Durham University is opening doors for international students with its newly announced Inspiring Excellence 5K Postgraduate Scholarship for 2025. This opportunity provides a £5,000 tuition fee discount for 200 outstanding students enrolling in a one-year, full-time taught master’s program starting in September 2025.
The scholarship is merit-based, designed to support students with exceptional academic records and strong potential in their fields. The £5,000 discount is applied directly to tuition fees, easing financial barriers for deserving candidates.
However, some programs are excluded, including all Business School master’s programs, MBA courses, PGCE, MSW (Social Work), and research postgraduate degrees.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have applied for a full-time MSc, MA, LLM, or MDS program at Durham University (MBA and certain other programs are excluded).
- Begin studies in September 2025.
- Receive an offer for a master’s program by May 4, 2025 (First Selection) or June 8, 2025 (Second Selection).
- Be classified as an overseas student for tuition purposes.
- Meet or exceed the entry requirements for their chosen program.
- Not be receiving any other scholarship from Durham, except the Durham International Scholarship (£5,000 for students from Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Vietnam).
- Be self-funded and not supported by an external sponsor or scholarship body.
- Complete the Inspiring Excellence 5K Scholarship application form separately.
Selection Process
Durham University notes that this scholarship is highly competitive. A selection panel will evaluate applications based on merit, while also considering nationality diversity and program balance. Due to the high volume of applications, feedback will not be provided to unsuccessful candidates.
Extra Funding for Selected Countries
Students from Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Vietnam can combine this scholarship with the Durham International Scholarship, potentially receiving a total tuition discount of £10,000.
Application Timeline
- Applications open: March 14, 2025
- First round deadline: April 30, 2025
- Selected scholars announced: May 12, 2025
- Scholars must confirm their place and pay a deposit within two weeks.
- Second round deadline: June 8, 2025
- Final selection announcement: June 16, 2025
- Waiting list confirmations: July 7, 2025
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications on time and refer to Durham University’s official website for detailed application guidance. This is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving students to study at one of the UK’s leading institutions with financial support.
More details and application guidance: Durham University Scholarship Application Page
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