Study in the UK: Durham University Scholarship 2027 Worth Up to £30,000Durham University Inspiring Excellence Scholarship 2027: Eligibility, Amount and How to Apply
International students planning to study at Durham University in September 2027 have an opportunity to apply for the Inspiring Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship. The award helps cover undergraduate tuition fees and is available in two amounts, £5,000 or £10,000 per year.
Students who receive the scholarship can get up to £15,000 or £30,000 over a three-year course, depending on their award. The scholarship is competitive, so meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee selection. Applicants need to apply for an eligible course and complete the separate scholarship application before the relevant deadline.
Durham University Scholarship 2027: How Much Can Students Receive?
The university offers two scholarship options for eligible international undergraduate students. Both awards are given as tuition fee discounts, so students do not receive the money directly as cash.
- Inspiring Excellence £5k: £5,000 per year, up to £15,000 over three years.
- Inspiring Excellence £10k: £10,000 per year, up to £30,000 over three years.
The scholarship applies to eligible full-time, in-person undergraduate programmes starting in September 2027. Funding is available for up to three years, provided students meet the academic conditions and follow the scholarship rules.
Who Can Apply for the Durham University Scholarship?
The scheme is for self-funded international applicants who qualify for Overseas tuition fee status. Students must have a valid UCAS Personal ID and apply for an eligible full-time undergraduate programme at Durham University.
Applicants must also meet or exceed the academic entry requirements for their chosen course. They need to select Durham University as their Firm Choice by the UCAS reply deadline and plan to start their studies in September 2027.
There are a few restrictions to check before applying. Students who select Durham as their Insurance Choice, enter through Clearing, or progress through the Durham University International Study Centre do not qualify for this scholarship.
The following courses are also excluded:
- BA (Hons) in Theology, Ministry and Mission
- BA (Hons) in Theology and Religion
Applicants must be self-funded and cannot hold another scholarship, funding award, or sponsorship from Durham University or an external organisation alongside this award.
How to Apply for the Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarship
Students need to complete two applications. First, they must apply for an eligible undergraduate course through UCAS. After this, they need to submit the separate Durham Inspiring Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship application form.
Official Application Link
Interested students can visit the official Durham University website to check the eligibility criteria, review the application deadlines, and apply for the Durham Inspiring Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship 2027.
Apply Here
Applicants must also apply for an eligible undergraduate course through UCAS.
Apply for an undergraduate course through UCAS
The UCAS equal consideration deadline is 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time. Students are advised to apply for their Durham course before this date.
You do not need to have received an academic offer before submitting the scholarship form. You do need a valid UCAS Personal ID, so keep your application details available when completing the form.
Study in the UK: Durham University Scholarship 2027 Worth Up to £30,000 Submit the scholarship application form
Complete the online scholarship form and submit your application before one of the deadlines below. Students applying to a Durham course after the UCAS equal consideration deadline are advised to use the second scholarship application round.
- First round: 7 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
- Second round: 15 March 2027 at 23:59 GMT.
- Final round: 1 May 2027 at 23:59 GMT.
If you do not receive an academic offer before the first-round selection deadline, or your first-round scholarship application is unsuccessful, the university will automatically consider you in the second round. You do not need to submit the scholarship form again for this second-round consideration.
How Does Durham University Select Scholarship Recipients?
The university reviews the answers given on the scholarship application form, academic achievements, and each applicant’s potential to make a positive impact after completing a postgraduate degree at Durham University. Nationality diversity and the balance of students across academic programmes are also considered.
Successful applicants are expected to receive notification on the following dates:
- First round: 18 December 2026.
- Second round: 29 March 2027.
- Final round: 15 May 2027.
The scholarship offer is conditional. Recipients must complete the required steps, meet the conditions attached to their university offer, and confirm Durham University as their Firm Choice by the UCAS reply deadline.
Academic Requirements for Keeping the Scholarship
Receiving the scholarship does not automatically guarantee funding for every year of a degree. Students must meet the university’s academic standards to continue receiving the discount.
- £5,000 scholarship: Students must pass all modules and achieve an overall mark of at least 60% each year.
- £10,000 scholarship: Students must pass all modules and achieve an overall mark of at least 70% each year to keep the full award.
- Reduced funding: A student receiving the £10,000 award who passes all modules and achieves at least 60%, but less than 70%, will receive the £5,000 award in the following year.
- Funding withdrawn: Students who fail any module or achieve an overall mark below 60% will not qualify for the scholarship in the next academic year.
These academic requirements are important for students planning their finances for the full course. Anyone receiving the award should read the scholarship terms carefully and keep track of their results each year.
Important Rules for Scholarship Recipients
The award is available only for courses starting in September 2027. Students cannot transfer the scholarship to another person or defer the award. If a recipient delays enrolment, the scholarship will be withdrawn.
Durham University applies the discount directly to undergraduate tuition fees at enrolment. There is no cash alternative. Recipients must disclose any other scholarship, bursary, funding award, or sponsorship they receive. If a student fails to disclose other funding, the university reserves the right to withdraw the award and recover tuition fee discounts already paid on a pro rata basis.
Only students with Overseas fee status qualify. Anyone whose tuition fee status changes to Home must inform the Inspiring Excellence Scholarship Team promptly. The university may withdraw the award if the change makes the student ineligible and recover discounts received beyond their entitlement.
Placement Years and Course Changes
For eligible degrees with a placement or study abroad year, the scholarship covers years one, two, and four. Students do not receive the award during the placement or study abroad year. Funding for year four depends on academic performance in year two.
Students must obtain prior approval from the International Office before changing their course, transferring programmes, or interrupting their studies. Students who suspend their studies lose future scholarship discounts. Medical conditions and other exceptional circumstances are reviewed individually by the Inspiring Excellence Scholarship Team.
Other Responsibilities and Conditions
Scholarship recipients are expected to take part in university or faculty communication and promotional activities. These activities may include sharing a student testimonial, attending an open event or webinar, taking part in public relations work, or helping as a student ambassador or representative.
Failure to meet these responsibilities may lead to the withdrawal of future scholarship discounts and recovery of amounts received beyond the student’s entitlement. Students who face difficulties meeting these commitments should contact the scholarship team as soon as possible. Exceptional circumstances are considered individually.
Where to Find Official Information
Before applying, check the official Durham University website for the latest scholarship information, eligible courses, application instructions, and any updates to the terms. Visit durham.ac.uk and search for the Inspiring Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship.
The scholarship document lists excellence@durham.ac.uk as a contact email for questions. Check the relevant deadline carefully and keep a copy of your submitted application for your records.
