Durham University Scholarships for Indian Students [Updated]
- Durham University offers several region-specific scholarships, and merit-based discounts to Indian students.
- Some scholarships, like the Durham International Scholarship, require no separate application.
- Tuition fees generally range from £14,000–£21,000 with living expenses in Leicester around £9,000–£13,600 annually.
Durham provides a variety of scholarships and funding opportunities tailored for international students. These scholarships are designed to support academic excellence, encourage diversity, and ease financial burdens for deserving candidates.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key scholarships available at Durham University for international students, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and how to apply. Whether you’re planning undergraduate or postgraduate study, this guide will help you navigate your funding options at Durham.
Durham University Scholarships for International Students
Durham University offers a variety of scholarships for international students entering undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes. These awards recognise academic achievement, potential for impact, and regional eligibility. The following scholarships provide substantial tuition fee discounts for the 2025–26 academic year.
| Scholarships | Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Durham International Scholarships | GBP 5,000/year | Rolling deadlines |
| Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarship 5K | GBP 5,000 | 30 April 2025 / 8 June 2025 |
| Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarship 10K | GBP 10,000 | 30 April 2025 / 8 June 2025 |
Durham International Scholarships
These region-specific scholarships provide tuition fee discounts for international students from six eligible countries who are self-funded and studying on eligible undergraduate or postgraduate taught programmes.
- Scholarship Amount: GBP 5,000 per year (tuition fee discount)
- Deadline: Rolling deadlines
- Application Process: No separate application; applicants are automatically considered upon receiving and accepting an offer.
- Eligibility: Fully self-funded and paying international tuition fees, and must not be receiving external sponsorship or other Durham scholarships
Courses Excluded
- All Business School programmes
- Undergraduate Law programmes
- Second year of a taught postgraduate programme
- PGCE
- PGCERT (Education)
- MA Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects
- Executive MSc in Behavioural Science
- Research postgraduate programmes
- MSW Social Work
- Graduate Diplomas
Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarship 5K
This competitive award supports international students entering one-year postgraduate taught programmes across most faculties at Durham. Selection is based on academic achievement and potential for post-degree impact.
- Scholarship Amount: GBP 5,000 (tuition fee discount)
- Deadline: 08th June 2025
- Application Process: Apply for an eligible PG taught programme
- Eligibility: Applied to a full-time, in-person, one-year MSc, MA, LLM, or MDS programme and self-funded international student
Courses Excluded
- MBA
- MSW (Social Work)
Durham Inspiring Excellence Scholarship 10K
This award is aimed at high-performing international students applying for one of seven specific Master’s programmes. It is a merit-based, highly competitive scholarship focused on students with strong academic credentials and future leadership potential.
- Scholarship Amount: GBP 10,000 (tuition fee discount)
- Deadline: 08th June 2025
- Application Process: Automatically considered
- Eligibility: Must be self-funded
Durham University External Scholarships
Several external scholarships are available for Indian students interested in studying at Durham University. We’ve provided a summary of each, including award amounts, eligibility, application details, and deadlines.
| Scholarship | Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | 50% grant and 50% loan | Typically, in March each year |
| KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad | INR 8,00,000 | Typically, in March each year |
| JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians | INR 1–10 Lakh (loan) | Typically between December and March |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship | INR 20 Lakh | Typically, in March each year |
| Chevening Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition fee | TBA for 2026–27 |
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries, including India, who have no other means of financing their studies.
- Scholarship Amount: 50% grant and 50% loan basis (full tuition and living expenses)
- Deadline: Typically in March each year.
- Application Process: Apply through the local Aga Khan Foundation office in India.
- Eligibility: Indian nationals under 30 years of age with excellent academic records and genuine financial need.
KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
The KC Mahindra Education Trust offers scholarships to Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad in various fields.
- Scholarship Amount: INR 8,00,000 (interest-free scholarship); INR 10,00,000 is awarded to the top candidates.
- Deadline: Typically in March each year.
- Application Process: Apply online through the official website
- Eligibility: Indian nationals with a first-class degree or equivalent diploma and admission to a recognized university abroad.
JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians
The JN Tata Endowment offers loan scholarships to Indian students pursuing postgraduate, doctoral, postdoctoral, or research studies abroad.
- Scholarship Amount: INR 1 Lakh-10 Lakh; selected scholars may also receive a gift scholarship of up to INR 7.5 Lakh.
- Deadline: Typically between December and March each year.
- Application Process: Apply online through the official portal
- Eligibility: Indian nationals under 45 years of age with a consistently good academic record and admission to a recognized foreign university.
KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
The KC Mahindra Education Trust offers scholarships to Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies abroad in various fields.
- Scholarship Amount: INR 8,00,000 (interest-free scholarship); INR 10,00,000 is awarded to the top candidates.
- Deadline: Typically in March each year.
- Application Process: Apply online through the official website
- Eligibility: Indian nationals with a first-class degree or equivalent diploma and admission to a recognized university abroad.
JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians
The JN Tata Endowment offers loan scholarships to Indian students pursuing postgraduate, doctoral, postdoctoral, or research studies abroad.
- Scholarship Amount: INR 1 Lakh-10 Lakh; selected scholars may also receive a gift scholarship of up to INR 7.5 Lakh.
- Deadline: Typically between December and March each year.
- Application Process: Apply online through the official portal
- Eligibility: Indian nationals under 45 years of age with a consistently good academic record and admission to a recognized foreign university.
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship supports Indian students with a consistently good academic record who wish to pursue postgraduate studies at top-ranking institutions in India and abroad.
- Scholarship Amount: INR 20 Lakh (Interest-free scholarship)
- Deadline: Typically in March each year.
- Application Process: Apply online through the official website
- Eligibility: Indian nationals below 30 years of age with a consistently good academic record and admission to a recognized postgraduate program.
Chevening Scholarship
The UK government offers Chevening Scholarships to Indian students who aim to become future leaders, influencers, and prominent decision-makers in their respective fields.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the Chevening Portal on their official website.
- Eligibility: Students must return to India for at least 2 years after course completion. Students must also have an unconditional offer letter and have work experience of at least 2,800 hours.
Cost of Study at Durham University
For Indian students planning to study at Durham University, undergraduate tuition fees range from approximately GBP 17,000 to GBP 22,000 per year, depending on the course. Postgraduate taught programs also fall within a similar range of GBP 19,000 to GBP 28,000 per year.
In addition to academic costs, students should budget for living expenses, which are estimated at GBP 11,000 to GBP 14,000 per year, covering accommodation, food, transport, and other personal costs.
| Tuition Fee (Per Year) | GBP 17,000 to GBP 22,000 (undergraduate) GBP 19,000 to GBP 28,000 (postgraduate) |
| Living Expenses in Durham (Per Year) | GBP 11,000-14,000 |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Durham University combines academic excellence with a quintessential UK university experience in a charming and historic city. While the cost of tuition and living for international students can be significant, ranging between £37,000 and £48,000 annually, the investment is often well worth it for the quality of education and student life.
With careful financial planning and possible access to scholarships or part-time work, students can enjoy all that Durham has to offer without compromising their academic goals.
FAQs
What types of scholarships are available for international students at Durham University?
Durham offers a range of scholarships, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for Excellence, Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and subject-specific awards for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
How can I apply for a scholarship at Durham University?
Most university scholarships require a separate application after receiving a course offer. External scholarships like Chevening or Commonwealth need to be applied for through their respective official portals.
Do I need an offer of admission to apply for scholarships at Durham?
Yes, most scholarships require that you first have an unconditional or conditional offer from Durham University before you can apply.
Are scholarships at Durham University fully funded?
Some are fully funded (e.g., Chevening, Commonwealth), while others are partial scholarships offering tuition fee discounts or living stipends. Always check the specific award details.
What are the eligibility criteria for international scholarships at Durham?
Eligibility generally depends on academic excellence, country of origin, financial need, or program of study. Each scholarship has its own criteria, so it’s important to read the fine print on the official website.
