Durham University - Robert Young Scholarship Fund

Robert Young Scholarship Fund (Durham University)

You will receive about 11,500 EUR per academic year (£10,000) for a one-year bachelor’s degree programme at Durham University. The money will be paid out in two instalments. Firstly, your tuition fees will be covered up to a maximum of £10,000.. Any remaining balance will be paid directly to you in instalments each semester. The scholarship is funded by a donation of £1 million from Robert Young, a local entrepreneur and former city councillor. Durham aims to award at least one scholarship each year.

Who can apply

• University: You are applying via UCAS, the central application system for higher education institutions in the UK, for an undergraduate degree programme at Durham University.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Where you went to school: You have spent at least two of your last four school years at a state-funded school, university or other educational institution in County Durham.
• Where you live: You are considered a resident of County Durham (as defined by specified postcode areas) if you submit your application to Durham via UCAS.
• Financial need: According to Student Finance England’s assessment, your household income is below £42,875,. A household income below £25,000 is preferred.

How to apply

You need to do two things at the same time. Firstly: Submit your application for a place at Durham via UCAS. Secondly: Complete a separate scholarship application form, in which you set out your financial situation in a personal statement, explain how the funding would help you, and state why you wish to study at Durham. The deadline for the scholarship application is 21 March. There will be no interview. The decision will be based on your written statement, a teacher’s reference and your academic record. The results will be announced at the end of April.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is very strictly defined. You must have attended school in County Durham, live there and demonstrate genuine financial need; consequently, the pool of eligible applicants is small. If you clearly meet these criteria and can provide evidence of a low household income, your chances are good, and membership of £25,000 is a further advantage. As only a small number of scholarships are awarded each year, a well-substantiated application is more important than a perfectly drafted one.