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Accessibility statement
International student studying using a laptop
We are The Open University and believe world-class university education should be open to anyone, anywhere. So, wherever you are in the world, you can open up your future with the OU.
Since 1969, we’ve been teaching across time zones, giving students in the UK and over 180 countries a flexible alternative to traditional university education, with all the support and teaching excellence you’d expect from the world’s leading online university.
#1
World leaders in flexible learning since 1969.
82%
of research deemed ‘world-leading’ or internationally excellent.
8,000+
international students in 157 countries, currently studying with the OU.
92%
of our international graduates would recommend us.
International students choose the OU for a recognised UK qualification they can earn from wherever they are, flexible online study that fits around real life, and the support of expert tutors and a worldwide student community.
I chose the OU because it has a fantastic reputation. It has an excellent academic reputation in Germany. And with its triple accreditation, it’s in the top 1% of the world’s business schools.
With the OU, it’s possible to say yes to everything. I’ve lived on three different continents, travelled to 31 countries and supported myself by working the whole time. I’ve been able to do all of this without accumulating any debt.
As an international student, the OU has been incredibly supportive throughout my entire study journey. I’ve always felt like I’ve been a part of the student community and found it easy to make friends. It wasn’t just me who was studying from a country outside of the UK; my study buddy was from Russia!
Join over 8,000 students studying with us in over 157 countries. Hear from students around the world as they share what it’s like to study an as an OU international student – achieving their degrees around careers, family and everyday life.
International students share how The Open University study fits around life wherever they are in the world.
At The Open University, we offer hundreds of qualifications in a wide range of subjects, from bachelors degrees to postgraduate masters degrees. There’s something for everyone.
Find out more about the undergraduate and postgraduate courses we offer.
All OU degrees meet the same exacting quality assurance standards that are set for traditional universities by the UK’s funding and regulatory bodies. This means that a degree from the OU has the same status as one from any other top UK university. If you're thinking of using your OU study for work or further study outside the UK, it's important to check before you enrol whether the qualification you're interested in will meet local requirements. Make sure you read our Guide to recognition of OU qualifications outside the UK. It may also help to know that:
Student working with his Open University study materials spread out on the kitchen table
An Open University degree has the same status as one from any top UK university.
Our flexible approach to study means you can achieve your OU qualification from virtually anywhere in the world. But to study with us, you'll need a good grasp of the English language.
As a student, that means being able to read and understand the language of your study materials, use these sources to express your thoughts and opinions, and write essays or reports for assignments and exams.
If you’re not sure whether your English is good enough, our guide to the English skills you need can help you find out.
An international Open University student reading his text books.
To study with us, you'll need a good grasp of the English language.
As a world-leading university for online, distance education, you can expect:
But we’re sure you’ll have plenty of questions about studying with the OU. So, to get you started, we’ve put together a guide to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about studying at a distance with the OU.
Find out more about supported distance learning at the OU.
2 minutes 22 seconds
International students guide to supported distance learning. Find out how OU study works.
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Chat with our students to discover what studying with us is really like.
Ask a student
We’re here to answer your questions. Our website is full of information to support your decision making, but if you can't find what you need online, we offer several ways to contact us.
Contact the OU
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