University of Exeter Hornby Trust Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded award designed to strengthen English language teaching in low- and middle-income countries. Hosted by the University of Exeter, this scholarship provides full tuition coverage, return international airfare, and a minimum living stipend of £15,500. It offers exceptional educators the opportunity to advance their skills through the MEd TESOL program while contributing to educational development in their home countries.
Each year, up to ten scholarships are available for the September 2026 intake. Eligible applicants must meet the academic requirements for the MEd TESOL program and be nationals of countries listed under the OECD DAC classification. The University of Exeter Hornby Trust Scholarship prioritizes teachers and education professionals with proven experience and strong potential to enhance English language education within their communities. This guide covers all essential details, including benefits, criteria, and the full application process.
Benefits of the University of Exeter Hornby Trust Scholarship
- All tuition costs are covered.
- Monthly stipend for housing and living expenses of at least £15,500 (exact amount confirmed upon award acceptance)
- International return airfare is offered.
Eligibility Criteria for the University of Exeter Hornby Trust Scholarship
- must live and work in a low- or middle-income nation that is included in the OECD DAC.
- After earning your first degree, you must have worked as a full-time TESOL teacher for at least three years.
- must already have a relevant postgraduate degree or an undergraduate degree with grades at least as good as an upper second-class honors in the UK.
- To get an Exeter student number for the MEd TESOL program, one must first submit a standard postgraduate application to the University of Exeter. Prior to submitting the Hornby Scholarship application, this number is necessary.
How to Apply for the University of Exeter Hornby Trust Scholarship
Follow the steps below to complete your application for the University of Exeter Hornby Trust Scholarship:
- Submit the Hornby Scholarship Application Form
Complete the official Hornby Scholarship application form (link provided on the scholarship page). You do not need to apply for the MEd TESOL programme at this stage. - Wait for Shortlisting Notification
If you are shortlisted, the University will contact you directly with detailed instructions on how to apply for the MEd TESOL programme. - Final Scholarship Award Confirmation
Your scholarship award will only be confirmed once you receive and accept an offer from the University of Exeter for the MEd TESOL programme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Hornby Trust Scholarship funds MEd TESOL students from low-to-middle income countries. It covers tuition, stipend, visa & travel. Applicants need 3 years of TESOL experience and a good bachelor’s. Up to 10 awards are available; apply by 9 Feb; interviews in March.
What is the Hornby Trust Scholarship at Exeter?
The Hornby Trust Scholarship is a fully funded award offered by the University of Exeter in partnership with the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust. It supports experienced English-language teachers and related professionals to study the MEd TESOL programme.
How many Hornby Scholarships are available?
Up to 10 Hornby Trust Scholarships are offered each year for Exeter’s MEd TESOL cohort.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
To apply, you must be a national of, and work in, a country classed as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income per OECD DAC definitions. You also need relevant professional experience in English-language teaching.
What experience is required to apply?
Applicants must have at least three years of full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience after their first degree.
What academic qualifications are required?
You must already hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to or better than a UK upper second-class honours. You must not hold a UK Master’s in TESOL or a doctoral degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, or English.
Is this scholarship available for any TESOL programme?
No- the scholarship is only available for the MEd TESOL programme. It is not offered for the PGCert or PGDip TESOL pathways.
What does the scholarship cover?
It covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend for living costs, defined additional grants, UK visa and NHS fees, and return international travel, for the duration (one year) of the MEd TESOL.
When is the application deadline?
The closing date for applications is 9 February 2026.
What is the selection process?
After submitting the scholarship application form, shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview (scheduled mid-March). If successful, they will then apply formally to the MEd TESOL programme.
Can the Hornby scholarship be awarded alongside other scholarships?
No, Hornby Scholarships are not awarded in conjunction with other scholarships. The Hornby award is granted only if its value exceeds any other scholarship offered.
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