New round of the Helen Sharp Undergraduate Scholarship in Modern Languages

Are you considering studying Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham University from October 2027? A generous scholarship could help you make the most of your undergraduate experience.

Up to £4,000 per year for up to four years

Thanks to a generous gift from MLAC alumna Helen Potts (née Sharp), the School of Modern Languages and Cultures is offering the Helen Sharp Undergraduate Scholarship in Modern Languages.

The scholarship provides up to £4,000 per year for up to four years of study. The funding does not need to be repaid and can be used towards the costs that will help you get the most from your time at Durham.

This could include learning resources such as textbooks, laptops and other devices, as well as clubs, societies, sports and other activities. It could also support volunteering, employer insight days and other opportunities that contribute to personal development and employability.

Who can apply?

The scholarship is open to students who:

• will be starting their undergraduate studies at the School of Modern Languages and Cultures in October 2027;
• wish to study one or more of French, German, Hispanic Studies, Italian or Russian;
• have Home student fee status;
• have a household income that has been, or will be, assessed by Student Finance England (SFE), or equivalent, as below £42,875; and
• have been educated at a state-maintained UK school, college or other secondary education provider for the whole of their education.

The scholarship scheme is not applicable to students taking only Arabic, Chinese or Japanese.

Applicants must also be in need of financial assistance at the time of application.

Applications from students of Black Heritage, care-leavers, refugees and asylum-seekers are particularly warmly welcomed.

How to apply

Eligible students are invited to complete the application form and, once available, email a copy of their Student Finance England or equivalent assessment letter to mlac.hos@durham.ac.uk, using the subject line “The Helen Sharp Undergraduate Scholarship 2027”.

All information provided will be treated in strict confidence.

The closing date for applications is 25 March 2027 at 23:59 BST. Late applications cannot be considered.

Successful applicants will be notified by the end of April 2027.

Find out more

For full eligibility criteria, details of how the scholarship can be used, the application form and information about the selection process, visit the Helen Sharp Undergraduate Scholarship in Modern Languages webpage.

The scholarship is generously funded by Helen Potts (née Sharp), a graduate of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, and is intended to help students make the most of their studies and wider opportunities at Durham University.