We warmly welcome applications for research degrees from international students. The OU is also licensed as a sponsor under the points-based immigration system, meaning we can sponsor student route visas for students who need to come to the UK to study. These pages share essential information for your consideration during the application process.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website also provides lots of useful information for current and prospective international students.
Applicants with an existing UK Visa
Any applicant who is not a UK or Irish citizen should complete the application form for non-UK applicants, regardless of their UK visa status. Current UK visa holders will be asked to prove their visa status and that their visa allows them to study in the UK. If your current visa does not allow you to study then you will require a student route visa.
Applicants with refugee status, settled status or indefinite leave to remain may be eligible for home fees, depending on how long they have been resident in the UK. If you are unsure as to your fee status, please contact us.
Qualifications completed outside the UK
Our minimum entry requirements are based on UK degrees and qualifications from non-UK degree awarding bodies are assessed as to their comparability using the UK-ENIC framework. At minimum, applicants should hold the equivalent of an upper second class honours degree, although some research areas will require that you hold a masters.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an exhaustive list of entry requirements by country but are happy to answer queries from individual applicants who are unsure whether their qualification meets our entry requirements.
English language proficiency
Overseas applicants will need to demonstrate that they are sufficiently proficient in English to support successful study at research degree standard before any offer of registration can be made.
The UK government recognises certain countries as majority English speaking. If you are a national of one of these countries or hold a degree from one of these countries, then you will not need to provide further proof of English language proficiency. For a full list of recognised majority English speaking countries, please refer to Student visa (gov.uk). Similarly, if you have already proven your English proficiency for a previous, successful UK visa application, you will not be asked to do so again.
Applicants who have been taught in English in a country that is not recognised as majority English-speaking can apply for an English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS) through Ecctis Visas and Nationality Services (ecctis.com).
All other applicants will need to demonstrate their English language proficiency through taking an IELTS test. Our minimum requirements are an average score of at least 6.5 and a score of at least 6.0 in each individual category. Your certificate must be dated within two years of your course start date. Further details and a list of approved providers of accreditation can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Financial considerations
If you are accepted to The Open University, it is important to note that you will be responsible for covering your immigration and relocation expenses, even if you receive a funded placement. Your immigration costs will include the cost of a student visa (£490 as of July 2024) and the immigration health surcharge. The overall cost depends on how long your visa is but must be paid in full before you can apply for a visa. The surcharge for a 4.5 year visa (most full-time students) is £3,492 per person as of July 2024 unless you are exempt – please see the UK government website for more information.
Student route visa-holders for research degrees are able to apply to bring their dependents (spouse/partner and children under 18) to the UK. However, you should be aware that you will need to consider the additional immigration and living costs. You may also be asked to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your dependents.