TRU-OL offers two types of courses. Continuous Enrolment (self-paced) courses are a maximum of 30 weeks in duration and students can apply for one extension of 18 weeks upon payment of a fee. Self-paced courses are based on an independent study model, where students work through course material independently with the ability to ask the Open Learning Faculty Member for clarification on course material.

Paced courses have specific start and end dates. They are usually shorter than 30 weeks, typically 12-14 weeks, and have assignments due on specific dates. There are no extensions allowed in paced courses and students only have one week to cancel the course after the course start date. Paced courses are typically led, weekly, by the Open Learning Faculty Member and students should expect interaction with other students throughout the course.