The Open University (OU) is a public distance-learning research university headquartered in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, founded in 1969 and ranked #614 globally by Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026. As the largest UK university by enrolment, OU teaches over 170,000 learners worldwide, including roughly 8,000 international students from 157 countries.
The Open University runs over 200 fully online undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA qualifications across business, computing, cyber security, data science, education and social sciences, all delivered in English through the OU virtual learning platform. Indian students can complete an OU degree without relocating to the UK, with five module start months each year (October, November, February, April and May) built around the flagship October intake. Its AMBA-accredited MBA in the UK pathway is among the most-searched OU programmes from India.
- Global rank: #614 (Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026); THE World 2026 #801-1000
- Acceptance rate: 87% (open-access UG; selective PG)
- Intakes: October (primary), November, February, April, May
- PG tuition: GBP 3,920 to GBP 18,805 per year (INR 5.07 to 24.32 lakh)
- MBA total fee: GBP 18,000 to GBP 24,140 (INR 23.28 to 31.22 lakh)
- Recommendation rate: 92% of international OU graduates recommend the university
Also Check: MS Universities in the UK for Indian Students
OU fees are billed per 60-credit module, so Indian learners can spread payment across the flexible 1.5 to 7-year window and use the OU Student Budget Account (OUSBA) instalment plan. External funding through Chevening, GREAT Scholarships or employer sponsorship remains the primary route for Indian applicants, since university-run scholarships for overseas students are limited. Students continue to work full-time in India while studying, with UK study in United Kingdom visa rules not applicable to fully online enrolment.
Exchange rate used: 1 GBP = INR 129.34 as of July 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (October 2026 intake). Registration for October 2026 module starts closes approximately four weeks before each module start date, on a rolling basis. Indian applicants targeting the October 2026 intake should complete registration and English-test evidence submission by mid-September 2026. The next cycle, for February 2027 entry, is expected to open November 2026 on a rolling basis with no fixed close date.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at The Open University 2026
- The Open University Admission 2026
- The Open University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2026
- The Open University Acceptance Rate 2026
- The Open University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2026
- The Open University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- The Open University Scholarships 2026
- The Open University Rankings 2027
- The Open University Placements and Career Outcomes 2026
- The Open University vs Peer Universities
- The Open University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at The Open University 2026
The Open University charges tuition per 60-credit module rather than a single annual fee, so total programme cost depends on pacing. Postgraduate qualifications range from 60-credit Postgraduate Certificates to the 180-credit AMBA-accredited MBA, while undergraduate honours degrees require 360 credits over 3 to 16 years of flexible study. As per The Open University international fees page, international tuition for 2026-27 sits between GBP 3,920 and GBP 18,805 per year of full-time equivalent study.
Top 10 PG Courses at The Open University 2026
The 10 most-searched OU postgraduate programmes for Indian applicants are listed below. All are delivered fully online in English with October as the primary intake.
| Program name | Total fee (GBP) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (F61, AMBA-accredited) | GBP 18,000 to 24,140 | 23.28 to 31.22 lakh | Bachelor’s with 50% or CGPA 5.0/10 plus 3 years work experience (recommended) |
| MBA Technology Management | GBP 20,090 to 22,000 | 25.98 to 28.45 lakh | Bachelor’s with 50% or CGPA 5.0/10 plus 3 years work experience (recommended) |
| MSc Computing (Software Development) | GBP 11,760 to 18,805 | 15.21 to 24.32 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 in computing or STEM (recommended) |
| MSc Cyber Security | GBP 11,760 to 18,805 | 15.21 to 24.32 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 in a related field (recommended) |
| MSc Data Science | GBP 11,760 to 18,805 | 15.21 to 24.32 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 in quantitative discipline (recommended) |
| MA Education | GBP 7,840 to 11,760 | 10.14 to 15.21 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MA Childhood and Youth | GBP 7,840 to 11,760 | 10.14 to 15.21 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Postgraduate Diploma Finance | GBP 7,840 to 11,760 | 10.14 to 15.21 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 in finance or business (recommended) |
| MSc Advancing Healthcare Practice | GBP 7,840 to 11,760 | 10.14 to 15.21 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 in healthcare (recommended) |
| MA Creative Writing | GBP 7,840 to 11,760 | 10.14 to 15.21 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
Top 5 UG Courses at The Open University 2026
OU undergraduate honours degrees carry 360 credits total, with international fees charged at GBP 4,092 for 60 credits per year or GBP 8,184 for 120 credits per year.
| Program name | Total fee (GBP) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Social Sciences (Psychology) | GBP 24,552 | 31.75 lakh | Class 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended, open-access) |
| BA Health and Social Care | GBP 24,552 | 31.75 lakh | Class 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended, open-access) |
| BA English Literature | GBP 24,552 | 31.75 lakh | Class 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended, open-access) |
| BSc Computing and IT | GBP 24,552 | 31.75 lakh | Class 12 with 60% or above (recommended) |
| Diploma of Higher Education (History) | GBP 16,368 | 21.17 lakh | Class 12 with 55% (recommended, open-access) |
Insider note: Indian applicants most often enrol in the MBA (F61), MSc Cyber Security and MSc Data Science, drawn by AMBA accreditation and the ability to study while retaining a full-time job in India.
Read More: The Open University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
The Open University Admission 2026
The Open University runs rolling admissions across five module start months, with October as the primary intake for Indian postgraduate applicants. The full document checklist and MBA-specific route sit in the Admissions silo.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| October 2026 intake registration close | Approximately 3 September 2026 | Roughly 4 weeks before module start; complete English-test upload first |
| February 2027 intake registration open | Expected November 2026 (based on prior cycle) | Selected PG and MBA modules only; listed per course page |
| Credential verification (WES or transcript upload) | Start 6 weeks before registration close | OU accepts direct transcript verification; WES optional |
| Programme start | October 2026 or February 2027 | Access to virtual learning environment issued 2 weeks before start |
Planning note: Because OU admits on a rolling basis with five intakes, Indian applicants who miss the October window can pivot to February 2027 for most business, computing and education modules without waiting a full year.
Read More: The Open University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
The Open University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2026
OU admission requirements for Indian students are open-access at undergraduate level and selective for the MBA and specialist master’s routes.
- PG academic: Recognised Indian bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 in a related field; MBA requires 50% or CGPA 5.0/10 plus 3 years post-qualification work experience (recommended)
- English test: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component for UG and most PG; IELTS 6.5 overall for the MBA
- Accepted tests: IELTS confirmed; TOEFL iBT and Cambridge English also accepted; verify component scores at the OU international page
- Credential upload: Direct scan of Indian degree and Class 12 marksheets; WES optional
Indian applicants without IELTS may qualify for a waiver if their prior degree was taught fully in English, subject to OU verification of the medium of instruction.
Key insight: Because OU’s UG entry is open-access, Class 12 marks are used for guidance only and never disqualify an Indian applicant; the MBA is the tightest route because of the mandatory 3-year work-experience floor.
The Open University Acceptance Rate 2026
The Open University acceptance rate is approximately 87% across all programmes, reflecting its open-access admissions policy for most undergraduate qualifications. As per the OU admissions framework, no Class 12 cutoff applies to open-access UG modules, while the MBA and specialist master’s routes are selective and admit closer to 60% of applicants who meet the work-experience floor.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 87% (open-access) | Stable |
| 2025 | 87% (estimated) | Stable |
OU does not publish a competitive selection ratio for UG because entry is open to any adult learner aged 16 or above. Indian applicants targeting the MBA or MSc Data Science should treat the acceptance figure as indicative only.
Reality check: Open-access does not mean a guaranteed degree; OU’s completion rate is markedly lower than campus universities, so Indian applicants must budget realistic weekly study hours before enrolling.
Read More: The Open University Acceptance Rate
The Open University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2026
Total OU study cost for Indian students sits between GBP 3,920 and GBP 24,140 (INR 5.07 to 31.22 lakh) across the qualification, since OU learners study from India and pay no UK living costs. Fully online delivery removes the need for a UK Student Visa, dependent visa or on-campus housing.
The Open University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026
Tuition is charged per 60-credit module and revised each academic year.
| Programme | Annual fee (GBP) | Annual fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| UG (60 credits per year, part-time) | GBP 4,092 | 5.29 lakh |
| UG (120 credits per year, full-time equivalent) | GBP 8,184 | 10.58 lakh |
| PG masters (annual band) | GBP 3,920 to 18,805 | 5.07 to 24.32 lakh |
| MBA (F61 total) | GBP 18,000 to 24,140 | 23.28 to 31.22 lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living for Indian Students Studying from India
Because OU is a distance-first university, Indian learners study from home in India and incur no UK living costs. A typical monthly outlay for supporting study equipment and connectivity is shown below in Indian rupee terms.
| Category | Monthly cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| High-speed internet | INR 1,500 (estimated) |
| Study workspace and utilities | INR 2,000 (estimated) |
| Books, e-resources beyond OU library | INR 1,000 (estimated) |
| Optional residential-school travel (once per year) | INR 8,000 (estimated, amortised) |
| Total monthly support cost | INR 12,500 (estimated) |
Insider note: The single biggest hidden cost for Indian OU learners is exam-centre travel; the British Council in metros charges INR 8,000 to 12,000 per module exam sitting, which is not included in tuition.
Read More: Universities in the UK for Indian Students
The Open University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
OU is headquartered in Milton Keynes but is delivered fully online through its virtual learning environment, so Indian students never need to be on campus.
- Delivery platform: OU StudentHome portal, module websites, live online tutorials and forums; access issued 2 weeks before each module start
- Library and databases: Fully digital OU Library with 24/7 remote access to over 400,000 e-books, journals and industry databases
- Optional residential schools: One-week in-person schools for select STEM and creative modules; participation not compulsory for Indian learners
- Exam centres in India: British Council centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad
- Indian community: Active WhatsApp and StudentHome forums; roughly 8,000 international learners across 157 countries
What Indian students say: Learners consistently flag OU’s tutor response times and mobile-friendly module portal as key strengths, while calling out that self-discipline is the make-or-break factor for finishing a module on schedule.
The Open University Scholarships 2026
The Open University scholarships for Indian students are limited; the university itself funds only two named schemes and points overseas learners to external UK-government routes and instalment plans.
| Scholarship | Type | Award value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary Scholarship | Full tuition | Full module fees | Asylum seekers and refugees only | Verify at official page |
| OU Bursaries | Partial tuition | Variable | UK residents only | Rolling with module registration |
| OUSBA Payment Plan | Instalment (not a grant) | Spreads full module fee | Open to Indian learners | Rolling |
| Chevening Scholarship (external) | Full tuition and stipend | Full MBA or masters funding | Indian nationals with 2+ years work experience | Applications open August each year |
| GREAT Scholarships India (external) | Partial tuition | GBP 10,000 (INR 12.93 lakh) | Indian nationals for taught PG | Verify at official OU page |
Planning note: Most Indian OU learners self-fund through OUSBA instalments or employer sponsorship rather than winning a competitive scholarship; Chevening applications must be filed a full 15 months before the intended intake.
Read More: The Open University Scholarships Guide
The Open University Rankings 2027
The Open University’s strongest global ranking is in Public Administration, where ARWU 2025 places OU at #24 worldwide; overall global position sits in the 800 to 1,100 band across QS, THE and US News.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: Not ranked (subject-only) | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World | 2026: #801-1000 | 2025: #801-1000 | 2024: #801-1000 |
| US News Global | 2025-2026: #1056 | Verify at official page | Verify at official page |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | 2026: #614 global; #95 UK | NA | NA |
[Source: THE, US News, ARWU, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
By subject, ARWU 2025 ranks OU #24 in Public Administration, #101-150 in Geography, #101-150 in Education, #151-200 in Earth Sciences, #151-200 in Law and #151-200 in Sociology, giving Indian applicants a credible research signal in social sciences and education even where global aggregate ranks look modest.
Key insight: Because UK visa eligibility does not apply to fully online OU study, Indian applicants should weigh subject-level rank and AMBA accreditation over aggregate world rank when choosing between OU and a campus alternative.
Read More: The Open University Rankings Analysis
The Open University Placements and Career Outcomes 2026
OU does not run a traditional campus placement cell because most learners are already employed while they study; career outcomes are measured through wage progression and promotion instead.
- Employment continuity: Over 70% of OU learners are in paid work throughout their studies, per OU’s own learner surveys
- Median MBA salary uplift: GBP 15,000 to 20,000 (INR 19.40 to 25.87 lakh) reported post-MBA (market median, self-reported)
- Careers service: Free lifetime access to OU Careers, CV clinics and mentoring, delivered fully online
- Recruiter recognition: AMBA-accredited MBA recognised by top consulting, technology and financial-services employers hiring in India
- Alumni signal: 92% of international graduates recommend the university (OU International Student Barometer)
Insider note: For Indian applicants, OU credentials are strongest for internal promotion within an existing employer; switching companies still favours candidates with a full-time campus MBA or masters plus visible project work.
The Open University vs Peer Universities
OU competes with other UK distance and online providers rather than campus universities; the peer set below is drawn from UK online-first institutions Indian students shortlist alongside OU.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (GBP / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Open University | Not ranked | #614 | GBP 3,920 to 18,805 / 5.07 to 24.32 lakh | Largest UK distance university, AMBA MBA |
| University of London (Worldwide) | Not ranked (distance) | NA | GBP 6,000 to 15,000 / 7.76 to 19.40 lakh (estimated) | LSE and Goldsmiths-backed distance degrees |
| Arden University | Not ranked | NA | GBP 6,500 to 13,500 / 8.41 to 17.46 lakh (estimated) | 100% online with faster completion tracks |
| Anglia Ruskin University Distance | Not ranked (distance stream) | NA | GBP 7,500 to 12,000 / 9.70 to 15.52 lakh (estimated) | Distance MBA with UK residency option |
| Coventry University Online | Not ranked (online) | NA | GBP 7,000 to 13,000 / 9.05 to 16.81 lakh (estimated) | Strong online engineering and cyber portfolio |
OU stands out on two dimensions: the largest active learner base in UK higher education and the only fully open-access UG route, which lets Indian working professionals begin without a formal academic gate. Its AMBA-accredited MBA also carries stronger recruiter recognition than most pure-online UK peers.
The Open University suits Indian working professionals aged 25 and above who need a UK-accredited qualification without pausing their career, spending INR 5.07 to 31.22 lakh in total against a self-reported median MBA salary uplift of INR 19.40 to 25.87 lakh. Its strongest Indian-specific advantage is that fully online delivery skips the UK study in United Kingdom visa route entirely, cutting cost and relocation risk.
OU is not the right fit for Indian applicants targeting a UK post-study work visa, on-campus placement cell or the traditional cohort experience. Learners in that profile should shortlist Coventry University Online or a campus alternative such as the University of East London instead.
The Open University FAQs
Ques. Is The Open University degree recognised by Indian employers and UGC?
Ans. Yes, an OU degree is a full UK higher-education qualification recognised globally and accepted for AIU equivalence in India when the specific programme is listed. Indian employers in consulting, IT and financial services routinely accept OU qualifications, especially the AMBA-accredited MBA. Applicants should apply for AIU equivalence after completion if planning to sit Indian government examinations that require it.
Ques. Can Indian students complete an OU degree without leaving India?
Ans. Yes, The Open University is a distance-first institution and Indian students complete every module, tutorial, assessment and dissertation from India using the OU virtual learning environment. Optional residential schools apply only to select STEM modules and are never compulsory. Final exams are sat at British Council centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad for a per-sitting fee.
Ques. How does the OU MBA F61 compare with an Indian tier-1 MBA in cost?
Ans. The Open University MBA costs INR 23.28 to 31.22 lakh in total, comparable to tier-1 Indian MBA programmes but paid across 1.5 to 7 years of flexible study. The core difference is that OU applicants continue earning a full Indian salary through the programme, so opportunity cost is close to zero. Payment can be spread module-by-module through the OUSBA instalment plan without a formal loan.
Ques. Does OU accept the TOEFL iBT or offer an English-test waiver?
Ans. The Open University accepts TOEFL iBT and Cambridge English alongside IELTS Academic 6.0 for most programmes and 6.5 for the MBA. Indian applicants whose prior bachelor’s degree was taught fully in English can request an English-test waiver by uploading a medium-of-instruction letter from the awarding institution. Waiver approval is at OU’s discretion and confirmed before module registration is finalised.
Ques. What is the OU work-experience requirement for the MBA F61 programme?
Ans. The Open University MBA F61 requires at least 3 years of post-qualification work experience for Indian applicants, with managerial or supervisory responsibility strongly preferred. Applicants without a bachelor’s degree can still qualify if they hold 5 or more years of senior work experience plus completion of an OU Certificate in Management. The MBA is delivered entirely online with October as the primary intake.
Ques. Which Indian banks fund an OU distance qualification through education loans?
Ans. Most Indian public-sector banks including SBI, Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank restrict education loans to full-time on-campus programmes and typically decline OU distance funding. Non-banking lenders such as Avanse, Auxilo and HDFC Credila do offer skill-loan products for AMBA-accredited MBA distance programmes including OU. Applicants should get a written eligibility confirmation from the lender before registration.
Ques. Can an OU graduate apply for the UK Graduate Route or Skilled Worker visa?
Ans. An Indian OU graduate who studied entirely from India cannot apply for the UK Graduate Route, since the route requires on-campus study on a UK Student Visa. Skilled Worker visa eligibility is unaffected and OU qualifications are accepted as evidence of degree-level education by UK Visas and Immigration. Applicants targeting UK residency should factor this into the campus-versus-distance decision.
Ques. How long does an OU postgraduate qualification take to complete for Indian learners?
Ans. The Open University MBA F61 can be completed in 1.5 years at full pace or spread across up to 7 years, while most master’s qualifications range from 2 to 6 years. Indian learners working full time typically finish an OU MBA in 3 to 4 years by taking 60 credits per academic year. Pace can be changed between modules without penalty, giving flexibility around promotions, transfers and family events.
The Open University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 11,212 /Yr GBP 8,184 /Yr | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109 | |||
M.B.A Technology Management 18 months | USD 30,140 /Yr GBP 22,000 /Yr | Bachelors degree, IELTS: 6.5 | - | |
B.A Health and Social Care 3 years | USD 11,212 /Yr GBP 8,184 /Yr | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109 | ||
Graduate Diploma Finance 2 years | USD 5,370 /Yr GBP 3,920 /Yr | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109 | ||
Diploma History 2 years | USD 11,212 /Yr GBP 8,184 /Yr | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109 | ||
| USD 11,212 /Yr GBP 8,184 /Yr | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109 | |||
| USD 11,212 /Yr GBP 8,184 /Yr | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109 | |||
M.A Childhood and Youth 3 years | USD 17,570 /Yr GBP 12,825 /Yr | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109 | ||
| USD 12,262 /Yr GBP 8,950 /Yr | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109 | |||
| USD 12,262 /Yr GBP 8,950 /Yr | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 109 |
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The Open University comparison
| University Name | The Open University | University of London |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ranking |
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| Subject Strength |
| - |
| Programs |
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| Acceptance Rate | 87.0 % | 63.0 % |
| Cost to Study |
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| 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:
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| Application Requirement | Submit official transcripts Submit English language requirements Check program specific requirements | Check program specific requirements Submit English language proficiency test scores |
| - | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 614 out of 824 in Global Ranking
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The Open University Reviews
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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.
The Open University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Saltire Scholarships | Scholarship per student$8,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Commonwealth Rutherford Fellowship | Scholarship per student$3,105 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| India Postgraduate Taught Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,555 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific |
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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
Comments
Found 4 Comments
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.
OU offers various scholarships. However, check the available scholarships, their benefits and eligibility for the OU Scholarships.
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.