Best University in Durham for International Students

Why study in Durham?

Durham is a small, historic and safe city in north-east England, dominated by its cathedral and castle — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Durham University is the featured university for international students in Durham on this page. Below you can see its key facts, followed by a guide to entry requirements, costs, intakes and visas for studying in Durham.

Top universities in Durham for international students

• Durham University — QS 2026: #94. Founded in 1832, Durham is a collegiate university where every student belongs to a college community.

Compare universities in Durham

This table compares the universities on this page by ranking, approximate international tuition fee, intakes and typical English requirement. Fees and requirements change every year and vary by course, so confirm the latest figures on each official website.

Entry requirements to study in Durham

• Undergraduate: good Class 12 / high-school results (top universities expect very high grades), or an international foundation year. Applications go through UCAS.
• Postgraduate: a relevant bachelor’s degree — leading universities usually expect the equivalent of a UK 2:1, while many others consider around 55–60% from recognised Indian universities.
• English: usually IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0 overall depending on the university and course; PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and English waivers are accepted by many universities.
• Documents: passport, transcripts, statement of purpose, references, CV, and a portfolio for creative courses.

Cost of studying and living in Durham

International tuition at the university listed here is approximately £24,000 – £38,000 per year, depending on the course.

Living costs in Durham are generally lower than in London, which helps your budget go further — especially for accommodation and transport.

Intakes and application deadlines

September/October is the main intake. For most other undergraduate courses the UCAS equal-consideration deadline is in late January, while postgraduate applications are usually open on a rolling basis. Apply 8–12 months ahead for the best chance of offers and scholarships.

Work while you study and after graduation

Degree-level Student visa holders can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time in official vacations, and Durham offers part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, campus roles and internships. After graduation, the Graduate Route visa lets you stay and work in the UK — currently two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates (reducing to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027) and three years for PhD graduates.

Student life in Durham

Universities here have active students’ unions with hundreds of clubs and societies, including Indian and international student societies. England’s excellent rail network makes weekend trips easy.

How GIEC Global helps you study in Durham

GIEC Global’s UK counsellors help you shortlist the right universities in Durham, check eligibility, write a strong SOP, apply for scholarships, prepare for credibility interviews and complete your Student visa application — free of cost.