We value our diverse and transnational research community. The OU welcomes international students looking to undertake a research degree in the UK.
This page covers the ways the OU can support international research students; for detailed information on requirements and considerations for applying from outside the UK, please see our International research student applications page.
Our Student Route license
The OU is licensed as a Student Route sponsor under the points-based immigration system. This means we can register students coming from outside the UK.
Details of the requirements for entry to the UK as a postgraduate research student are on the Gov.uk general student visa website. The UK Council for International Student Affairs also offers support with applying for a Student Route visa, as well as other issues affecting international students.
Support for international students
Coming to the UK to start a degree programme is an exciting opportunity. We’ll help you settle into your new life, both in Milton Keynes and at the OU.
- The University has a dedicated Accommodation officer to support you in your accommodation search and you can be put in touch with them once you have accepted your offer.
- We have negotiated an arrangement with a campus-based university nearby for some of our research students to live in their student-friendly accommodation; again, we can tell you more about this once you’ve accepted your offer.
- You will get support from a dedicated International research student support adviser who can offer:
- assistance in opening a UK bank account
- general advice for living in the UK
- social opportunities to get to know your community.
- The Graduate School runs a dedicated induction session for first-year international students.
- On acceptance of an offer to study with us, we can issue a confirmation of acceptance (CAS) for study.
If you need additional information on any of the support we can offer you, get in contact with our Graduate School Team.