University title
Apply to use the word university or other sensitive terms
Before a provider can use any company name, trading name or limited liability partnership (LLP) name involving the following words, it needs permission from the Secretary of State (via Companies House):
- accredit
- accreditation
- accredited
- accrediting
- polytechnic or university
- the term 'higher education’
- the term ‘university centre’.
With the relevant permissions a provider could use the above words in their name without holding ‘university title’ or ‘university college title’.
How to apply
The decision to approve a company, business or LLP name rests with Companies House.
But to use the words ’university' or 'university centre', as well as other similar terms, in the name of such an entity, a provider will first need to obtain a non-objection letter from the Department for Education.
For more information about the process to be followed, please contact the Department for Education at university.inacompanyname@education.gov.uk or see details on GOV.UK: Use of university, polytechnic and higher education in business and company names
Last updated 26 January 2026 + show all updates
26 January 2026 - Added link to further guidance on GOV.UK.
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