Applications are open for the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship, offering experienced English language educators the chance to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in TESOL at the University of Exeter. The programme begins in September 2026, and candidates must apply by 9 February 2026.
The scholarship is offered by the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust in partnership with the University of Exeter. Up to ten fully funded scholarships are available for the MEd TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) programme. The initiative aims to strengthen English language education in low- and middle-income countries by supporting teachers and education professionals committed to driving change in their home contexts.
The Hornby Trust has a long history of investing in educators who show leadership potential and a clear vision for improving TESOL practice and policy. The scholarship targets professionals with significant teaching or education-related experience who plan to use their learning to create long-term impact after their studies.
Each scholarship covers the full cost of one year of full-time study, including University of Exeter tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, approved study expenses, UK visa and NHS fees, and return international travel. The scholarship is only available for the MEd TESOL programme and does not apply to postgraduate certificate or diploma routes.
To be eligible, applicants must live and work in countries classified as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income on the OECD DAC list. They need at least three years of full-time TESOL or related professional experience after completing a first degree. Applicants must also hold an undergraduate qualification equivalent to a UK Upper Second Class degree and meet the University of Exeter’s academic and English language requirements.
Candidates who already have a UK Master’s or doctoral degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English, or a related field are not eligible.ured and selective. Applicants should first submit the Hornby Scholarship application form. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and then guided to apply formally to the University of Exeter. Final offers are conditional upon securing admission to the MEd TESOL programme.
Key dates include interview shortlisting notifications by 6 March 2026, interviews between 16 and 25 March 2026, and final decisions by 2 April 2026.
Full details, including the official application process and guidance, are available on the University of Exeter website at: www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5436
