Durham University is offering Inspiring Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships to self-funded international students who start an undergraduate degree in September 2027. The scholarship is a competitive partial award, applied as a tuition fee discount, worth up to £15,000 to £30,000 over three years.
This guide explains the two award types, who can apply, the deadlines, the application steps and the conditions for keeping the scholarship. Please read the eligibility section carefully, because several groups of students are not eligible.
Quick Answer
According to Durham University, the scholarship is offered in two award types: Inspiring Excellence £5k (up to £15,000 over a three-year programme) and Inspiring Excellence £10k (up to £30,000 over a three-year programme). It is a tuition fee discount, not a fully funded award. The first application round closes on 7 December 2026.
Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Durham University, Durham, England |
| Level | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
| Entry | September 2027 |
| Open to | Self-funded international (Overseas fee status) students |
| Award types | £5,000 per year or £10,000 per year |
| Total value | Up to £15,000 or £30,000 over three years |
| Number of awards | Limited |
| Type | Tuition fee discount only |
| First round deadline | 7 December 2026 |
What the Scholarship Offers
The scholarship is applied as a discount directly to your undergraduate tuition fees. The university states that no cash alternative is offered, and the fees are adjusted at the time of enrolment.
- Inspiring Excellence £5k: £5,000 per year, up to £15,000 for a three-year programme.
- Inspiring Excellence £10k: £10,000 per year, up to £30,000 for a three-year programme.
The scholarship does not cover living costs, accommodation or travel.
Keeping the Scholarship
The award is offered for up to three years, and the second and third years depend on your academic progress.
- £5k award: pass all modules and achieve an overall mark of at least 60% each year.
- £10k award: pass all modules and achieve at least 70% each year to keep receiving £10,000. If you pass all modules and score at least 60% but less than 70%, you receive the £5,000 award in the following year instead.
- If you fail a module or score below 60%, you are not eligible to receive the scholarship for the following year.
If your programme includes a placement or study abroad year, the award applies to years one, two and four, and not during the placement or study abroad year.
Who Can Apply?
According to the university, you must:
- Be self-funded, with no other scholarship, funding award or sponsorship from Durham or any external organisation
- Be classified as an Overseas student for tuition fee purposes
- Hold a valid UCAS Personal ID
- Apply for a full-time, in-person undergraduate programme at Durham
- Select Durham as your Firm Choice by the UCAS reply deadline
- Meet or exceed the entry requirements for your programme
- Start your studies at Durham in September 2027
- Submit the scholarship application form
Who Is Not Eligible?
- Students who choose Durham as their Insurance Choice
- Students admitted through Clearing
- Students progressing through the Durham University International Study Centre
- Students applying for BA (Hons) Theology, Ministry and Mission, or BA (Hons) Theology and Religion
- Students with Home fee status
Selection is based on your scholarship application responses and academic achievements. The university also says it considers nationality diversity and balance across programmes.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UCAS equal consideration deadline | 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time |
| Round 1 application deadline | 7 December 2026, 23:59 GMT |
| Round 2 application deadline | 15 March 2027, 23:59 GMT |
| Final round application deadline | 1 May 2027, 23:59 GMT |
| Round 1 outcome emails | 18 December 2026 |
| Round 2 outcome emails | 29 March 2027 |
| Final round outcome emails | 15 May 2027 |
If you do not receive an academic offer before the first round selection, or you are unsuccessful in the first round, you are automatically considered for the second round. You do not need to submit the form again. Applicants who apply to Durham after the UCAS equal consideration deadline are advised to apply in the second round.
How to Apply
- Apply through UCAS. Apply for an eligible programme at Durham through UCAS. You need a valid UCAS ID for the scholarship form, but you do not need an academic offer when you submit it.
- Submit the scholarship form. Complete the Inspiring Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship online application form before the round deadline.
- Wait for the outcome. Selected applicants receive a conditional scholarship offer by email on the dates above.
- Respond to the offer. Complete the Scholarship Response Form by the deadline stated in the email and confirm Durham as your Firm Choice.
- Meet your academic conditions and enrol in September 2027.
Important Conditions
- The scholarship applies to courses starting in September 2027 only. It cannot be transferred or deferred, and it is withdrawn if you defer enrolment.
- You must report any other scholarship, funding or sponsorship you receive. If you do not, the university may withdraw the offer and recover discounts already given.
- You must tell the university if your fee status changes to Home.
- You need approval from the International Office before changing programme or interrupting your studies. Suspending your studies withdraws future discounts.
- Recipients are expected to support the university’s marketing and communications, for example by giving testimonials, joining webinars or acting as a student ambassador.
Please read the full terms and conditions (PDF) before you apply.
Tips for Applicants
- Apply through UCAS early, so that you have a UCAS ID in time for the first round.
- Write specific examples of your achievements and goals in the scholarship form.
- Choose Durham as your Firm Choice, not as your Insurance Choice.
- Plan your finances for living costs, because the scholarship covers tuition only.
- Keep records of any other funding you apply for, since it must be disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a fully funded scholarship?
No. It is a partial scholarship applied as a tuition fee discount.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes, if they have Overseas fee status, are self-funded and meet the other conditions. There is no country restriction on the page, but nationality diversity is considered in selection.
Do I need an offer before I apply for the scholarship?
No. You need a valid UCAS ID, but you do not need an academic offer when you submit the scholarship form.
Can I combine it with another scholarship?
No. It cannot be held with any other scholarship, funding award or sponsorship.
Who can I contact with questions?
Durham lists inspiring.excellence@durham.ac.uk for queries about the scholarship.
Official Links
- Official Inspiring Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship page
- Scholarship application form
- Terms and conditions (PDF)
- UCAS
- Durham undergraduate study
- Durham international student information
Conclusion
The Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarship can reduce tuition costs by up to £30,000 for eligible international undergraduates, but it is competitive and has strict academic and eligibility conditions. Apply through UCAS, prepare a strong scholarship application and submit it before the relevant round deadline. Always confirm the latest details on the official scholarship page.
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