A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarships 2025/2026 for study in the UK (Fully Funded)

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship represents one of the most comprehensive funding opportunities for English language teaching professionals worldwide. This fully funded scholarship program, delivered in partnership with the University of Exeter, empowers experienced educators to advance their careers while building capacity for English language teaching in their home countries.

About the Program

The A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship is designed specifically for experienced English language teachers from low- and middle-income countries who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions to English language teaching and learning in their communities. Through this partnership with the University of Exeter, the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship awards up to ten (10) fully funded positions annually for the MEd TESOL Programme, with the next cohort beginning in September 2026.

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship focuses on capacity building for English language teaching (ELT), ensuring that recipients return to their home countries equipped with advanced knowledge, skills, and networks to enhance educational opportunities for their students and communities.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria that ensure the program reaches those who will benefit most and create lasting impact.

Core Requirements

Geographic Eligibility: The A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship is available exclusively to residents and workers in countries categorized as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income according to the OECD DAC list.

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship must hold an undergraduate degree with grades equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours (2:1) or higher. You must also meet the University of Exeter’s admission criteria for the MEd TESOL Programme.

Professional Experience: A minimum of three years’ full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience after obtaining your first degree is required for the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship.

Ineligibility Criteria

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is not available to applicants who already hold:

• A doctoral degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, English, or related fields
• A Master’s degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, English, or related fields from a UK university

Important Note: The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is generally not awarded in conjunction with other scholarships. If you receive another scholarship offer, the Hornby award will only be granted if its value exceeds the other awards.

Benefits

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is truly comprehensive, covering every aspect of your educational journey in the UK. This fully funded scholarship ensures that recipients can focus entirely on their studies without financial concerns.

Complete Funding Package

Recipients of the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship receive:

• Full university tuition fees for the one-year MEd TESOL Programme
• Monthly stipend covering accommodation and living expenses throughout your stay
• Return international travel costs from your home country to the UK
• UK Visa and National Health Service (NHS) fees
• Additional grants for specific costs associated with your studies

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is structured to eliminate financial barriers entirely, allowing you to dedicate yourself fully to professional development and academic excellence.

Application Guidelines

The application process for the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship follows a streamlined approach that differs from typical university applications.

Key Application Principles

Do Not Apply to the University First: Unlike many scholarship programs, the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship requires you to apply for the scholarship before applying to the MEd TESOL Programme at the University of Exeter.

Application Stages

Stage 1 – Scholarship Application: Complete the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship application form as your first step.

Stage 2 – Shortlisting: If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will receive instructions on how to formally apply to the University of Exeter’s MEd TESOL Programme.

Stage 3 – Final Award: The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is conditional upon your acceptance by the University of Exeter on their MEd TESOL programme.

Required Documents

While specific document requirements will be detailed in the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship application form, applicants should prepare to submit:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates demonstrating undergraduate qualifications equivalent to UK 2:1 or higher
• Evidence of three years’ full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience post-degree
• Professional references attesting to your teaching experience and potential impact
• Personal statement demonstrating your commitment to enhancing ELT in your home country
• Proof of residency and employment in an eligible country
• English language proficiency evidence (if applicable based on your educational background)

Ensure all documents clearly support your eligibility for the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship and demonstrate your potential to contribute meaningfully to English language teaching in your community.

Program Structure and Duration

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship supports study on the MEd TESOL Programme at the University of Exeter, delivered over one academic year (September 2026 to September 2027). The scholarship is available exclusively for the full Master’s degree and is not available for PGCert or PGDip programmes.

The MEd TESOL Programme combines rigorous academic study with practical application, preparing graduates to become leaders and innovators in English language teaching. Throughout the year, A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship recipients will engage with cutting-edge research, develop advanced teaching methodologies, and build international professional networks.

Why You Should Apply

The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship offers transformative benefits that extend far beyond financial support:

Complete Financial Security: With every expense covered, the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship eliminates financial stress, allowing you to focus entirely on your professional development.

World-Class Education: Study at the University of Exeter, a prestigious institution with excellence in TESOL education and research.

Career Advancement: The A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship positions you as a leader in your field, opening doors to senior teaching positions, teacher training roles, and educational leadership opportunities.

Professional Network: Connect with fellow English language teaching professionals from around the world, creating lasting partnerships and collaborations.

Multiplied Impact: The knowledge and skills gained through the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship enable you to positively impact countless students and fellow educators throughout your career.

Return with Purpose: The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship is designed to ensure you return to your home country equipped to build ELT capacity and enhance educational opportunities in your community.

How to Apply

Applying for the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship follows these essential steps:

1. Review eligibility requirements carefully to confirm you qualify for the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship
2. Prepare required documents demonstrating your academic qualifications, professional experience, and commitment to ELT development
3. Complete the scholarship application form available through the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust or University of Exeter
4. Submit your application before the deadline
5. Wait for shortlist notification (by 6 March 2026)
6. If shortlisted, apply to University of Exeter following the instructions provided
7. Attend interview (scheduled between 16–25 March 2026)
8. Receive final decision (by 2 April 2026)

Remember: The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship application must be submitted first—do not apply directly to the MEd TESOL Programme until you are shortlisted and instructed to do so.

Deadline

The application deadline for the A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship is 9 February 2026.

Important Dates for the 2025/2026 Cycle

• Application Deadline: 9 February 2026
• Shortlist Notification: No later than 6 March 2026
• Interview Period: 16–25 March 2026
• Final Outcome Notification: No later than 2 April 2026
• Programme Start: September 2026

The A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship selection process moves quickly after the deadline, with final decisions communicated within two months. Early preparation is recommended to ensure your application showcases your qualifications and potential impact effectively.

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The A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship represents more than funding—it’s an investment in your professional future and the future of English language education in your community. This comprehensive scholarship removes all financial barriers, providing everything you need to succeed: tuition, living costs, travel, and healthcare. By supporting experienced educators who demonstrate commitment to capacity building, the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship creates ripple effects that benefit countless students and fellow teachers. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are passionate about advancing ELT in your home country, the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship could be the cornerstone of your professional transformation.

Click here to apply.

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