An exceptional opportunity for English language educators to pursue a fully-funded master's degree in the United Kingdom has been announced. The University of Exeter is now accepting applications for the prestigious A.S. Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Scholarship Details and Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship program is a significant initiative aimed at capacity building in English language teaching. It is specifically designed for experienced professionals from low and middle-income nations who demonstrate the potential to make a substantial impact in their home countries' educational sectors.
The university has confirmed that up to ten (10) fully-funded scholarships are available for the MEd in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programme, commencing in September 2026. The funding covers all associated costs, enabling successful candidates to study in the UK without financial burden.
To be eligible, applicants must meet several strict criteria. They must be nationals of, and currently working in, countries classified as Least Developed, Low Income, Lower Middle Income, or Upper Middle Income. This includes many nations across Africa, Asia, and other regions.
Furthermore, candidates are required to possess a minimum of three years of full-time TESOL teaching or related professional experience gained after completing their first degree. Academic excellence is also mandatory; applicants must hold an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours degree or higher.
The scholarship is not open to individuals who already hold a UK master's or doctoral degree in TESOL, applied linguistics, English, or a closely related field.
Application Process and Crucial Deadline
The application window is currently open, but time is limited. All interested and qualified English teachers must submit their applications by February 9, 2026. It is important to note the specific application order: candidates must first apply for the A.S. Hornby Scholarship itself before applying for admission to the MEd TESOL programme at the University of Exeter.
Prospective scholars are directed to the official university application portal to complete and submit the necessary forms. The selection process will favour academically talented and experienced applicants who can best demonstrate their future contribution to English language education in their home countries.
A Boost for Global English Language Education
This initiative by the A.S. Hornby Educational Trust and the University of Exeter represents a major investment in global education. By empowering teachers with advanced skills and knowledge, the program seeks to create a ripple effect of improved English language teaching standards worldwide.
For Nigerian English teachers and professionals across other eligible countries, this is a golden chance to advance their careers, gain international exposure, and return home to significantly enhance their local education systems. With only ten slots available, competition is expected to be intense, underscoring the need for timely and meticulous applications.
