Durham University for Nigerian Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Foundation Year required via Durham University Foundation Centre (Study Group) (£18,500/year). WAEC/NECO accepted as O-level equivalent. Medicine deadline October 15. Business and Law at higher fee range. Collegiate university — college allocation is part of the offer.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: £24,700–£34,200. Application deadline: January 29.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3.5/5 (2:1 UK equivalent). Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 6+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: £21,500–£30,500. Application deadline: Rolling — most close May–July; Business School programmes close February–April. Decision time: 4–8 weeks.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 4/5 (First Class or strong 2:1). Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available.
Specific Requirements
Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.
Deadline
Rolling — January–February for funded positions
Documents Required
Available Scholarships
Durham International Scholarships
by Durham University · Undergraduate, Masters
Learn more →Chevening Scholarship
by UK Government (FCDO) · Masters
Learn more →Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission · Masters
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Durham University accept WAEC?
Yes — WAEC/NECO is accepted as your O-level qualification. You'll still need A-level equivalents or the Foundation Year to enter Year 1 of an undergraduate degree.
What is Durham like for Nigerian students?
Durham is a prestigious collegiate university similar in style to Oxford and Cambridge. It has a strong international student community, a compact historic city feel, and lower living costs than London. The collegiate system means strong pastoral support.
Tips for Applying to Durham
Durham is one of the UK's most prestigious universities — often nicknamed 'Oxbridge of the North'. The collegiate system provides a structured, supportive experience. For Nigerian students, it's an excellent choice in the North East with significantly lower living costs than London or even Birmingham. Strong for Law, Business, Theology, Physics and Engineering.
Official source: Durham University ↗Plan Your United Kingdom Student Visa
Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Nigerian passport holders applying to United Kingdom.
Cost of Living in Durham
College halls or private housing. Durham city is compact and affordable.
City is walkable. Bus to Newcastle for wider amenities.