North America - Durham University

Be extraordinary.

Study at a world top 100 university with world-leading researchers.

Enjoy a huge range of sporting and extracurricular opportunities as part of a diverse community of 20,000 students in 17 unique colleges.

Be inspired by a medieval castle and cathedral on your doorstep, which collectively form a UNESCO world heritage site.

Reap the career benefits of a degree from a university that is highly ranked by employers and become part of a global network of 215,000 alumni in over 185 countries.

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42nd in the QS World University Rankings 2025 for Arts and Humanities

65th in the world for employer reputation, QS World University Rankings 2025

7th in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2025

World Top 30 in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025

From North America to Durham

Students from North America talk about the academic experience at Durham and what they have loved about living here.

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A world top 100 university

Our rankings

We are a world-leading university, across a broad range of subjects. In the QS World Rankings by Subject 2024, three of our subjects ranked in the world top 10, ten subjects ranked in the top 50 and 19 subjects ranked in the top 100.
Our research

From improving people’s health and influencing changes in the law, to supporting business and bringing music to new audiences, our research is having an impact around the world.

Our rankings

We are a world-leading university, across a broad range of subjects. In the QS World Rankings by Subject 2024, three of our subjects ranked in the world top 10, ten subjects ranked in the top 50 and 19 subjects ranked in the top 100.

A student walking towards Durham Castle, looking back over her shoulder and smiling.

Our research

From improving people’s health and influencing changes in the law, to supporting business and bringing music to new audiences, our research is having an impact around the world.

A unique college system

Every student is assigned to one of our 17 college communities. From daily activities to special events, our unique college system offers so many ways to have fun and make friends.

More about our colleges

Recent extracurricular successes

A Cappella group competes in international singing finals

Our student A Cappella group, Northern Lights, competed in the 2024 New York international finals of a high-profile singing competition for the second year running.
Record-breaking season for sport at Durham

Our student sports clubs have achieved an all-time record for the University by winning 13 BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) national championships this season.

A Cappella group competes in international singing finals

Our student A Cappella group, Northern Lights, competed in the 2024 New York international finals of a high-profile singing competition for the second year running.

Record-breaking season for sport at Durham

Our student sports clubs have achieved an all-time record for the University by winning 13 BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) national championships this season.

Student life at Durham

What is life at Durham University like?

Our transformative wider student experience will also help you develop as a person. Discover the range of opportunities at Durham University and get an insider's look at the celebrated wider student experience.

Music at Durham University

With over 80 music societies to choose from, there are plentiful concerts and performances and the chance to build your skills in masterclasses. Our excellent Department of Music supports and encourages these groups, but they run and led by students.

Sports at Durham University

Sport is at the core of Durham student life, and a huge range of sporting opportunities is available. From joining college teams to competing at University level and beyond, we offer exceptional opportunities to get involved.

Theatre at Durham University

There are over 30 theatre companies across the University, all led and run by our students. These provide ample opportunities for performers, backstage workers and front-of-house crews working on the 90 or so productions each year.

Volunteering at Durham University

We encourage and support our staff and students to volunteer in our local community. Working with a wide range of community partners, our volunteering programme directly responds to local community needs.

Enterprise at Durham University

Your career can get started long before you graduate, from organising student-led events to participating in work-study opportunities and developing start-up companies.

Hear what our students say on The Durham Student

Scholarships for students from North America

We offer a wide range of scholarships, including scholarships aimed at students from the US and Canada.

What scholarships are available?

Student support at Durham

At Durham, we want everyone to reach their full potential. Whether you want to develop your academic skills or need help because you're feeling overwhelmed, our student support services are here for you.

More about student support

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

We are globally recognised as a leader in Arts and Humanities, nurturing thoughtful, critical and engaged citizens for a rapidly changing and complex world.

Explore Arts & Humanities

A transformative education

We provide an education that challenges boundaries, is research-led and transformative and takes advantage of the latest digital technologies.

Download our prospectus

More useful information

More useful information for students from North America thinking of studying at Durham.

North America: Scholarships

Find out what scholarships you might be eligible for.
How to apply

Information about our entry requirements for your country, how to apply for a visa and how to get in touch with our representatives for your region.
Where is Durham?

Information about where Durham is in the UK and how to get here.