About The Open University
Established by the Royal Charter and globally recognised, The Open University has pioneered distance learning for over 50 years, delivering exceptional teaching and outstanding support to students across the UK and the world. Their mission is to make learning accessible to all.
Through its membership in the GUA, the OU will explore using its expertise in open, distance and digital learning, helping to explore new pathways into higher education for learners who may be unable to access traditional university provision.
The move builds on the OU’s longstanding mission of openness and inclusion and complements the University’s wider work supporting refugees, displaced learners and underrepresented communities through initiatives such as its Sanctuary Scholarships, OpenLearn resources and being an University of Sanctuary.
Welcoming the OU
GUA Chairman, Svein Stølen, said:
“We are very pleased to welcome The Open University to the Global University Academy. The OU has long been at the forefront of opening up higher education to learners who may not be able to access traditional university pathways, combining flexible online learning with strong academic quality and student support. This experience speaks directly to GUA’s mission. Together, we are working to expand access to meaningful, recognised higher education for refugee learners and host communities, and to develop models that are both innovative and grounded in academic excellence.”
Professor Allan Laville, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at The Open University, said:
“The Open University was founded on the principle that education should be open to all. By joining the Global University Academy, we are strengthening our commitment to widening access to higher education for learners affected by conflict, displacement and inequality. We look forward to working with partners across the network and contributing the OU’s expertise in flexible, supportive, inclusive and digital learning.”