The Durham DBA Scholarships

Our comprehensive package of scholarships celebrates and rewards exceptional candidates applying to our Durham DBA programme.

Applicants must hold an offer for the programme by the following deadlines:

Please view all scholarships available for October 2026 entry, including the application criteria and terms and conditions below:

Awards and Amount	DBA Director Award £20,000 Women In Leadership Award £10,000 (up to 3) Impactful Research and Scholarship in Sustainability Award £10,000 (up to 3) Emerging Countries Award £10,000 (up to 3) Emerging Leader Award £10,000 (up to 3)
Year of Entry	Applicants for programmes commencing in 2026/2027
Level of study	Postgraduate Research
Mode of study	Part- time
Programme	Durham DBA
Duration	The scholarship (tuition fee discount) will be applied evenly over the two taught years of the programme

Eligibility: Scholarships will be awarded to offer holders based on the following eligibility criteria:

Demonstrate outstanding professional achievement in roles demonstrating a high level of managerial responsibility.
Demonstrate an outstanding academic record from a recognised and reputable institution
Demonstrate strong performance and clear intent for the programme during the admissions interview.
Demonstrate the potential to contribute meaningfully to all aspects of the DBA programme, enriching its academic and cultural profile.
Demonstrate involvement in volunteering and/or community support activity.
Have the potential to become an exemplary alumni ambassador contributing positively to the School, to professional organisations, and to wider communities.

Application Process: Once you receive a formal offer for the Durham DBA programme for 2026 entry you will be invited to apply for a scholarship.

DBA Director Award	Awarded to an applicant who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement and scholarly contributions. They must be able to show a clear connection to one or more of the strategic priorities of the DBA, including innovation and entrepreneurship and sustainability. The applicant should also have the potential to make a meaningful impact in a developing country.
Women in Leadership Award	Award to female applicants in leadership roles and/or studying the role of woman/gender in the field of leadership. This award aims to support female applicants' and their contributions to leadership.
Impactful Research and Scholarship in Sustainability Award	Awarded to applicants looking to pursue research projects centred on themes of sustainability and responsible management practices. This award aims to support and promote impactful research in sustainability and responsible management.
Emerging Countries Award	Awarded to applicant from an emerging or developing country to encourage and empower applicants in their academic and professional pursuits.
Emerging Leader Award	Awarded to candidates who demonstrate outstanding leadership and the ability to make a significant impact within the programme.

Terms and Conditions: Applicants must

Be completely self-funding to be eligible for this tuition fee discount. Where fees are paid by an employer, private provider or government body, applicants will not be considered for a scholarship. Failure to disclose external funding will invalidate any scholarship offering.
Agree to participate in and contribute to the School’s marketing and outreach activities. These may include events, online webinars, or serving as a class representative.
Be available to take up their programme place in the 2026 academic year

To note

The scholarship (tuition fee discount) will be applied evenly over the two taught years of the programme
Only successful candidates will be notified of scholarship (tuition fee discount) decisions.
Scholarships (tuition fee discounts) are not transferable and not deferrable. They are valid only for use by scholarship winners in the academic year for which the scholarship has been awarded. Applicants who choose to defer entry will be considered for scholarships available in the year of entry.
Scholarship (tuition fee discount) decisions are at the discretion of the School and all decisions are final.
There is no cash alternative to be offered if a place on the programme is not taken up.

Withdrawal or Suspension of Studies

Withdrawal

Scholars who withdraw from their scholarship commitments or from the University will have all future scholarship payments cancelled.
If you withdraw, at any point during the teaching term, scholarship payments which have already been made will be reclaimed on a pro-rata basis. Under exceptional circumstances, this decision can be reviewed by the Faculty Executive Dean and approval given for the student to retain any overpayments.

Suspension of studies

Scholars who suspend their scholarship commitments or academic studies will have all future scholarship payments cancelled.
If you suspend, at any point during the teaching term, scholarship payments which have already been made will be reclaimed on a pro-rata basis. Under exceptional circumstances, this decision can be reviewed by the Faculty Executive Dean and approval given for the student to retain any overpayments. The remaining yearly balance will be payable on resumption of academic and scholarship commitments.

For further information about Durham University Business School Scholarships please contact business.scholarships@durham.ac.uk