Hatfield Lioness Scholarship at Durham University — A Complete 2026 Guide

Are you a driven woman from a developing country with a passion for creating positive change? The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship at Durham University could be the key to unlocking your academic and leadership potential.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the scholarship—what it offers, who’s eligible, and how to submit a winning application. From start to finish, you’ll have all the information you need to turn your aspirations into reality.

Durham University and Hatfield College at a glance

Durham University, one of the UK’s oldest and most respected institutions, is renowned for its strong academic reputation, vibrant collegiate system, and exceptional postgraduate experience. Hatfield College, established in 1846, blends tradition with a supportive and forward-thinking environment. Within this framework, the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship at Durham University stands as a prime example of the college’s commitment to promoting access for talented women from developing countries who would otherwise face financial barriers to studying in the UK.

A Scholarship Designed for Access and Impact

The purpose of the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship is straightforward: to support women from developing countries in completing a one-year, full-time taught master’s degree at Durham University. By doing so, the scholarship helps recipients develop the academic credentials, professional networks, and leadership skills needed to create positive change upon their return home.

About the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship

Background and Launch

Launched in 2018 to celebrate 30 years of women at Hatfield College, the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship was named to embody the courage, leadership, and community spirit that the College strives to cultivate in its global scholars.

Funding Sources

This scholarship is funded through donations from alumni and supporters, as well as contributions from the Hatfield Trust. This collaborative funding ensures the scholarship remains focused on its core mission: breaking down financial barriers for talented women with the drive to succeed but lacking the means to study in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

Here’s a quick checklist to determine your eligibility:

Female and a national of an eligible developing country.
Must have an unconditional offer for a full-time taught master’s degree at Durham University.
Not eligible: MBA, research master’s (MRes/MPhil), and PhD routes.
Should not already hold a master’s degree or higher qualification.
Must not have substantial personal funds or hold another major scholarship that covers significant costs.
Must demonstrate strong academic merit, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in your home country after graduation.

Tip: Indicate your intent to apply for college-based funding, including the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship, when submitting your admission application. This helps the admissions team understand your financial plan early on.

Coverage & Benefits

The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship covers the following:

Full tuition fees for the eligible one-year taught master’s programme.
A stipend for living costs throughout the academic year.
Accommodation at Hatfield College for the duration of the scholarship.
Return economy airfare from your home country to the UK.
Settling-in allowance for initial essentials upon arrival.
Coverage of the Visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Important Exclusions

No funding is provided for dependents (spouse/children).
Personal travel during your studies is not covered, except for the supported arrival and departure journeys.

These benefits make the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship one of the most comprehensive opportunities for women who need financial support to pursue a master’s degree in the UK.

Application Process: Two Key Stages

The application process for the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Apply for Admission to Durham University

Choose Your Programme: Select a full-time taught master’s that fits your academic and career goals (note: MBA, MRes/MPhil, and PhD programmes are not eligible).
Prepare Documents:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statement outlining your goals and impact
- References (usually two)
- English language qualifications (if required)
Submit Your Application: Ensure you mention your intention to seek college-based scholarships such as the Lioness.
Obtain an Unconditional Offer: You must have an unconditional offer from Durham before proceeding to the next stage.

Stage 2: Apply for the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship

Once you have your unconditional offer, follow these steps:

Complete the Hatfield College Scholarship Application: Submit the required forms and documents by 31 March 2025 (11:59 pm UK time).
Required Documents:
- Unconditional offer letter from Durham
- Academic transcripts
- References (if different from Stage 1)
- English language evidence (if applicable)
- A personal statement tailored to the Lioness Scholarship
- A financial declaration confirming lack of significant funds or major scholarships
Interview/Assessment: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or asked to provide additional information.
Outcome: Scholarship decisions are typically communicated in mid-June 2025.

This two-stage process allows you to align your admissions and scholarship applications seamlessly, improving your chances of securing the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship.

Why the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship Matters

Expanding Access Where It’s Needed Most

For many talented women, the main barrier to postgraduate study is financial, not academic. The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship directly addresses this gap by providing the resources to study at Durham University—giving high-potential women the chance to thrive academically and professionally.

Building Academic and Leadership Credentials

A Durham master’s degree enhances your expertise, research capabilities, and leadership skills. As a Lioness Scholar, you’ll benefit from world-class academics, a global network, and hands-on experience—empowering you to take on leadership roles in your home country.

A Catalyst for Change at Home

The scholarship is designed to have a lasting impact. Scholars are encouraged to return home and apply their newly acquired skills and networks to address key challenges in their home countries—whether in policy, education, health, technology, or environmental sustainability.

Key Dates for the 2025 Cycle

Application Deadline: 31 March 2025
Scholarship Decision: Mid-June 2025
Programme Start: September/October 2025

Be sure to monitor these dates as you plan your application, as they provide a clear roadmap for securing the scholarship.

How to Strengthen Your Application

Here’s a quick guide to making your application stand out:

Craft a Compelling Story: Explain your motivations and goals, and connect your previous experiences to your chosen master’s programme.
Demonstrate Leadership: Show how you’ve led or contributed to meaningful initiatives or projects in your community.
Align with Durham’s Resources: Mention specific modules, labs, or professors that align with your goals.
Be Transparent About Your Financial Need: Clearly explain why you need the scholarship and how it will make a difference.
Perfect the Basics: Ensure your CV is up-to-date, your personal statement is concise and authentic, and your references support your academic potential.

After the Offer: Visa, Arrival, and College Life

Once you receive the scholarship:

Accept the Award: Follow the formal acceptance process.
Visa Application: Request your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) and apply for your Student visa.
Accommodation and Travel: Arrange accommodation at Hatfield College and plan your travel, following the scholarship guidelines.
Induction and College Life: Prepare for the welcoming activities and orientation at Durham University.

As a Hatfield Lioness Scholar, you’ll join a supportive network at Durham, surrounded by peers, alumni, and mentors who can guide you through your academic and professional journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the scholarship only for one-year master’s degrees?
Yes, the scholarship is available for full-time taught master’s programmes of one academic year. MBA, research master’s, and PhD are not eligible.

Can I apply if I already have a master’s?
No, applicants should not already hold a master’s degree or higher qualification.

Can I hold another major scholarship?
No, applicants should not hold another scholarship that covers significant costs.

Are dependents funded?
No, the scholarship does not cover dependents or personal travel.

Do I need an offer before applying for the scholarship?
Yes, you must have an unconditional offer from Durham University before applying for the scholarship.

Conclusion

The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship at Durham University is more than just a financial award. It’s an opportunity to become part of a global community of women who are empowered to make a difference in their fields and countries. With comprehensive support covering tuition, living costs, accommodation, and travel, this scholarship removes many barriers to studying at a world-class institution.

If you’re eligible, take the next steps now, choose your programme, submit your application, and get ready to join the Hatfield College family as a Lioness Scholar.