Deadline: April 30, 2026
Applications are open for the British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026. The British Council is funding a new international scholarships scheme in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth and the University of Stirling, aimed at strengthening English language teaching in government school systems across Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.
The scheme will award 40 fully funded scholarships to experienced teachers and teacher educators to undertake part-time, online master’s qualifications in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) while continuing to work in their home countries. Each scholarship covers full tuition, along with return travel and living expenses for a bespoke two-week academic study visit to the UK.
Educators based in Ghana, Kenya and Türkiye will undertake the MA TESOL (Distance Learning) with the University of Portsmouth, while participants from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka will enrol on the MSc TESOL (Online) with the University of Stirling.
Scholarship
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees for the online master’s
- Return flights to the UK
- Accommodation on campus during the 2‑week visit
- Breakfast + living stipend for daily expenses during the visit
- Visa application fee reimbursement
- Reimbursement of one English language test fee
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be passport holders and permanent residents of an eligible country
- Work in or directly with the government education system
- Be an active English language teacher or teacher educator
- Meet the academic entry criteria for the chosen master’s programme
- Show strong commitment to improving national ELT systems
- Participate in British Council monitoring and alumni activity
Application
Required Documents
- Degree certificates & transcripts
- CV
- Personal statement
- References (usually one academic and/or professional)
- English test score (if already available – not mandatory at application stage)
- Clear scans or photos are acceptable for initial review
The first step is to apply for a place on the relevant TESOL master’s programme. Once you receive an offer from the university, submit your scholarship application. Note that scholarship applications can only be submitted after securing a place on the master’s course. If accepted onto a master’s course but not selected for a scholarship, there is no obligation to take the course.
- Applicants from Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye: University of Portsmouth MA TESOL (Distance Learning) programme. Watch the information webinar.
And apply or enquire. - Applicants from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka: University of Stirling MSc TESOL (Online) programme. Watch the information webinar.
And apply or enquire.
For more information, visit English and School Education Scholarships Scheme.
