Durham University Scholarships 2026 is an opportunity for academically talented and financially needy students from around the world to study undergraduate and postgraduate programs at one of the UK’s top universities. With a commitment to attracting the best minds, Durham University has a range of scholarships for different backgrounds, subjects and levels of financial need. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also living costs and other essential academic expenses so quality education is available to students who want to make a difference.
The scholarships at Durham University reflect its broader mission of global collaboration, academic excellence and social justice. Whether you are an international student looking for a world class British education or a home student facing financial hardship, Durham has scholarship schemes to support your journey. From merit-based awards to need based funding, 2026 brings forward generous opportunities to help students succeed without the weight of financial burden. This guide has everything you need to know about Durham University Scholarships 2026, from eligibility to application process, deadlines, required documents and more.
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Details of the Durham University Scholarships
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host Institution: Durham University
- Program Levels: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
- Program Duration: Varies by program
Benefits of Durham University Scholarships
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Living cost support (for select scholarships)
- Travel expenses (in fully funded programs like Chevening, Commonwealth)
- Research funding and fieldwork expenses (for PhD students)
- Access to mentoring, alumni network, and academic development programs
Eligibility Criteria for the Durham University Scholarships
- Must have received or be in the process of receiving an offer to study at Durham University.
- Demonstrate academic excellence (grades, academic records, research potential).
- Meet nationality and residency requirements (varies per scholarship).
- For need-based scholarships, provide financial need evidence.
- Meet English language proficiency criteria (usually IELTS or equivalent).
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How to Apply for Durham University Scholarships
- Complete your admission application via UCAS (for undergraduates) or Durham’s postgraduate portal.
- Visit Durham University’s official scholarships page. Filter scholarships based on your nationality, course level, and department.
- Some scholarships are automatic upon admission; others require separate application forms.
- Provide supporting documents as specified for each scholarship
- Shortlisted applicants may be interviewed (especially for competitive awards).
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts
- Offer letter from Durham University
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Proof of financial need (for need-based awards)
- Research proposal (for PhD funding)
- Language proficiency test results
- Reference letters (2-3 depending on scholarship)
- Valid passport copy
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Durham University Scholarships 2026 open up the world for bright, hardworking students to get a top-class education without financial barriers. With options for undergraduate and postgraduate students, these scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence, global connectivity and innovation. Students should explore all options early, prepare strong applications and meet deadlines to increase their chances of success. Start your journey to an amazing academic future at Durham today.
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Application Deadline
The application deadlines for most Durham University Scholarships fall between November 2025 and April 2026. Competitive awards such as the Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Shared Scholarships close as early as November 2025 and January 2026, respectively. For internal scholarships like the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships, the deadline falls around March 2026. Ensure you complete and submit your application before the deadline to secure a place in this prestigious program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Durham University Scholarships?
These are financial awards offered to undergraduate and postgraduate students at Durham University. They can be merit-based, need-based, subject-specific, or region-specific, and they help cover tuition, living costs, research, and more.
What fields of study are eligible for Durham University Scholarships?
Scholarships at Durham University are available across a wide range of academic disciplines. These include Business, Economics, Law, Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental and Natural Sciences, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Theology, Education, and Mathematical Sciences.
How competitive are Durham University Scholarships?
Durham University Scholarships, particularly those that are fully funded, are highly competitive. Awards such as the Chevening and Commonwealth Shared Scholarships attract top-tier international applicants and are awarded based on a combination of academic merit, leadership potential, community involvement, and future impact
Are there scholarships specifically available for postgraduate research students?
Yes, Durham University offers several scholarship opportunities for students pursuing postgraduate research degrees. These include the Durham Doctoral Studentships, which provide full tuition coverage and a living stipend, and the ESRC NINE Doctoral Training Partnership, which supports social science researchers.
Do I need to apply separately for scholarships at Durham University?
Some scholarships are awarded automatically based on your application, while others require a separate application. Always check the eligibility details.