Durham University Scholarships 2026 offer a wide range of fully funded and partially funded opportunities for international students who wish to study in the United Kingdom. These scholarships are available for master’s and PhD degree programs and are supported by the UK government, international organizations, and Durham University itself. They aim to attract academically excellent students from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
This article provides complete details on Durham University scholarships for international students, including degree levels, subjects, eligible nationalities, benefits, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
Degree Level
Durham University Scholarships are available for the following degree levels:
- Master’s Degree (Postgraduate Taught – PGT)
- PhD Degree (Postgraduate Research – PGR)
- Split-Site Doctoral Programs
- Undergraduate programs (limited and specific scholarships)
You may also like: Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Graduate Funding at Cambridge,UK
Subjects Available
Durham University scholarships cover a wide range of academic disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Climate Change, Risk, and Sustainability
- Social Sciences
- International Relations and Peace Studies
- Humanities and Arts
- Business, Economics, and Development Studies
- Law and Public Policy
- Music and Choral Studies
- Environmental and Climate Research
Most scholarships allow students to apply for any subject offered by Durham University, while some are limited to specific programs.
Nationality
Durham University Scholarships are open to students from many countries worldwide. Eligible nationalities include:
- International students from all countries (Durham Inspiring Excellence Awards)
- Commonwealth countries (Commonwealth Scholarships)
- United States (Fulbright and Marshall Scholarships)
- China (Chinese Scholarships Council)
- Mexico (British Council Women in STEM, Conacyt)
- Colombia (Colfuturo)
- South Africa (Ruth First Educational Trust)
- Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan (Saïd Foundation Scholarship)
- Russia (Khodorkovsky Scholarships)
- Palestinian Occupied Territories (Durham Palestine Educational Trust)
Nationality requirements depend on the specific scholarship.
Benefits
The benefits of Durham University Scholarships 2026–27 vary by scholarship but may include:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Partial tuition fee discounts (£5,000 or £10,000)
- Monthly living stipend
- Accommodation support
- Research training support grant (RTSG)
- Return airfare
- Visa and immigration health surcharge (IHS) fees
- Study and thesis allowances
Fully funded scholarships such as Commonwealth, Chevening, Saïd Foundation, and Global Grand Challenges Studentships cover most or all study expenses.
Check out more Scholarships in the UK for International Students Worldwide
Eligibility Criteria
Although eligibility criteria differ by scholarship, general requirements include:
- International student status
- Academic excellence and strong academic record
- Admission offer from Durham University (for most scholarships)
- Meeting English language requirements
- Citizenship of an eligible country
- Demonstrated leadership potential or research alignment (for specific awards)
- Financial need (for bursaries and need-based scholarships)
Applicants must carefully review the individual eligibility criteria for each scholarship before applying.
Application Process
The general application process for Durham University Scholarships is as follows:
- Choose an eligible degree program at Durham University.
- Apply for admission through the official Durham University application portal.
- Secure an offer of admission (conditional or unconditional).
- Apply separately for the relevant scholarship through its official application platform.
- Submit all required documents before the scholarship deadline.
- Await selection results and further instructions.
Some scholarships, such as Chevening, Commonwealth, Fulbright, and Marshall, require applications through external organizations.
Official Call: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/postgraduate/
FAQs
What are Durham University Scholarships?
Durham University Scholarships are funding opportunities for international students to study undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs in the UK, offering full or partial financial support.
Can international students apply for Durham University scholarships?
Yes, Durham University offers multiple scholarships for international students from different countries, including fully funded and partial funding options.
Are Durham University scholarships fully funded?
Some Durham University scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other costs, while others provide partial tuition fee discounts or bursaries.