OU graduate standing in front of giant white letters.

The Open University in Scotland

Delivering life-changing learning across Scotland

The Open University in Scotland

As Scotland's national university for widening access to higher education, we provide supported online learning to over 16,450 students across Scotland. We are open to everyone, regardless of age, income, geography and background.

The majority of our students study for free with a part-time fee grant and top-up funding. No qualifications are required to study most of our modules and students can build up a qualification by registering for one module at a time.  

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Find a course

Discover our wide range of degrees, qualifications, short courses and skills-based training.

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Fees and funding

If you live in Scotland, with an annual personal income of £25,000 or less, you may be eligible to study for free with a Part-Time Fee Grant and OU top-up funding.

Kane Edwards in his alchemist's set up

Latest news

Greenock-based founder builds drinks business with support from The Open University in Scotland.

 
OU student Saffron Macivor at her home on Orkney

About the OU in Scotland

We are the largest provider of part-time higher education in Scotland, and are ranked joint first in Scotland for student satisfaction.

OU graduates Elvis Mohammed and Arlene Warrick-Mohammed.

Meet our students and alumni

Our students come from all walks of life. Each have their own unique story to tell, and we’re here to support them along the way.

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Support and services for students

Achieve your ambitions and contribute to the OU experience, with support, services, and opportunities.

 

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Free online learning

A fantastic range of free short courses to suit all interests and abilities. From art to sustainability: there's something for you.

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Delivering with partners

We work with businesses, organisations, the third sector and communities across Scotland to provide learning and skills.

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On Track with OU in Scotland podcast

A podcast developed to support students with starting and continuing to study with the OU in Scotland, is available on a wide range of platforms.