To support talented English language educators worldwide, the University of Exeter—together with the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust—offers the prestigious Hornby Scholarship 2026. This fully funded award enables exceptional teachers from OECD DAC-listed countries to pursue the highly respected MEd TESOL programme at Exeter’s Graduate School of Education.

This scholarship is known for its long-standing commitment to developing global English teaching expertise. It covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, visa costs, NHS surcharge, and international travel, making it one of the most generous opportunities available for TESOL educators.

Quick Overview (Hornby Scholarship 2026)

Below is a quick overview of the scholarship in table form:

This fantastic opportunity empowers experienced English language teachers to advance their practice, expand research skills, and gain global exposure through an internationally recognised Master’s programme.

Subjects Offered

Applicants selected for the Hornby Scholarship 2026 will study within the prestigious MEd TESOL programme. The curriculum is structured to develop advanced teaching methodologies, linguistic theory, classroom technology skills, and research-based professional development.

You will explore topics such as:

• English language teaching methodologies
• Second language acquisition
• Applied linguistics
• Curriculum design and evaluation
• Sociolinguistics and language policy
• Classroom practice and reflective teaching
• Language assessment and testing

Every module is designed to build strong theoretical foundations while equipping educators with modern tools for real-world teaching environments.

Degree Offered

This scholarship supports candidates pursuing the Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MEd TESOL) at the University of Exeter.

The degree is internationally respected and prepares educators to become leaders in ELT fields such as curriculum design, teacher training, language policy, academic research, and innovative classroom teaching.

The programme blends academic knowledge with practical educational strategies, ensuring scholars return to their home countries as more impactful and confident professionals.

Benefit of the Fully Funded Award

The Hornby Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity designed to remove all financial barriers for deserving English language teachers. It offers one of the most comprehensive funding packages among UK scholarships.

The benefits include:

• Full tuition fee coverage for the entire MEd TESOL programme.
• Monthly stipend to cover accommodation, meals, and daily living expenses.
• Grants for academic-related costs such as books, research, and study materials.
• UK visa and NHS (National Health Service) surcharge fees fully covered.
• Return international airfare, ensuring scholars can travel safely to and from the UK.

This means selected candidates can focus entirely on academic excellence and professional development without financial stress.
Many recipients describe this scholarship as a life-changing academic opportunity that transforms their teaching careers.

Eligible Nationality

The Hornby Scholarship 2026 is exclusively available for applicants from countries listed under the OECD DAC categories, including:

• Least Developed Countries
• Low Income Countries
• Lower Middle Income Countries
• Upper Middle Income Countries

Applicants must currently live and work in one of these eligible nations. This ensures the scholarship benefits educators who will return to contribute meaningfully to English language development in their home contexts.

Eligibility Criteria

To be selected for the Hornby Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet strict academic and professional requirements. These criteria ensure that only experienced and highly committed TESOL educators receive the award.

1. Residency and Work Requirement

Applicants must reside and work in an eligible OECD DAC-listed country at the time of application.

2. Professional Experience

Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of full-time TESOL teaching experience or related professional work after completing their first degree. This helps ensure that scholars can meaningfully apply the skills learned during their MEd programme.

3. Academic Qualification

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) or higher.

4. Previous Degrees Restriction

Candidates must NOT already hold:

• A doctoral degree in TESOL, English, Applied Linguistics, or related fields.
• A Master’s degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English, or related fields obtained from any UK university.

This ensures fairness and prioritises applicants who have not previously studied at an advanced level in the UK.

How to Apply

Applying to the Hornby Scholarship 2026 is a structured and simple process. Follow the steps below carefully:

Step 1: Submit the Hornby Trust Application

Fill out the official scholarship application form provided by the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.

Step 2: Shortlisting and University Instructions

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and guided on how to complete the official University of Exeter application for the MEd TESOL programme.

Step 3: Confirmation of Award

Scholarship decisions are finalised only after the University of Exeter accepts the applicant into the programme. Once accepted, the scholarship funding is confirmed.

To strengthen your application, highlight your teaching impact, leadership qualities, community involvement, and future plans for educational development in your home country.

Apply Now

If you are a dedicated TESOL educator committed to improving English language teaching in your country, the Hornby Scholarship 2026 is an unmissable opportunity. This fully funded award opens the door to world-class education, international exposure, and professional growth at the University of Exeter.

Apply Now through the official Hornby Trust application portal. Link Here