The Open University Guarantee

We understand there’s a lot to think about when deciding to study a qualification. We also believe that worrying you won’t get a student loan in time, or that you might not qualify for one, shouldn’t mean that you miss the opportunity to start studying with us. 

If you apply for a student loan, the OU offers a guarantee that a delay or refusal from Student Finance England won’t stop you from starting study in the 2012/13 academic year*.
 
Here’s how it works:

• We’ll cover the cost of your first module if you pass our eligibility check but are unable to obtain a loan when you apply to Student Finance England
• You can start studying in the 2012/12 academic year*, even if your loan has yet to be confirmed

If these three statements are true for you, you’re likely to be eligible for a student loan:
 
1.     I am planning to study for an undergraduate qualification
2.     I am planning to study my first qualification, or one that is higher than any I already have
3.     I am resident in England.
 
We will ask you to complete a more detailed check as part of your Open University registration to indicate eligibility for a student loan and so be covered by our guarantee.
 
Of course, a student loan (also known as a ‘tuition fee loan’) isn’t for everyone and that’s why we offer several options to pay for your study. You can find more information about the options available to students in England at Ways to Pay.

What happens next

► Step 1: Choose the qualification you want to study for and begin the registration process for this.

► Step 2: When you have completed your qualification registration, you will need to select and enrol on the first modules you want to study.

►Step 3: During the module enrolment process you will be asked how you intend to finance your studies and be taken through our tuition fee loan eligibility check.

Take these three steps now to confirm that the OU Guarantee applies to you.

Terms and conditions

_{*The 2012/13 academic year starts on 1 August 2012 and runs until 31 July 2013.}