For Indian students aspiring to study in the UK, Durham University is a name that consistently signifies prestige, academic excellence, and strong career outcomes. As a member of the elite Russell Group and consistently ranked among the Top 10 universities in the UK and Top 100 globally (QS World University Rankings), Durham offers an unparalleled educational experience. Its unique collegiate system provides a supportive community environment, easing the transition for international students. For Indian students, the high graduate employability rate and the excellent reputation of its Business, Law, and Science programs translate into a significant return on investment (ROI) and a globally recognized degree that opens doors to top-tier careers.
Programs Offered at Durham University
Durham University provides a comprehensive range of programs across its faculties of Arts and Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences & Health. Indian students can find courses at every level of their academic journey:
- Undergraduate (UG): 3-year and 4-year Bachelor's degrees (BA, BSc, LLB).
- Postgraduate Taught (PGT): Primarily 1-year Master's degrees (MSc, MA, LLM), which are highly popular among Indians for their efficiency and focus.
- Postgraduate Research (PGR): 2-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs for students inclined towards research and academia.
Durham University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026
Predicting exact fees for 2026 requires looking at the latest available data and established trends. Based on the official 2025/26 fee schedule from Durham University, we can project the expected costs for the 2026 intake, as universities typically implement a 3-5% annual increase.
- Annual Tuition Fee Range (2025/26):
- Undergraduate: £24,900 – £32,500 per year
- Postgraduate Taught: £25,500 – £35,900 per year
- Projected Annual Tuition Fee Range (2026/27):
- Undergraduate: £25,900 – £33,800 GBP (Approximately ₹27.19 Lakhs – ₹35.49 Lakhs INR)
- Postgraduate Taught: £26,500 – £37,300 GBP (Approximately ₹27.82 Lakhs – ₹39.16 Lakhs INR)
(Note: The INR conversion is based on a rate of 1 GBP = ₹105. This rate is for estimation purposes; please check the current exchange rate for exact figures when making payments.)
Popular Courses & Fees at Durham University 2025/26
Here is a detailed breakdown of popular programs among Indian students, with the most current verified fees from the university for the 2025/26 academic year. These figures are the most accurate foundation for financial planning.
Popular Postgraduate (PG) Taught Courses for Indian Students
| Course Name | Department/Faculty | Duration | 2025/26 Tuition Fee (GBP) | Estimated Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Finance (all specialisations) | Business School | 1 Year | £35,900 | ₹37,69,500 |
| MSc Management (all specialisations) | Business School | 1 Year | £31,500 | ₹33,07,500 |
| MSc Business Analytics | Business School | 1 Year | £31,500 | ₹33,07,500 |
| MSc Data Science | Computer Science/Maths | 1 Year | £29,500 | ₹30,97,500 |
| MSc Marketing | Business School | 1 Year | £31,500 | ₹33,07,500 |
| LLM (Master of Laws) | Law School | 1 Year | £25,500 | ₹26,77,500 |
| MA in Education | School of Education | 1 Year | £25,500 | ₹26,77,500 |
The data clearly shows that programs from Durham University Business School command the highest fees, reflecting their triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) and high global rankings. The MSc Finance program is the university's flagship and most premium offering. In contrast, the highly-ranked Law and Education programs offer a more accessible price point for a world-class degree. For Indian students, the intensive 1-year duration of these Master's programs is a significant advantage, reducing overall living costs and enabling a faster entry into the global workforce.
Popular Undergraduate (UG) Courses for Indian Students
| Course Name | Department/Faculty | Duration | 2025/26 Annual Fee (GBP) | Estimated Annual Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Computer Science | Computer Science | 3 Years | £32,500 | ₹34,12,500 |
| BA Business and Management | Business School | 3 Years | £28,000 | ₹29,40,000 |
| LLB (Law) | Law School | 3 Years | £24,900 | ₹26,14,500 |
| BSc Economics | Business School/Economics | 3 Years | £28,000 | ₹29,40,000 |
| BA Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) | Multiple | 3 Years | £24,900 | ₹26,14,500 |
| BSc Psychology | Psychology | 3 Years | £30,500 | ₹32,02,500 |
For undergraduate studies, a clear fee structure emerges based on the required resources. Lab-based courses like Computer Science and Psychology are at the higher end of the tuition spectrum, while classroom-based degrees in Law, PPE, and Business are more moderately priced. It is crucial for Indian parents and students to budget for these annual fees for all three years of the program. The reputation of Durham's LLB and PPE programs, in particular, offers exceptional value and prestige at a competitive fee point compared to other elite UK universities.
Ancillary and Other Essential Fees
Beyond tuition, you must budget for other mandatory costs.
- Application Fee: For most postgraduate taught courses, Durham charges a non-refundable application fee of £60 GBP (approx. ₹6,300 INR). This is paid when you submit your application online. Undergraduate applications are made via UCAS, which has its own application fee.
- Tuition Fee Deposit: Upon receiving an offer, international students are required to pay a deposit to secure their place. For 2025 entry, this was £2,500 GBP. This amount is deducted from your total tuition fee.
- College Fees: Durham is a collegiate university. While most costs are covered by tuition, some colleges may have an optional JCR (Junior Common Room) or MCR (Middle Common Room) levy for social events and facilities, typically ranging from £30-£70 per year.
- Bench Fees (for Research Students): PhD or research students in science and engineering may be required to pay an additional "bench fee" to cover the cost of lab consumables and specialized equipment. This can range from £1,000 to £10,000+ per year and will be specified in your offer letter.
Program-Wise Cost Comparison Summary
To simplify your decision-making, here is a high-level comparison of annual tuition fee tiers at Durham for international students.
| Program Category | Typical Annual Fee Bracket (GBP) | Typical Annual Fee Bracket (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Business School (PG) | £31,500 - £35,900 | ₹33.0 L - ₹37.7 L |
| Science & Technology (PG/UG) | £29,500 - £32,500 | ₹31.0 L - ₹34.1 L |
| Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (PG/UG) | £24,900 - £28,000 | ₹26.1 L - ₹29.4 L |
| Law (PG/UG) | £24,900 - £25,500 | ₹26.1 L - ₹26.8 L |
Payment Schedule, Refund Policy & Scholarships
Understanding financial policies is critical for a smooth journey.
- Payment Schedule: After paying the initial deposit, the remaining tuition fee can usually be paid in full before registration or in two instalments: 50% in the autumn term and 50% in the spring term.
- Visa Refusal Refund Policy: This is a key concern for Indian students. Durham University's official policy states that if your UK Student Visa application is refused, the tuition fee deposit is fully refundable, provided you submit a copy of the official visa refusal notification from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This provides significant financial security.
- Scholarships for Indian Students: Durham is committed to attracting top talent and offers several scholarships. Key options include:
- Durham University Business School Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships often awarded automatically to high-achieving applicants.
- Durham University International Scholarships: A range of awards for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- GREAT Scholarships: A prestigious scheme in partnership with the British Council, often offering up to £10,000 for Indian students pursuing one-year Master's degrees.
- Always check the university's "Fees and Funding" page for the latest scholarships and deadlines.