Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarships

Durham University

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Exceptional self-funded international students applying to eligible programmes for 2027-28. Selection looks at your application responses, academic achievements and potential to make a positive impact, and balances nationalities and programmes. Undergraduates apply to UCAS first; postgraduates apply through the postgraduate online portal first.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Durham gives GBP 5,000 or GBP 10,000 a year in tuition discounts to exceptional self-funded international students.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Exceptional self-funded international students applying to eligible programmes for 2027-28. Selection looks at your application responses, academic achievements and potential to make a positive impact, and balances nationalities and programmes. Undergraduates apply to UCAS first; postgraduates apply through the postgraduate online portal first.
2. Note the deadline. Check the Durham page (the page states no deadline; apply through the linked scholarship page after your academic application) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
3. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. "Rolling" or "varies" does not mean unlimited time. Funds are awarded as applications are reviewed, so apply early.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarships?

Exceptional self-funded international students applying to eligible programmes for 2027-28. Selection looks at your application responses, academic achievements and potential to make a positive impact, and balances nationalities and programmes. Undergraduates apply to UCAS first; postgraduates apply through the postgraduate online portal first.

What does Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarships cover?

Tuition fee discount of GBP 5,000 or GBP 10,000 per year (for three-year undergraduate programmes)

When is the deadline for Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarships?

Check the Durham page (the page states no deadline; apply through the linked scholarship page after your academic application) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarships?

Host countries: United Kingdom.

What documents do I need for Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarships?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarships application?

Medium: University application + scholarship form (if required)