.edu domain explained
.edu is a restricted sponsored top-level domain for eligible US postsecondary institutions
New .edu registrations are generally limited to US-based postsecondary institutions with institution-wide accreditation from an accreditor recognised by the US Department of Education. EDUCAUSE is the sole registrar. A school, training business or non-US university cannot register .edu simply because it provides education.
Who can apply for a new .edu domain?
US-based institution
The institution must meet the official US location or recognition criteria described by EDUCAUSE.
Postsecondary education
The core category is an eligible college, university or other postsecondary institution.
Institutional accreditation
Accreditation must cover the institution itself through a US Department of Education-recognised institutional accreditor.
Limited special categories
Official system or district offices and qualifying associations can have separate eligibility tests under the policy.
What usually does not qualify?
| Organisation | New .edu eligibility | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| UK university or college | Normally no | New registration eligibility is restricted to US-based institutions |
| K-12 school | No under the standard category | The main eligibility category is postsecondary |
| Training company | Normally no | Providing education does not itself establish institutional accreditation |
| Department within a university | Normally no separate domain | Program or component accreditation is not institution-wide accreditation |
Why do some unusual organisations already use .edu?
Some .edu domains that existed by 29 October 2001 were grandfathered under the cooperative agreement. Their existence does not mean a similar organisation can obtain a new .edu registration today.
What can a UK education provider use instead?
.ac.uk
A restricted UK academic namespace with its own eligibility and application process. Check the official rules before planning around it.
.sch.uk
A restricted UK school namespace governed by UK registry rules and local naming arrangements.
.org.uk or .uk
Useful general UK options when the organisation and audience are primarily British.
.com or another open extension
A practical choice for a commercial training provider or international education service.
.edu questions
Can UKC register .edu for me?
No. EDUCAUSE is the sole .edu registrar. UKC can help you search suitable open alternatives.
Does a course accreditation qualify?
Not by itself. The official standard requires institutional accreditation, not only accreditation of a program or department.
Can a UK school use .edu?
It is not eligible for a new .edu merely because it is a school. Review the appropriate UK education namespace or an open extension.
Is .edu automatically trustworthy?
Restriction provides context, but visitors should still assess the institution and the specific information on the website.
Need an available alternative?
Search UK and global domain extensions for your education project
Choose an extension whose eligibility and meaning genuinely fit the organisation.