MEd TESOL Scholarships

The Trust provides Master degree scholarships in TESOL at the University of Exeter for international ELT professionals.

It also provides a scholarship for a refugee teaching English to refugees or asylum seekers.

 

MEd TESOL international scholarship applications now closed!

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
26 February Applications close – Applications for 2025/26 are now closed
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.

Refugee Scholarship

The Trust offers an additional scholarship to support the teaching of English to Refugees or asylum seekers. The successful applicant will join a group of Hornby scholars from a range of different countries to study on a one-year full-time Master’s degree in TESOL at the University of Exeter.

The call for applications for the 2025/26 Refugee MEd TESOL Scholarship is now closed. 

Who can apply?

The Hornby Scholarship for Teachers of English to Refugees is intended to support experienced English language teachers who:

  • are legally resident in the UK
  • hold (or have previously held) refugee status
  • have at least three years’ full-time ELT (English Language Teaching) experience
  • have a full university first degree
  • are currently teaching English to refugees or asylum seekers.

Let’s hear from successful refugee scholar – Younos Dost Mohammadi

Before beginning this scholarship, I volunteered teaching English to Afghan and Syrian families as well as for the British Heart Foundation in North Wales. The Hornby scholarship provided me with advanced knowledge of English language teaching. I also developed significant research and practical skills, which led to my successful appointment as an ESOL Tutor for Warwickshire County Council even before graduation. Additionally, since graduating I have been working with the British Council, teaching online for the STEP Ukraine project.

My life continues to improve in every aspect, and this progress would not have been possible without the prestigious Hornby Scholarship, for which I owe a lifetime of gratitude to the Hornby Educational Trust.

Our 2024-25 Scholars

Agustina La Porta (Argentina)

I am an EFL teacher from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I completed my Teacher Training College. For over 10 years, I have worked in diverse educational settings, teaching different age groups. Before coming to Exeter for my MEd in TESOL, I taught in primary and secondary schools. When I return to Argentina, I plan to continue teaching at state-run schools while also becoming a teacher educator. In addition to staying active in local teacher associations, I also want to collaborate with other language educators from other countries to enhance teaching practices, ensuring that every learner has access to quality education.

Ahsan Chandio (Pakistan)

I am an English language and literature teacher from Pakistan. With over six years of teaching experience, I have volunteered with IEI Pakistan. My areas of interest include integrating environmental awareness into English language classrooms and exploring multilingualism in diverse classroom settings. These interests inspired me to pursue an MEd in TESOL at the University of Exeter, supported by the Hornby Trust Scholarship. After completing this program, I intend to continue embedding environmental concerns and awareness into my teaching. I hope to translate the knowledge and insights gained during this scholarship into meaningful classroom practices that reflect my teaching beliefs.

Bekzod Khayitov (Uzbekistan)

I am an EFL teacher from Uzbekistan with ten years of experience, primarily in public schools, where I taught English to secondary students. The A.S. Hornby scholarship has given me a valuable opportunity to pursue an MA in TESOL in the UK, fulfilling my long-standing goal. My interests in ELT include Teacher Development, Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), and Extensive Reading. Upon returning to Uzbekistan, I plan to continue and expand my extensive reading project. I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained during the MA course will greatly benefit my future career.

Cänan Köse (Turkey)

I am Canan Köse from Türkiye. My professional background is in higher education in my home country. My initial objective in pursuing studies at the University of Exeter was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments in English language pedagogy. Now, equipped with this knowledge and understanding, I intend to contribute to the evolution of teacher education by implementing transdisciplinary frameworks, incorporating contemporary technologies and teacher candidates’ diverse experiential knowledge. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Hornby Trust for their generous support in this transformative academic experience.

Estelle Ejoh (Nigeria)

My name is Estelle Ejoh from Nigeria. Originally a science teacher with a background in chemistry education and a masters in public health, I transitioned into English language teaching almost four years ago when I started volunteering as an ESL tutor to Turkish learners during my studies in North Cyprus. On returning home, I decided to keep teaching English – but more formally. Before starting my MEd TESOL course as a Hornby Scholar, I worked in primary and secondary schools as an English teacher, led language development workshops for vulnerable out-of-school girls, and helped empower teachers to effectively use technology in some rural areas of Northern Nigeria. After my studies, I plan to work with other Nigerian English teachers in improving ELT, especially focusing on oracy instruction and assessment. I also hope to establish support and mentoring groups, and create networks that foster collaboration and reflection.

Janitha Ekanayake (Sri Lanka)

I am Janitha Ekanayake, an ELT practitioner from Sri Lanka. I have been working in both secondary and tertiary-level educational institutions in Sri Lanka for more than 7 years in the capacities of language teacher and teacher educator. Upon my return to Sri Lanka, I intend not only to continue providing my services in the same capacity, but also to conduct some research in key areas related to ELT, such as language testing, curriculum development, and teacher education from a critical perspective. It is my belief that such studies are essential to propel novel changes in the field of ELT that would benefit both learners and teachers.

Manuel Bueno (Mexico)

I am a passionate English language teacher from Mexico with experience mainly in higher education institutions. Thanks to the generosity of the Hornby Trust and the University of Exeter, I am honoured to be pursuing a master’s degree in TESOL with a special interest in assessment and testing, English for specific purposes, and learner-centred education. Through close consideration to my context needs, research-led initiatives, and the mutual support of a growing network of talented education professionals, I will keep collaborating with my students, teachers from different backgrounds and traditions, and other stakeholders to make relevant, impactful proposals in this fascinating and dynamic area of education.

Marília Lemos (Brazil)

I am an English as a Foreign Language teacher in Brazil, with experience teaching students of different age groups. In my country, I teach primary students in a regular school and volunteer at an Education NGO, where I work with adult learners. When back in Brazil, I hope to apply the knowledge and experience gained from my studies to better support my students and colleagues, collaborate on small-scale projects with fellow teachers, and help improve teaching practices at the NGO where I serve.

Melusi Ncube (Zimbabwe)

My name is Melusi Ncube, and I am currently a Hornby scholar pursuing an MEd TESOL at the University of Exeter. Prior to this, I volunteered as an English language teacher with refugees in Zimbabwe, particularly those from the African Great Lakes region. I aim to translate the knowledge and skills I acquire from the MEd TESOL into impactful English Language Teaching (ELT) for immigrant-origin students, especially English language and multilingual learners. I am passionate about helping refugee students prepare for uncertain futures while fostering an ELT approach rooted in empathy, global-mindedness, justice, equity, and inclusion.

Mozghan Ramezani (Iran)

My name is Mozhgan, an English teacher from Iran with a background in English interpretation. After completing teacher training courses, I began teaching English as a foreign language in a variety of educational settings across Iran. Over the years, I have gained experience working with learners of different ages and proficiency levels. As a volunteer teacher assistant in the UK, I had the opportunity to support refugee learners—a rewarding experience that deepened my commitment to inclusive education. Upon completing MEd TESOL at the University of Exeter, where I am proud to be a Hornby Scholarship recipient, I aim to continue supporting refugee communities through language education. I am deeply grateful to the Hornby Educational Trust for its generous support, which has played a significant role in shaping my professional journey and development as a language teacher.

Tusa Yamagu (Papua New Guinea)

I am Tusa from Papua New Guinea (PNG), and I have been teaching English to in-service teachers at a teacher training college in PNG for 10 years. During my time there, I focused on upskilling teachers and enhancing their teaching practices, especially in English. After completing my studies, I plan to return to PNG and be actively involved in the professional development and training of teachers. I aim to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained, particularly around learner-centered teaching methods and assessment strategies. Collaboration with teachers and other key stakeholders will be central to my approach to improving teaching practices.

2022-23 Scholars filmed by OUP when they visited Oxford University Press in June 2023.