This Hatfield Scholarship at Durham Covers Flights, Visa, and Tuition

If you have been searching for a legitimate, well-funded scholarship to study in the United Kingdom, the Hatfield Scholarship 2026 at Durham University is one you absolutely should know about. Offered by the historic Hatfield College at Durham University, this scholarship program covers a range of awards for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with some fully funded options available to international students from developing countries. Whether you are a female student from Africa or South Asia hoping to pursue a Masters degree in science, or a home student from the North East of England looking for financial support at one of the UK’s most respected universities, there is a Hatfield scholarship designed with you in mind.

In this article, we cover every detail you need to know about the Hatfield Scholarship 2026, including what each award covers, who can apply, which subjects are eligible, the application process step by step, the required documents, and some practical tips to help you put together a strong application. Read this carefully before you apply.

About Hatfield College at Durham University

Hatfield College is one of the oldest and most distinguished colleges within Durham University, having been founded in 1846. Durham University itself is one of the leading research universities in the United Kingdom and consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the UK in major international rankings. The university is located in the historic city of Durham in the North East of England, known for its stunning cathedral and castle, which together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hatfield College has a strong tradition of academic excellence, a vibrant college community, and a notable track record for welcoming and supporting international scholars. The college has Junior, Middle, and Senior Common Rooms that create a sense of community across all levels of study. It is also home to a diverse population of both undergraduate and postgraduate students, making it a genuinely international environment in which to study.

The college’s scholarship program is funded primarily through the Hatfield Trust, which has been built up over many years thanks to the generous contributions of Hatfield alumni and friends. The Trust funds a range of awards including undergraduate scholarships, postgraduate scholarships, bursaries for home students from lower-income backgrounds, and the fully funded Lioness Scholarship for international female students from developing countries.

Overview of All Hatfield Scholarships 2026

Hatfield College offers several distinct scholarships and bursaries. It is important to understand that these are separate awards with different eligibility criteria, funding levels, and application processes. Here is a clear summary of each.

The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship 2026: Complete Details

The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship is by far the most talked about of all the Hatfield College awards, and with good reason. It is the only fully funded scholarship in the Hatfield portfolio, and it is specifically designed to support female students from developing countries where access to tertiary and postgraduate education remains limited. The scholarship was created to mark three decades since women were first admitted to Hatfield College, and it reflects the institution’s ongoing commitment to gender equity, diversity, and international inclusion.

What Does the Lioness Scholarship Cover?

The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship provides a comprehensive package of financial support. Recipients benefit from full payment of university tuition fees for their entire Masters programme, so you do not need to worry about the cost of your degree at all. Beyond tuition, the scholarship also provides a monthly living stipend to cover day-to-day expenses while you are studying in Durham.

Accommodation is fully covered as well. Scholars are provided with a fully funded, self-catered, single room in mixed accommodation at Hatfield College. This means you will live as part of the college community alongside other students, which is a valuable part of the Durham experience.

The scholarship also covers one return economy air ticket from your home country to the United Kingdom, plus the cost of travel between the UK airport and Durham City upon arrival. When you first arrive, you will also receive a settling-in allowance to help you get set up in your new environment without financial stress.

Perhaps most significantly, the Lioness Scholarship also covers the cost of your UK student visa and the UK Health Surcharge, which are two of the biggest financial barriers that international students typically face when planning to study in Britain. Having these costs taken care of is a huge practical benefit.

Eligibility for the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship

To be considered for the Lioness Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria. You must be a female student. You must be a national of an eligible developing country. The scholarship is specifically aimed at women from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other developing regions where women’s access to higher and postgraduate education is significantly limited. Countries that have previously been listed as eligible include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka in South Asia, and Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in Africa, among others. You should check the official Hatfield College website for the current full list of eligible countries, as it may be updated each year.

You must intend to study a full-time taught Masters degree at Durham University. PhD programmes and research Masters degrees are not eligible. MBA programmes are also excluded.

Your chosen course must fall within the eligible subject areas. These are courses based in a department within the Science Faculty at Durham University, plus the following: MSc in Bioarchaeology, MSc in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology, and MSc in Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology from the Department of Archaeology, and MSc in Climate, Risk, and Society and MSc in Environmental Hazards and Risks from the Department of Geography.

You must not be in receipt of any other scholarship or funding for your Masters programme. The Lioness Scholarship is intended to be the primary source of support for its recipients.

Hatfield College aims to award the scholarship to a candidate who has strong academic qualifications, the personal qualities needed to complete a demanding postgraduate course, and the potential to act as a positive ambassador for their home country during their time in Durham. Importantly, the college also looks for candidates who will use the knowledge and skills gained in Durham for the benefit of their society when they return home.

Eligible Courses for the Lioness Scholarship

The Guy Beresford Scholarship 2026

The Guy Beresford Scholarship is a postgraduate award of £15,000 offered by Hatfield College to support home students from the North East of England who wish to study a full-time STEM taught Masters degree at Durham University. This scholarship is specifically for students who come from lower-income households and who are from the North East of England, including Cumbria.

To be eligible for the Guy Beresford Scholarship, you must be a home-fee student planning to study full-time for a taught Masters degree in a STEM subject at Durham University. Your home postcode must fall within one of the following North East regions: CA, DH, DL, NE, SR, or TS. You must also be from a lower-income household, as defined by evidence from Student Finance England’s assessment of income data provided to your university during the final year of your undergraduate studies.

This scholarship is named in memory of a Hatfield alumnus and reflects the college’s commitment to supporting talented students from its local region who might otherwise struggle to finance postgraduate education. A £15,000 award toward a STEM Masters degree at a Russell Group university is a genuinely significant financial contribution that can make postgraduate study viable for students who would otherwise find it out of reach.

Hatfield Undergraduate Scholarships 2026

For students entering Durham University at undergraduate level who have been allocated to Hatfield College, the college offers two named undergraduate scholarships funded through the Hatfield Trust.

The Chadwick Scholarship

The Chadwick Scholarship was established in memory of Hatfield alumnus Michael Chadwick, thanks to the generosity of his parents. It is designed to support a home-fee undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional academic potential and genuine financial need. The award provides £4,000 per academic year to the successful applicant. One scholarship is available per year, awarded to a student who holds an offer of a place at Durham and has been allocated to Hatfield College to begin their studies in the autumn of the relevant year. Preference may be given to students intending to study Engineering.

The Gant Scholarship

The Gant Scholarship is similarly aimed at home-fee undergraduate students of exceptional potential and genuine financial need. Like the Chadwick award, it provides £4,000 per academic year and one scholarship is available per intake year. It is open to students who hold a Durham offer and have been allocated to Hatfield College. Students whose household income is below £47,200 per year are eligible to apply for these college scholarship programs.

A key condition for both undergraduate scholarships is that Durham University must be the student’s firm choice. Students cannot hold these awards while treating Durham as an insurance offer.

Hatfield Bursaries: Automatic Financial Support

In addition to the named scholarships, Hatfield College also offers bursaries to home undergraduate students from lower-income households. One of the most useful aspects of the Hatfield Bursary is that no separate application is required. Eligibility is determined automatically based on the household income information provided through the Student Finance England process.

The Full Hatfield Bursary is awarded to new undergraduate students without a previous degree whose household income is below £30,000 per year. This bursary is provided each year of registered study, up to a maximum of four years, even if the student studies abroad or completes a placement year as part of their degree.

The Part Hatfield Bursary is available to new undergraduates without a prior degree whose household income falls between £30,000 and £47,200 per year. Unlike the full bursary, the part bursary is a one-time award provided only in the student’s first year of study.

If you are an eligible student from a lower-income household who has been allocated to Hatfield College, the bursary will simply be applied to your account once Student Finance England shares your income assessment with the college. You do not need to do anything extra.

Why Choose Hatfield College and Durham University?

Choosing where to study is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your academic life, so it is worth understanding what makes Durham and Hatfield College stand out.

Durham University is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom. It is a member of the Russell Group, the association of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. The university is known for the quality of its teaching and research, the beauty of its campus, and the strength of its alumni network. A Durham degree is recognized and respected by employers around the world.

Hatfield College specifically has one of the most active and well-supported college communities in Durham. College life at Hatfield includes sports, music, drama, debating, and a wide range of social events that make the student experience rich and full. For postgraduate scholars from overseas, the college environment provides an immediate community and social support network, which can make a huge difference when you are far from home.

The Science Faculty at Durham is particularly strong in areas like Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Biosciences, and related disciplines. For Lioness Scholarship recipients studying in these fields, Durham offers access to world-class laboratories, research facilities, and academic staff who are leaders in their fields.

Durham City itself is a wonderful place to live. It is compact, walkable, and safe, with a thriving student community and excellent transport links to Newcastle, Edinburgh, and London.

Application Process for the Hatfield Scholarship 2026

The application process varies depending on which scholarship you are applying for. Here is a detailed breakdown of how to apply for each type.

How to Apply for the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship

The Lioness Scholarship application has two stages, and both must be completed for your application to be considered.

In Stage 1, you must submit an academic application for your chosen Masters programme at Durham University. This is done through the Durham University postgraduate admissions system. In this application, you should clearly state your intention to apply for the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship. You will need to upload all the standard documentation required for your chosen course, which typically includes evidence of English language proficiency, your academic CV, your educational qualifications and transcripts, a personal statement, two academic references, information about your funding situation, passport details, and any other supporting documentation required by your department.

In Stage 2, once you have submitted your academic application and received an offer letter from Durham University, you must then apply separately for the Lioness Scholarship itself. You need to submit the scholarship application form along with the following supporting documents: your Durham University offer letter, your academic transcript, reference letters, your IELTS or equivalent English language certificate, and any other relevant documents. All Stage 2 materials are submitted to Hatfield College by email to the development office by the college deadline of 31 March.

Candidates will hear the outcome of their Lioness Scholarship application by mid-June each year.

To begin your application journey, visit the official Hatfield Lioness Scholarship page on the Durham University website for the most current application form, deadline confirmation, and list of eligible countries.

How to Apply for the Guy Beresford Scholarship

The application process for the Guy Beresford Scholarship follows a similar two-stage approach. You must first apply to Durham University for a STEM taught Masters degree through the standard postgraduate admissions process. You should reference your intention to apply for the Guy Beresford Scholarship within this academic application. Then, separately, you apply to Hatfield College for the scholarship by submitting the required supporting documents, including proof of your household income as assessed by Student Finance England, your academic transcript, and reference letters.

For full details and to start your application, visit the Guy Beresford Scholarship official page at Durham University.

How to Apply for Undergraduate Scholarships (Chadwick and Gant)

For the Chadwick and Gant undergraduate scholarships, applications are made directly through Hatfield College once you have received a firm offer of a place at Durham and have been allocated to Hatfield College. The application asks you to submit personal information, a supporting statement about your financial situation and academic potential, and references. The typical deadline for undergraduate scholarship applications is late April, so you should begin preparing well in advance once you receive your Durham offer.

Visit the Hatfield Undergraduate Scholarships page on the Durham University website for current application forms and deadlines.

Documents Required for the Hatfield Scholarship Application

Tips for a Strong Hatfield Scholarship Application

Competition for the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship is significant, and the college receives applications from talented women across the developing world. A technically complete application is the minimum. A truly strong application stands out because it is thoughtful, specific, and honest. Here are some practical tips to help you submit your best possible application.

Start your Durham University academic application early. The scholarship deadline of 31 March means you need to have already applied to your Masters programme and received an offer letter well before that date. Processing time for academic applications can take several weeks, so aim to submit your programme application no later than February.

Be specific in your personal statement about why you want to study your chosen subject at Durham. Generic statements about wanting to pursue science or wanting to develop your career do not stand out. Explain which specific research areas or academic staff at Durham you are interested in, and why Durham in particular is the right environment for what you want to achieve.

Be honest and clear about your background and your financial situation. The scholarship is designed for students who genuinely need it and who genuinely would not be able to pursue postgraduate study in the UK without this support. Do not feel embarrassed to be direct about your circumstances. That honesty is exactly what the scholarship committee needs to see.

Address your plans for after your Masters degree directly. Hatfield College explicitly looks for candidates who will use their enhanced skills and knowledge for the benefit of their home community or country. Think carefully about what you plan to do when you return, and articulate it clearly and credibly.

Ask your referees early. Your references need to speak to both your academic ability and your personal qualities. Give your referees plenty of time, and brief them on the scholarship and what it is looking for, so their letters can address the most relevant aspects of your profile.

Make sure your English language test result is ready. You cannot submit your Stage 2 scholarship documents without your IELTS or equivalent certificate. If you have not yet taken an English language test, book one immediately.

Key Dates and Deadlines for Hatfield Scholarship 2026

Eligible Developing Countries for the Lioness Scholarship

The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship is specifically open to female students from developing countries. While the full list is confirmed on the official scholarship page each year, countries that have consistently appeared in the eligible list include the following.

In Sub-Saharan Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Eritrea, and Mozambique, among others.

In South Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.

In Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.

In other regions: Several nations in the Pacific Islands and parts of the Middle East and Central Asia may also be eligible.

You should always verify your country’s eligibility on the official Hatfield College scholarship page before beginning your application, as the list can be updated between cycles.

Life at Hatfield College: What to Expect as a Scholar

Winning a Hatfield scholarship is not just about receiving financial support. It means becoming part of a genuine, close-knit college community with a history going back to 1846. Hatfield College has its own Junior Common Room (JCR) for undergraduates, a Middle Common Room (MCR) for postgraduate students, and a Senior Common Room (SCR) for academic staff and alumni. As a postgraduate scholar, you will be part of the MCR community, which organises social events, cultural activities, and networking opportunities throughout the year.

The college provides accommodation directly on or near its site, meaning you will be part of the day-to-day life of the college from the moment you arrive. Facilities at Hatfield include dining halls, libraries, sports fields, music rooms, and meeting spaces. For scholars arriving from overseas, the college also offers pastoral support and wellbeing resources to help you settle in and manage the challenges of studying in a new country.

The college’s long history of welcoming international scholars, particularly through the Lioness Scholarship program, means there is genuine institutional experience in helping international students transition into Durham life. Previous Lioness scholars have described the experience as transformative, both academically and personally.

How to Apply: Quick Step-by-Step Summary

For the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship, here is the complete process in plain steps. First, research eligible Masters programmes in the Science Faculty or related departments at Durham University and choose the one that best fits your academic background and career goals. Second, submit your postgraduate application through the Durham University admissions portal, clearly mentioning your intention to apply for the Lioness Scholarship. Third, once you receive your offer letter from Durham, complete the Hatfield College scholarship application form and gather your supporting documents. Fourth, email all scholarship materials to the Hatfield College development office before 31 March. Fifth, wait for results, which are typically announced by mid-June.

To start the full process right now, visit the Hatfield College Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards page on the official Durham University website, where you can find all the current forms, deadlines, and guidance for every award.

Other Scholarships at Durham University Worth Knowing

If you are researching funding for Durham University study more broadly, it is worth knowing that Hatfield is not the only source of scholarships within the university. Durham University itself offers a range of postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships including awards for students from specific regions, subject-based awards, and partnerships with external funders like the British Council. The Durham Inspired Computer Science Scholarships support students from underrepresented backgrounds in that discipline. The Ruth First Educational Trust supports Southern African students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing postgraduate study at Durham.

If you are a female student from a developing country interested in STEM, you should also look at the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM, which can include accommodation at Hatfield College as part of the package.

We regularly update this blog with new scholarship opportunities from across the United Kingdom and around the world, so keep checking back for the latest fully funded and partial scholarships that could support your academic journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Hatfield Scholarship 2026

What is the Hatfield Scholarship at Durham University?

The Hatfield Scholarship is a financial award offered by Hatfield College at Durham University in the UK. It covers multiple levels of study including undergraduate and postgraduate taught Masters, with different scholarships designed for home students from lower-income backgrounds as well as international female students from developing countries through the Lioness Scholarship.

Is the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship is a fully funded award. It covers full university tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, fully funded single room accommodation at Hatfield College, one return economy air ticket from the student’s home country to the UK, travel costs between the UK airport and Durham City, a settling-in allowance, UK visa costs, and the UK Health Surcharge.

Who is eligible for the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship?

The Hatfield Lioness Scholarship is open to female students from eligible developing countries who wish to study a full-time taught Masters degree at Durham University. Eligible countries include nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other developing regions. Applicants cannot be recipients of any other scholarship or funding for their Masters programme.

What courses are eligible for the Hatfield Scholarship?

For the Lioness Scholarship, eligible courses are those based within the Science Faculty at Durham University, plus MSc programmes in Bioarchaeology, Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology, and Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology from the Department of Archaeology, and MSc in Climate, Risk, and Society and MSc in Environmental Hazards and Risks from the Department of Geography. The Guy Beresford Scholarship covers STEM taught Masters degrees. Undergraduate scholarships like the Chadwick and Gant awards are open to all degree subjects.

What is the deadline for the Hatfield Scholarship 2026?

The deadline for the Hatfield Lioness Scholarship is 31 March annually, with courses starting in October. Undergraduate scholarship applications typically close in late April. Candidates for the 2026 cycle are advised to check the official Hatfield College scholarship pages for confirmed deadlines and to apply well in advance.

How much is the Guy Beresford Scholarship worth?

The Guy Beresford Scholarship is worth £15,000 and is awarded to a full-time student from the North East of England (including Cumbria) who comes from a lower-income household and wishes to study a STEM taught Masters degree at Durham University.

Can I apply for both a University programme and the Hatfield Scholarship at the same time?

Yes. The application process for postgraduate scholarships at Hatfield has two stages. First, you apply to Durham University for your chosen Masters programme. Second, you apply separately to Hatfield College for the scholarship by submitting the required documents before the college deadline. Both steps must be completed.

Where will Hatfield Scholarship recipients live?

Lioness Scholarship recipients are provided with a fully funded, self-catered, single room in mixed accommodation at Hatfield College, Durham. This accommodation is included as part of the scholarship package at no cost to the scholar.

Final Thoughts

The Hatfield Scholarship 2026 at Durham University is a genuinely outstanding opportunity for the right candidate. Whether you are a female student from Nigeria, Bangladesh, or another developing country hoping to pursue a STEM Masters degree fully funded in the United Kingdom, or a home student from County Durham trying to make postgraduate study financially viable, Hatfield College has an award that could change your academic path.

The key things to remember are simple. Apply early, be clear about your goals and background, make sure all your documents are ready before the deadline, and read the eligibility criteria carefully so you know exactly which scholarship applies to you. The Lioness Scholarship deadline of 31 March does not move, and the stage-one academic application to Durham University needs to happen before that.

Do not let the application process feel overwhelming. Break it into manageable steps, start with the Durham University postgraduate application, and work your way forward from there. Many students who have received this scholarship started exactly where you are right now, reading about it online and wondering if they were eligible. If you meet the criteria, there is every reason to apply.

Head over to the official Hatfield Lioness Scholarship page at Durham University and start your application today.