The Open University: 2025 Rankings, Acceptance Rate, Courses, Fees, and Scholarships

The Open University: 2025 Rankings, Acceptance Rate, Courses, Fees, and Scholarships

Milton Keynes, EnglandLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1969established year
168215enrollment
Public
4.7/10
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Yashika Bansal

Updated 3+ months ago

The Open University UK is located in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England. In the Times UK University Rankings 2025, the Open University UK is ranked among the top 35 institutions for student satisfaction and course accessibility. It is the largest university in the United Kingdom by student enrollment, serving over 168,000 students, including more than 7,700 international learners. As a public research university known for its distance learning model, OU has maintained a strong reputation for delivering flexible, accessible, and high-quality education across the globe.

across undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate levels. OU's flagship MBA programs, accredited by AMBA (UK), EQUIS (EU), and AACSB (US), make the program stand among the top 1% of business schools worldwide.

For the 2025 academic year, OU provides multiple intakes in October, February, and April, with rolling admissions across most programs. Tuition fees for international students vary by course, ranging from £3,920 to £18,805 per year. To support its diverse student body, the university awards over 1,000 scholarships annually, including other options like the Chevening Scholarship and Computer Science High Achievers Funding.

Check Out: Study in the UK


The Open University Highlights

The section gives a brief overview of the admissions process at the Open University UK:

Category Highlights
Application Portal Online Portal
Application Fee Varies as per the course
Number of courses 200
Academic Calendar Modules start twice a year
Intake Months September and January
English Language Proficiency IELTS Score
UG: minimum 5.5
PG: 6 to 7 (Depends on degree)
Work Experience Required for Business Programs
Credits Required Honors Degree: 360
Non-Honors Degree: 300
Masters: 180
Mode of Payment Mastercard / American Express / Discover / Visa

The Open University Admission Deadline 2025

The Open University offers rolling admissions to all graduate, undergraduate, and MBA programs with the following major intakes and deadlines:

Intake Application Deadline
October 2025 11 September 2025
February 2026 8 January 2026
April 2026 12 March 2026


The Open University Courses & Fees 2025

The Open University UK’s academic portfolio includes 26 master’s degrees, 1 integrated master’s, 97 honours bachelor’s degrees, 16 postgraduate diplomas, and 17 graduate certificates. Among its flagship programs are two MBA pathways, which include the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and MBA in Technology Management. Both the MBAs are triple-accredited by AMBA (UK), EQUIS (EU), and AACSB (US), a distinction awarded to only a select number of business schools globally.

In addition to full degree programs, the university offers short courses, such as Linux Essentials, Science: Plants and People, and Science: The Frozen Planet. The Open University also promotes flexible, self-directed learning through its Open Qualifications framework. Options under this model include the BA (Honours) Open, BSc (Honours) Open, Diploma of Higher Education Open, and Certificate of Higher Education Open.

Below is a breakdown of the most popular programs at The Open University UK, along with their annual tuition fees.

Courses Annual Tuition Fees in GBP Annual Tuition Fees in INR
MBA £18,805 ₹22 L
Master of Arts [M.A] Childhood and Youth £ 12,825 ₹ 15 L
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Social Sciences £8,184 ₹9.6 L
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Social Sciences (Psychology) £ 8,184 ₹9.6 L
Bachelor of Science [B.S] Economics and Mathematical Sciences £ 8,184 ₹9.6 L
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Health and Social Care £ 8,184 ₹9.6 L
Certificate in Mathematical Sciences £ 8,184 ₹9.6 L
Diploma History £ 8,184 ₹9.6 L
Post-Graduate Certificate in Mathematics £ 8,950 ₹10.5 L
Post-Graduate Diploma in Finance £ 3,920 ₹4.6 L/
Post-Graduate Diploma in Mathematics £ 8,950 ₹10.5 L


The Open University MBA Admission 2025

The Open University offers rolling admissions to the MBA program with the following major intakes:

Intake Application Deadline
October 2025 11 September 2025
February 2026 8 January 2026
April 2026 12 March 2026

To be considered for admission to the Open University UK MBA in 2025, international applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Honours degree or equivalent professional qualification
  • Work Experience: Minimum 3 years of managerial-level professional experience
  • GMAT Score: 650 or above
  • English Language Proficiency

Note: Early application is encouraged, particularly for those seeking financial aid or employer sponsorship.


The Open University Admission 2025

The Open University UK provides a flexible, credit-based educational system that enables students to enroll in a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses full-time or part-time. A modular framework serves as the foundation for all qualifications, and students can enroll in individual modules that apply toward their overall credit requirements. Related courses taken at other institutions in the past may be eligible for credit transfer.


The Open University Graduate Admissions 2025

The Open University offers over 60 postgraduate programs that are available in both part-time and full-time formats. Each master's degree requires the completion of 180 credits. Intakes occur in September and January.

  • Application Portal: OU Online Application Portal
  • Basic Admission Requirement: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field
  • IELTS Requirement: Varies by course (minimum 6.0 to 7.0)

Course-Specific Requirements for Graduate Programs at the Open University:

Course Additional Requirements IELTS Score
M.Sc. in Science Relevant background or 60 credits at FHEQ Level 5/6 if undergraduate degree not in science 7.0
M.Sc. in Engineering Honours degree with strong mathematical content 6.0 (5.5 in each component)
M.Sc. in Mathematics Honours degree in Mathematics 6.0
M.Sc. in Psychology Honours degree in Psychology or related social sciences 6.5


The Open University Undergraduate Admissions 2025

The Open University offers over 60 undergraduate programs, all of which are accessible through part-time or full-time study.

  • Application Portal: OU Online Application Portal
  • Application Fee: Varies by course
  • Admission Requirement: No formal academic qualifications required
  • English Language Proficiency: IELTS score of at least 5.5

How to Apply:

  • Choose a course
  • Select the qualification level (e.g., BA, BSc)
  • Register before the application deadline
  • Enroll in your first module to begin the course


The Open University Visa Requirements for International Students

International students, particularly those applying for postgraduate research programs, need to follow UK visa guidelines:

Note:

  • No formal entry qualifications are required for the undergraduate programs at the Open University UK. Applicants must have adequate English language skills (spoken and written).
  • A recognized undergraduate degree is required for graduate courses at the Open University UK. For research degrees (e.g., Ph.D.), interviews may be conducted. No formal English test is required if evidence of proficiency is provided.


The Open University Scholarships 2025

The Open University UK offers more than 1,000 scholarships each year to international students. Additionally, 40% of MBA students benefit from employer sponsorship, highlighting the university’s strong connections with industry and its focus on career-aligned education. The following table shows the different scholarships and their amounts provided by the Open University UK:

Scholarship Name Eligibility Scholarship Amount
International Distinction Awards 5 International Students (under 18) £894 to £5,364 per student
(INR 1.1L - 6.3L)
Chevening Scholarship Postgraduate international students Full funding for tuition, flights, and accommodation
Computer Science High Achievers Postgraduate Funding Master’s in Computer Science applicants 10% to 50% tuition fee reduction + iPad Pro
Sanctuary Scholarship Displaced persons in the UK Full tuition
Carers’ Scholarship Fund Unpaid carers in the UK Full tuition (10 awards annually)
Carers’ Bursary Unpaid carers in the UK £250 (INR 30,000) for study-related costs
Care Experienced Scholarship Students under 30 with care experience Full undergraduate tuition (10 awards)
Scholarship for Black Students Students identifying as Black Full tuition

Check out: Scholarships in the UK


The Open University Campus & Infrastructure

The Open University (OU) UK operates on a 48-hectare campus in Milton Keynes. The campus hosts a range of facilities, including research labs, academic and administrative buildings, and art collections, such as Modern Misses by Zimbabwean sculptor Dominic Benhura.

The Open University UK serves a large and diverse student body, with 168,000 students located across the UK, Europe, and around 7700 worldwide. The university maintains a strong presence in the Milton Keynes community through its staff and students, actively engaging with local organizations like the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, Milton Keynes Community Foundation, and Bletchley Park.

Student life at OU is vibrant, offering 21 societies, 51 clubs, and inclusive communities such as the Disabled Students Group (DSG) and PLEXUS (the LGBTQ+ student group).

The Open University Student Accommodation

Most students at the Open University UK choose off-campus housing. However, full-time Ph.D. and MPhil researchers, as well as part-time Ph.D. students, are expected to reside near the campus. A range of private accommodations is available both on and off campus, offering flexible living options. The following table shows the different amenities available for the students:

Room features Other Amenities
Bed, wardrobe, drawer, and window blinds Parking space and garden area
Tiled flooring and basic furnishings Fully equipped kitchens with a cooker, fridge, and washing machine
En-suite rooms come equipped with a private shower, basin, and toilet Broadband internet

This living arrangement supports both independent living and access to academic resources for research students.

The Open University UK alumni work with top employers like BMW, IBM, NHS Professionals, Mini, and Travis Perkins. 86% of the Open University UK graduates report achieving their professional goals and credit the university’s robust career counseling and support services. With an average annual salary of £31,000 (as per PayScale), the university offers a solid return on investment. Whether you’re pursuing a degree, diploma, or MBA, the Open University UK equips you with the skills, flexibility, and global credibility to succeed in today’s competitive job market.


The Open University FAQs

Ques. Is the Open University MBA internationally recognized?

Ans. Yes, the Open University MBA is internationally recognized. It holds triple accreditation from the world’s three leading business education accreditation bodies, such as AMBA (UK), AACSB (US), and EQUIS (EU). This distinction is awarded to less than 1% of business schools globally, confirming the MBA's high quality, global reputation, and strong industry relevance.

Ques. What are the pros and cons of The Open University UK?

Ans. The following table illustrates the pros and cons of the Open University UK:

Pros:

  • Flexible learning options (part-time, full-time, distance learning)
  • Globally recognized qualifications and triple-accredited MBA
  • Over 1,000 scholarships available annually
  • High student satisfaction and career support (86% career goal achievement)
  • Opportunity to transfer prior credits and build custom qualifications

Cons:

  • Some programs may not be available in all countries
  • Requires strong self-discipline and time management

Ques. What is the Open University's acceptance rate?

Ans. The Open University UK practices open admissions. At the Open University, there are no traditional competitive entry criteria such as A-levels or GPA thresholds. Accordingly, it enjoys a very high acceptance rate of 87%.

The Open University Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesEligibilityFinancial Aid
February 2026 Qualification Registration Deadline (8th Jan 2026)
April 2026 Qualification Registration Deadline (12th Mar 2026)
USD 29,040 /Yr
GBP 22,000 /Yr
Bachelors degree, IELTS: 6.5
-
Application Deadline for October 2025 Intake (11th Sep 2025)
Application Deadline for February 2026 Intake (8th Jan 2026)
Application Deadline for April 2026 Intake (12th Mar 2026)
USD 10,803 /Yr
GBP 8,184 /Yr
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
Application Deadline for October 2025 Intake (11th Sep 2025)
Application Deadline for February 2026 Intake (8th Jan 2026)
Application Deadline for April 2026 Intake (12th Mar 2026)
USD 5,174 /Yr
GBP 3,920 /Yr
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
Application Deadline for October 2025 Intake (11th Sep 2025)
Application Deadline for February 2026 Intake (8th Jan 2026)
Application Deadline for April 2026 Intake (12th Mar 2026)
USD 11,814 /Yr
GBP 8,950 /Yr
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
Application Deadline for October 2025 Intake (11th Sep 2025)
Application Deadline for February 2026 Intake (8th Jan 2026)
Application Deadline for April 2026 Intake (12th Mar 2026)
USD 10,803 /Yr
GBP 8,184 /Yr
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
Application Deadline for October 2025 Intake (11th Sep 2025)
Application Deadline for February 2026 Intake (8th Jan 2026)
Application Deadline for April 2026 Intake (12th Mar 2026)
USD 10,803 /Yr
GBP 8,184 /Yr
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
Application Deadline for October 2025 Intake (11th Sep 2025)
Application Deadline for February 2026 Intake (8th Jan 2026)
Application Deadline for April 2026 Intake (12th Mar 2026)
USD 10,803 /Yr
GBP 8,184 /Yr
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
Application Deadline for October 2025 Intake (11th Sep 2025)
Application Deadline for February 2026 Intake (8th Jan 2026)
Application Deadline for April 2026 Intake (12th Mar 2026)
USD 16,929 /Yr
GBP 12,825 /Yr
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
Application Deadline for October 2025 Intake (11th Sep 2025)
Application Deadline for February 2026 Intake (8th Jan 2026)
Application Deadline for April 2026 Intake (12th Mar 2026)
USD 11,814 /Yr
GBP 8,950 /Yr
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
Application Deadline for October 2025 Intake (11th Sep 2025)
Application Deadline for February 2026 Intake (8th Jan 2026)
Application Deadline for April 2026 Intake (12th Mar 2026)
USD 10,803 /Yr
GBP 8,184 /Yr
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109

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Top Recommended Courses


Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] Technology Management

18 months
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL90|PTE65|GMAT640
Important Date: 08 Jan, 2026
Entry Requirement: Bachelors degree, IELTS: 6.5
USD 29,040 /YrGBP 22,000 /Yr

3 years
Honours, On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL109
Important Date: 08 Jan, 2026
Entry Requirement: IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
USD 10,803 /YrGBP 8,184 /Yr

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL90|PTE65
Important Date: 08 Jan, 2026
Entry Requirement: IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
USD 5,174 /YrGBP 3,920 /Yr

Post-Graduate Certificate Mathematics

1 year
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL90|PTE65
Important Date: 08 Jan, 2026
Entry Requirement: IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
USD 11,814 /YrGBP 8,950 /Yr

Bachelor of Science [B.S] Computing and IT (Communications and Networking)

3 years
Honours, On Campus
English
Full Time
USD 9,140 /YrGBP 6,924 /Yr
2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6.5|TOEFL109
Options Available:
Important Date: 08 Jan, 2026
Entry Requirement: IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109
USD 10,803 /YrGBP 8,184 /Yr

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The Open University comparison

University NameThe Open UniversityUniversity of London
Programs
  • UG Programs- 142
  • PG Programs - 10
  • UG Programs- 8
  • PG Programs - 11
  • Doctorate Programs -8
Acceptance Rate87.0 %63.0 %
Exam Score
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 27217.08 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 14637.48 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 3603.6 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 43520.4 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 191334 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 1226.28 Per Year
Placement

Some of the program and average salary are as follows:

Executive MBA: $94,000

MBA: $85,000

Executive Masters: $77,000

Masters in Finance: $72,000

Masters in Science: $57,000

Masters of Arts: $53,000 


Average Salaries By Degree:

  • Masters in Management : $117,000 
  • Executive Masters : $110,000 
  • PhD : $105,000 
  • LLM  : $91,000 
  • Masters in Finance : $88,000 
  • MBA : $84,000

Application Requirement

Submit official transcripts

Submit English language requirements

Check program specific requirements

Check program specific requirements

Submit English language proficiency test scores

Campuses and B-SchoolsNA
-Read Full Comparison

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The Open University Ranking

2026202520242023202220212020201920182017

Times Higher Education logo

Overall 801 out of 3118 in Global Ranking

#34 out of 106 in UK 2026

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The Open University Ratings

Based on 1 Students Rating

4.7 out of 10
8.0/10Academic
5.0/10Accommodation
4.0/10Faculty
7.0/10Infrastructure
3.0/10Placement
1.0/10Social Life

The Open University Reviews


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Specialist (1)

1 Reviews Found

Overview

I left my previous college due to mental health issues and poor support from the college. Because of said health issues, I wanted to remain close to family and friends and stay in a familiar environment rather than move across the country. The Open University allowed me to study from a distance, the comfort of my own home, and freed up enough time to pursue treatment and also other interests.

Fees

Fees are paid via the UK Student Loans Company or through personal finances. You pay in bulk. Fees are lower than in other universities.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 4/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 5/10
placement: 3/10
extracurricular: 1/10

The Open University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Leo Murray Entrepreneurship ScholarshipScholarship per student$14,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeCollege-Specific
Business Administration ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
VueVille Future Technology ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Saltire ScholarshipsScholarship per student$8,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Bharat Petroleum ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Commonwealth Rutherford FellowshipScholarship per student$3,105Level Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based

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The Open University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
IELTS7.56.59-
TOEFL10590120-
PTE77.56590-

Attendance Cost

$9,140

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$9,140 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$14,579 / Year
Off Campus
Apartment three bedroom (rent/month)
$2,218 / Year
Apartment one bedroom (rent/month)
$1,386 / Year

The Open University Campus Location


+44-30-03-03-5303
Telephone
Walton Hall, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA
Address

Nearby This Campus

  • Bus Station
  • Airport
  • Shopping Mall
  • Super Market
  • Pharmacy
  • Train Station
  • Book Store

Bus Station

Kents Hill Park0.32 km
Kents Hill Park0.33 km
The Open University0.37 km
The Open University0.37 km
Show More

Shopping Mall

CMK Point1.69 km
Wilko2.26 km
MK1 Shopping & Leisure Park2.34 km
Coffee Hall2.37 km
Show More

Pharmacy

Asda Pharmacy2.43 km
Cox & Robinsons3.28 km
Queensway Pharmacy and Travel Clinic3.46 km
Fleming Medical Ltd.3.61 km
Show More

Book Store

Eagle News3.03 km
Focus Bookshop3.40 km
British Heart Foundation3.61 km
Waterstones3.67 km
Show More

Airport

Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) helipad1.63 km
Mainexecutivetravel3.67 km
Airport Taxi Transfers Via Flybird Taxi4.47 km
Cranfield Airport7.94 km

Super Market

Hoo Hing Ltd2.11 km
Asda Milton Keynes Supercentre2.40 km
Iceland Foods3.34 km
Londis3.59 km
Show More

Train Station

Bow Brickhill2.46 km
Fenny Stratford2.79 km
Bletchley3.71 km
Woburn Sands3.93 km
Show More

● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary

Comments


Found 4 Comments

M
mohammad ahsan
Mar 14, 2025 11:45
please can you call me right now
M
md abu talha
Feb 2, 2024 23:12

As an undergraduate Law student, I intend to pursue a second Law bachelor's degree at this university for my barrister program. Coming from a middle-class family, I am curious if any scholarships, funding, or other opportunities are available to support my studies.

L
Lagan Kapoor
Feb 7, 2024 00:21

OU offers various scholarships. However, check the available scholarships, their benefits and eligibility for the OU Scholarships.

S
saqib mahmood
Oct 16, 2023 12:36
what is the fee structure of law
K
Karan Gupta
Jun 7, 2024 11:22

The Open University tuition fee for the undergraduate law program is around GBP 6,924 /Yr and for the graduate law program is around GBP 11,365 /Yr. You can check The Open University Law Programs for more information.

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