Durham University - Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for Music, Sport and Arts

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships for Sport, Music and Arts

You will receive about 2,436 EUR (£2,000) per academic year per academic year of your Bachelor’s degree at Durham University. This is usually three years, amounting to a total of approximately 7,300 EUR. The money will be paid directly to you. Durham University awards 25 of these scholarships, across the fields of sport, music and the arts, to students who are exceptionally talented in one of these areas.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting a full-time bachelor’s degree at Durham University.
• Field of study: Any subject. You don’t necessarily have to study music to be eligible for the music prize.
• Talent: You can demonstrate exceptional skills in sport, music or the arts, for example by taking part in competitions at national or international level.
• Sport applicants: You play a BUCS sport, i.e. a sport organised under the umbrella of ‘British Universities and Colleges Sport’.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities and fee categories are welcome to apply, regardless of whether they are from the UK or abroad.
• Start date: You must start in October 2026. If you postpone the start date to 2027, you will instead reapply in the next round.
• Engagement: You are keen to get actively involved in Durham’s sporting, musical and theatrical life.
• Preferred: We particularly welcome applications from international candidates, members of ethnic minorities and people from regions with low rates of university enrolment or high levels of social disadvantage.

How to apply

First, submit your standard application to the University of Durham via UCAS. You must then complete a separate online application for the scholarship by 14 January 2026. Depending on your department, you will need to demonstrate your talent by submitting a portfolio, video links or evidence of active participation, as well as a letter of recommendation. An internal university panel will assess the applications, and you will receive a response by the end of April 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

As only 25 scholarships are awarded across three faculties at a large, prestigious university, competition is fierce. The bar is set high: you must demonstrate your talent at a national or international level – enthusiasm alone is not enough. If you meet these requirements and belong to one of the priority groups, your prospects will improve. Prepare your portfolio or video, as well as your references, well in advance, as all documents must be submitted by the same deadline in January.