Durham University International Scholarships
Durham University offers various scholarships, bursaries, and tuition fee discounts funded by the university, external partnerships, and alumni donations for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Programmes include specific awards for international students, such as the Durham Inspiring Excellence 5K or 10K award and the Global Sports Award.
Quick Facts
Status
Funding
Full / PartialDeadline
Varies by specific scholarship programme, with some closing in March, April, June, and October 2026 or 2027
Country
United KingdomAbout the Durham University International Scholarships
Durham University provides a comprehensive range of financial support opportunities to assist undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world. These scholarships are funded directly by the University, through external organisation partnerships, or via donations from alumni and friends of the institution.
For international applicants, specific competitive awards are available, such as the Durham Inspiring Excellence discount, which offers either 5,000 British pounds or 10,000 British pounds per year towards tuition fees for eligible programmes. Additionally, the Global Sports Award provides up to 5,000 British pounds per academic year for high performance sports applicants with international fee status.
Postgraduate study options include prominent external and partner schemes hosted at Durham University, such as Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships, the Fulbright Durham Scholarship, and the Said Foundation Scholarship. These awards generally cover full tuition fees, living allowances, and travel costs for eligible international students.
Alumni of Durham University who return for further postgraduate study or PGCE programmes across all faculties can benefit from the Alumni Fee Scholarship. This scheme automatically grants a 10 percent tuition fee discount for self-funding graduates commencing programmes in the 2026-27, 2027-28, or 2028-29 academic years.
Applicants must carefully review eligibility criteria, household income thresholds where applicable, and specific submission deadlines for each individual scholarship track. Applications require prior submission of an academic course application to Durham University.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Study at a world-class top tier British university with a global reputation for academic excellence
Access a wide portfolio of dedicated funding streams, including university-funded discounts and prestigious external awards like Chevening and Commonwealth
Benefit from automatic tuition fee discounts if you are a returning Durham University graduate
Receive dedicated support from the Scholarships and Student Funding Office throughout your studies
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
3 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Search and identify an eligible scholarship through the Durham University scholarships database
Submit an academic application for an undergraduate or postgraduate course at Durham University by the required deadline
Check if a separate scholarship application form is required or if consideration is automatic
Submit any supplementary scholarship application documents prior to the published closing date
Await notification from the Scholarships and Student Funding Office or relevant external awarding body
Application Timeline
Varies by course
Academic Application
Must be submitted by the scholarship deadline date
Various dates between October 2025 and October 2026
Scholarship Application Windows
Specific deadlines apply per scheme
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Verify the specific application deadlines for each individual scholarship, as closing dates differ widely across programmes
Ensure your academic course application is submitted well before the scholarship deadline, as an active course application or offer is a prerequisite
Check whether your chosen award permits stacking with other discounts, such as the Alumni Fee Scholarship
Contact scholarships.advice@durham.ac.uk early if you have questions regarding your eligibility or the finance section of online enrolment
Review external scholarship portals separately if applying for joint schemes like Chevening, Fulbright, or Commonwealth
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
Application methods vary by scholarship. You must first submit an academic application to Durham University. Some awards require a separate application form, while others like the Alumni Fee Scholarship or certain fee discounts are applied automatically if you meet the criteria.
Yes. International students can apply for specific awards such as the Durham Inspiring Excellence discount, the Global Sports Award, and major external partner schemes including Chevening, Commonwealth, and Fulbright.
Benefits vary depending on the specific award. Some provide partial tuition fee discounts ranging from 5,000 British pounds to 10,000 British pounds, while fully funded external scholarships cover full tuition fees, monthly living stipends, and travel costs.
You can contact the Durham University Scholarships and Student Funding Office by email at scholarships.advice@durham.ac.uk.
Check the Official Website
This scholarship typically opens around Varies by specific scholarship programme. Confirm the current cycle and deadline on the official portal.
More Scholarships to Explore
Other opportunities you may qualify for
Chevening Scholarship (UK Government Award)
United Kingdom · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The UK Government's flagship fully funded scholarship for outstanding individuals with demonstrated leadership potential. Open to citizens of over 160 countries. Covers full tuition at any eligible UK university, monthly living allowance, visa fees, return airfare, and settlement allowance for a one-year Master's degree. One of the world's most prestigious and career-transforming academic awards.
📅Deadline: October 7 (annual) - Applications open Aug…
ScottishPower Scholarship UK
United Kingdom · ScottishPower
A fully funded master's scholarship from ScottishPower covering tuition fees and a £1,200 monthly allowance for students in engineering, data, or technology programs at 12 participating UK universities. Open to all nationalities.
📅Deadline: March 29, 2026
Durham University International Scholarship
United Kingdom · Durham University
A partial merit-based scholarship from Durham University offering up to £5,000 for international students in eligible one-year master's programs. Note: Durham does not provide a fully funded scholarship - full funding for Durham students comes from external bodies like Chevening or Erasmus Mundus.
📅Deadline: Not open for current intake - reopens for …
Reopens: Varies by specific scholarship programme
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