Are you an experienced English language teacher or education professional looking for a fully funded master’s scholarship in the UK? The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship 2027 at the University of Exeter offers an opportunity for eligible professionals to study the MEd Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in the United Kingdom with full financial support.
The scholarship is designed to strengthen English language teaching and teacher development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Successful scholars receive funding for tuition fees, living costs and other associated expenses during the MEd TESOL programme.
This guide explains the Hornby Scholarship 2027, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, eligible programme, application process and other important information applicants should know before applying.
A.S. Hornby Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Scholarship | A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Study Institution | University of Exeter |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Study Level | Master’s |
| Programme | MEd Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | International applicants from eligible countries |
| Target Group | English language teachers and related professionals |
| Duration | Duration of the MEd TESOL programme |
| Deadline | Check the official application portal |
| Application | Online |
About the A.S. Hornby Scholarship
The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust works to strengthen English language teaching around the world, with particular attention to capacity building in low- and middle-income countries.
Through its partnership with the University of Exeter, the Trust provides funded scholarships for the University’s MEd TESOL programme.
The scholarship is particularly suitable for experienced English language teachers and related education professionals who can demonstrate academic ability, professional experience and the potential to contribute to English language teaching and learning in their home countries.
Rather than simply funding postgraduate study, the scholarship is intended to support professionals who can use their training and experience to create a wider impact in their local education systems.
What Does the Hornby Scholarship Cover?
The A.S. Hornby Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship.
According to the University of Exeter, the award covers:
- Full tuition fees for the MEd TESOL programme
- Living costs
- Other associated expenses for the duration of the programme
- Opportunities to become part of a wider international network of English language teaching professionals
This makes the scholarship particularly valuable for applicants who would otherwise find the cost of studying for a master’s degree in the UK difficult to afford.
What Programme Does the Scholarship Fund?
The scholarship is specifically available for the:
MEd Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
at the University of Exeter.
Applicants should note that the Hornby Scholarship is not available for the PGCert TESOL or PGDip TESOL pathways.
The MEd TESOL is designed for qualified teachers and professionals working in TESOL and related educational contexts. The University of Exeter describes the programme as suitable for practitioners seeking to develop their professional skills as well as people preparing for careers in language teaching.
Who Can Apply for the Hornby Scholarship?
Applicants should meet the following broad requirements:
1. Meet the University of Exeter’s admission requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University’s admission criteria for the MEd TESOL programme.
Being eligible for the Hornby Scholarship does not automatically mean that an applicant will be admitted to the master’s programme. Applicants must meet the relevant academic and admission requirements.
2. Be from an eligible country
Applicants must be nationals of and working in countries classified as one of the following under the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) classification:
- Least Developed Countries
- Low Income Countries
- Lower Middle Income Countries
- Upper Middle Income Countries
Applicants should check the current OECD DAC list to confirm whether their country qualifies.
3. Have relevant professional experience
The scholarship is aimed at experienced English language teachers and related professionals.
Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate meaningful professional experience in English language teaching or a closely related field.
4. Demonstrate academic excellence
Applicants should have a strong academic background and meet the academic requirements for the MEd TESOL programme.
5. Demonstrate potential for impact
One of the most important features of the Hornby Scholarship is its focus on impact.
Applicants should be able to show how their professional experience, postgraduate study and future plans could contribute to the improvement of English language teaching and learning in their home country.
Eligible Countries
The Hornby Scholarship is not restricted to one nationality.
Instead, eligibility is connected to the OECD DAC country classification. Applicants must be nationals of and working in a country classified as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income or Upper Middle Income under the relevant OECD DAC list.
Because country classifications can change, prospective applicants should check the current official OECD DAC list rather than relying on an old list found on another website.
How to Apply for the A.S. Hornby Scholarship 2027
Applicants should carefully follow the University’s official instructions because the scholarship application and the MEd TESOL admission requirements are connected.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before starting the application, confirm that:
- You are from an eligible country under the OECD DAC classification.
- You are currently working in an eligible country.
- You have relevant English language teaching or related professional experience.
- You meet the academic requirements for the MEd TESOL.
- You are prepared to demonstrate how your future work can contribute to English language teaching in your home country.
Step 2: Review the official scholarship guidance
Read the University’s official Hornby Scholarship applicant guidance carefully before beginning the application.
Pay particular attention to the requirements, supporting information and instructions given by the University.
Step 3: Prepare your application information
Before submitting an application, prepare your academic and professional information carefully.
You should be ready to demonstrate:
- Your academic background
- Your English language teaching or related professional experience
- Your professional achievements
- Your reasons for pursuing the MEd TESOL
- Your career objectives
- The impact you hope to make in your home country
Step 4: Apply through the official University of Exeter application system
Complete the Hornby Scholarship application using the official University of Exeter application route.
Do not submit sensitive personal information through unofficial scholarship websites or third-party forms.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline
Make sure your application is submitted before the deadline stated in the current official scholarship application system.
Because scholarship deadlines can change between application cycles, applicants should always confirm the deadline directly on the University of Exeter’s official page before submitting.
Documents to Prepare
The exact documents and requirements should be confirmed from the current official application guidance.
However, applicants should generally be prepared to provide information relating to:
- Academic qualifications
- Academic transcripts
- Professional experience
- English language teaching experience
- Employment or professional background
- Personal and career objectives
- Evidence supporting the information provided in the application
- Other documents requested by the University
Applicants should not assume that documents required for one year’s application will automatically be identical in another year. Always follow the current application instructions.
Why Apply for the Hornby Scholarship?
The A.S. Hornby Scholarship is particularly attractive because it combines fully funded postgraduate study with professional development in TESOL.
For an experienced English language teacher, the opportunity can provide:
- A master’s degree from the University of Exeter
- Full financial support
- Advanced knowledge and skills in TESOL
- International professional exposure
- Opportunities to connect with English language teaching professionals
- A platform for developing education initiatives in the applicant’s home country
The scholarship’s emphasis on impact also means applicants should think beyond simply obtaining a master’s degree. A strong application should clearly explain how the knowledge and experience gained will be used after the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hornby Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The University of Exeter states that the scholarship provides full funding for tuition, living costs and other associated expenses for the duration of the MEd TESOL.
What degree does the Hornby Scholarship fund?
The scholarship funds the MEd Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at the University of Exeter.
Can I apply for the PGCert or PGDip TESOL with the Hornby Scholarship?
No. The University states that the Hornby Scholarship is available specifically for the MEd TESOL programme and not the PGCert or PGDip TESOL pathways.
Who is the scholarship intended for?
It is intended primarily for experienced English language teachers and related professionals who demonstrate academic ability, professional experience and potential to contribute to English language teaching and learning in their home countries.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The scholarship is intended for eligible international applicants from countries meeting the relevant OECD DAC classification and who are working in those countries.
Do I need to work in my home country?
The University states that applicants must be nationals of and working in countries classified as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income or Upper Middle Income according to the OECD DAC list.
What does the scholarship pay for?
The scholarship provides full funding for tuition, living costs and other associated expenses for the MEd TESOL programme.
Where will I study?
Successful applicants will study at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom.
When is the application deadline?
The scholarship is currently open according to the University of Exeter’s official Hornby Scholarship page. Applicants should check the current official application system for the exact deadline before submitting their application.
Important Tips for Applicants
Before submitting your application, consider the following:
1. Don’t focus only on financial need.
The scholarship is designed for experienced professionals with the potential to contribute to English language teaching. Your professional impact matters.
2. Explain your future plans clearly.
Show how studying TESOL at Exeter will help you address real challenges in English language teaching in your country.
3. Connect your experience to your goals.
Don’t simply list your teaching experience. Explain what you have learned from it and how the MEd TESOL will help you improve your future work.
4. Check your country eligibility carefully.
Use the current OECD DAC classification rather than relying on lists published by unofficial scholarship websites.
5. Use the official application route.
Always confirm the application instructions directly with the University of Exeter before submitting your application.
Final Thoughts
The A.S. Hornby Scholarship 2027 at the University of Exeter is an excellent opportunity for experienced English language teachers and related professionals who want to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in TESOL in the UK.
The scholarship goes beyond funding postgraduate education. Its focus is on developing professionals who can contribute to stronger English language teaching and learning in their home countries.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and have a clear vision for how advanced TESOL training could strengthen your professional impact, this scholarship is worth considering.
Official Application
Applicants should use the official University of Exeter scholarship page and follow the current application instructions before submitting an application.
Official Scholarship Page: https://education.exeter.ac.uk/study/hornby/
Official University: https://education.exeter.ac.uk/
Important: Scholarship information, eligibility requirements and deadlines can change. Always verify the latest information on the official University of Exeter website before applying.