E-learning provider UK eUniversities Worldwide (UKeU) has recruited almost 900 students from 38 countries in its first seven months.

The government-backed company now has students on 17 on-line courses from 16 UK universities across seven main subject areas, including business and management, environmental studies and science and technology.

During the first quarter of 2004, UkeU plans to launch at least a further five courses.

John Beaumont, CEO of UKeU, said: 'Since our service launch in March 2003, UKeU has started to deliver some quantifiable results. There is a real demand from students who have, up until recently, been unable to access high-quality UK degrees.'