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

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.

Who are the scholarships open to?

These English language teaching master’s scholarships are open to experienced teachers and teacher educators working in, or directly with, the government education sector in Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. They are ideal for educators committed to strengthening English language teaching and contributing to educational development nationally.

  • University of Portsmouth will deliver MA TESOL (Distance Learning) scholarships to teachers and teacher educators (trainers) from: Ghana, Kenya and Türkiye. 
  • University of Stirling will deliver MSc TESOL (Online) scholarships to teachers and teacher educators (trainers) from: Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

What are the scholarships?

The British Council is offering fully funded scholarships for eligible educators to pursue a part‑time, online TESOL master’s degree delivered by the following UK universities:

  • University of Portsmouth – MA TESOL (Distance Learning)
  • University of Stirling – MSc TESOL (Online)

Each scholarship covers full tuition and includes a two‑week funded academic study visit to the UK, providing immersive learning and professional exchange.

Where are the courses delivered?

The master’s courses are delivered online, enabling applicants to remain in their home countries while studying. They include a bespoke two-week academic study visit to the UK. 

Country‑specific guidance

Please contact the university directly if you are unsure about your eligibility or application steps based on your country.

  • Contact the University of Portsmouth - for applications from Ghana, Kenya and Türkiye. 
  • Contact the University of Stirling - for applications from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka. 

What is the English in School Education Scholarships Scheme?

A British Council initiative providing fully funded, part‑time, online master’s degrees in TESOL/MA TESOL, combined with a two‑week academic study visit to the UK.

Which universities participate?

  • University of Stirling – MSc TESOL Online (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka)
  • University of Portsmouth – MA TESOL Distance Learning (Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye)

How many awards are available?

Each programme offers 20 scholarships, normally shared across eligible countries (approx. 6–7 per country), depending on the quality of applications.

What costs are included?

  • 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

Are there any costs I must cover myself?

  • Travel to and from your local visa application centre
  • Any additional personal spending during the UK visit
  • Costs for more than one English language test attempt

Who can apply?

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

Who cannot apply?

  • Private‑sector teachers unaffiliated with the government
  • Dual British citizens
  • British Council or UK government employees (including close relatives)
  • Anyone who studied in the UK in the past 5 years
  • Anyone receiving UK funding for other study
  • Applicants not living in the eligible country

Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?

Yes — however, priority is given to applicants who do not already have a Master’s in TESOL/ELT.

What if my undergraduate degree is not in English?

That’s fine, as long as you are an experienced English language teacher working in the government sector.

Do I need an English test before applying?

No.
The English test is required only after you are shortlisted and offered the scholarship.

Which tests are accepted?

Each university publishes its list, but examples include:

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • Pearson
  • Cambridge English exams

Letters from employers/universities confirming English medium instruction are not accepted unless the university’s policy states otherwise.

When must I submit my test results?

  • Stirling: by end of July
  • Portsmouth: by mid‑August

The scholarship pays for one accepted test attempt.

How long is the master’s programme?

  • Stirling: Up to 30 months
  • Portsmouth: Up to 26 months

Both are part‑time to allow you to continue working.

Is the learning fully online?

Yes — weekly materials released online.
Includes:

  • Asynchronous study
  • Occasional live/virtual sessions
  • One‑to‑one tutor support
  • Online dissertation supervision

When is the UK visit?

  • Stirling: Typically June 2027
  • Portsmouth: Summer 2027

Exact dates are coordinated with the scholarship cohort.

What is the first step?

  1. Apply to the master’s programme at Stirling or Portsmouth.
  2. Receive an offer (conditional or unconditional).
  3. Submit the scholarship application before the deadline.

Why must I secure an offer first?

To ensure all scholarship applicants meet academic readiness, as the schemes attract thousands of interested teachers.

What documents are needed for the university application?

  • 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

Can I transfer credits (e.g., DELTA)?

Not if you are receiving the scholarship.
Scholars must complete the full master’s programme, even if they hold previous ELT qualifications.

What is expected of scholars?

After completing the degree, scholars are expected to:

  • Continue working within the government education sector
  • Share knowledge and support teacher development
  • Contribute towards improving national ELT systems
  • Remain active in British Council alumni networks

Do I need to remain in my country?

Yes. Applicants living abroad are not eligible, and scholars must remain actively involved in their home-country government education system.

Can contract or temporary government teachers apply?

Yes — if the teaching role is genuinely within the government system (not private).

Can someone on maternity leave apply?

Yes — if they will return to teaching soon and otherwise meet all criteria.

Can naturalised citizens apply?

Generally yes — if they are eligible for and able to obtain a passport from the target country.
(Full guidance to appear in the official FAQ.)

Key Dates

Step Recommended/Required Timing
Apply for the master’s As soon as possible (ideally early April)
Receive offer Within days/weeks depending on documentation
Submit scholarship application By 30 April 2026
Scholarship decision End of June
Submit English test & documents Late June–August
Programme start September 2026
UK study visit Summer 2027
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