Best Open Universities | Ranking  2025

RANKING 2025

1. The Open University (OU) - United Kingdom: The Open University is one of the largest distance learning universities in the world and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

2. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) - India: IGNOU is a central university located in New Delhi, India, and offers a plethora of courses at various levels, including certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.

3. Universitas Terbuka (UT) - Indonesia: Universitas Terbuka, also known as the Indonesia Open University, is a distance learning institution in Indonesia that provides education through various modes, including printed materials, online courses, and television broadcasts.

4. Athabasca University - Canada: Athabasca University is a Canadian university based in Alberta that specializes in online and distance education. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

5. UNISA (University of South Africa) - South Africa: UNISA is one of the largest universities in Africa and offers a variety of distance learning programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational courses.

6. Open University of Catalonia (UOC) - Spain: The Open University of Catalonia is a distance learning university based in Catalonia, Spain. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields.

7. Open University of Israel - Israel: The Open University of Israel is a distance learning institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs to students in Israel and abroad.

8. The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand - New Zealand: The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand is a government-owned distance learning institution that offers vocational and applied technology programs.

9. Anadolu University Open Education Faculty - Turkey: Anadolu University's Open Education Faculty is one of the largest distance learning institutions in Turkey, offering various undergraduate and associate degree programs.

10. Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) - Pakistan: AIOU is a public research university located in Islamabad, Pakistan, offering a wide range of programs through distance learning, including degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

11. Open University Malaysia (OUM) - Malaysia: Open University Malaysia is a leading institution in the country offering distance learning programs. It provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.

12. The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) - Hong Kong: OUHK is a self-financed university known for its innovative approach to distance and online learning. It offers programs at various levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education courses.

13. Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) - Sri Lanka: OUSL is the premier institution for open and distance learning in Sri Lanka. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to cater to the needs of adult learners.

14. Open University of Mauritius (OUm) - Mauritius: The Open University of Mauritius is the first and only open university in Mauritius, offering a variety of programs through distance learning mode, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education courses.

15. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) - Nigeria: NOUN is Nigeria's largest tertiary institution and offers a wide range of programs through open and distance learning mode. It provides opportunities for lifelong learning and skill development.

16. Open Education Centre, University of Delhi - India: The Open Education Centre of the University of Delhi offers distance education programs in various disciplines, including arts, commerce, and science, catering to a diverse range of learners.

17. The Open University of Japan (OUJ) - Japan: OUJ is a distance learning institution providing higher education opportunities for individuals who are unable to attend conventional universities. It offers flexible learning options and a variety of programs.

18. Charles Sturt University (CSU) Online - Australia: Charles Sturt University's online division offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed for distance learners. It is known for its quality education and flexible study options.

19. University of London International Programmes - United Kingdom: The University of London offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its international programmes division. Students can study remotely and earn a prestigious University of London degree.

20. Hong Kong Open University of Science and Technology (OUST) - Hong Kong: OUST is a distance learning institution that offers a variety of programs in science and technology fields, providing opportunities for individuals to advance their careers through flexible study options.

21. Open University of the Netherlands (OU NL) - Netherlands: The Open University of the Netherlands provides online and distance learning programs in various fields, offering flexibility for students to combine their studies with work or other commitments.

22. Korea National Open University (KNOU) - South Korea: KNOU is the leading distance learning institution in South Korea, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs to learners across the country and beyond.

23. Open Polytechnic of Wellington - New Zealand: The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand offers vocational and applied technology programs through distance learning, providing accessible education to a diverse student population.

24. University of the People (UoPeople) - Global: University of the People is a tuition-free, online university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, providing affordable education to students worldwide.

25. The Open University of China (OUC) - China: The Open University of China is a distance learning institution offering programs in various disciplines, catering to the educational needs of learners across China.

26. Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) - Virtual Campus - Iran: IUST's Virtual Campus offers online education programs in engineering and technology fields, providing opportunities for students to pursue higher education remotely.

27. Open University of Cyprus (OUC) - Cyprus: The Open University of Cyprus offers online and distance learning programs in various disciplines, promoting lifelong learning and skill development.

28. National Open University (NOU) - Bangladesh: NOU is the only open university in Bangladesh, providing distance learning opportunities to a wide range of students, including those in remote areas.

29. Wawasan Open University (WOU) - Malaysia: WOU offers online and distance learning programs in collaboration with reputable universities and institutions worldwide, providing quality education to students in Malaysia and beyond.

30. Universidade Aberta (UAb) - Portugal: Universidade Aberta is a distance learning institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in multiple languages, catering to learners worldwide.

31. ABMS Open University of Switzerland, a division of Swiss International University (SIU), was established in 2013. In 2024, it became part of the Swiss International University (SIU) group, further enhancing its educational offerings and global reach.

These universities represent a diverse range of institutions offering open and distance learning opportunities to students worldwide. Each institution has its own unique strengths and focus areas, catering to the needs of adult learners, working professionals, and individuals seeking flexible study options.