Durham University, established in 1832, is one of the UK’s leading institutions, offering a world-class education in North East England. Ranked #94 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, the university is known for its strong academic programs, historic campus, and research excellence. The upcoming admission cycle includes key deadlines such as January 14, 2026 for undergraduate applications via UCAS and July 31, 2026 for most postgraduate taught programs, while the Full-time MBA accepts applications in four rounds from November 13, 2025, to June 11, 2026. Popular courses include Law, Business, Data Science, Engineering, and Biosciences, attracting students from over 150 countries. Tuition fees for international students range from £16,900 to £17,900 per year, depending on the program. The university follows a collegiate system, fostering a close-knit academic and social community.
International students benefit from a range of scholarships, such as the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship and Vice Chancellor’s India Scholarship, which can significantly reduce tuition costs. On-campus work opportunities are available at a competitive hourly rate, helping students gain experience while studying. The university also offers placement years, global internships, and industry projects with top employers like Deloitte, PwC, EY, and JP Morgan, ensuring strong career prospects for graduates.
Explore: Durham University Gallery
Table of Contents
Durham University primarily follows a September intake for undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programs. International students are advised to apply early to allow sufficient time for document submission and visa processing.
| Program | Application Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time MBA (Round 1) | Nov 13, 2025 | Decision by Jan 22, 2026 |
| Full-time MBA (Round 2) | Feb 19, 2026 | Decision by Apr 16, 2026 |
| Full-time MBA (Round 3) | Apr 16, 2026 | Decision by Jun 11, 2026 |
| Full-time MBA (Round 4) | Jun 11, 2026 | Decision by Aug 6, 2026 |
| Postgraduate Taught (MSc, MA, etc.) | Jul 31, 2026 | Recommended applying early for visa processing |
| Undergraduate (via UCAS) | Jan 14, 2026 | Equal Consideration deadline, some courses may have earlier deadlines |
Here is a list of popular programs at Durham University for international students, including their duration and annual tuition fees:
| Program | Duration | Tuition Fees (GBP) | Tuition Fees (INR) | English Proficiency Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 1 year | £40,000 | ₹47.23 L | IELTS: 6.5–7.0; PTE: 62–68; TOEFL: 90–100 |
| Master of Science (M.Sc) Finance | 1 year | £35,500 | ₹41.92 L | IELTS: 6.5–7.0; PTE: 62–68; TOEFL: 90–100 |
| Master of Laws [L.L.M] Laws | 1 year | £29,600 | ₹34.89 L | IELTS: 6.5–7.0; PTE: 62–68; TOEFL: 90–100 |
| Master of Science (M.Sc) Business Analytics | 1 year | £35,000 | ₹41.28 L | IELTS: 6.5–7.0; PTE: 62–68; TOEFL: 90–100 |
| Master of Science (M.Sc) Data Science | 1 year | £34,000 | ₹40.10 L | IELTS: 6.5–7.0; PTE: 62–68; TOEFL: 90–100 |
| Master of Science (M.Sc) Management | 1 year | £34,000 | ₹40.10 L | IELTS: 6.5–7.0; PTE: 62–68; TOEFL: 90–100 |
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) Finance | 3 years | £29,256 | ₹34.55 L | IELTS: 6.0–6.5; PTE: 56–62; TOEFL: 80–90 |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) Archaeology | 3 years | £27,295 | ₹32.24 L | IELTS: 6.0–6.5; PTE: 56–62; TOEFL: 80–90 |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) Accounting and Finance with Study Abroad | 4 years | £29,256 | ₹34.55 L | IELTS: 6.0–6.5; PTE: 56–62; TOEFL: 80–90 |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) Education Studies – Psychology | 3 years | £27,295 | ₹32.24 L | IELTS: 6.0–6.5; PTE: 56–62; TOEFL: 80–90 |
Durham University admissions are offered in 3 academic terms of Michaelmas, Epiphany, and Easter. International students are advised to go through country-specific requirements along with course-specific requirements while applying for Durham University admissions. The details of admission requirements in Durham University are as follows:
| Category | PG Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | Durham Applicant Portal |
| Application Fee | 60 GBP (6,362 INR) |
| Academic Requirement | UG academic transcripts |
| GPA | 2:1 degree (60-70%) |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS: 7.0 or equivalent |
| SOP | Personal statement (if not written directly into the portal) |
| Additional Requirements | Scholarship documentation (if any) |
| Category | UG Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application Portal | UG Applicant Portal |
| Application Fee | No Application Fee |
| Academic Requirement | Secondary school certificate |
| Aggregate | 85% |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS: 5.5 or equivalent |
Also Check: Durham University Programs
Durham University offers a spacious 350-acre campus in North East England, blending historic charm with modern facilities. The Durham City Campus houses academic departments, student accommodations, libraries, and sports complexes, all within easy reach of the vibrant city.
As an international student, you’ll benefit from Durham’s collegiate system, where 17 residential colleges foster a strong sense of community and support. The campus, located near iconic landmarks like Durham Cathedral and the River Wear, offers a unique living and studying experience that combines academic excellence with a rich cultural and social environment.
The table below provides all the essential information about campus facilities and accommodation for international students interested in studying at Durham University:
Campus:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Durham, North East England, UK. The main campus is in Durham City, with a secondary location at Queen’s Campus, Stockton-on-Tees. |
| Area Covered | 350 acres (1.4 km²), featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture. |
| Campuses |
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| Facilities |
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| Student Services |
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| Nearby Attractions |
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on-campus Accommodation:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Accommodation Options | Durham University operates a collegiate system with 17 colleges providing accommodation. These range from historical buildings to modern blocks. |
| Types of Rooms |
|
| Room Facilities | Bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and shelving.Access to shared or private kitchen, living spaces, and bathrooms (varies by type).Wi-Fi and networked PCs in common areas. |
| Collegiate System | Each college offers a unique community with social events, academic support, and pastoral care. Colleges act as the primary residence and provide a base for academic, social, and welfare support. |
| Catered vs. Self-Catered |
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| Location of Accommodation | On-campus accommodation is within walking distance of the main university facilities and Durham City center, providing easy access to academic buildings, libraries, and student services. |
| Accommodation Fees | £5,000–£8,000 per year (exact prices available on the Durham University website). |
| Support and Services | 24/7 college porters.Maintenance service.Laundry facilities.Study areas and common spaces for socializing and group work.Pastoral care from college staff. |
Off Campus Accommodation:
| Accommodation Type | Cost | Distance from Durham University | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Apartments | £600 – £1,200/month | Within 1-5 km | Private rooms, kitchen, bathroom, heating, Wi-Fi, furnished/unfurnished options available. |
| Shared Housing | £350 – £700/month | Within 2-6 km | Private bedroom, shared kitchen and bathroom, utilities may be included, communal living. |
| Student Halls (Private) | £500 – £1,000/month | Within walking distance (0-2 km) | En-suite/private or shared rooms, communal areas, gyms, study spaces, high-speed internet. |
| Homestays | £450 – £800/month (may include meals) | Within 5-10 km | Private or shared bedroom, family environment, meals, utilities, cultural immersion. |
| Budget Accommodation (Hostels & Bedsits) | £300 – £600/month | Within 3-7 km | Shared or private rooms, common kitchen, laundry, Wi-Fi, basic furniture, 24/7 security. |
Here is an estimated cost of living for international students at Durham University, covering accommodation, food, and other essential expenses:
| Expense Category | Cost (GBP) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £600 – £1,200 | ₹64,206 – ₹1,28,412 |
| Food | £150 – £250 | ₹16,051 – ₹26,752 |
| Utilities | £50 – £100 | ₹5,350 – ₹10,701 |
| Transportation | £20 – £50 | ₹2,140 – ₹5,350 |
| Study Materials | £30 – £50 | ₹3,210 – ₹5,350 |
| Personal Expenses | £100 – £200 | ₹10,701 – ₹21,402 |
| Total | £950 – £1,850 | ₹1,01,659 – ₹1,98,968 |
Various Scholarships and Bursaries are available for International students which are funded by external sources or by the university itself. All financial support opportunities have associated eligibility conditions such as household income or academic achievement, therefore it is essential applicants consider all requirements prior to submitting an application.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | Students from South Asian or developing countries.Need-based scholarship for postgraduate students. | Covers 100% tuition fees.Monthly stipend of £1,110. |
| Vice Chancellor’s India Scholarship | Indian students pursuing Bachelor’s or Postgraduate degrees in Engineering, Law, Data Science, and Bioscience.Considered automatically during admission. | Scholarship amount of £4,000 for eligible students. |
| Lioness Scholarship | Open only to female students from developing countries.Available for Master’s programs (excluding MBA).- Need-based. | Covers 100% tuition fees.Includes UK Visa, accommodation, and health expenses. |
| Durham-International Scholarships | Students from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Vietnam.Applicable for most undergraduate and taught postgraduate programs, excluding some specific courses. | £5,000 per year tuition fee discount. |
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Durham University provides a variety of placement opportunities, offering students access to valuable real-world work experience through internships, placement years, and global opportunities. The Careers & Enterprise team connects students with top employers such as Deloitte, PwC, EY, and JP Morgan, ensuring hands-on industry exposure. Placement years typically last 9 to 12 months, where students can apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting, build their CVs, and often earn a salary. Additionally, the Student Employment Service supports students in finding part-time jobs and volunteering roles, further enhancing their work experience.
Durham also supports students interested in entrepreneurship through programs like Enactus Durham and Entrepreneurs Durham, where they can work on real-world business projects. The university organizes career fairs, employer presentations, and skills workshops, helping students prepare for the job market. With access to Careers Connect, students can find internships, graduate jobs, and placements, while utilizing CV-building tools and interview preparation resources.
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