A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship 2026‑27 at University of Exeter

If you’re an English language teacher or TESOL professional working in a low- or middle-income country — and you dream of advancing your skills, making a bigger impact at home, and studying in a world‑class environment — the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship 2026‑27 is a powerful opportunity. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it offers, who it’s for, and how to apply.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: University of Exeter, UK

• Host Institution: University of Exeter

• Programme: MEd in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

• Number of Awards: Up to 10 full scholarships

• Target Group: ELT professionals (teachers and related professionals) from low- and middle-income countries (according to OECD DAC list)

• Value / Coverage:

  • Full tuition fees

  • Monthly stipend for accommodation and living costs

  • Grants for defined additional costs

  • UK Visa fees + NHS health surcharge

  • Return international travel costs

• Duration: 1 year (full-time MEd)

• Application Deadline: 9 February 2026 

• Interview Period: 16–25 March 2026 (shortlisted candidates)

• Final Outcome Notification: By 2 April 2026

📚 Scholarship Overview

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust, a UK-based charity founded by A. S. Hornby (creator of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary), aims to strengthen English Language Teaching (ELT) in low- and middle-income countries.

In partnership with the University of Exeter, the Trust offers MEd TESOL scholarships for experienced ELT professionals. These scholarships are not just about academic advancement — they’re about equipping scholars to return home and make real, systemic change in English teaching.

Upon completion, scholars gain access to a strong alumni network, and may apply for project grants to carry out capacity‑building initiatives in their countries.

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition coverage: You won’t pay the University of Exeter fees.

• Living stipend: A regular monthly allowance to support accommodation and day-to-day expenses while in the UK.

• Additional grants: For specific costs defined by the Trust (e.g., warm clothing, dissertation).

• Visa & health costs: The scholarship covers your UK visa application and the NHS health surcharge.

• Travel: Economy return flights to the UK are paid.

• Professional development support: Post-Master’s, you’ll join an alumni network, and potentially access project funding to run ELT initiatives back home.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you typically need to:

1. Be a national and work in a country defined by the OECD DAC list as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income.

2. Have at least 3 years of full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience after completing your first degree.

3. Hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honors (2:1) degree or higher.

4. Not already hold a Master’s or PhD in TESOL, applied linguistics, English, or a closely related subject from a UK institution.

📝 Application Process

1. Apply for the Hornby Scholarship using the Trust’s application form. You do not need to apply to the University of Exeter first.

2. Shortlisted candidates will be sent instructions to submit a formal application to the University of Exeter’s MEd TESOL programme.

3. The scholarship offer is conditional on acceptance to the MEd TESOL at Exeter.

4. Interviews for shortlisted applicants take place between 16–25 March 2026.

5. Final decisions are communicated by 2 April 2026.

👌🏻 Eligibility Tips & Advice

• Emphasize in your application how your work experience in ELT can translate into impact once you return to your country.

• Describe specific challenges in your teaching context and how the MEd TESOL will help you address them.

• Be ready for the interview: prepare to talk about your vision for English teaching in your home country.

• Make sure your academic transcripts, references, and CV highlight your commitment and potential for leadership in ELT.

🚀 Why This Scholarship Matters

• Capacity Building: It directly supports professional development of English teachers in low- and middle-income countries.

• Sustainable Impact: Hornby Scholarships are not just about studying — they're about returning and improving ELT in your community.

• Strong Network: As an alumnus, you can access further funding and collaborate on projects.

• Prestigious Degree: The University of Exeter is well respected, and the MEd TESOL is a high‑quality, globally recognized qualification.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Link

---