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Durham, United Kingdom

Durham University

#78 QS World RankingPublicEurope

QS World Ranking

#78

Acceptance Rate

16%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$27,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

Application Deadline

January 31

via UCAS

Student Body

Total Enrollment

20,000

students

International Students

28%

US Students

4%

of total enrollment

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

A collegiate university of Oxford/Cambridge caliber set in a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral city.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#14Archaeology#34Physics & Astronomy#38Philosophy#51–100Law

Notes for US Students

Apply via UCAS. Collegiate system similar to Oxford/Cambridge. Beautiful cathedral city with strong reputation.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to Durham University

Acceptance Rate

16%

Highly selective

Application System

UCAS

Deadline

January 31

Instruction Language

English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$27,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply via UCAS by January 31
  • SAT 1400+ or ACT 31+ recommended (collegiate system like Oxbridge)
  • IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 92–100
  • UCAS personal statement required
  • College preference selected at application; some colleges are more selective

Class Size

Avg. Lecture100 students
Avg. Seminar15 students
Student : Faculty11:1

Academic Calendar

SystemTerm (3/yr)
Fall TermEarly OctoberMid-December
Spring TermMid-JanuaryMid-March
BreaksDec–Jan, Mar–Apr, Jun–Sep

Michaelmas, Epiphany, and Easter terms.

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$27,000 / year
Application Deadline
January 31
Application System
UCAS
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
16%

Programs Offered

Arts & HumanitiesSciencesLawBusinessEngineeringSocial Sciences

Scholarships to Explore

  • Durham International Scholarship

Cost of Living — Durham, UK

Moderate Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$850/mo
Groceries & dining$260/mo
Transportation$50/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$170/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,330

vs. avg US college student

30% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Durham is a small, walkable cathedral city — one of the UK's most affordable university locations. Newcastle is 20 min away for city life.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at Durham University as a US Student

Durham University is located in Durham, United Kingdom and is ranked #78in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Arts & Humanities, Sciences, Law, Business, Engineering, and more. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$27,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 16%. Applications are submitted through UCAS with a deadline of January 31. Scholarships available include the Durham International Scholarship.