How to register

How to register as a new provider

From 16 December 2020, the Office for Students is open to new registration applications:

All applications must be submitted via the registration application portal. In order to access the portal, applicants will require an access key.
If you do not already have an access key, please send an email to [email protected] to ask for an access key request form. We will then send you a short form to complete and return to us, following which an access key will be generated and sent to you.
The OfS is in the process of contacting recent enquirers to provide them with the access key request form: if you have requested one from us we will respond shortly.

This regulatory advice sets out guidance for new providers of higher education in England that want to register with the Office for Students (OfS).

It applies to you if you:

Did not receive funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) during 2017-18, and will not be funded by the OfS in 2018-19.

Did not receive designation for student support by the Secretary of State and are not regulated by the Department for Education (DfE) in 2018-19 (sometimes referred to as an ‘alternative provider’).

Are an embedded college or other higher education provider with a Tier 4 sponsorship licence, or wishing to apply for one.

Get the guidance and application documents Submit your application online

Last updated 16 December 2020 + show all updates

16 December 2020: Update to the latest information about applying to register with the OfS.
23 April 2020: Note added about registration applications during the coronavirus pandemic

Describe your experience of using this website

What were you doing on the website? * Is there anything you liked or disliked? *