Apply for the A.S.Hornby Educational Trust Scholarships for Study in the UK
Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 A. S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarships, an esteemed award dedicated to strengthening English language teaching worldwide. The Trust focuses on empowering educators from low- and middle-income countries by providing access to advanced professional development opportunities. Through its Master’s degree scholarships, it supports teachers and language professionals with proven experience and the potential to drive meaningful improvement in English language education in their home countries.
For the 2026 academic year, up to ten fully funded scholarships are available for candidates who qualify for admission to the University of Exeter’s MEd TESOL programme. These scholarships target academically strong and professionally accomplished applicants who are citizens of countries classified by the OECD DAC list as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income. Successful candidates will join a rigorous programme designed to build leadership capacity in TESOL and promote educational advancement in their local contexts.
About A. S. Hornby Educational Trust
The A. S. Hornby Educational Trust was established to support the professional development of English language teachers across the world. Founded in honour of A. S. Hornby, a pioneer in the field of English language teaching and the creator of the renowned Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, the Trust promotes excellence in ELT through scholarships, training grants, and capacity-building initiatives. Its mission places particular emphasis on supporting educators from economically disadvantaged regions, where quality language education can have a transformative social and professional impact.
Over the years, the Trust has helped hundreds of teachers enhance their expertise, innovate in their classrooms, and contribute to national and regional ELT reforms. By funding postgraduate study in the UK, the Trust enables scholars to gain advanced knowledge, conduct research, and engage with international networks—after which they return home to share their expertise and lead improvements in teaching quality and learner outcomes.
Entry Requirements
Before applying, candidates must ensure that they meet all the following criteria:
- Be a resident of, and currently working in, a country classified as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income according to the OECD DAC list (listed here).
- Possess at least three years of full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience following their first degree.
- Hold an undergraduate degree with grades equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours or higher.
- Not hold a doctoral degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, English, or any closely related field.
- Not hold a Master’s degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, English, or related areas from a UK institution.
Equity-Free Funding and Benefits
Scholarship recipients will receive a comprehensive financial package that includes:
- Full University of Exeter tuition fees.
- A monthly stipend to cover living and accommodation expenses.
- Additional grants to support specific approved costs.
- Coverage for UK visa fees and National Health Service charges.
- Return international airfare.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the Hornby Scholarship application form here. There is no requirement to apply to the University of Exeter’s MEd TESOL programme at this stage. Only applicants who are shortlisted for an interview will receive instructions on how to proceed with the university application.
Steps include:
- Submit the Hornby Scholarship application form.
- Shortlisted applicants will be advised on how to apply for the MEd TESOL programme.
- Final scholarship awards depend on successful admission to the University of Exeter’s MEd TESOL programme.
Application Timeline
- Application closing date: 9 February 2026
- Notification of shortlisting for interview: no later than 6 March 2026
- Interview period: 16–25 March 2026
- Final decisions for shortlisted candidates: no later than 2 April 2026
- For More Information visit the Official Webpage of the A. S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarships.
- Application Deadline: 9 February 2026
