Frequently Asked Questions

No. Everyone is guaranteed to receive the level of Durham Grant to which they are entitled, provided that they consented to share their household income data with the University when they applied for their government support.

No, students on all courses are equally entitled to Durham Grants. Medical students should note that they will only receive a Durham Grant for the two years that they study at Durham University, not when they are at the University of Newcastle.

Your household income is the gross taxable income of whoever you are financially dependent upon (usually your parent(s) or your partner if you live with a partner), minus some deductions e.g. pension contributions. Student Finance for England (or equivalent) will work out your exact household income. The Student Finance Calculator at www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk/calculator/studentfinancecalculator will estimate the level of support you will receive from the government.

Students who receive the full Maintenance Grant from the government are guaranteed a Durham Grant (provided that you, and your sponsor(s), have consented to share your details with the University).

There are no restrictions as to how you spend your Durham Grant. However, you should spend it responsibly. You might need to use it to meet everyday living and course costs, or you could use it to make the most of your time at Durham by getting involved in extra-curricular activities or travelling in the Long Vacations. Or, if you are worried about student debt, you could use it to pay directly for your living costs instead of getting the maximum available loan from the Government which would reduce your debt after university. 

Our website www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/managing will help you to plan your finances throughout your time at Durham.

Your Durham Grant will not change if your household income changes after the start of the academic year. If you find that you need further financial support on top of your Durham Grant due to a change in circumstances you should contact your College, who may be able to help.

You must reapply for your government support every year. Every year your household income will be re-assessed by Student Finance for England (or equivalent). This information is passed to the University and we will use it to calculate the grant you are entitled to. If your household income changes your Durham Grant eligibility may change.

You will not have to repay your Durham Grant unless you withdraw from the University before the end of the academic year, in which case you maybe required to repay a portion of your Durham Grant.

No, your Durham Grant is over and above any support you get from the government.

Durham Grants are available only to students from the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

Durham Grants are available to undergraduate students and PGCE students, but not to other postgraduate students.