Update on OfS plans to resume assessments for new registration, degree awarding powers, and university title applications in August

We plan to accept new applications from 28 August 2025, with priority for assessment given to institutions with existing applications that were paused last year.

In December 2024, we announced a pause in accepting new applications to register with the OfS, and for degree awarding powers and university title. These temporary changes were designed to allow us to focus our resources on working more closely with institutions under significant financial pressure to protect the interests of students.

The pause will end on 28 August 2025, when we expect to reopen for new applications and resume paused assessments on a staggered basis. We explained in March that we will prioritise work on paused applications before progressing new applications and we have contacted all institutions directly affected by this decision to help inform their future planning.

Following a consultation earlier this year, we expect to make final decisions about reforms to our approach to registration with any changes published in August ahead of new applications being accepted. This would include information about any changes to the initial conditions of registration that providers are required to meet. We have advised individual institutions affected by the pause whether any changes would apply to their case.

We are also continuing to trial changes to our approach to assessing applications for degree awarding powers to make the process more efficient and reduce the amount of evidence required from institution.