There are a number of significant changes from the previous version of this policy (Fee Rules (Undergraduate Study) 2023/24). These are:
a) Removal of references to Professional Development Courses which ended in December 2023. Amendment to references for Microcredential Terms and Conditions.
b) Addition of information regarding how to update language preferences within the Introduction.
c) Clarification around how The Open University differs from other Higher Education Institutions (Clause A1).
d) Clarification of the Home Address Fee Scheme and impact of address changes (Clause B1.5).
e) Changes from the term ‘eligible’ to ‘liable’ with regards to Fee terminology (Sections B4 and B5).
f) Removal of references to Diamond Funding and review (Clause B5.3).
g) Clarification that the two academic years must be consecutive (Clause B7.4).
h) Addition of requirement to ensure that The Open University are satisfied in your participation (Clause B8.2).
i) Introduction of Fee Limit Discount information to ensure that the maximum fee is not exceeded (Section C1, Clause E7, New Glossary Item: Fee Limit Discount; new Appendix 5: Fee Limit Discounts).
j) Clarification that tuition fee support consists of both part-time fee grant support and the part-time fee loan (Clause C2.4).
k) Amendment to the funding cap for Northern Ireland to £3,562.50 (Clause C2.4).
l) Clarification that 14 days refers to calendar days (Section E, Section F, Section H, and Glossary).
m) Amendment to Changing Your Study Plans reference (Clause E6).
n) Clarification that deferral refers to the next presentation or academic year (Clause E8).
o) Addition of ‘you defer or withdraw’ (Clause G10).
p) Addition of reference to the relevant Fee Liability point (Clause H1.3, b).
q) Clarification on how to find out more about the maximum period for Discretionary Fee Credits (Clause I4).
r) Addition of whether a module is deemed appropriate by The Open University (Clause J2, a). Clarification of the need to register or enrol for the next available start date (Clause J2, e).
s) Removal of references to examination centres and subsequent renumbering of clauses (original Clause K2). Subsequent removal of Glossary definition for nonestablished examination centre.
t) Addition of new Clause K3 to describe liability for additional expenses related to residential schools. Subsequent renumbering of clauses.
u) General glossary amendments not already mentioned: Removal of References to declared undergraduate qualifications. Addition of definition for Fee Discount, and The Open University Council. Amendments to the Specified British Overseas Territories and updates to Appendix 1 to reflect new terminology.
v) Removal of references to postal correspondence (Further Clarification section).
w) Amendments to Appendix 1 Residency Criteria to include:
a. The UK and Islands refers to the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the specified British Overseas Territories.
b. Additional clarifications regarding the Chagos Islands (new Clause AP1 2.1.6). Subsequent renumbering.
c. Additional clarifications to EU Settlement Status Scheme (EUSS) (New clause Ap1 2.3.3).
d. Additional clarifications to the ‘Family members of EU nationals and relevant person of Northern Ireland (RPNI) (new Clause AP1 2.5.4).
e. Amendments to refer to ‘EU settlement status’ and removal of reference to the EEA and Switzerland (Clauses Ap1 2.6, and Ap1 2.6.1).
f. Amendment from UK to ‘England, Northern Ireland or Wales’ (within clause Ap 2.6.5).
g. Addition of new clause regarding Ukraine schemes (Ap1 2.6.7). Subsequent renumbering.
h. Removal of the requirement to be resident in England and Wales (within Ap1 2.6.8, was previously Ap1 2.6.7).
i. Clarification to reference eligibility to enter or remain as a victim of domestic abuse or a child of the person listed (within Clause Ap1 2.6.9, was previously Ap1 2.6.8).
j. Additional clarifications to Nationals of countries outside of the UK, EEA and Switzerland (new Clause Ap1 2.6.13). Subsequent renumbering.
k. Additional Section Ap1.4 added to describe ‘Changes to your UK residency status after you have started studying a qualification with us.’
x) Requirement for students who are resident in Wales to pay accommodation charges for residential schools, and removal of Wales-specific content (Clause Ap3.1).
y) Removal of cancellation policy clause for residential schools (previously Ap3 13).
z) Addition of new Appendix 5: Fee Limit Discounts.
