Durham University Admissions Support - Guide for International Students

Practical Durham University admissions support covering UCAS applications, international qualifications, course selection, English requirements, personal statements and planning your move to the UK

Durham University is one of the UK's established universities, attracting students from the UK and overseas across subjects including business, economics, law, engineering, computer science, sciences, humanities and social sciences.

For international applicants, preparing a competitive Durham application requires careful attention to course-specific entry requirements, international qualifications, English-language requirements and UCAS deadlines.

Durham University admissions support can help students understand the process, organise their application and prepare for the practical arrangements involved in studying in the UK.

How to apply to Durham University

Most undergraduate applications to Durham are submitted through UCAS. Once an application has been submitted, applicants receive access to the Durham Undergraduate Applicant Portal, while application updates are also available through UCAS.

For 2027 entry, the main UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses is 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time. Certain courses, including Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine, may have the earlier 15 October deadline, so applicants should check their individual course carefully.

Applying early gives international students more time to check qualifications, prepare their application and deal with any additional requirements.

Choosing the right Durham course

Durham offers undergraduate programmes across areas such as:

• Business and economics

• Law

• Computer science

• Engineering

• Mathematics

• Natural sciences

• Psychology

• Politics and international relations

• Sociology

• History

• Languages

• Philosophy

Entry requirements vary by course. Durham advises applicants to check the requirements for their chosen degree through its course information and UCAS Course Search.

Students should compare:

• Required grades

• Required subjects

• International qualification requirements

• English-language requirements

• Additional assessments

• Course structure

• Career opportunities

• Tuition and living costs

Choosing a course based only on its title can lead to problems if the student's subjects or qualifications do not meet the specific requirements.

International qualification requirements

Durham considers a wide range of qualifications from around the world. However, accepted qualifications and required grades can vary between courses.

International applicants should establish:

• Whether their qualification is accepted

• Whether it provides direct entry

• Required grades

• Required subjects

• English-language requirements

• Whether additional documentation is needed

• Whether a pathway programme may be suitable

Students who do not meet the requirements for direct undergraduate entry may be able to consider a pathway through the Durham University International Study Centre, depending on their circumstances.

Checking this before submitting a UCAS application can help students avoid applying for courses for which they are not academically eligible.

Preparing the UCAS application

Durham assesses applications using information such as academic achievements, qualifications, motivation and suitability for the chosen course. Its admissions materials indicate that selectors consider both achievement to date and the applicant's potential.

Applicants should make sure their UCAS application accurately reflects:

• Education history

• Qualifications

• Predicted grades

• Academic interests

• Relevant experience

• Personal statement information

• Academic reference

Admissions support can help students check their application for accuracy and consistency before submission.

Personal statement support

The personal statement should explain why the student wants to study the chosen subject and demonstrate genuine engagement with it.

For example, a prospective Economics student could discuss relevant reading, independent research or analysis of economic issues. A Computer Science applicant could highlight programming projects, technical learning or problem-solving activities.

Students should focus on relevant experiences rather than filling the statement with unrelated achievements.

Good Durham University admissions support should help an applicant organise their ideas and communicate their genuine interests clearly.

Interviews and additional requirements

Most Durham undergraduate courses do not require an interview. However, there are exceptions.

Durham identifies Primary Education as a programme requiring an interview, while certain foundation programmes also have assessment and interview stages. Other courses may have additional requirements depending on their subject.

Applicants should therefore check their individual course before assuming that submitting UCAS is the only stage of the admissions process.

English-language requirements

International applicants who do not come from a recognised English-speaking country may need to provide evidence of their English-language ability.

Durham accepts a range of tests and qualifications as evidence of English proficiency. In some circumstances, applicants who do not initially meet the requirement may be eligible for a pre-sessional Academic English course.

Students should identify their English requirement early, particularly if they need to take an approved test before satisfying their offer.

What happens after receiving an offer?

A Durham offer may be conditional, meaning the applicant must meet specified academic or other conditions before their place is confirmed.

International students should keep their certificates, transcripts and other supporting documents available in case they are requested.

If a student requires a Student visa, they will also need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies - CAS from Durham before making their visa application. Durham's international guidance states that offer holders must meet the relevant conditions and provide required documentation before a CAS can be issued.

Planning accommodation in Durham

Once an offer has been received, accommodation becomes one of the most important practical considerations.

Students can explore:

• University accommodation

• Purpose-built student accommodation

• Private rented rooms

• Shared houses or flats

• Private studios

Durham has a distinctive collegiate system, so applicants should also understand how college allocation and accommodation arrangements fit into their student experience. Durham explains that students can indicate college preferences after receiving an offer, although a first-choice college is not guaranteed.

International students arranging private accommodation should carefully review rent, deposits, bills, tenancy length and other contractual terms before making payments.

Durham admissions support and relocation assistance

University admissions and property services are separate, but international students often need to organise both during the same period.

Fraser Bond can provide practical property and relocation support for students and families moving to the UK, including accommodation searches, rental arrangements and wider property requirements.

Fraser Bond does not make Durham University admissions decisions or guarantee university offers. Its role is to provide practical property support alongside the student's academic application and relocation plans.

Start your Durham application early

A successful Durham application requires more than simply meeting the minimum academic requirements.

Students should identify suitable courses, check their international qualification requirements, prepare their UCAS application and establish whether their chosen programme has any additional assessment requirements.

For most 2027 undergraduate courses, the key UCAS equal-consideration deadline is 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time, while courses with the earlier deadline require applications by 15 October 2026.

Starting early also gives international students more time to arrange English-language evidence, visa documentation, finances and accommodation.

With professional Durham University admissions support, applicants can approach the application process in a more organised way while Fraser Bond can assist with the practical property and relocation requirements involved in moving to the UK.