The Office for Students (OfS) plans to resume assessing applications for new registrations at the end of August ¡°on a staggered basis¡±, but has not yet finalised the updated conditions for providers hoping to join the register.??

The English higher education regulator stopped reviewing new registration applications?in December 2024, saying it was instead focusing on the financial sustainability of the sector.?

The decision was widely criticised, with some arguing it would stifle new entrants and further harm institutions hoping to boost their prospects by securing degree-awarding powers.?

The OfS has now confirmed it plans to accept new applications from 28 August 2025, with priority for assessment given to institutions that had already applied when registrations were put on pause last year.?

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The regulator is also set to bring in new rules for new registrants, but has yet to make a final decision on the changes.??

It?announced plans earlier this year to redraw the initial requirements for higher education providers hoping to join the OfS register, which allows students at approved institutions to receive public funding via the Student Loans Company.?

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The changes initially proposed in February, which have been out for consultation, would see a new registration category created, known as C5, focused on the fair treatment of students.?

Institutions would also be required to submit a set of governing documents and a five-year business plan, and to provide evidence that they employ key individuals with sufficient knowledge and expertise to enable them to comply with ongoing conditions.

The OfS said it expects to make a final decision about, and publish details of, the proposed reforms in August, ahead of new applications being accepted.?

It said it had advised individual institutions affected by the pause whether any changes would apply to their case.

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helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com