelerated studies with course start dates year-round. With campuses in Fredericton, NB, Toronto, ON, and Vancouver, BC, students can also do hybrid coursework as their program allows. 

 Courses offered include:

• Graduate Certificate in Education (GCE): Leadership in Social Justice
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy

Average Tuition: $$$$

Best Features:

• Small class sizes
• Year-round start dates
• Career-focused learning

9. Royal Roads University

Best for mature and postgraduate students

Royal Roads’ blended learning programs began in the 1990s and focus on supporting mature and postgraduate students in fitting their education into their busy schedules. While many of the programs offered at Royal Roads are blended — requiring both online and in-person coursework — they do offer some online-only options. 

Blended courses are predominately online but require an intensive on-campus residency. Online learning includes a combination of asynchronous and synchronous classes, as well as classwork and discussions through the learning platform Moodle. 

Some of the online-only program offerings are:

• Master of Arts in Climate Action Leadership
• Graduate Certificate in Project Management 
• Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication

Average Tuition: $$$$$ 

Best Features:

• Blended learning options 
• Flexible program offerings for all types of students
• Flexible admission, which assesses an applicant’s entire background to determine eligibility 

10. Thompson Rivers University

Best for students who value accessibility 

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has a large course catalogue of online program offerings. Students can either set their own pace for learning or stick to a schedule, and they also have flexibility around exam times. 

With their campus in Kamloops, BC, some courses require in-person elements such as labs. TRU emphasizes the importance of student success, prioritizing accessibility in particular. With TRU’s open learning model, students are encouraged to work at their own pace. They offer adult basic education courses, certificates, diplomas, and degrees. 

Programs include:

• Bachelor of Tourism Management 
• Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Business Skills Certificate 
• Water Treatment Operations Certificate

Average Tuition: $$$$ 

Best Features:

• Large course catalogue, including more than 550 courses
• Emphasis on accessibility 
• Flexible scheduling options

11. University of Manitoba

Best for postsecondary education courses

The University of Manitoba offers more than 80 of their courses online. Their courses are primarily asynchronous but do require students to complete coursework within a specific time frame.

The university offers a wide range of courses focusing specifically on professional development in higher education administration. This includes courses in Academic Advising, Governance in Canadian Universities, and Women in Academic Leadership. Additional programs include: 

• Certificate in Management and Administration 
• Certificate in Quality Management 
• Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration

Average Tuition: $$$ 

Best Features:

• Unique postsecondary teaching courses
• Asynchronous learning facilitation 
• Extensive student support services

12. Mount Royal University

Best for fast-track options 

Mount Royal University (MRU) offers both self-paced and fast-paced course options for online learners. The Calgary, AB, university has more than 50 online course options covering a variety of disciplines, with the option to fast-track some courses.

MRU includes both asynchronous and synchronous course options, with flexible pacing and blended learning options. Their fast-track option allows students to complete courses in as little as five consecutive days. 

Programs include:

• Addiction Studies Extension Certificate
• Public Relations and Communications Management Extension Certificate
• Police Studies Extension Certificate

Average Tuition: $$$$

Best Features:

• Range of courses to choose from 
• Fast-track option
• Asynchronous learning available 

13. University Canada West

Best for their online business administration master’s

The University of Canada West is a Vancouver-based private university. Their online program offerings are completely self-paced with the exception of tests. They have both in-person and online classes. 

Canada West’s programs focus primarily on career enhancements. They offer a number of micro-credentials in topics such as Data and Web Analytics and Social Media Marketing, as well as undergraduate options and a Master’s program. Courses include: 

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications
• Masters in Business Administration

Average Tuition: $$$$$

Best Features:

• Self-paced learning 
• Master’s program in business administration
• Business-focused micro-credentials 

FAQ

As you try to decide which of the best online colleges in Canada is for you, you likely still have some questions. Here are some of the commonly asked questions about getting your degree online in Canada. 

Are Online Degrees Recognized in Canada?

Yes, online degrees, Master’s degrees, and other certifications are recognized in Canada at both the provincial and federal levels if they are from accredited institutions. Confirm if a school is accredited by visiting the Government of Canada’s webpage. 

Which Colleges Offer Online Degrees in Canada?

Colleges in Canada do not offer online degrees. One of the main differences between college and university is that universities can offer degrees while colleges cannot. Some universities that do offer online degrees in Canada include Athabasca University, Laurentian University, and Royal Roads University. 

What Is the Best Online College To Attend?

The best online college to attend depends entirely on your needs as a student. Consider what courses you are interested in, if you want full- or part-time studies, if you need flexibility or want a structured schedule, as well as your budget, among many other considerations. 

How Much Does an Online Degree in Canada Cost?

Degrees in Canada cost anywhere from $4,500 to $8,000 per year for Canadian students. This depends on the specific program and educational institution. For international students, degrees in Canada cost anywhere from $7,000 to $22,000 a year. 

Are Online Degrees Recognized Internationally?

Yes, many accredited online degrees are recognized internationally. Whether your online degree is recognized will depend on the specific accrediting body of that region.

Study Online at Robertson College

As you continue to explore the best online colleges in Canada and carefully weigh your options, consider Robertson College. With Robertson’s career-focused courses, you can rest assured that your individual needs as a student and professional will be met.

Explore Robertson College’s online learning options.