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Open Studies

Flexible learning. Personalized pathways. Your education, your way.

  • Credential: Non-credentialed category
  • Delivery: Full-time or part-time
  • Maximum Credits: 24 lifetime credits (typically 8 courses)
  • Location: Fort McMurray Campus or online (as course availability permits)
  • Start Date: Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer—subject to course availability
  • Application Type: Domestic and international students welcome

Open Studies at Keyano College offers students the opportunity to take post-secondary courses without committing to a specific certificate, diploma, or degree program. This non-credentialed pathway is ideal for learners exploring academic interests, upgrading credentials, or fulfilling personal or professional goals.

Whether you're a visiting student, returning learner, or future degree-seeker, Open Studies provides access to individual courses across various disciplines - perfect for flexible and purpose-driven learning.

Who Should Choose Open Studies?

  • Open Studies may be the right fit if you:
  • Are exploring future program options or uncertain about your academic path
  • Want to earn credits transferable to another post-secondary institution
  • Need specific courses for career advancement or continuing education
  • Are taking courses for personal development or general interest
  • Are currently enrolled at another college or university and want to take courses at Keyano to transfer back

What You’ll Learn

  • While Open Studies does not result in a formal credential, students can:
  • Earn transferable post-secondary credit
  • Complete prerequisite courses for entry into future programs
  • Explore subjects of personal or professional interest
  • Gain exposure to post-secondary learning before making a long-term commitment
  • Upgrade or maintain professional certification with individual course completions

Where Open Studies Can Take You

  • While Open Studies does not lead to a formal credential, it can support your academic and professional journey in several ways:
  • Prepare for Program Admission: Complete prerequisite courses required for entry into certificates, diplomas, or degrees in fields such as health, business, or education.
  • Support Career Transitions: Gain targeted knowledge for switching industries or updating skills for re-entry into the workforce.
  • Advance in Your Current Role: Meet professional development requirements or enhance your qualifications for promotion.
  • Explore Academic Interests: Try university-level coursework in a low-risk setting before committing to a full program.

Admission Requirements

Students must present one of the following:

  • English 30-1 or English 30-2, or

  • A pass mark on the College Entrance Assessment

Additionally, students must meet the prerequisite(s) for each course they wish to register in. Admission does not guarantee access to all courses.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must meet one of the following:

  • TOEFL iBT: 79 (no section below 19)

  • IELTS: 6.0

  • CAEL: 60

  • MELAB: 80

  • Duolingo: 95

  • PTE Academic: 50

See the Credit Calendar for additional accepted methods.

Admission Process

  1. Visit the Application Procedures page

  2. Select "Open Studies" as your application category

  3. Submit your documents for English and prerequisite course eligibility

  4. Register for available courses once approved

Note: Transfer credit evaluations are not provided to Open Studies students. Course selection is based on space availability and may be restricted by program enrollment limits.

See the Credit Calendar for additional options.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition is charged on a per-course basis according to Keyano’s tuition rates.

Visit the Tuition & Fees page for the most current information.

Additional fees may apply, including:

Student Association fees

Lab or materials fees (course-specific)

Health & Dental (waivable with proof of coverage)

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Open Studies is a non-credentialed admission category. It allows you to take up to 24 credits without completing a formal program.

Yes, in most cases. Courses taken through Open Studies may be transferable to other institutions. However, official transfer credit evaluations are only completed once you are admitted into a certificate, diploma, or degree program at Keyano.

Course access is subject to space, availability, and prerequisites. Some courses may be restricted to students in specific programs.

You can apply to a certificate, diploma, or degree program at any time. Your completed courses may count toward program requirements, depending on alignment and approval.

Start your Journey with Flexibility and Purpose

Apply today or contact admissions for more information

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