The British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026 is a fully funded international scholarship programme designed to strengthen English language teaching (ELT) in government school systems across selected countries.
Delivered in partnership with the University of Portsmouth and the University of Stirling, this programme offers 40 fully funded scholarships for experienced teachers and teacher educators to pursue a part-time, online Master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) while continuing to work in their home countries.
Overview of the TESOL Scholarship Programme
The scholarship supports educators from:
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Türkiye
- Bangladesh
- India
- Sri Lanka
Participants will enroll in one of the following programmes:
- MA TESOL (Distance Learning) – University of Portsmouth (Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye)
- MSc TESOL (Online) – University of Stirling (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka)
The programme begins in September 2026 and runs part-time for up to 30 months, allowing scholars to balance work and study.
Scholarship Benefits
Each selected scholar will receive a comprehensive funding package, including:
- Full tuition fees for the TESOL master’s programme
- Return international flights to the UK
- Accommodation during the UK study visit
- Daily living stipend during the visit
- Visa application fee reimbursement
- Coverage of one English language test fee
Additional Programme Benefits
- Access to world-class UK university faculty
- Professional mentoring and academic supervision
- International networking opportunities
- Membership in the British Council global alumni network
UK Study Visit
All scholars will participate in a fully funded two-week academic study visit to the United Kingdom, typically scheduled for Summer 2027.
This visit includes:
- In-person academic sessions
- Professional collaboration with peers
- Networking with global education experts
- Cultural exchange experiences
Programme Structure
The TESOL master’s programmes are delivered fully online, featuring:
- Weekly learning modules
- Asynchronous study materials
- Live virtual sessions (where applicable)
- One-to-one tutor support
- Dissertation supervision
This flexible format allows participants to remain in their home countries while advancing their qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be citizens and permanent residents of an eligible country
- Work in or directly with the government education system
- Be active English language teachers or teacher educators
- Meet the academic requirements of the selected university
- Demonstrate commitment to improving national ELT systems
Eligible Applicants
- Government school teachers
- Teacher trainers and educators
- Contract or temporary government teachers (if within the public system)
Who Cannot Apply
- Private-sector teachers not affiliated with government systems
- Dual British citizens
- British Council or UK government employees (and close relatives)
- Individuals who studied in the UK within the past 5 years
- Applicants currently receiving UK government funding
- Individuals not residing in an eligible country
Application Process
Applicants must follow a two-step process:
Step 1: Apply to a TESOL Master’s Programme
- Apply to the relevant university (Portsmouth or Stirling)
- Receive a conditional or unconditional offer
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
- Submit the scholarship application after receiving the university offer
- Applications without a university offer will not be considered
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.
Required Documents
For university admission, applicants typically need:
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statement
- Academic or professional reference
- English language test score (if already available)
English Language Requirements
- Not required at the initial application stage
- Required only after shortlisting
Accepted tests include:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Pearson
- Cambridge English
The scholarship covers one test attempt.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 30 April 2026
- Programme start: September 2026
- Scholarship decisions: End of June 2026
- UK study visit: Summer 2027
Duration of Study
- University of Stirling: Up to 30 months
- University of Portsmouth: Up to 26 months
Scholar Expectations
After completing the programme, scholars are expected to:
- Continue working within the government education system
- Contribute to teacher development and training
- Strengthen English language teaching practices nationally
- Participate in British Council alumni activities
Why Apply for the British Council TESOL Scholarships?
This fully funded scholarship provides a unique opportunity to:
- Gain an internationally recognized TESOL master’s degree
- Enhance teaching practice and leadership skills
- Access global academic and professional networks
- Contribute to national education system improvement
Learn more and apply on the official website here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
Yes, but priority is given to applicants without a TESOL or ELT master’s degree.
Do I need to be in my home country?
Yes. Applicants must live and work in their eligible country.
Can I transfer previous ELT qualifications?
No. Scholarship recipients must complete the full programme.
Is the programme fully online?
Yes, with one mandatory two-week UK study visit.
Final Thoughts
The British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026 is a highly competitive, fully funded opportunity for educators committed to transforming English language teaching systems.
By combining flexible online learning, international exposure, and leadership development, this programme equips teachers with the skills and networks needed to drive meaningful educational change.
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