[Open University and its applicability in Nursing]

The article covers aspects of a educational system, called Open University, which began in England in 1963. Its structure, organization and evaluation are presented, as well as some attempts to implement the methodology in Brazil. The authors suggest that the idea behind the Open University - dissemination of knowledge - should be incorporated by nurses, in order to encourage them towards continuing education, and indicate some organizations through which such programs could be known and extended throughout the country.