UK University · Ranked #12
Durham University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Durham University is a moderately selective UK university in Durham, England, admitting around 42% of those who apply. Ranked #12 in the UK in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
Durham University is a collegiate research university in the historic cathedral city of Durham, offering a distinctive educational experience with one of the oldest college systems in England.
This guide breaks down Durham's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Durham University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 42%
- Home fees
- $11,500
- International fees
- $31,250
- Enrollment
- 15,500
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Durham, England
How hard is it to get into Durham University?
With 42% of applicants admitted, Durham is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, Durham is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
As a UK university, Durham does not use the SAT or US-style GPA. Admission is driven primarily by predicted and achieved grades in school-leaving qualifications (such as A-levels or the IB), subject-specific entry requirements for the chosen course, and — for many courses — an admissions test and/or interview. Applicants should research the exact grade requirements for their specific course rather than a single university-wide threshold.
Durham Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Regular Decision: Jan 25
Durham operates on a single Regular Decision deadline of Jan 25, with no early round in our dataset. Without an early option, the practical advice is to treat Jan 25 as a hard target, finalize essays and recommendations well in advance, and submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 25.
Notable programs at Durham University
- History — a flagship humanities strength here.
- English — a flagship humanities strength here.
- Geography — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Physics — a research-intensive area well-supported by the institution's faculty.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
Durham is particularly known for History, English, Geography, Physics, and Business.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Durham University
Tuition at Durham depends heavily on fee status. Home (UK) students pay around £11,500 per year, while international students pay approximately £31,250 — a difference of about £19,750 annually. International applicants should factor this gap, plus living costs in Durham, into their planning, and verify the exact fee for their specific course since rates vary by subject.
What are your chances at Durham University?
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Durham University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Durham University?
- Durham University has an acceptance rate of 42%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, Durham is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What is the application deadline for Durham University?
- Durham University's application deadlines: Regular Decision is Jan 25. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Durham University affordable for international students?
- Durham University is a UK university. Home (UK) students pay about £11,500 per year while international students pay roughly £31,250; budget for living costs in Durham on top of tuition.
- How much does it cost to attend Durham University?
- Tuition at Durham depends heavily on fee status. Home (UK) students pay around £11,500 per year, while international students pay approximately £31,250 — a difference of about £19,750 annually. International applicants should factor this gap, plus living costs in Durham, into their planning, and verify the exact fee for their specific course since rates vary by subject.