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North America

Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, with over one third of our students coming from an international background.

Each year we receive around 1000 applications from across North America. Currently over 350 of our students are from the USA and Canada.
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North America Tile

 

 

Support for Applicants

We understand that it can be challenging knowing where to start when applying to an overseas University. At Durham there is a wide range of support available to students who live in North America and are considering applying to Durham. We have a dedicated team who are on hand to answer any questions you have. 

 

Information for North American Applicants

Meet your Representatives

Get in touch with the North America Student Recruitment Team
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Events

See our upcoming events to find out more about Durham
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Canadian Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements for applicants from Canada
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USA Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements are for applicants from the USA
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Scholarships

Our scholarships support students from around the world
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US & Canadian Loans

Find out more about US and Canadian loans
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North America Partnerships

Find out more about our partnerships in North America
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Send us test scores

Send us additional documents to support your application
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Meet your Representatives

The North America student recruitment team are there to help with any aspect of the application process. They would be happy to hear from you to assist with any questions you have. 

Jessa Collings, Deputy Head of International Student Recruitment

Jessa is responsible for international undergraduate student recruitment strategy at Durham University. She is also responsible for supporting applicants from across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean .
Regional Manager for the Americas

Nathan Lamb, International Officer

Nathan is the International Officer for the Americas. He is responsible for supporting applicants from across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Email us

North America Events 

Meet the team at a recruitment event near you or online and find out more about Durham. 

Live

Date Organiser & Registration link Country State/ Province City Location Times Representative
19 September

British Universities Consortium Event

Register Here

 USA

Massachusetts

 Boston The Public Library of Brookline

6:15pm

9pm

  
20 September

British Universities Consortium Event

Register Here

 USA New York New York City Dwight School

6:15pm

9pm

  
21 September

British Universities Consortium Event

Register Here

 USA D.C. Washington The British International School of Washington

6:15pm

9pm

  
27 September

SI-UK Vancouver

Book your place

 Canada British Columbia Vancouver 515 West Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3

4pm - 8pm

  
30 September

SI-UK Toronto

Book your place

 Canada Ontario Toronto 370 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1J9

12 - 5pm

  

 

Online

Date

Organiser & Registration link

 Location Times Representative
         

 

 

University student
"There really is something for everybody at Durham from sports to theatre to debating to volunteering. Whatever your interests, you will find it!"
Helena Bland
BA History, from California

 

 

View of Durham Cathedral across the River Wear

Visit Durham University

You can book one of our personalised Campus Visits to find out more about our academic degree programmes and student life on campus. Visits start with a presentation from a member of staff from the International Office, followed by a guided tour from one of our student ambassadors.

Book now

 

 

Entry Requirements

 

 

Canada

If you have any questions regarding the entry requirements for Canada, please email us at North.America@durham.ac.uk.

Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland Nova Scotia Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon Territory Postgraduate

Alberta

A*A*A An average of 90% across 5 grade 12 academic subjects numbered 30/31 (including 88% in Maths 30-1 for programmes that require A level Maths).
A*AA An average of 88% across 5 grade 12 academic subjects numbered 30/31 (including 88% in Maths 30-1 for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAA An average of 86% across 5 grade 12 academic subjects numbered 30/31 (including 88% in Maths 30-1 for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAB An average of 84% across 5 grade 12 academic subjects numbered 30/31 (including 88% in Maths 30-1 for programmes that require A level Maths).
ABB An average of 80% across 5 grade 12 academic subjects numbered 30/31 (including 88% in Maths 30-1 for programmes that require A level Maths).

British Columbia

A*A*A An average of 90% across 5 grade 12 subjects (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
A*AA An average of 88% across 5 grade 12 subjects (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAA An average of 86% across 5 grade 12 subjects (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAB An average of 84% across 5 grade 12 subjects (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
ABB An average of 80% across 5 grade 12 subjects (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).

Manitoba

A*A*A An average of 90% in English 40S, and across at least 4 other courses at level 40S or 40G (including 88% in pre-Calculus 40S for programmes that require A level Maths).
A*AA An average of 88% in English 40S, and across at least 4 other courses at level 40S or 40G (including 88% in pre-Calculus 40S for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAA An average of 86% in English 40S, and across at least 4 other courses at level 40S or 40G (including 88% in pre-Calculus 40S for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAB An average of 84% in English 40S, and across at least 4 other courses at level 40S or 40G (including 88% in pre-Calculus 40S for programmes that require A level Maths).
ABB An average of 80% in English 40S, and across at least 4 other courses at level 40S or 40G (including 88% in pre-Calculus 40S for programmes that require A level Maths).

New Brunswick

A*A*A An average of 90% across 5 college preparatory courses: 120, 121 or 122 (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus A120/B120 for programmes that require A level Maths).
A*AA An average of 88% across 5 college preparatory courses: 120, 121 or 122 (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus A120/B120 for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAA An average of 86% across 5 college preparatory courses: 120, 121 or 122 (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus A120/B120 for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAB An average of 84% across 5 college preparatory courses: 120, 121 or 122 (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus A120/B120 for programmes that require A level Maths).
ABB An average of 80% across 5 college preparatory courses: 120, 121 or 122 (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus A120/B120 for programmes that require A level Maths).

Newfoundland

A*A*A Overall average of 90% in grade 12 courses (including 88% in Maths for programmes that require A level Maths).
A*AA Overall average of 88% in grade 12 courses (including 88% in Maths for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAA Overall average of 86% in grade 12 courses (including 88% in Maths for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAB Overall average of 84% in grade 12 courses (including 88% in Maths for programmes that require A level Maths).
ABB Overall average of 80% in grade 12 courses (including 88% in Maths for programmes that require A level Maths).

Nova Scotia

A*A*A An average of 90% across 5 grade 12 subjects (university preparatory academic or advanced) (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
A*AA An average of 88% across 5 grade 12 subjects (university preparatory academic or advanced) (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAA An average of 86% across 5 grade 12 subjects (university preparatory academic or advanced) (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAB An average of 84% across 5 grade 12 subjects (university preparatory academic or advanced) (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
ABB An average of 80% across 5 grade 12 subjects (university preparatory academic or advanced) (including 88% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).

Ontario

A*A*A An average of 90% across 6 Grade 12 4U or 4M courses (including 88% in Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U-C), or Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U-A), or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U-B) for programmes that require A level Maths).
A*AA An average of 88% across 6 Grade 12 4U or 4M courses (including 88% in Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U-C), or Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U-A), or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U-B) for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAA An average of 86% across 6 Grade 12 4U or 4M courses (including 88% in Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U-C), or Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U-A), or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U-B) for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAB An average of 84% across 6 Grade 12 4U or 4M courses (including 88% in Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U-C), or Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U-A), or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U-B) for programmes that require A level Maths).
ABB An average of 80% across 6 Grade 12 4U or 4M courses (including 88% in Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U-C), or Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U-A), or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U-B) for programmes that require A level Maths).

Prince Edward Island

A*A*A An average of 90% across 5 Grade 12 academic subjects  (including 88% in Advanced Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
A*AA An average of 88% across 5 Grade 12 academic subjects  (including 88% in Advanced Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAA An average of 86% across 5 Grade 12 academic subjects  (including 88% in Advanced Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAB An average of 84% across 5 Grade 12 academic subjects  (including 88% in Advanced Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).
ABB An average of 80% across 5 Grade 12 academic subjects  (including 88% in Advanced Calculus for programmes that require A level Maths).

Quebec

A*A*A A minimum of 12 academic semester credits in the DEC, with an average of 90% or better including English (88% or better in Calculus 1 and 2 for programmes that require A level Maths).
A*AA A minimum of 12 academic semester credits in the DEC, with an average of 88% or better including English (88% or better in Calculus 1 and 2 for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAA A minimum of 12 academic semester credits in the DEC, with an average of 86% or better including English (88% or better in Calculus 1 and 2 for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAB A minimum of 12 academic semester credits in the DEC, with an average of 84% or better including English (88% or better in Calculus 1 and 2 for programmes that require A level Maths).
ABB A minimum of 12 academic semester credits in the DEC, with an average of 80% or better including English (88% or better in Calculus 1 and 2 for programmes that require A level Maths).

Saskatchewan

A*A*A An average of 90% across 5 academic courses at the 30 level including English A30 and English B30 (88% in Pre-Calculus 30 for programmes that require A level Maths).
A*AA An average of 88% across 5 academic courses at the 30 level including English A30 and English B30 (88% in Pre-Calculus 30 for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAA An average of 86% across 5 academic courses at the 30 level including English A30 and English B30 (88% in Pre-Calculus 30 for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAB An average of 84% across 5 academic courses at the 30 level including English A30 and English B30 (88% in Pre-Calculus 30 for programmes that require A level Maths).
ABB An average of 80% across 5 academic courses at the 30 level including English A30 and English B30 (88% in Pre-Calculus 30 for programmes that require A level Maths).

 

Yukon Territory

A*A*A An average of 90% across 5 grade 12 subjects including English 12 (88% in Pre-Calculus 12 for programmes that require A level Maths).
A*AA An average of 89% across 5 grade 12 subjects including English 12 (88% in Pre-Calculus 12 for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAA An average of 87% across 5 grade 12 subjects including English 12 (88% in Pre-Calculus 12 for programmes that require A level Maths).
AAB An average of 86% across 5 grade 12 subjects including English 12 (88% in Pre-Calculus 12 for programmes that require A level Maths).
ABB An average of 85% across 5 grade 12 subjects including English 12 (88% in Pre-Calculus 12 for programmes that require A level Maths).

Postgraduate

Postgraduate Taught Programmes

A Bachelors degree, with one of the following scores (or better): GPA 3.3 out of 4.0, GPA of 6.5 out of 9.0, 85% out of 100, 80% out of 90, or Grade B+.

Postgraduate Research Programmes

A Master of Arts / Master of Science (Research) with a minimum of 2 years study, or an MBA.

United States of America

Undergraduate

Durham University considers a wide variety of qualifications for admission.  If you are unsure about any of the information below, please contact us directly at North.America@Durham.ac.uk - we're happy to help.

For 2024 entry, Durham has updated entry requirements for students attending high school in the United States that do not offer AP curriculum. For students attending a school that does not offer AP curriculum, we will consider honours courses or equivalent in place of APs. For students attending a school that has AP curriculum, you will be expected to submit AP exams for admission.  

Different degree programmes at Durham will require different exam scores. To find out what these are, please: 

  1. Check what the A-Level Entry Requirements are for your degree programme of choice. You can find this on the course page using our Course Database. 
  2. Use the table below to see what the A-Level Entry Requirements are equal to for US applicants.  

 

Equivalencies

For students attending a school with AP curriculum

If your school offers AP curriculum, you will need to submit a minimum of two AP exam scores in order to meet the academic entry requirements for your degree programme of choice. Please note that you must sit and submit the examinations, we will not accept the course grade. If there is a specific subject required for admission, you must evidence this with an AP exam.  For some programmes, one AP may be sufficient alongside two additional qualifications listed below.

A-Level Requirement

Three APs

Two APs and one additional qualification

A*A*A

Three AP test scores of:

5,5,5

Two AP test scores of: 5,5

PLUS one of the following:

  • Honours Course: A+
  • SAT I: 1390 (min 720 RW, 650 M)
  • ACT: 30
  • One year-long equivalent Dual Enrolment/College course at A

A*AA

Three AP test scores of:

5,5,5

Two AP test scores of: 5,5

PLUS one of the following:

  • SAT I: 1350 (min 700 RW, 650 M)
  • ACT: 30
  • Honours Course: A
  • One year-long equivalent Dual Enrolment/College course at A

AAA

Three AP test scores of:

5,5,5

OR

Four AP test scores of:

5,5,4,4

Two AP test scores of: 5,5

PLUS one of the following:

  • SAT I: 1350 (min 700 RW, 650 M)
  • ACT: 30
  • Honours Course: B+
  • One year-long equivalent Dual Enrolment/College course at B+

AAB

Three AP test scores of:

5,4,4

Two AP test scores of: 5,4

PLUS one of the following:

  • SAT I: 1290 (min 650 RW, 620 M)
  • ACT: 28
  • Honours Course: B+
  • One year-long equivalent Dual Enrolment/College course at B+

ABB

Three AP test scores of:

5,4,4

Two AP test scores of: 5,4

PLUS one of the following:

  • SAT I: 1290 (min 650 RW, 620 M)
  • ACT: 28
  • Honours course at B+
  • One year-long equivalent Dual Enrolment/College course at B+
For students attending a school that does not offer AP curriculum

If your school does not offer AP courses, Durham will consider students who are completing the US High School Diploma with Honours courses. Please note that we will be using the information submitted by your school in the UCAS Reference to confirm that your school does not offer AP curriculum, and if your school does, you cannot be considered with Honours courses alone and will need to complete APs to be considered for admission.  

If you are planning to apply via this pathway, you will need to ensure that you have achieved an overall GPA of 3.7, and you will need a minimum of 3 yearlong equivalent honours courses taken in grade 11 and grade 12 in order to be eligible for admission.

Please note: Some degree programmes have subject specific requirements. If you are applying to a programme with subject specific requirements and you are unsure if your honours course will meet the requirements, please contact us.

A-Level Requirement

Three honours

Two honours and one additional qualification

A*A*A

Achieve overall GPA of 3.7 with three honours classes at:

A+, A+, A

Achieve overall GPA of 3.7

PLUS

Two honours classes of A+, A+, and one of the following:

  • SAT I: 1390 (min 720 RW, 650 M)
  • ACT: 30
  • One year-long equivalent Dual Enrolment/College course at A

A*AA

Achieve overall GPA of 3.7 with three honours classes at:

A+, A, A

Achieve overall GPA of 3.7

PLUS

Two honours classes of A+, A, and one of the following:

  • SAT I: 1350 (min 700 RW, 650 M)
  • ACT: 30
  • One year-long equivalent Dual Enrolment/College course at A

AAA

Achieve overall GPA of 3.7 with three honours classes at:

A, A, A

OR

Four honours classes at:

A, A, B+, B+

Achieve overall GPA of 3.7

PLUS

Two honours classes of A, A, and one of the following:

  • SAT I: 1350 (min 700 RW, 650 M)
  • ACT: 30
  • One year-long equivalent Dual Enrolment/College course at B+

AAB

Achieve overall GPA of 3.7 with three honours classes at:

A, A/A-, B+

Achieve overall GPA of 3.7

PLUS

Two honours classes of A, A/A-, and one of the following:

  • SAT I: 1290 (min 650 RW, 620 M)
  • ACT: 28
  • One year-long equivalent Dual Enrolment/College course at B+

ABB

Achieve overall GPA of 3.7 with three honours classes at:

A/A-, B+, B+

Achieve overall GPA of 3.7

PLUS

Two honours classes of A/A-, B+, and one of the following:

  • SAT I: 1290 (min 650 RW, 620 M)
  • ACT: 28
  • One year-long equivalent Dual Enrolment/College course at B+
If you are currently completing an Associate’s Degree or Year 1 of a Bachelor’s Degree

If you are completing an Associate’s Degree or Year 1 of a Bachelor’s Degree, we can consider these for entry into Year 1 of a Bachelor’s Degree at Durham University.

If you are applying to a Degree Programme at Durham which has subject-specific entry requirements, these must still be met. We may require you to submit a curriculum overview, outlining the academic content covered within your Associate’s Degree / Bachelor’s Degree so we can determine whether it aligns with the subject-specific entry requirements. Typically, you will need to meet the A Level subject requirement with a yearlong equivalent course.   

A-Level Requirement

Associates Degree

First Year of Bachelor’s Degree

A*A*A

CGPA: 3.6

GPA: 3.6

A*AA

CGPA: 3.5

GPA: 3.5

AAA

CGPA: 3.4

GPA: 3.4

AAB

CGPA: 3.2

GPA: 3.2

ABB

CGPA: 3.1

GPA: 3.1

Subject-Specific Requirements

  • For students wishing to gain entry to a programme that requires A-level Mathematics, AP Calculus BC at grade 5 is required. 
  • For students wishing to gain entry to a programme that requires A-Level English, AP English Literature and Composition is required.
  • For students wishing to gain entry to Music programmes, we recommend taking AP Music Theory.
  • For students applying to any History programme, one History AP is required. Only one of the two/three APs needed can be fulfilled using a History AP.
  • For students wishing to gain entry to a programme that requires GCSE Mathematics, SAT Reasoning Maths at 670+, ACT Maths at 28 or better, or a maths related AP course (e.g. Calculus AB or Statistics) is mandatory. 

For students applying with a High School Diploma and Honours courses, you will need to have completed your school's equivalent of the above. If you are unsure if your course meets the A Level requirements, please get in touch with us. 

Important things to note regarding admission:

  • You do not have to have completed all AP's at the time of applying. We understand that many students will take AP's in their Senior year and we can assess these when the results are released.  
  • We do not accept the AP Capstone (comprising of AP Research and AP Seminar) in order to fulfil the conditions of an offer to study at Durham. 
  • Students using an Associate’s Degree or similar to apply still need to meet all A Level subject requirements where applicable. If you are unsure if your qualification will meet these requirements, please get in touch with us.
  • If you are planning to use one year-long equivalent Dual Enrolment or College course, you need to have studied that subject for the equivalent of one full time year, e.g., across two semesters or three trimesters. For example, Psychology 101 and Psychology 102.
  • We also accept SAT Subject Tests. If you have SAT Subject Test scores, please get in touch to see if this can reduce the number of other standardised tests required.

Durham’s College Board Code: 5488

Contact us: North.America@Durham.ac.uk 

Postgraduate

A Bachelors degree from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.3 or better out of 4.0.