A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship 2026

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship offers up to 10 fully funded awards for the MEd TESOL programme at the University of Exeter for 2026. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.

A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Master’s in TESOL at the University of Exeter

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship continues its long-standing commitment to strengthening English language teaching worldwide by offering fully funded Master’s degree opportunities for experienced educators from low- and middle-income countries. For the September 2026 intake, the Trust, in partnership with the University of Exeter, is offering up to ten (10) fully funded scholarships for eligible candidates to study the Master of Education (MEd) in TESOL.

This prestigious scholarship is designed to support teachers and education professionals who demonstrate both academic excellence and clear potential to make a lasting impact on English language teaching and learning in their home countries.

About the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust focuses on capacity building in English language teaching, particularly in contexts where access to advanced training and professional development is limited. The Trust invests in educators who are already active in the field and who are well positioned to contribute to systemic improvement upon completing their studies.

By supporting postgraduate education, the Trust aims to strengthen teaching practice, teacher training, curriculum development, and educational leadership in countries facing educational and economic challenges.

Partnership with the University of Exeter

For the 2026 academic year, the Hornby Trust is working in close collaboration with the University of Exeter, a globally recognised institution known for excellence in education and applied linguistics. Scholarships are available exclusively for the MEd TESOL programme, and are not applicable to PGCert or PGDip routes.

All scholarship applications are jointly assessed by the University of Exeter and the Hornby Trust, ensuring that selected candidates meet both academic standards and the Trust’s mission-driven criteria.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is open to applicants who meet strict eligibility requirements. Candidates should only apply if they satisfy all of the following criteria:

Be a resident of and currently working in a country classified as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income according to the OECD DAC list
Have a minimum of three years’ full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience after completing their first degree
Hold an undergraduate degree with results equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours (2:1) or higher
Not already hold a doctoral degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, English, or a related field
Not already hold a UK Master’s degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, English, or a related area

These requirements ensure that the scholarship supports mid-career professionals who will benefit most from advanced academic training.

What the Scholarship Covers

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is fully funded, significantly reducing financial barriers for successful applicants. The award includes:

Full University of Exeter tuition fees
A monthly stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses
Additional grants for defined academic and study-related costs
UK visa and National Health Service (NHS) fees
Return international travel costs

The duration of the award is one year, corresponding to the full-time MEd TESOL programme.

Application Process

Applicants do not need to apply to the University of Exeter before submitting a scholarship application. The process follows a structured sequence:

Apply for the scholarship first by completing the Hornby Scholarship application form
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and given instructions on how to apply for the MEd TESOL programme at the University of Exeter
A scholarship offer is made subject to acceptance onto the MEd TESOL programme

This approach ensures that only candidates with strong scholarship applications proceed to the academic admissions stage.

Key Dates to Remember

Applicants are advised to carefully note the following timeline:

Scholarship application deadline: 9 February 2026
Shortlisting notification: By 6 March 2026
Interview period: 16–25 March 2026
Final outcome notification: By 2 April 2026

Interviews form an important part of the selection process and assess both academic readiness and the applicant’s potential impact in their home context.

Terms and Conditions

Applicants should be aware that:

Personal data will be shared with the University of Exeter, the Hornby Trust, and selection panel members
Scholarships are not awarded in conjunction with other funding unless the Hornby award is of greater value
The Trust reserves the right not to award scholarships if suitable candidates are not identified
Deferring an offer or changing fee status may result in the scholarship being withdrawn
University finance regulations apply in cases of withdrawal or interruption of studies

Final Summary

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship represents a significant opportunity for experienced English language educators to access world-class postgraduate training while remaining committed to educational development in their home countries.

With 10 fully funded scholarships, comprehensive financial support, and a strong focus on impact, this programme stands out as one of the most valuable TESOL funding opportunities available for the 2026 academic year.

Application deadline: 9 February 2026
Programme: MEd TESOL, University of Exeter
Duration: 1 year
Number of awards: 10

For educators dedicated to transforming English language teaching, this scholarship offers both academic excellence and long-term professional influence.