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.
A key desired outcome of the scholarships is that the scholars will make a significant contribution to the development of English language teaching in their home countries. The programme is designed to support teacher development and leadership, strengthen classroom practice, and improve learning outcomes by providing access to world-class academic expertise and international professional networks.
Scholars will commence their studies in September 2026 on flexible, part-time programmes lasting up to 30 months. Courses will be delivered entirely online and include a two-week study visit to the UK, enabling in-person academic collaboration, professional networking and cultural exchange.
Participants will benefit from access to leading UK university faculty, specialist learning resources and professional mentoring, alongside opportunities to build expertise in teacher development and education leadership. On completion, scholars will join the British Council’s global alumni network, supporting continued professional learning and collaboration worldwide.
Key dates
Information webinars: 5 March 2026
- 12:30-13:30 UK time: University of Stirling MSc TESOL (Online) – for potential applicants from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.
Register here. - 14:00-15:00 UK time: University of Portsmouth MA TESOL (Distance Learning) – for potential applicants from Ghana, Kenya and Türkiye.
Register here.
Scholarship applications close: 30 April 2026
Online study begins: September 2026
How to apply
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. Please 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.
Apply or enquire. - Applicants from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka: University of Stirling MSc TESOL (Online) programme.
Apply or enquire.