The University of Exeter Hornby Trust Scholarship offers up to ten (10) fully funded scholarships for students enrolling in the MEd TESOL Programme for September 2026 entry. The scholarship’s primary aim is capacity building for English language teaching in low- and middle-income countries (as defined by the OECD DAC list). The award covers full tuition fees, provides a generous stipend of at least £15,500 for living costs and accommodation, and includes return international travel costs. The application is a two-step process, requiring candidates to first apply to the MEd TESOL program to obtain an Exeter student number, which is essential for the subsequent scholarship application. The deadline for the scholarship application is February 9, 2026.
University of Exeter Hornby Trust Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Exeter |
| Study in | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Degree Level | Master’s (MEd TESOL Programme) |
| Funding | Fully Funded (Full Tuition, Stipend, Travel) |
| Stipend Value | At least £15,500 for living costs |
| Eligible Countries | Low- and Middle-Income Countries (OECD DAC list) |
| Experience Required | Minimum of 3 years full-time TESOL experience |
| Application Deadline | February 9, 2026 |
University of Exeter Hornby Trust Scholarship 2026 Details
The Hornby Trust Scholarship is a highly generous award designed to remove financial barriers, allowing experienced teachers to focus entirely on their studies and future impact in their home countries.
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University of Exeter Hornby Trust Scholarship 2026 Benefits
Tier 1: Full Financial Coverage (Over £15,500 Stipend)
This tier outlines the complete financial support package provided to the successful candidates.
- Full Tuition Fees: All fees for the MEd TESOL Programme at the University of Exeter are covered for the duration of the Master’s degree.
- Generous Stipend: A total stipend of at least £15,500 is provided (spread over monthly payments). This is intended to cover accommodation and all essential living expenses in the UK.
- Return International Travel Costs: The scholarship includes funding for the successful candidate’s return international travel from their home country to the United Kingdom.
Tier 2: Academic and Professional Development
This tier highlights the direct academic and professional rewards of the award.
- World-Class Education: The opportunity to study for an MEd TESOL at the University of Exeter, a leading UK institution.
- Capacity Building Focus: The program is specifically tailored for teachers and related professionals with evidenced potential to impact and enhance the field of English language teaching and learning in their home country.
- Networking: Joining a global network of Hornby Scholars and Alumni, facilitating future professional collaborations and knowledge sharing.
Eligibility Requirements for 2026 University of Exeter Hornby Trust Scholarship
Applicants for this prestigious scholarship must meet both the general admission requirements for the University of Exeter’s MEd TESOL program and the specific criteria set by the Hornby Trust.
- Residency and Work: You must be a national of, resident in, and working in a low or middle-income country as defined in the OECD DAC list.
- Experience: You must have a minimum of three years’ full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience completed after your first degree.
- Academic Qualification: You must already hold an undergraduate degree with grades equivalent to a UK upper 2nd class honours (2:1) or higher, or possess an existing relevant postgraduate degree.
- Program Admission: You must first submit a normal postgraduate application to the University of Exeter for the MEd TESOL program and receive an official Exeter student number. This number is mandatory to apply for the scholarship.
How to Apply for 2026 Hornby Trust Scholarship (Step by Step)
The application process is mandatory and must be completed in two distinct stages. Failing to complete the first step will prevent you from accessing the scholarship application.
- Apply for University Admission: First, complete and submit the postgraduate application form for the MEd TESOL Programme at the University of Exeter.
- Obtain Exeter Student Number: Upon successful submission of your admission application, the University will send you your unique Exeter student number. This step is crucial and must be completed before proceeding.
- Complete Scholarship Form: Once you have your Exeter student number, you must complete and submit the separate Hornby Scholarship application form. Ensure you include your Exeter student number as required.
- Await Interview Shortlisting: Shortlisted candidates will be notified no later than March 6, 2026, for interviews which will be held between March 16–25, 2026. Final outcomes will be communicated no later than April 2, 2026.
Application Deadline: February 9, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline to submit the Hornby Trust Scholarship application?
The closing date for applications for this scholarship is February 9, 2026.
2. Is the Hornby Trust Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it is a fully funded scholarship covering full tuition fees, a stipend of at least £15,500 for living costs, and return international travel costs.
3. What is the required minimum professional experience?
Applicants must have a minimum of three years’ full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience after obtaining their first undergraduate degree.
4. Is the IELTS exam mandatory for this scholarship?
No, the information provided explicitly states that No IELTS Required is a benefit of this opportunity.
5. What is the essential first step in the application process?
The essential first step is to submit an application to the University of Exeter for the MEd TESOL Programme to obtain an Exeter student number.
6. What degree program does this scholarship fund?
The scholarship funds the MEd TESOL Programme (Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at the University of Exeter.
7. Which countries are eligible to apply for this scholarship?
The scholarship is open to nationals of and individuals working in low- and middle-income countries as defined in the OECD DAC list.
8. How many scholarships are available for the 2026 intake?
There are up to ten (10) fully funded Hornby Trust Scholarships available for the September 2026 entry.
9. When will shortlisted applicants be notified for an interview?
Applicants will be notified if they have been shortlisted for an interview no later than March 6, 2026.
10. What is the required academic qualification for the scholarship?
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper 2nd class honours (2:1) or higher.
