Funding and Scholarships - Durham University

Funding your research at Durham

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Durham University offers a wide range of funding opportunities to support researchers from the UK and around the world, helping you focus on your research whilst developing the skills, experience and networks needed for future success.

Funding may be available through University scholarships, doctoral studentships, Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs), Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), departmental funding schemes and external funding organisations. Depending on the award, funding can cover tuition fees, living costs, research expenses, training opportunities and professional development activities.

Explore funding opportunities

Take a look at our range of scholarships, college funding and studentships.

Many postgraduate researchers are supported through funded studentships linked to specific research projects, departments or strategic research priorities.

Studentships may provide:
- Tuition fee funding
- Annual maintenance stipend
- Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)
- Conference and fieldwork funding
- Training and professional development opportunities
View our studentships

Doctoral Training Programmes

Doctoral Training Partnerships bring together leading universities and research organisations to deliver funded doctoral training supported by UK Research and innovation (UKRI)

When should I apply?

Funding applications frequently close several months before a programme begins. For many October start dates, major funding competitions open during the autumn and close between December and February.

To maximise your chances of securing funding:
- Research funding opportunities 9-12 months before your intended start date.
- Contact potential supervisors early.
- Check eligibility requirements carefully.
- Allow sufficient time to prepare both your academic and funding applications.
- Monitor funding deadlines regularly.

Additional support to help you succeed

There is a range of additional funding across the university to support postgraduate research.

Many doctoral researchers receive access to a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG), which helps support research-related activities throughout the doctorate.

Please contact your department as to the support available.

RTSG is intended to be used to pay for expenses which you, your supervisor/s or your department deem to be in direct support of your research.

RTSG funding may contribute towards:
- Conference attendance and registration
- Presenting research at academic conferences
- Fieldwork and research travel
- Research visits to archives, laboratories and partner institutions
- Specialist training courses and workshops
- Research consumables and materials
- Software licences and specialist datasets
- Data collection and transcription costs
- Networking and collaboration activities
- Research dissemination and public engagement activities
Access to RTSG funds is only available up to the end of supervised study.

RTSG funding enables researchers to enhance their academic development, build professional networks and maximise the impact of their research. The amount available and eligible expenditure vary between funding schemes and funders.

If you are unsure as to whether RTSG can be claimed for a particular item, they you should contact your department.

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Study with us

We offer world-class academic supervision, a prestigious global reputation, and a unique collegiate lifestyle that bridges intensive independent research with a tight-knit cross-disciplinary postgraduate community.
How to apply

Find your academic supervisor in your chosen department, write a detailed research proposal and prepare your academic transcripts, CV, personal statement and references.

Study with us

We offer world-class academic supervision, a prestigious global reputation, and a unique collegiate lifestyle that bridges intensive independent research with a tight-knit cross-disciplinary postgraduate community.

How to apply

Find your academic supervisor in your chosen department, write a detailed research proposal and prepare your academic transcripts, CV, personal statement and references.