In the UK over thirty percent of young people enter higher education. The minimum age of entry into higher education is usually eighteen. The majority of entrants are school leavers but an increasing number are mature students who qualify on the basis of approved access courses or vocational qualifications. Most courses last between two and four years. Sandwich courses, which include a period of work experience outside the institution, can extend the length of the course by up to a year, and medical and veterinary courses require five years.
Most students take degree courses.
EU students and six percent are from further afield. The Open University is the UK's main distance learning institution for adults,and also makes courses available in other European countries. No formal academic qualifications are required to enrol on its undergraduate courses and it has over 200,000 registered students. The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for educational and cultural relations. Registered in England as a Charity.