The A.S. Hornby Educational Trust has been offering its prestigious Hornby Scholarships for 60 years. These Scholarships provide for all the costs for international ELT professionals from middle- and low-income countries to study for Master’s degrees in TESOL at a UK university. Places are allocated through a competitive process. The current Master’s Scholarships programme is offered through a partnership between the Hornby Trust and the University of Exeter.
What are the aims of the scholarships?
The primary objective of Hornby Scholarships is to enable scholars, on completion of their UK Master’s degree, to make effective contributions to the strengthening of English language teaching in their home countries.
In order to facilitate this, on return home, the Trust offers scholars:
- access to professional support through its alumni network
- possible funding via alumni project grants for in-country capacity-building activities that are relevant to the needs of teachers in their working context
- access support for in-country activities such as seminars and workshops.
Scholars are therefore selected to ensure that they have the ability and commitment to deliver new initiatives in their home country.
What does the scholarship cover?
The Trust will cover:
- course fees
- a monthly stipend to cover accommodation and living costs
- travel and visa costs
- any language test costs
- warm clothing allowance
- dissertation allowance.
Who can apply?
ELT professionals:
- with several years of experience working in the ELT sector
- who are citizens of low- and middle-income countries as detailed on the DAC List
- have a full university first degree (First or Second Class UK or equivalent)
- who meet the University of Exeter Master’s degree entrance criteria and completed their application form.
What is the timeline?
| November | Call for applications can be found on this page |
| 9th February | Applications closed – Applications for 2026/27 are now open |
| April – May | Unsuccessful applicants informed and interviews for successful applicants take place |
| September | Scholars arrive in Exeter and MA TESOL course begins |
| April | Scholars attend IATEFL |
| May-September | Dissertation writing |
| September | Course ends and scholars return home |
Let’s hear from a successful Scholar – Dany Prima Putra
I was the recipient of Hornby Educational Trust Scholarship to study at the University of Warwick, on their MA TESOL program, in 2022-2023. Being an awardee has given me a plethora of memorable, wonderful experiences. I met lifelong colleagues from different parts of the world and I learned so much from their contexts. As a group we were able to present our work at IATEFL to the ELT community from different parts of the world. We visited Oxford University Press to see the history of A.S. Hornby’s work, the amazing project that made my once-in-a-lifetime journey happen. I had wonderful professors who guided me and gave insights and advice for my future journey. We also networked and still keep in touch with past alumni and the Trust’s board members
I am now the Director of Danz English in South East Sulawesi in my home country of Indonesia. I am active in my NGO, Indonesia Teaching Community (ITC). Danz English is a newly established English centre which provides English Language, business and exam preparation classes for all levels and ages. While ITC focuses on teaching English to students and teachers for free online.
I feel extremely lucky and honoured to be part of Hornby Trust. I urge everyone apply for this scholarship and I wish all the best for its programs and work.
Ubecating 