Organization: A.S. Hornby Educational Trust / University of Exeter
Host country: United Kingdom
Degree level: Masters
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: February 9, 2026
Eligible countries: All Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, and Upper Middle Income countries (as per OECD DAC List)
Fields of study: TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust scholarships are awarded every year to experienced English language teachers who have the potential to make a significant contribution to the field in their home countries. For the 2026/27 academic year, the Trust offers up to 10 fully funded scholarships for the MEd TESOL program at the University of Exeter. The award is intended to support capacity building in English language teaching in developing countries.
Benefits
Full waiver of university tuition fees.
A monthly stipend to cover accommodation and living costs (min. £15,500 total).
Return international travel costs to/from the UK.
Coverage of UK Visa and National Health Service (NHS) surcharge fees.
Allowances for approved language testing and study-related costs.
Eligibility
Must be a resident of and work in a country classified as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income (OECD DAC list).
Must have a minimum of 3 years of full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience after obtaining a first degree.
Must hold an undergraduate degree with grades equivalent to a UK Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or higher.
Must NOT already hold a Master's or PhD in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or related fields from a UK university.
Must meet the University of Exeter's English language requirements.
Requirements
Complete the online Hornby Scholarship application form.
Participate in an interview (if shortlisted).
Submit a formal application for the MEd TESOL program (only if shortlisted/selected).
Demonstrate clear potential to impact the ELT sector in the home country.
Required Documents
Completed Scholarship Application Form
Academic Transcripts
Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing teaching experience
English Language Test Results (if available, or to be taken later)
References (Professional and Academic)
Programs of Study
MEd TESOL (Masters in Education - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Application Process
1. Access the specific Hornby Scholarship Application link on the University of Exeter website.
2. Complete and submit the scholarship application form by the 9 February 2026 deadline. (Do NOT apply for the MEd course yet).
3. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview (March 16–25, 2026).
4. Successful interviewees will be instructed to apply for admission to the MEd TESOL program.
5. Final award is confirmed upon unconditional acceptance into the program.
How to Apply
Unlike most scholarships, you apply for the scholarship **first**. Visit the University of Exeter Hornby Trust page, fill out the specific scholarship application form before Feb 9. If you pass the interview stage, the university will guide you through the admission process.
Selection Process
Initial screening of applications based on eligibility and experience.
Shortlisting for interviews (Notifications by 6 March 2026).
Panel interviews (Online/Zoom).
Final selection based on interview performance and potential for impact (Results by 2 April 2026).