Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme
The British Council, in partnership with the University of Portsmouth and the University of Stirling, is proud to announce a new international scholarship initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of English language education within government school systems in Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. This initiative, known as the English and School Education Scholarships Scheme, offers 40 fully funded scholarships to experienced teachers and teacher educators. These scholarships enable recipients to pursue part-time, online master's degrees in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), all while continuing their professional work in their home countries.
Each scholarship package includes full tuition fees, round-trip airfare, and living costs related to a specially arranged two-week academic study visit to the United Kingdom. Educators from Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye will enroll in the MA TESOL (Distance Learning) program at the University of Portsmouth. Meanwhile, participants from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka will join the MSc TESOL (Online) course offered by the University of Stirling.
Programme Objectives and Benefits
The primary aim of this scholarship scheme is to empower scholars to make a meaningful impact on English language teaching (ELT) in their respective countries. The programme is carefully structured to foster teacher development and leadership capacity, improve classroom methodologies, and ultimately enhance student learning outcomes. Participants will gain access to globally recognized academic expertise and become part of valuable international professional networks.
Studies will commence in September 2026, featuring flexible, part-time courses designed to be completed within 30 months. The curriculum is delivered entirely online, supplemented by a two-week in-person academic visit to the UK. This visit offers scholars an opportunity for direct academic interaction, professional networking, and cultural exchange.
During the programme, participants will benefit from:
- Engagement with leading faculty members from UK universities
- Access to specialized educational resources
- Professional mentorship opportunities
- Development of expertise in teacher training and educational leadership
Upon successful completion, graduates will join the British Council’s extensive global alumni network, which supports ongoing professional development and collaboration across countries worldwide.
How to Apply
The application process involves two crucial steps. First, interested candidates must secure a place on the relevant TESOL master’s programme. Once an offer is received from the university, applicants can then submit their scholarship application. It is important to note that scholarship applications will only be accepted after the applicant has been offered admission to the course. If a candidate is accepted onto the master’s programme but not awarded a scholarship, there is no obligation to proceed with enrollment.
For Applicants from Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye:
Enrollment is on the University of Portsmouth’s MA TESOL (Distance Learning) programme.
Watch the information webinar.
For Applicants from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka:
Enrollment takes place on the University of Stirling’s MSc TESOL (Online) programme.
Watch the information webinar.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
- Complete tuition fees for the online master’s degree
- Return airfare to the UK for the two-week academic visit
- Accommodation on campus during the study visit
- Breakfast and a daily living allowance throughout the visit
- Reimbursement of visa application fees
- Refund of one English language proficiency test fee
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a valid passport and permanent residency in one of the eligible countries
- Work within or have direct engagement with the government education sector
- Be actively involved as an English language teacher or teacher educator
- Fulfill the academic requirements for their chosen master’s programme
- Demonstrate a strong dedication to enhancing national English language teaching systems
- Agree to participate in British Council monitoring activities and maintain involvement with alumni networks
Who Is Not Eligible to Apply?
- Teachers employed solely in the private sector with no government affiliation
- Individuals holding dual British citizenship
- Employees of the British Council or UK government, including close family members of such staff
- Anyone who has studied in the UK within the last five years
- Applicants currently receiving UK funding for other educational programmes
- Those not residing in the eligible country at the time of application
Scholarship Recipient Expectations
After completing their master's studies, scholars are expected to continue working within their country’s government education system. They should actively contribute to teacher development, share their acquired knowledge, and play a role in improving national ELT frameworks. Additionally, recipients are encouraged to remain engaged with the British Council alumni network to foster ongoing professional growth and international cooperation.
