Applications for the British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026/2027 close on 30 April 2026 – don’t miss this fully funded opportunity! This scheme partners the British Council with the University of Portsmouth and the University of Stirling. It supports experienced teachers and teacher educators from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. They can pursue part-time online TESOL master’s programs with a two-week UK study visit.
This guide covers eligibility, programs, benefits, timeline, and a step-by-step application process. You will find all key details here to make applying straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- This scheme offers 40 fully funded scholarships for government English teachers and educators from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka to study part-time online TESOL master’s programs.
- Programs from University of Portsmouth or Stirling last up to 30 months, include weekly online materials, tutor support, and a two-week UK study visit for networking and collaboration.
- Eligibility requires permanent residency in a target country, active role in government education, meeting university academic standards, and commitment to improving national English teaching.
- To apply, first get an unconditional offer from the relevant university, then submit your scholarship application by 30 April 2026 for studies starting September 2026.
Overview of the British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026/2027
The British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026/2027 offers 40 fully funded scholarships. These go to government school English teachers and teacher educators. Studies start in September 2026 on part-time TESOL master’s programs online. The programs last up to 30 months and include a two-week UK study visit.
The partners are the British Council, University of Portsmouth, and University of Stirling. The goal is to strengthen English language teaching in national school systems. Target countries include Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka.
Key facts include:
- Fully online learning with weekly materials released ahead of time
- Part-time schedule so scholars can keep working
- Two-week UK visit for academic collaboration, networking, and cultural exchange
- Studies begin September 2026, lasting up to 30 months
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Hold a passport and be a permanent resident of an eligible country (Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, or Sri Lanka)
- Work in or directly with the government education system
- Serve as an active English language teacher or teacher educator
- Meet the academic entry criteria for the chosen master’s program (check university websites for details like degree requirements and English proficiency)
- Show strong commitment to improving national English language teaching systems
- Agree to participate in British Council monitoring and alumni activities
Note that Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye applicants join the University of Portsmouth program. Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka applicants join the University of Stirling program.
Country-Specific TESOL Master’s Programs
| Eligible Countries | University | Program Name | Duration | Apply/Enquire Link | Webinar Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye | University of Portsmouth | MA TESOL (Distance Learning) | Up to 26 months | apply to Portsmouth program | watch Portsmouth webinar |
| Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka | University of Stirling | MSc TESOL (Online) | Up to 30 months | apply to Stirling program | watch Stirling webinar |
Both programs run part-time. This setup lets teachers continue their jobs while studying.
Online Learning Format and UK Study Visit
Learning happens fully online. Weekly materials release in advance. Features include asynchronous study, occasional live or virtual sessions, one-to-one tutor support, and online dissertation supervision.
Yes – the learning is fully online.
The UK study visit lasts two weeks. It focuses on academic collaboration, professional networking, and cultural exchange. For Stirling participants, it typically occurs in June 2027. Portsmouth participants go in summer 2027. Exact dates align with the scholarship group. Coverage includes return flights, campus accommodation, breakfast plus a living stipend, visa fee reimbursement, and one English language test fee.
Scholarship Benefits
Each scholarship provides:
- Full tuition fees for the online master’s program
- Return flights to the UK
- Campus accommodation during the two-week visit
- Breakfast and a living stipend for daily expenses during the visit
- Reimbursement of the visa application fee
- Reimbursement of one English language test fee
In total, 40 scholarships will fund these benefits for selected teachers and educators.
Application Timeline
Follow this sequence:
- Apply to the relevant university program now.
- Receive an unconditional offer from the university.
- Submit your scholarship application by 30 April 2026.
- Begin online studies in September 2026.
For more details, visit the official British Council webpage. Scholarship applications require a university offer first. If you get a master’s place but no scholarship, you do not have to enroll.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose your program based on your country. Watch the relevant webinar for details: Portsmouth webinar or Stirling webinar.
- Apply or enquire at the university site to secure a place on the master’s program.
- Wait for an unconditional offer from the university.
- Submit your scholarship application through the British Council after receiving the offer. Meet the 30 April 2026 deadline.
Start your university application early!
This process ensures you qualify step by step.
The British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026/2027 provides a great chance for teachers from select countries to earn a part-time online TESOL master’s degree with full funding and a UK visit. With 40 spots available and studies starting in September 2026, now is the time to check eligibility and start your university application. Don’t wait—secure your offer and apply for the scholarship by 30 April 2026 to advance your career in English teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for these British Council scholarships?
Experienced English teachers and teacher educators from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, or Sri Lanka who work in government education systems and meet university entry requirements.
What benefits do the scholarships cover?
Full tuition, return flights to the UK, two-week campus accommodation with breakfast and stipend, visa fee reimbursement, and one English test fee.
When is the application deadline?
Scholarship applications close on 30 April 2026, but first secure an unconditional university offer by applying early.
How do I start the application process?
Choose your country’s program, watch the webinar, apply to the university for a master’s place, get an unconditional offer, then submit the scholarship form to the British Council.
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