- Location
- Durham, North East England
- Type
- Russell Group · collegiate
- UCAS deadline
- Late January (medicine mid-October)
- Intl. undergrad tuition
- ≈ £24,000–£38,000 / year (confirm on fees page)
- English requirement
- IELTS or accepted equivalent
Key takeaways
- Apply through UCAS — most courses use the standard late-January deadline (medicine is earlier).
- Durham is collegiate: you join one of its colleges for accommodation and community.
- Entry is highly competitive — typically A*AA–AAB at A-level or equivalent, course-dependent.
- International undergraduate tuition is roughly £24,000–£38,000 a year (confirm on the fees page).
Overview
Durham University is a leading collegiate research university in the historic city of Durham. Like Oxford and Cambridge, it organises student life around colleges that provide accommodation, dining and a close community — a major draw for international students who want a supportive base from day one. It is consistently one of the UK's most selective universities and a popular choice for applicants who also consider Oxbridge.
Entry requirements
Offers are typically in the A*AA to AAB range at A-level (or equivalent international qualifications), with subject-specific demands for competitive courses. International students must meet English-language requirements such as IELTS. Always confirm the exact grades and accepted qualifications for your specific course on Durham's official course pages.
Fees and scholarships
International undergraduate tuition is roughly £24,000–£38,000 a year depending on the course, with laboratory and clinical programmes towards the top of the range. A range of scholarships exists but is competitive. Confirm the current figure for your course and any college costs on Durham's fees and funding pages.
How Study UK Now helps you apply
Durham rewards a focused, well-evidenced application. Study UK Now gives you an honest read of your profile against the specific course bar, helps you choose a college that fits, and shapes a personal statement that shows genuine subject depth — all in good time for the UCAS deadline.
How Study UK Now helps with this
Get expert, end-to-end help — from university matching to your visa.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is it to get into Durham as an international student?
Durham is one of the UK's most selective universities and competition is strong, but international students are very welcome. High grades, a focused personal statement and meeting the English-language requirement are essential. Because many applicants also target Oxbridge, applying early and preparing thoroughly makes a real difference.
Is Durham collegiate like Oxford and Cambridge?
Yes. Durham organises student life around colleges that provide accommodation, dining and pastoral support. You apply to the university for an academic course and either choose a college or are allocated one — the college becomes your community, which many international students find reassuring.
How much does Durham cost for international students?
International undergraduate tuition is roughly £24,000–£38,000 a year depending on the course, with science and clinical programmes higher. College accommodation and living costs are on top. Confirm the current figures for your course on Durham's official fees page.
Sources — verified February 2026
Visa, fee and policy details change. Always confirm the latest on the official source before you rely on it.