STEP Eligibility and Selection Criteria 2025

All applicants should be interested in exploring Durham University and finding out about what the University has to offer. As places are limited and highly sought after, we will use the eligibility and selection criteria to help us identify those applicants who we feel will benefit the most from the programme. Successful applicants are not required to choose Durham University through UCAS; however, the aim of the programme is to support students in their pursuit of a place at Durham University and we ask that applicants take this into consideration when choosing to apply. 

Essential criteria – Applicants must:  

• Be in Year 12 and attending a state school or college in the UK.  

• Be currently living in the UK and have been for a minimum of three years prior to the time of application.  

• Be a UK national or have “settled status”, such as indefinite leave to remain in the UK, except where residence in the UK is wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education.  

• Be a Black-heritage student, which includes people who identify as being of Black – African, Caribbean, dual or mixed heritage.  

We know some students experience mitigating circumstances, which can mean their results do not show their true potential. If you feel this applies to you then you can tell us in your application form. The teacher who supports your application can provide further details of any such circumstances through their part of the process too. Therefore, you may wish to speak with them about this before submitting your application.    

Additionally, we may prioritise applicants meeting some of the following (please note, this list is in no particular order):  

• Come from neighbourhoods with low overall progression rates to higher education or high levels of financial, economic or social deprivation. 

• Have achieved at least eight GCSEs or equivalent at grade 6 or above and have a strong level of achievement for relevant subjects.  

• Are care-experienced.

• Are estranged from their parent(s)/carer(s).

• Are in receipt of, or entitled to, Free School Meals.  

• Will be within the first generation in their family to attend university.  

These criteria are used to identify students with merit and potential who are currently underrepresented in higher education and at Durham University. Additionally, as Black-heritage applicants are underrepresented at Durham, we particularly welcome applications to Supported Progression from students of Black-heritage including African, Caribbean, dual or mixed heritage.  

STEP also welcomes applications from disabled students and makes reasonable adjustments to facilitate access to all STEP events and the University.