Are you an experienced English language teaching professional with a vision to transform education in your home country? Imagine dedicating a year to advanced study at a world-renowned UK institution, the University of Exeter, completely free of charge and with generous financial support. This isn’t just a dream, it’s
the reality offered by the highly competitive A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship for the 2026 academic year.
This prestigious award is specifically designed to empower teachers from low- and middle-income countries by funding the MEd TESOL (Masters in Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program. Unlike other opportunities that only cover tuition, this is a truly fully funded opportunity, meaning the financial barriers to a UK Master’s are completely eliminated. The benefits are significant: full University fees, a substantial £15,500 stipend (approximate, to cover living and accommodation costs), and coverage for return international travel costs, as well as your UK Visa and National Health Service (NHS) fees.
If you’re ready to deepen your expertise, become a leader in English language teaching, and bring transformative skills back to your community, then the 2026 Hornby Trust Scholarship could be your next major career move. Read on to discover the essential eligibility criteria, application process, and why the MEd TESOL at the University of Exeter is the perfect platform for your professional development.
Eligibility Criteria For The Hornby Trust Scholarship at University of Exeter UK
Here are the non-negotiable requirements you must meet to be considered for the 2026 intake:
1. Professional Background and Experience
- Work Experience: You must have a minimum of three years’ full-time professional experience in TESOL teaching or a related professional capacity after completing your first degree. This experience does not have to be in three consecutive years, but the total time must meet the minimum.
- Focus: The scholarship is exclusively for the MEd TESOL (Masters in Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) programme at the University of Exeter. It is not available for PGCert or PGDip pathways.
2. Academic Qualifications
- Undergraduate Degree: You must hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) with grades equivalent to a UK Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or higher.
- Prior UK Master’s Degree: You must not already hold a Master’s degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English, or a related field from a UK university.
- Doctoral Degree: You must not already hold a Doctoral degree (PhD) in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English, or a related area.
3. Country of Origin and Residence
- Home Country Status: You must be a national of and currently resident/working in a country classified as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income according to the OECD DAC list. This is the key focus of the scholarship’s aim to support capacity building.
4. English Language Proficiency
- You must meet the University of Exeter’s English language proficiency requirements for the MEd TESOL programme. This typically requires a specific score on an approved test like IELTS, though other evidence may be accepted. It is highly recommended to check the exact score required for the course at the time of application.
Application Process For The Hornby Trust Scholarship at University of Exeter UK
Stage 1: The Initial Hornby Scholarship Application
- Start Here: The very first step is to complete the Hornby Scholarship Application Form. You are not required to apply for the MEd TESOL programme at the University of Exeter first.
- The Cover Letter is Key: The most critical component of this application is the detailed, structured cover letter. This letter (typically limited to around 1,000 words total) must address specific questions designed to assess your potential for future impact:
- Discuss a key challenge faced by ELT professionals in your working context and outline how the MEd TESOL at Exeter will help you respond to it.
- Describe an occasion when you successfully supported the professional development or classroom practice of other English language teachers.
- Explain clearly how your unique knowledge, skills, and experience make you an ideal candidate for the Hornby Scholarship, specifically focusing on your potential to contribute to capacity building upon return home.
Stage 2: Shortlisting and Interview
- Notification: Applicants will be notified if they have been shortlisted for an interview (typically around late February or early March).
- The Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, which is generally conducted by a panel and may involve British Council representatives. This is your opportunity to clearly articulate your professional vision and commitment.
Stage 3: University Application
- MEd TESOL Application: Only candidates who are successful at the interview stage will be instructed on how to formally apply for the MEd TESOL programme at the University of Exeter.
- Conditional Offer: The ultimate award of the Hornby Scholarship is conditional upon you being formally accepted onto the MEd TESOL programme by the University of Exeter.
Benefits Of The Hornby Trust Scholarship at University of Exeter UK
1. Full Financial Coverage (The Fully Funded Advantage)
This is the most significant benefit. Unlike partial scholarships, the Hornby Trust covers all major costs, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies and professional growth.
- Full Tuition Fees: The entire cost of the one-year, full-time MEd TESOL programme at the University of Exeter is covered.
- Generous Stipend: A monthly stipend is provided to cover your accommodation and living expenses throughout your stay in the UK. Sources indicate this is a substantial amount, typically over £15,000 for the academic year.
- Travel Costs: The scholarship reimburses your return international travel expenses from your home country to Exeter.
- Visa and Health Fees: Crucial and often costly, the award covers your UK Visa application fees and the National Health Service (NHS) surcharge, giving you access to UK healthcare.
- Additional Allowances: You may also receive specific grants, such as a warm clothing allowance (essential for UK winters) and a dissertation allowance to support your final research project.
2. Professional Network and Capacity Building
The Hornby Scholarship is dedicated to building a global network of excellence, ensuring your impact continues long after you leave Exeter.
- Hornby Alumni Network: You gain immediate access to a prestigious, active global network of past scholars. This provides lifelong peer support, professional advice, and collaboration opportunities.
- Post-Study Support: The Trust actively encourages and sometimes provides potential funding via alumni project grants for scholars to launch in-country capacity-building activities, such as training workshops or curriculum development, upon their return.
- Global Exposure: Scholars often have the opportunity to attend a major international conference, such as the IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language) conference, an invaluable networking experience.
3. Academic Excellence at Exeter
You will be studying at the University of Exeter’s School of Education, which is highly ranked and known for its research-led teaching in TESOL and Applied Linguistics. The program will equip you with the advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to become a leader, teacher trainer, or curriculum developer in your home context.
Application Deadline For The Hornby Trust Scholarship at University of Exeter UK
Meeting the submission deadline is non-negotiable for this highly competitive award. The application for the scholarship must be submitted before you are instructed to apply to the University of Exeter.
- Official Scholarship Closing Date: The deadline for submitting the main Hornby Scholarship Application Form for the 2026/2027 academic year is February 9, 2026.
Conclusion
The 2026 A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is not merely funding for a Master’s degree; it is a profound investment in your future as an English Language Teaching (ELT) leader. This fully funded opportunity covering tuition, providing a generous £15,500 stipend, and taking care of travel and visa costs removes all the financial obstacles that often stand between talented professionals and advanced international education.
The MEd TESOL at the University of Exeter will equip you with the advanced theoretical and practical skills necessary to drive change. Your application, especially the cover letter, must clearly articulate your vision: how will you use this world-class qualification and the Hornby Alumni Network to implement meaningful capacity building and innovation in your home community?
If you meet the stringent eligibility criteria and are prepared for the rigorous application process (including the critical February 9, 2026, deadline), start preparing your materials today. This