The Open University extends enrolment deadline for first time as record numbers of young people choose flexible study

Posted on 12 September 2026 • Around the OU, University news

The Open University is extending its undergraduate enrolment deadline for the first time in its history after seeing unprecedented demand from younger students seeking a more flexible route into higher education.

The move comes as growing numbers of school and college leavers look for alternatives to the traditional university experience, balancing study with work and avoiding some of the additional costs associated with moving away from home.

In 2025/2026, record numbers of young people started undergraduate study at the OU, with 3,398 new students aged 18 or 19 joining in the most recent academic year and almost four in ten new undergraduate starters now aged under 25.

As applications continue to arrive, the university has decided to extend enrolment to allow more students to begin their studies this academic year.

The new deadline for enrolment is the 17 September 2026, a week later than the previous deadline.

Young people are increasingly looking for higher education that fits around their lives rather than requiring them to put the rest of their lives on hold.

For many, affordability is a major consideration. They want a highly regarded degree, but they may also want to continue working, gain experience or remain living at home while they study.

We have seen growing interest from younger learners, and we want to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to start this year.

The fact that we are extending enrolment for the first time in our history reflects the changing choices young people are making about higher education.”

Professor Josie Fraser, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The Open University

Aya, age 21 from London, is currently studying at a full-time intensity in her first year at The Open University for a Computer Science with AI degree. At the OU, she is able to combine her studies with being a tattooist.

I was considering a traditional ‘brick’ university but then I saw an ad for the OU and studying flexibly online. At the OU, I’m able to study at my own pace while earning at the same time. It gives me so much flexibility to set my own timetable and fit my studies around work and the rest of my life.

Aya, 21 from London.

Recent OU data showed the number of new undergraduate students aged 18 or 19 has increased by more than a third since 2019/20, while the median age of new undergraduate students has fallen to its lowest level on record.

Unlike traditional campus-based study, OU students can choose how many credits to take each year and study at their own pace, including at full-time intensity, fitting learning around work, caring responsibilities and other commitments.

The university says the trend demonstrates that flexible online learning is increasingly being viewed by younger people not as an alternative option, but as a first choice.