The scholarship is connected to Hatfield College, one of Durham University’s residential colleges. Its main purpose is to support a woman who has strong academic potential but does not have the personal financial resources needed to fund postgraduate education in the UK.
The award can cover far more than tuition fees. In the latest fully published cycle, the scholarship included full University tuition, living support, accommodation at Hatfield College, international travel, a settling-in allowance, the UK visa fee and the immigration health surcharge.
This makes the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship one of the most comprehensive women-focused Master’s scholarships connected to Durham University. However, it is also extremely competitive because only one scholarship has commonly been available in a cycle.
Applicants should understand that this is not a general scholarship open automatically to every woman worldwide. Eligibility normally depends on nationality, financial need, academic qualifications, previous study and admission to an eligible full-time taught Master’s programme.
The latest fully verifiable cycle was for October 2025 entry and closed on March 31, 2025. Durham University continues to list the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship on Hatfield College’s official scholarship pages, but applicants preparing for a later intake should confirm the current opening date, deadline and terms directly from Durham University before submitting documents.
About Durham University
Durham University is a UK university offering undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research programmes across arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, business, law, social sciences and health-related fields.
The University operates a collegiate system. Students belong to a college that provides community, student support, accommodation opportunities and social or academic activities alongside their degree programme.
Hatfield College is one of Durham University’s colleges. Its official pages list several forms of student support, including the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship for taught postgraduate students and the Guy Beresford Scholarship.
The Lioness Scholarship is supported through the Hatfield Trust and is designed to combine academic opportunity with participation in college life.
What Is the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship?
The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship is a postgraduate taught scholarship for a woman from an eligible developing country where access to higher education may be limited.
Its goal is not only to help the recipient obtain a UK degree. The scholarship also seeks a candidate who can use the education, experience and leadership skills gained at Durham to create a positive impact after returning to her community or home country.
The award normally supports a full-time, one-year taught Master’s degree. Research Master’s programmes, doctoral programmes and the MBA have been excluded in published cycles.
The successful applicant becomes a member of Hatfield College and is expected to participate positively in the academic and social life of both the College and the wider University.
Is the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes. In the latest clearly published cycle, the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship was a fully funded award covering tuition, living support, accommodation, travel and major immigration expenses.
The scholarship package included the following benefits:
- Full payment of Durham University tuition fees
- A stipend for living expenses
- Fully funded accommodation at Hatfield College
- One return economy flight from the recipient’s home country to the UK
- Return transportation between the UK airport and Durham City
- A settling-in allowance after arrival
- Payment of the UK Student visa application fee
- Payment of the UK immigration health surcharge
The exact value of the living stipend and other allowances may change from one year to another. Applicants should rely on the current Durham scholarship page rather than amounts published by unofficial scholarship websites.
Full Tuition-Fee Coverage
The scholarship pays the University tuition fee for the eligible one-year Master’s programme.
This is important because international postgraduate fees in the UK can be substantial, particularly for business, law, engineering, science and technology programmes.
The successful scholar should still read the award terms carefully to determine whether any optional charges, field trips, specialist equipment, resit costs or programme extensions fall outside the scholarship.
Living-Expense Stipend
The scholarship includes a living allowance intended to help the recipient pay for everyday expenses during the academic year.
These expenses can include:
- Food
- Local transportation
- Study materials
- Telephone and internet
- Clothing
- Personal care
- Basic academic expenses
The stipend is designed for the scholarship holder. It should not be assumed that the amount will support a spouse, children or other dependants.
Accommodation at Hatfield College
The published scholarship package included fully funded single-person accommodation at Hatfield College. The accommodation was described as mixed college accommodation, with the precise catering arrangement depending on the available scholarship terms.
Living in college can help an international student settle into University life by providing access to:
- A student community
- College support
- Social activities
- Academic events
- Student societies
- Leadership and volunteering opportunities
The accommodation is normally for the scholar alone. Published conditions stated that dependants were not funded or accommodated under the award.
International Travel Support
The scholarship has included one economy-class return ticket between the scholar’s home country and the United Kingdom.
It has also covered reasonable return transportation between the arrival airport and Durham City.
This support generally relates to the approved journey at the beginning and end of the scholarship. It should not be interpreted as unlimited funding for holiday travel, family visits or repeated international journeys.
Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge
The scholarship package has covered the UK visa application fee and the immigration health surcharge for the scholar.
This is a valuable benefit because international students normally need to pay both expenses as part of the UK Student visa process.
The scholarship does not remove the need to satisfy the visa requirements. The recipient must still:
- Receive a valid admission offer
- Meet all academic conditions
- Meet English-language requirements
- Receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
- Complete the Student visa application
- Provide all requested documents
- Meet identity and immigration requirements
Scholarship selection does not itself guarantee that UK Visas and Immigration will approve the Student visa.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is intended for a woman from an eligible developing country who can demonstrate academic ability, financial need and potential to make a positive contribution after completing her studies.
Published eligibility conditions have included the following:
- The applicant must be, or identify as, a woman.
- She must be a national of an eligible developing country.
- She must apply for an eligible full-time taught Master’s programme.
- She must hold a relevant undergraduate degree of a sufficient standard.
- She must satisfy the course’s English-language requirements.
- She must not already hold a Master’s degree.
- She must not have adequate personal financial resources to study in the UK independently.
- She must not hold another scholarship covering the same postgraduate study.
- She must receive the required Durham University admission offer by the stated date.
These requirements were stated for the latest fully published cycle and may be updated in a future competition.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship has focused on women from selected developing countries. The eligible-country list can change, so applicants must check the official Durham University page for the relevant year.
Countries listed in the most recently available detailed scholarship information included:
Africa
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Sudan
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
South Asia
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Middle East
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Yemen
Latin America and the Caribbean
- Bolivia
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
Asia and the Pacific
- Cambodia
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
- Vanuatu
This list reflects the latest detailed secondary summary linked to the official Durham opportunity and should not be treated as permanent. Applicants should confirm that their country appears in the official eligibility list for the intake they intend to join.
Can Nigerian Women Apply?
Nigeria appeared on the eligible-country list in the latest fully detailed competition information. A Nigerian woman could therefore apply if she also met the academic, admission, financial and personal eligibility conditions.
Nigerian applicants should not rely only on nationality. They must also show:
- A strong undergraduate academic record
- Suitability for the selected Master’s programme
- English-language ability
- Genuine financial need
- Leadership or community potential
- A realistic plan to use the degree after graduation
Eligible Degree Programmes
The scholarship generally supports a full-time taught Master’s degree offered by Durham University.
Possible academic areas may include:
- Arts and humanities
- Social sciences
- Education
- International relations
- Development studies
- Law
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Data science
- Environmental studies
- Public policy
- Health-related academic programmes
- Finance and economics, subject to programme eligibility
Published conditions excluded the following:
- MBA programmes
- PhD programmes
- Research Master’s programmes
The applicant must verify that her exact programme is eligible before paying an application fee or submitting the scholarship form.
Can a Woman Who Already Has a Master’s Degree Apply?
No. Published eligibility rules stated that an applicant should not already hold a Master’s degree.
The scholarship is intended to help a woman access postgraduate education that she has not previously had the financial opportunity to complete.
An applicant who has started but not completed a Master’s programme should request direct guidance from Durham University because the scholarship committee may consider previous postgraduate enrolment when evaluating eligibility.
Financial-Need Requirement
The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship is not based only on excellent grades. It is also intended for someone who does not otherwise have the financial means to undertake a UK Master’s degree.
The scholarship application may ask the candidate to explain:
- Her personal and family financial circumstances
- Why she cannot self-fund UK tuition
- Whether she has access to other scholarships
- Whether an employer or government can sponsor her
- How the scholarship would change her educational opportunities
Applicants should be honest and specific. Financial need should not be exaggerated through false documents or misleading statements.
Academic Requirements
The applicant must first satisfy the entry requirements of the Durham University Master’s programme she selects.
Academic assessment may consider:
- Undergraduate degree result
- Relevance of previous studies
- Academic transcripts
- Research or project experience
- Professional experience
- References
- Personal statement
- English-language ability
The exact required degree classification varies by course. Some programmes may expect the equivalent of a UK upper-second-class honours degree, while more competitive courses may expect stronger performance or specific prior subjects.
Meeting the minimum programme requirement does not guarantee scholarship selection. Because only one award has typically been available, successful applicants are likely to demonstrate both excellent academic potential and a compelling personal purpose.
English-Language Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the English requirement for their chosen Durham University course.
Accepted evidence may include:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Pearson PTE Academic
- Another qualification accepted by Durham University
- An approved exemption based on previous education, where applicable
The required overall score and individual component scores vary by programme.
An applicant should complete her English test early. Waiting until after the scholarship deadline may prevent her from obtaining an unconditional offer by the required date.
Admission Offer Requirement
Applicants must apply separately for admission to an eligible Durham University Master’s programme.
In the latest published cycle, candidates were expected to have applied and received the required unconditional offer by June of the entry year.
This means the scholarship application does not replace the University admission application.
The applicant should:
- Select an eligible taught Master’s programme.
- Review all entry requirements.
- Prepare the academic documents.
- Submit the Durham University programme application.
- Mention the intention to apply for the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship where requested.
- Complete the separate scholarship application.
- Meet all offer conditions by the stated deadline.
Application Deadline
The latest fully verifiable competition closed on March 31, 2025 for an October 2025 programme start.
Durham University still lists the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship among Hatfield College’s postgraduate awards, but applicants should not assume that March 31 will automatically remain the deadline every year.
For a later intake, applicants should check:
- The official opening date
- The scholarship deadline
- The programme application deadline
- The deadline for receiving an unconditional offer
- The date scholarship decisions will be announced
How to Apply for the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship
Stage One: Apply for a Durham Master’s Programme
The applicant must submit an academic application for an eligible taught Master’s course.
The admission application may require:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Academic references
- English-language results
- Passport details
- Professional experience evidence where relevant
Stage Two: Complete the Scholarship Application
The applicant must submit the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship form through the procedure published for that year.
In the latest detailed cycle, candidates were instructed to apply for their programme and then submit the scholarship documents through the Hatfield Trust process.
Stage Three: Meet All Admission Conditions
A conditional University offer may require the applicant to:
- Complete her degree
- Provide final transcripts
- Meet an English-language condition
- Submit official documents
- Provide evidence of identity
These conditions must be completed by the scholarship’s stated offer deadline.
Documents Commonly Required
Applicants should prepare:
- Valid passport
- Durham University offer letter
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Academic or professional references
- English-language certificate
- Financial-need explanation
- Leadership and community-service evidence
- Any documents requested in the scholarship form
The latest detailed application guidance specifically listed the University offer, transcript, references and English-language certificate among the relevant documents.
How to Write a Strong Scholarship Personal Statement
A strong statement should explain the applicant’s academic ability, financial circumstances, leadership experience and plans for using the degree.
Explain Your Academic Background
Discuss:
- Your undergraduate programme
- Strong grades or academic awards
- Relevant projects
- Research experience
- Professional achievements
Explain Why You Chose Durham
Identify specific features of the selected programme, such as:
- Relevant modules
- Research expertise
- Professional connections
- Teaching approach
- Facilities
- Career relevance
Avoid writing only that Durham is a prestigious university.
Demonstrate Financial Need
Explain clearly why you cannot fund the programme independently. Provide context without turning the entire statement into a description of hardship.
The committee should understand both your financial need and your ability to succeed academically.
Show Leadership and Community Impact
The scholarship is intended to create wider value. Explain:
- Communities you have supported
- Projects you have led
- Problems you want to solve
- Women or girls you hope to empower
- How the degree will improve your work
- What you plan to do after returning home
Provide a Realistic Post-Graduation Plan
A strong plan should be specific. It may involve:
- Returning to public service
- Developing education programmes
- Supporting women’s economic inclusion
- Improving healthcare delivery
- Building a social enterprise
- Working in sustainable development
- Conducting policy research
How Applications May Be Assessed
The selection committee may consider:
- Academic excellence
- Programme suitability
- Financial need
- Leadership experience
- Community contribution
- Potential future impact
- Quality of the personal statement
- Strength of references
- Ability to participate positively in Hatfield College
Meeting every minimum condition does not guarantee selection because the number of scholarships is very limited.
Possible Scholarship Interview
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to attend an online interview.
Possible questions include:
- Why did you choose Durham University?
- Why did you select this Master’s course?
- How will the degree benefit your community?
- What leadership experience do you have?
- Why can you not finance the programme independently?
- What are your plans after graduation?
- How will you contribute to Hatfield College?
- What major challenge have you overcome?
The applicant should answer honestly and consistently with the written application.
Can the Scholarship Support Dependants?
No. Published scholarship terms stated that the award does not provide funding for dependants and that the college accommodation is for the scholar only.
A recipient planning to bring a spouse or child would need to consider:
- UK immigration eligibility
- Separate visa expenses
- Accommodation
- Food and living costs
- Childcare or schooling
- Healthcare-related expenses
The scholar should not assume that the living stipend can support an entire family.
Can the Scholarship Be Combined With Another Award?
Published eligibility conditions stated that applicants should not be receiving another scholarship to fund the same postgraduate study.
An applicant who receives another offer of funding should contact Durham University before accepting both awards.
Failure to declare another scholarship could result in withdrawal of the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship.
UK Student Visa Process
After admission and scholarship confirmation, the successful applicant will need to complete the Student visa process.
The main stages generally include:
- Meet all Durham University offer conditions.
- Accept the academic and scholarship offers.
- Provide the documents requested for CAS preparation.
- Receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
- Complete the online Student visa application.
- Pay or use the scholarship arrangement for applicable visa costs.
- Provide biometrics.
- Submit any additional requested documents.
- Wait for a visa decision before travelling.
The scholar should not purchase a non-refundable ticket before receiving the visa unless Durham University specifically advises otherwise.
Can the Scholar Work in the UK?
A student holding valid UK Student permission may be allowed to work a limited number of hours, depending on the conditions stated on the immigration record.
However, a scholarship recipient should not rely on employment to fund essential costs. The main purpose of the visa is study, and working excessive hours could affect academic performance or breach immigration conditions.
The scholarship terms may also contain rules about outside employment. The recipient should check both immigration and scholarship conditions.
Common Application Mistakes
- Applying without checking the eligible-country list
- Applying for an excluded programme
- Already holding a Master’s degree
- Missing the scholarship deadline
- Submitting the programme application too late
- Failing to meet the English condition
- Writing a generic personal statement
- Providing weak references
- Failing to demonstrate financial need
- Claiming another scholarship has not been received
- Submitting false financial or academic documents
How to Avoid Scholarship Scams
Applicants should be cautious of anyone claiming to sell or guarantee the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship.
Warning signs include:
- Guaranteed selection
- Payment to a personal bank account
- Requests for cryptocurrency
- A fake Durham offer letter
- An application form hosted on an unrelated website
- A person claiming to control the selection panel
- A request to falsify financial hardship
- Pressure to pay immediately
Durham University continues to list the scholarship through Hatfield College’s official web structure. Applicants should begin from the official University scholarship and College pages.
Application Checklist
Before Applying
- Confirm your country is eligible.
- Confirm you do not already have a Master’s degree.
- Select an eligible taught Master’s programme.
- Check academic entry requirements.
- Check English-language requirements.
- Review the scholarship deadline.
Programme Application
- Prepare your passport.
- Prepare your degree certificate.
- Obtain official transcripts.
- Write the programme personal statement.
- Request references.
- Complete the Durham University application.
- Mention your scholarship intention where required.
Scholarship Application
- Complete the official scholarship form.
- Explain your financial need.
- Describe leadership experience.
- Explain your community-impact plan.
- Attach the requested documents.
- Submit before the deadline.
- Keep a copy of the submission.
After Selection
- Accept the scholarship.
- Meet all offer conditions.
- Complete the CAS process.
- Apply for the UK Student visa.
- Arrange travel through the approved procedure.
- Prepare for accommodation at Hatfield College.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. Published benefits have included full tuition fees, a living stipend, Hatfield College accommodation, a return economy flight, airport transfer, a settling-in allowance, the UK visa fee and the immigration health surcharge.
Is the scholarship only for women?
Yes. The published conditions required the applicant to be or identify as a woman.
Can Nigerian women apply?
Nigeria appeared on the latest detailed eligible-country list. Nigerian applicants must also satisfy the programme, financial-need and scholarship requirements.
Can I apply for an MBA?
No. Published scholarship conditions excluded MBA programmes, PhD study and research Master’s degrees.
Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
No. Applicants were required not to hold a previous Master’s degree.
Does the scholarship support my family?
No. The award is intended for the scholar alone. Published terms stated that dependants are not funded and cannot be accommodated through the scholarship’s college room.
What was the latest confirmed deadline?
The latest fully verifiable published deadline was March 31, 2025 for October 2025 entry. Applicants seeking a later intake should check Durham University’s official Hatfield College pages for a newly announced deadline.
How many scholarships are offered?
The latest detailed scholarship information stated that one award was available.
Must I apply to Durham University first?
Yes. Applicants must apply for an eligible Master’s programme and also complete the separate scholarship process. Published rules required the selected applicant to obtain the necessary unconditional programme offer by the specified date.
Does receiving the scholarship guarantee a UK visa?
No. The scholarship may cover the relevant visa and health-surcharge costs, but the recipient must still meet the UK Student visa requirements and receive formal approval.
Conclusion
The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship at Durham University is an exceptional fully funded opportunity for a talented woman from an eligible developing country to complete a taught Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
The award has provided comprehensive financial support, including full tuition fees, living expenses, college accommodation, international travel, a settling-in allowance, the UK visa application fee and the immigration health surcharge.
However, the scholarship is highly competitive. Only one award has commonly been available, and applicants must demonstrate much more than minimum academic eligibility. A strong candidate should show excellent academic potential, genuine financial need, leadership qualities and a clear plan to use the qualification to benefit her community.
The applicant must also be a woman from an eligible country, apply for an approved full-time taught Master’s programme, meet the English-language requirement, avoid holding another postgraduate scholarship and not already possess a Master’s degree.
The latest fully confirmed competition closed on March 31, 2025. Durham University continues to list the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship through Hatfield College, but future applicants should verify the new intake dates and requirements directly through the official University pages before applying.
No agent or third party can guarantee selection. The safest strategy is to prepare early, submit accurate academic and financial information, write a specific impact-focused personal statement and use only Durham University’s official application channels.