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Durham Inspired: Racecourse Rugby Scholarship

This scholarship is for talented and ambitious young sportsmen and women from lower-income households who want to combine University level rugby with further education at Durham University.

Undergraduate Scholarships
Three students sat on the steps of St Marys College

Summary

The Racecourse Rugby Scholarship is for talented and ambitious young sportsmen and women from lower-income households who want to combine Rugby as a University level sport with further education at Durham University.  Applicants must have played Rugby to a high standard with regional or national experience preferred.

This scholarship is available for students who commenced their undergraduate studies at Durham and who are able to demonstrate exceptional potential in their chosen sport.

The Racecourse scholarship is worth £5,000 per academic year, for up to four years of an undergraduate course.

This scholarship has been gifted by a University rugby club alumni who wants to provide the same opportunity they were afforded, as well as offering informal mentorship throughout the scholar's time at the University.   It is hoped the scholarship will create opportunities for talented individuals from diverse, low-income backgrounds and encourage scholars to make the most of the rugby academic and extra-curricular programmes on offer at Durham University.

Amount £5,000 per year for a maximum of 4 years
Year of Entry First-year students who commenced their studies in October 2025
Number of awards available One
Level of study Undergraduate
Mode of study Full-time
Programmes All undergraduate programmes
Duration a maximum of 4 years

Eligibility

  • Applicants must have a household income below £42,875 based on an assessment carried out by Student Finance.
  • Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate an exceptional level of potential and excellence in Rugby.
  • Applicants should also be able to demonstrate participation in sporting events at a regional or national level.

Not sure if you're eligible? Contact us for advice.

How to apply

  1. Complete a scholarship application

    Submit an online scholarship application form by 10th November 2025, and provide:

    1. A Personal Statement explaining why you should be awarded a Racecourse Rugby Scholarship to include a description of sporting ability. This is part of the online application form.
    2. A YouTube link to a video approximately 2 minutes in length in which you should explain:
      • What difference the Racecourse Rugby Scholarship would make to you
      • How you would use this scholarship to progress your career aspirations, particularly in the area of Leadership

     

    Scholarship application deadline:

    10th November 2025 

     

     

    When applicants will be notified of the outcome:

    December 2025

     

     

  2. Selection process

    All eligible applications will be considered by a panel of colleagues with expertise in the field of Sport.

Guidance

Durham University makes every effort to ensure that the information published or contained on its website is accurate. However, the University cannot guarantee the information may not subsequently be altered owing to circumstances beyond the University's reasonable control. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) changes in Government policy or change of law. Whilst any changes will be incorporated into the University's website any person wishing to clarify the details of a particular scholarship/s should contact the University at scholarships.advice@durham.ac.uk.

 

Get in touch

If you have any questions about whether you are eligible for a scholarship or the application process, get in touch with our Scholarships and Student Funding Office:

Scholarships and Student Funding Office

Durham University

Palatine Centre

Stockton Road

DH1 3LE, UK

 

Telephone: 0191 3348997