A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship at the University of Exeter, UK
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship 2027 is offering an exciting opportunity for experienced English language teachers and education professionals from eligible developing countries to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
In partnership with the University of Exeter, the Hornby Educational Trust will award up to 10 fully funded scholarships for the September 2027 academic intake. Successful applicants will study for the Master of Education (MEd) in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
The scholarship aims to strengthen English language teaching and learning in low- and middle-income countries by supporting talented professionals who have the potential to make a meaningful contribution to education in their home countries.
The award covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend to support accommodation and living expenses, and return international travel costs. The scholarship is available for one year of study.
Applications are currently open, and interested candidates must submit their applications by 22 November 2026.
About the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust prioritises capacity building in English language teaching in low- and middle-income countries.
Through its scholarship programme, the Trust supports experienced teachers and related professionals who demonstrate academic ability, professional experience and the potential to improve English language education in their home countries.
For the 2027/28 academic year, the Trust is partnering with the University of Exeter to provide up to 10 scholarships for eligible applicants enrolling in the university’s MEd TESOL programme.
The programme is specifically designed for professionals interested in developing their expertise in English language teaching, contributing to educational development and strengthening the quality of English language learning.
Please note: The scholarship is exclusively available for the MEd TESOL programme. It does not cover the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) programmes.
Scholarship Benefits
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is a fully funded award covering the major costs associated with studying in the United Kingdom.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition fees: Coverage of the tuition fees for the one-year MEd TESOL programme at the University of Exeter.
- Monthly living stipend: Financial support to meet accommodation and general living expenses during the scholarship period.
- Return international travel: Funding for return international travel costs.
- International academic exposure: An opportunity to study at a recognised UK university and develop advanced professional knowledge.
- Professional development: Opportunities to strengthen expertise in TESOL and contribute to English language teaching in the scholar’s home country.
Number of scholarships: Up to 10
Duration: One year
Study commencement: September 2027
Eligibility Requirements
The scholarship is intended for experienced English language teaching professionals from eligible countries.
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Nationality and residence: Applicants must be residents of and work in a country classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) as a Least Developed Country, Low Income Country, Lower Middle Income Country or Upper Middle Income Country.
- Professional experience: Candidates must have at least three years of full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience after obtaining their first degree.
- Academic qualifications: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class honours degree or a relevant postgraduate qualification.
- Doctoral qualification: Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, English or a related area.
- Previous Master’s qualification: Applicants must not already hold a Master’s degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, English or a related subject from a UK university.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is available to applicants who are nationals of and work in countries included in the relevant OECD DAC categories.
These include Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income and Upper Middle Income countries.
Applicants should consult the official OECD DAC list of eligible countries to establish whether they qualify.
OECD DAC eligibility list: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/topics/policy-sub-issues/oda-eligibility-and-conditions/DAC-List-of-ODA-Recipients-for-reporting-2024-25-flows.pdf
How to Apply for the A.S. Hornby Scholarship 2027
Interested candidates must complete the official Hornby Scholarship application form.
The application process is as follows:
Step 1: Review the eligibility criteria
Check that you meet the academic, professional experience, nationality and residence requirements.
Step 2: Complete the scholarship application form
Submit your application through the official online application form:
Step 3: Await shortlisting
The University of Exeter and the Hornby Educational Trust will jointly assess applications. Shortlisted applicants will receive information about the interview process.
Step 4: Attend an interview
Candidates selected for interviews will be invited to participate in interviews scheduled between 15 and 24 February 2027.
Step 5: Apply for the MEd TESOL programme
There is no need to apply separately for the MEd TESOL programme before submitting the scholarship application. Applicants shortlisted for an interview will receive instructions on how to apply for admission to the University of Exeter.
Scholarship awards are conditional on a successful application to the MEd TESOL programme.
Important Application Dates
Applicants should take note of the following dates:
- Scholarship application deadline: 22 November 2026
- Shortlisting notification: No later than 5 January 2027
- Interview period: 15–24 February 2027
- Final scholarship outcome: No later than 4 March 2027
- Programme commencement: September 2027
Late applications may not be considered.
Additional Terms and Conditions
The scholarship cannot be combined with another scholarship. If an applicant receives another scholarship, the Hornby Scholarship will only be awarded if its value is greater than that of the other award.
Applicants should also note that deferring their admission offer or changing their fee status could result in the scholarship being withdrawn.
The scholarship is subject to the University of Exeter’s applicable financial regulations and other award conditions.
Why Apply?
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship offers more than financial assistance. It provides experienced English language teaching professionals with an opportunity to advance their academic qualifications, strengthen their professional capabilities and contribute to educational development in their home countries.
For teachers and education specialists who want to improve English language teaching and learning, this scholarship represents an opportunity to gain advanced training at the University of Exeter without bearing the full financial burden of international postgraduate study.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early and submit them before the November deadline.
Official Scholarship Application
Scholarship: A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship 2027
University: University of Exeter, United Kingdom
Programme: MEd Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Funding: Full tuition fees, monthly living and accommodation stipend, and return international travel costs.
Number of awards: Up to 10
Application deadline: 22 November 2026
Study duration: One year
