How much of my donation goes towards supporting scholarships? 

We are proud to guarantee that 100% of your donation will go towards funding scholarships for future students.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

The Scholarships and Funding Service (SIFS) manages most programmes, while some college and departmental scholarships are coordinated locally. Applications are assessed by a panel and successful candidate/s asked to accept or decline their scholarship offer prior to taking up their place at the University. Awards are only made if the student meets their academic offer and registers on their course.

What criteria (academic, financial need, personal circumstances, extracurriculars) are used?

Financial need (e.g. household income thresholds) applies to most of our undergraduate scholarships, Academic merit – mainly for our PG scholarships, specific interests or backgrounds (e.g. Computer Science, North East applicants, arts or sport). Selection processes vary by scheme but follow transparent criteria published in each call for applications.

What support does the University offer to students from low-income and under-represented groups? 

As we recruit more home undergraduate students from less privileged backgrounds in line with our Access and Participation Plan, the University must meet and manage a growing demand for bursaries. As such, Durham University has one of the most generous home undergraduate student bursary schemes in the country, which has more than doubled since 2018. 

The Durham Undergraduate Bursary is a nonrepayable award that provides vital support for UK undergraduate students from lower income households, helping them meet essential living costs and fully participate in life at Durham. Eligible students are identified automatically through verified household income and once awarded, receive the bursary every year of their course (providing they remain eligible), including placement or study abroad years.  

All Durham Undergraduate Bursary Holders are eligible to apply for a £3k masters bursary should they decide to stay at Durham. They also receive the Alumni Fee Scholarship, which is a 10% alumni discount on course fees.   

The Durham Undergraduate Bursary is designed to help with essential living costs; therefore, where additional University or College awards cover the same essential costs, the bursary may be adjusted to avoid duplication of support. If a student receives a cost of living award from another source that is lower than the full value of the bursary, the University will top this up so the student receives the full bursary amount for which they are eligible, ensuring that support is shared fairly and directed where it has the greatest impact. 

Donor-funded scholarships work alongside the Durham Undergraduate Bursary to ensure that demand for financial support can be met and all students with the academic credentials to study at Durham have the funds they need to succeed in their studies. 

How many students receive scholarships each year?

There are currently 175 scholars in receipt of 74 different donor funded scholarships across the University. Of those, 49 scholarships are UG, 23 are PG and 2 scholarships are available to both UG and PG students

How competitive are Durham’s Scholarships?

Many scholarships, particularly those funded by donors which are aimed at low-income or high-achieving students, receive a large number of applications, and applicants must meet strict deadlines and eligibility requirements.

How does the university promote the scholarship to prospective students?

We promote our scholarships to prospective students in several ways throughout the recruitment cycle. Information is shared at our Open Days and Post-Offer Visit Days, where prospective applicants and their supporters can speak directly with staff about available funding. In addition, we send targeted email communications to relevant groups multiple times in the lead-up to the start of the academic year to ensure that eligible students are aware of the opportunities available to them.

Scholarships are also promoted through our social media channels and dedicated webpages, providing accessible information and clear guidance on how to apply. The University further supports prospective applicants by maintaining a searchable funding database, enabling enquirers to explore scholarships that match their circumstances and academic interests.

What kind of impact does a scholarship have on a student’s ability to attend or succeed at university?

We know from scholar reports that donor supported scholarships can be life-changing, enabling students from low-income or underrepresented backgrounds to access a world-class education and expand their opportunities.

In addition to the documented financial and developmental impact, students frequently describe an equally powerful emotional and social benefit. Being part of the scholar network helps them feel a strong sense of belonging at the University. This sense of connection, knowing they are part of a cohort of students from similar backgrounds can significantly strengthen their confidence, motivation, and engagement with University life.

Many scholars also share that having a donor who believes in them feels profoundly validating. Knowing that someone has invested in their potential can boost self-esteem and provide a source of encouragement during challenging periods. This moral support often reinforces their determination to continue their studies and succeed, contributing positively to retention and continuation outcomes.

Taken together, scholarships provide not only financial stability but also community, affirmation, and a network of support, helping students to stay, succeed, and fully participate in the Durham experience.