The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded educational opportunity dedicated to strengthening English language teaching professionals across low- and middle-income countries.
The scholarship is offered in partnership with the University of Exeter, exclusively for the MEd TESOL programme starting in September 2026.
It aims to empower experienced English language educators who demonstrate strong potential to transform English language teaching and learning in their home countries.
Scholarship Summary Table
| Scholarship Name | Hornby Trust Scholarship 2026 |
| Host University | University of Exeter, United Kingdom |
| Study Level | Master’s (MEd TESOL Only) |
| Eligible Countries | OECD DAC listed Low & Middle-Income Countries |
| Number of Awards | 10 |
| Funding Coverage | Full Tuition, Monthly Stipend, Grants for Additional Costs, Visa & NHS Fees, Return Travel |
| Programme Duration | 1 Year |
| Application Deadline | 9 February 2026 |
| Contact Email | hassenquiries@exeter.ac.uk |
| Mode of Study | On-Campus, UK |
| Co-Selection | University of Exeter + Hornby Trust |
About the Hornby Trust Scholarship 2026
The Hornby Educational Trust scholarship is committed to developing educational leadership among English language teachers around the world.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, up to 10 fully funded positions are available for exceptional applicants applying for the MEd TESOL programme at Exeter.
Successful candidates must come from OECD DAC-listed countries and demonstrate meaningful teaching experience, academic excellence, and potential to contribute to national educational development.
It is important to note that the scholarship only applies to the MEd TESOL programme and cannot be used for PGDip or PGCert pathways.
Both the University of Exeter and the Hornby Trust will jointly assess applications during the selection process.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all conditions below:
- Nationality & Residency: Must live and work in a country listed as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income according to the OECD DAC list.
- Work Experience: Minimum of three years full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience after the first degree.
- Academic Requirement: Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 or higher.
- Academic Restriction:
- Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English, or a related field.
- Applicants must not already hold a Master’s degree in any of the listed fields from a UK university.
Scholarship Benefits
Eligible scholars will receive a fully funded study package that includes:
- Full University of Exeter tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Additional study and research grants
- NHS and UK visa cost coverage
- Return international airfare
- Additional defined allowances (e.g., resources, academic support)
Application Procedure (Updated Step-by-Step Guide)
Unlike previous years, applicants do not need to apply to the University of Exeter first.
Complete the Hornby Scholarship Application Form online.
Shortlisted applicants will later be given instructions to apply for admission to the MEd TESOL programme at the University of Exeter.
Final award confirmation will depend on the applicant successfully gaining admission to the MEd TESOL programme.
For more details, visit the official website here.
Key Application Dates
| Stage | Date |
| Application deadline | 9 February 2026 |
| Shortlist notification deadline | 6 March 2026 |
| Interview period | 16 – 25 March 2026 |
| Final result notification | 2 April 2026 |
Terms & Conditions
- Data shared during the application will be accessible to the University of Exeter, Hornby Trust, and the selection panel.
- Scholarship cannot be combined with another full scholarship.
- Scholarships may not be awarded if suitable applicants are not identified.
- Deferred academic admission may invalidate the scholarship.
- Withdrawals or study interruption may require compliance with the University of Exeter’s financial policies.
FAQs
Can I apply without TESOL teaching experience?
No. Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of TESOL-related work experience.
Is an IELTS or English test required?
Yes, but details will be communicated during the application and interview stage.
Can this scholarship be used for online study?
No. It covers only full-time on-campus study in the UK.
Can I apply if I already hold a UK Master’s in a related field?
No. This automatically disqualifies you.
When does the programme start?
September 2026, at the University of Exeter campus.
Is this scholarship available every year?
Yes, but availability and terms may change depending on funding and partnership agreements.
CHECK THESE OUT:
Chinese Government Scholarships 2026/27 for Young South Africans to Study in China (Fully Funded)
The Ban Ki-moon Scholarship for Undergraduates and Master’s Studies 2026 – Step-by-Step Process