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How To Get Into Durham University

  • May 14, 2025
  • 4 minutes
Admitix Editorial Team

Durham University is a top-ranked UK university, known for its collegiate system and academic excellence.

If you’re wondering how to get into Durham University as an Indian student, you’re in the right place.

Durham University Admissions
Credit: Durham University

Why Choose Durham University?

  • Global Ranking: Top 100 worldwide (QS 2024)
  • Student Population: 20,000+ from 130+ countries
  • Location: Durham, historic city in North East England

Durham Cathedral and Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are part of the university’s campus! 

Entry Requirements for Indian Students at Durham University

Undergraduate Programs

RequirementDetails
Academic Qualification85–90% in Class XII (CBSE/ISC/State Boards)
English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL 92 / PTE 62–69
Subject PrerequisitesRequired for STEM courses

Postgraduate Programs

RequirementDetails
Academic QualificationBachelor’s with 60–70% (First Class)
English ProficiencyIELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 102 / PTE 69
GRE/GMATRequired for some business courses

Did You Know?

Durham values holistic profiles. While grades are crucial, leadership roles, sports, and community service can strengthen your application.

Application Process

StepDetails
1. Research CoursesDurham Course Finder
2. Prepare DocumentsTranscripts, SOP, LORs, English test scores, passport
3. Apply OnlineUCAS for UG, University Portal for PG
4. Pay FeesApplication fee: £20–£60
5. InterviewSome courses may require an interview
6. Offer LetterConditional or unconditional offer
7. Accept OfferPay deposit to secure your place
8. Apply for VisaTier 4 (Student) visa application

Start your application early! Durham’s rolling admissions for postgraduates mean popular courses fill up fast.

You Might Also Like: How To Get Into University of Liverpool

Key DeadlinesDurham University

IntakeApplication OpensApplication Deadline
SeptemberSeptember (prev. year)January 31 (UG via UCAS)
JanuaryRolling (PG)Varies by course

Note: Some scholarships have earlier deadlines. Always check the specific course and scholarship pages for updates.

Popular Courses for Indian Students

CourseDurationAnnual Tuition Fee (£)
MSc Finance1 year29,500
MBA1 year35,000
BSc Computer Science3 years27,000
LLM International Law1 year23,900

Quick Comparison:

  • STEM vs. Business: STEM courses may require subject-specific prerequisites, while business programs often look for work experience and GMAT/GRE scores.
  • Law & Humanities: These programs value strong analytical and writing skills, so highlight relevant achievements in your SOP.

Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarship NameAmount (£)Eligibility Criteria
International Excellence2,000–6,000UG/PG, academic excellence
GREAT India Scholarship10,000PG, Indian nationals
Durham India Scholarship5,000UG/PG, merit-based

Fun Fact: Durham awarded over £1.5 million in scholarships to international students in 2024!

Student Life & Support at Durham University

  • Accommodation: £600–£1,000/month, college-based and private
  • Part-Time Work: Up to 20 hours/week during term
  • Student Societies: 250+ clubs, including Indian Society
  • Career Services: Internships, placements, and job fairs

Acceptance Rate & Stats

StatValue
Acceptance Rate~17%
Indian Students (2023)600+
Graduate Employability Rate90%

Fun Fact: Durham’s alumni include Nobel laureates, Olympic athletes, and global business leaders.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

  • Write a strong, focused SOP
  • Highlight academic and extracurricular achievements
  • Secure strong Letters of Recommendation
  • Prepare for interviews if required

Extra Tips:

  • Showcase Leadership: Mention any leadership roles in school, college, or community.
  • Demonstrate Passion: Explain why you chose your course and how Durham fits your goals.
  • Proofread: Ensure your application is error-free and well-structured.

Living in Durham: What to Expect

Durham is a student-friendly city with a vibrant cultural scene. The city’s compact size means you can walk almost everywhere, and the River Wear offers scenic spots for relaxation.

Cost of Living Table:

ExpenseMonthly Cost (£)
Accommodation600–1,000
Food150–250
Transport30–50
Miscellaneous100–200

Fun Fact: Durham hosts an annual regatta, one of the oldest in the UK, where students compete in rowing races!

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Durham University

  • Missing Deadlines: Set reminders for application and scholarship deadlines.
  • Ignoring Course Requirements: Double-check prerequisites for your chosen course.
  • Weak SOP: Avoid generic statements; personalize your story.
  • Incomplete Documents: Ensure all transcripts, test scores, and references are uploaded.
  • Not Preparing for Interviews: Practice common questions and research your course.

Need Personalized Help?

If you’re serious about how to get into Durham University, don’t leave your application to chance. 

Check out expert help at Admitix today!

FAQs

Q1. What is the minimum IELTS score for Durham University?

A. Most courses require IELTS 7.0 overall.

Q2. Can I apply without final results?

A. Yes, you can apply with predicted grades and submit final results later.

Q3. Are there application fee waivers?

A. Fee waivers are rare but may be available for select PG programs.

Q4. Does Durham offer work placements?

A. Yes, many courses offer internships or placement years.

Q5. How long does it take to get an offer?

A. Typically 4–8 weeks after submitting a complete application.