Hornby Trust Scholarship at University of Exeter for International Students 2026

Dreaming of advancing your career in English language teaching and making a real difference in your home country? Pursuing a Master’s degree abroad can be a transformative step, but the financial burden often stands in the way. Fortunately, opportunities exist to help aspiring educators achieve their academic goals without the worry of tuition fees and living expenses.

The Hornby Trust Scholarship at the University of Exeter offers a fully funded pathway for dedicated professionals. This scholarship is designed to support individuals who are committed to building capacity in English language teaching within low and middle-income countries. If you are passionate about education and looking for a chance to gain advanced knowledge and skills, this opportunity might be exactly what you need.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the Hornby Trust Scholarship. We will cover what the scholarship entails, its key benefits, who is eligible, and the essential documents required. You will also find a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the application process and important deadlines to keep in mind.

What is the Hornby Trust Scholarship?

The Hornby Trust Scholarship is a prestigious award offered by the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. Its primary focus is on supporting professionals who work in English language teaching and related fields. The scholarship aims to foster capacity building by enabling talented individuals from low and middle-income countries to undertake postgraduate study.

This scholarship is specifically for the Master of Education (MEd) in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program. It is designed for individuals who demonstrate significant potential to contribute to the advancement of English language teaching and learning in their home countries. The program at Exeter is renowned for its high academic standards and practical approach to TESOL.

Benefits and Coverage of the Scholarship

The Hornby Trust Scholarship is a fully funded award, meaning it covers the majority of expenses associated with studying abroad. This comprehensive support allows scholars to focus entirely on their academic pursuits and personal development. Understanding the full extent of the benefits can help you appreciate the value of this opportunity.

The scholarship package typically includes:

Full Tuition Fees: All costs associated with your MEd TESOL program tuition at the University of Exeter are covered.
Generous Stipend: A stipend of at least £15,500 is provided to help with accommodation and living expenses. This amount is usually paid in monthly installments to help manage your budget throughout the academic year.
Return International Travel Costs: The scholarship covers the cost of your round-trip airfare between your home country and the UK. This ensures you can travel to and from Exeter without incurring personal travel expenses.

Eligibility Criteria for the Hornby Trust Scholarship

To be considered for the Hornby Trust Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the University of Exeter and the Hornby Trust. These requirements are in place to ensure that the scholarship supports individuals who align with the program’s goals. Carefully review each point to determine your eligibility.

You must meet the following requirements:

Residency and Employment: You must be a resident of, and currently working in, a low or middle-income country as defined by the OECD DAC list.
Professional Experience: You need to have at least three years of full-time experience in TESOL teaching or a related professional role after completing your first degree.
Academic Qualifications: You should hold an undergraduate degree with grades equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours degree or higher. Alternatively, a relevant postgraduate degree can also satisfy this requirement.
University Application: You must first submit a standard postgraduate application to the University of Exeter for the MEd TESOL program. You will need to receive an Exeter student number from the university before you can apply for the Hornby Scholarship.

Required Documents for Your Application

Gathering all the necessary documents is a critical step in the application process. Having your paperwork in order will make the application smoother and reduce the chances of missing important details. Ensure you have digital copies of all required items ready.

The typical documents you will need include:

Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all your previous university degrees.
Degree Certificates: Copies of your awarded degree certificates.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV highlighting your academic background, professional experience, and any relevant achievements.
Personal Statement/Motivation Letter: A well-written statement explaining your interest in the MEd TESOL program, your career aspirations, and how the Hornby Scholarship will help you achieve them.
Letters of Recommendation: Typically, two to three academic or professional references who can attest to your abilities and potential.
Proof of English Language Proficiency: While this scholarship may not require IELTS, the university program itself might have its own language requirements. Check the MEd TESOL program page for details.
Proof of Residency and Employment: Documents that confirm you are a resident of and work in a low or middle-income country.
Exeter Student Number: This is essential and must be obtained after applying for the MEd TESOL program.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the Hornby Trust Scholarship involves a two-part process: first applying for the MEd TESOL program at the University of Exeter, and then submitting a separate scholarship application. Following these steps carefully will increase your chances of success.

Here is a breakdown of the application process:

Apply for the MEd TESOL Program: Visit the University of Exeter’s official website and complete the online application form for the MEd TESOL program. Ensure you meet all the program’s admission requirements.
Obtain Your Exeter Student Number: After submitting your program application, you will receive an Exeter student number. This number is crucial for your scholarship application.
Complete the Hornby Scholarship Application: Once you have your Exeter student number, proceed to the Hornby Scholarship application form. You will need to enter your student number as part of this application.
Submit Supporting Documents: Upload all the required supporting documents as specified in the application guidelines. Double-check that all documents are clear, accurate, and in the correct format.
Review and Submit: Carefully review your entire scholarship application before submitting it. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.

Key Application Deadlines

Meeting deadlines is essential for any scholarship application. The Hornby Trust Scholarship has specific dates for application submission, shortlisting, interviews, and final outcomes. Mark these dates in your calendar to ensure you do not miss any critical steps.

Scholarship Application Closing Date: February 9, 2026. All applications must be submitted by this date.
Notification of Shortlisting: Applicants who are shortlisted for an interview will be notified no later than March 6, 2026.
Interviews: Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be conducted between March 16 and March 25, 2026.
Final Outcome Notification: Successful applicants will be informed of the final decision no later than April 2, 2026.

Tips for a Strong Application

Crafting a compelling application is key to standing out among many qualified candidates. Focus on clearly articulating your passion, experience, and future impact. Here are some tips to help you create a strong application for the Hornby Trust Scholarship.

Tailor Your Personal Statement: Clearly explain why you are passionate about English language teaching and how the MEd TESOL program at Exeter will help you achieve your career goals. Connect your past experiences to your future aspirations and highlight how you plan to contribute to your home country.
Showcase Your Experience: In your CV and personal statement, provide specific examples of your teaching experience, any leadership roles you have held, and any projects you have led or contributed to. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Choose Recommenders Wisely: Select individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, professional skills, and potential for leadership in the field of TESOL. Provide them with your CV and personal statement to help them write a strong letter.
Proofread Meticulously: Before submitting your application, proofread all your documents carefully for any grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail.
Understand the Scholarship’s Mission: Ensure your application clearly reflects your understanding of the Hornby Trust’s mission to build capacity in English language teaching in low and middle-income countries. Show how your participation in the program will directly contribute to this mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hornby Trust Scholarship?

The Hornby Trust Scholarship is a fully funded award offered by the University of Exeter in the UK for professionals in English language teaching from low and middle-income countries to pursue an MEd in TESOL.

What does the scholarship cover?

It covers full tuition fees, a stipend of at least £15,500 for living expenses, and return international travel costs.

Who is eligible for the Hornby Trust Scholarship?

Eligibility requires residency and employment in a low or middle-income country, at least three years of full-time TESOL experience, and an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours.