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 full-time, campus-based courses. These pages share essential information for your consideration during the application process.
Due to ongoing government restrictions, we are currently unable to sponsor student visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and South Sudan unless they are already resident in the UK.
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
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 and how long they have been free of immigration controls. 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
Applicants who are not British or Irish nationals 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. You can prove your English competency through a number of different methods:
-
Proof of indefinite leave to remain or settled status in the UK
-
Proof that you have previously been granted an eligible UK visa. Eligible visas are student (excluding short-term study), skilled worker, innovator/founder, or minister of religion.
-
Passport or other proof of nationality of a country which is recognised by the UK government as majority English speaking
-
Degree certificate from a country which is recognised by the UK government as majority English speaking (does not include Canada)
-
Secure English Language Test (see below for acceptable test providers and scores)
-
For degrees that were taught in English in a country which is not recognised as majority English speaking, an assessment from Ecctis Qualifications and Language Services (see below for full criteria)
The OU only accepts English language tests endorsed by UK Visas and Immigration, usually referred to as Secure English Language Tests (SELT). Tests must have been taken within two years of the course start date, and the scores you will need are as follows:
-
IELTS – the standard requirement is at least 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any category. A small number of studentships (including ILESLA) have higher requirements; these will be listed on the advertisement
-
LanguageCert – the standard requirement is at least 70 overall with no less than 60 in any category. A small number of studentships have higher requirements; these will be listed on the advertisement
-
Pearson, PSI Services and Trinity College London – please contact us for more detailed guidance on acceptable scores and test locations
-
Other test providers – not accepted
Ecctis provide an English proficiency and qualification comparison service on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration and can assess whether your degree meets our English requirements. The assessment must show that your qualification is equivalent to a UK degree and an English level equivalent to B2, C1, or C2 in the CEFR. Your awarding institution will need to support the verification process, so we recommend contacting them prior to submitting your application to Ecctis.
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 and the immigration health surcharge for the full length of your course, which includes an allowance for thesis corrections and a wrap-up period. The current combined cost of a student visa and immigration health surcharge is £4,438 per person (as of August 2026).
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. 
