Fully Funded University of Exeter Hornby Scholarship 2027 for English Teachers from Developing Countries

Overview

Are you an English teacher or education professional looking to advance your career while creating a bigger impact in your home country? The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship 2027 offers a life-changing opportunity for experienced English language teachers from eligible low- and middle-income countries to study a fully funded Master of Education (MEd) in TESOL at the University of Exeter.

The scholarship is designed to strengthen English language teaching capacity around the world by supporting talented educators who have the potential to improve English teaching and learning systems when they return home.

Up to 10 fully funded scholarships will be awarded for the September 2027 intake, making this a highly competitive opportunity for teachers and education professionals from countries including Nigeria and other eligible African nations.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen and resident of a country classified by the OECD DAC list as:
  • Least Developed Country.
  • Low Income Country.
  • Lower Middle Income Country.
  • Upper Middle Income Country.
• Currently work in their home country as an English teacher or related education professional.
• Have at least three years of full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience after completing their first degree.
• Hold:
  • An undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or higher, or
  • A relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Not already hold:
  • A doctoral degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English, or a related field.
  • A UK Master’s degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, English, or a related subject.

Important: The scholarship is only available for the MEd TESOL programme and does not cover PGCert or PGDip programmes.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive funding package, including:

• Full tuition fee coverage.
• Monthly living allowance to support accommodation and daily expenses.
• Return international travel costs.
• One year of Master’s study at the University of Exeter.

Beyond financial support, scholars will join an international network of education professionals working to improve English language teaching globally.

Why This Scholarship Matters

For teachers in Nigeria, Africa, and other developing regions, access to advanced education in TESOL can create opportunities far beyond earning a degree.

Graduates can use their expertise to:

• Improve English teaching standards in schools and institutions.
• Train other teachers and education professionals.
• Develop better language learning programmes.
• Influence education policies in their communities.
• Access international opportunities in education, research, and development.

This scholarship is not just about studying abroad — it is about building educators who can return home and create lasting change for future generations of learners.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Complete the Hornby Scholarship application form.
2. Submit evidence of:
   • Academic qualifications.
   • TESOL teaching experience.
   • Professional achievements and future impact plans.

There is no need to apply for the MEd TESOL programme before submitting the scholarship application. Shortlisted candidates will receive instructions on applying for the University of Exeter programme.

Applications will be jointly reviewed by the University of Exeter and the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust.

Application Timeline

• Application deadline: 22 November 2026
• Shortlisted candidates notified: By 5 January 2027
• Interview period: 15–24 February 2027
• Final scholarship decision: By 4 March 2027
• Programme start: September 2027

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Fully Funded University of Exeter Hornby Scholarship 2027 for English Teachers from Developing Countries