Supporting Local Students Bringing Durham’s education within reach

Laura Scott recipient of Vice-Chancellor’s North East Scholarship whilst underaking her Research Masters in the Earth sciences Department

Supporting Local Students

Despite living close by, Durham University can seem like a world away to those local students who experience economic barriers to higher education. But now, with the generous support of our donors, we are able to offer scholarships to the brightest and most talented local students, bringing a Durham education within reach.

The University has a significant economic impact on the City and region, and is a custodian of beautiful buildings and cultural treasures. An organisation with global reach, Durham University strives to engage with the world on our doorstep through partnerships with local schools and by facilitating student volunteering, and enterprise and entrepreneurship. Importantly, our growing portfolio of Durham Inspired North East Scholarships, funded and driven by the passionate support of our alumni and friends around the world, is removing economic barriers and unlocking the vast potential of local students, enabling them to broaden their own horizons through the opportunities that come with a Durham degree.

Overcoming barriers

The following scholarships are open to students from families with low incomes across the North East region, helping them to take their first steps into higher education or to continue on to postgraduate study:

St Nicholas Scholarships; Glaister Northern Scholarships; Robert Young Scholarship; Batey Scholarship; Brian Cooper Scholarship;

First steps

William Chan, a St Nicholas Scholar, believes that without the support provided by the St Nicholas Education Trust he would not be able to attend Durham University to study Mathematics. The support he has been given has inspired him to make the most of his time at Durham. He said: “the fact that I have been given this fantastic opportunity has driven me to strive to put it to good use and obtain as high a grade as possible year on year.” As well as striving academically, William represents the University at basketball. He is very active in college-level sport and uses his role in Grey College Basketball as a way of providing welfare support to current students.

Continuing the journey

Laura Scott has been the recipient of a Vice-Chancellor’s North East Scholarship while undertaking her Research Masters in the Earth Sciences Department. The support she received has enabled her to concentrate on her studies, Laura said “the scholarship has helped me with financial worries”. It has also enhanced the quality of the research she was able to undertake. “The extra work I carried out has made my work so much more credible, as I now have a lot more geological measurements for analysis.” Laura is now undertaking her PhD at Liverpool University; you can read more about her research at the link below: Laura Scott PhD Research Liverpool University The generosity of our donors is enabling exceptional local students to thrive, and we would like to say a sincere thank you to all the donors who make these awards possible.