British Council English and School Education Scholarships 2026/2027: Full Guide

Applications close on 30 April 2026.

The British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026/2027 opens doors for experienced teachers and teacher educators. This program offers 40 fully funded scholarships to strengthen English language teaching in government schools. It targets citizens from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. Scholars pursue part-time online TESOL master’s degrees while keeping their jobs. Studies start in September 2026 and include a two-week trip to the UK.

This guide covers eligibility, program details, benefits, the timeline, and steps to apply. It helps you decide if this fits your goals.

Key Takeaways

40 fully funded scholarships are available for active English teachers and educators from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka.
Scholars complete a part-time online TESOL master’s degree over 26-30 months while keeping their jobs, plus enjoy a two-week UK study visit.
Benefits cover full tuition, flights, accommodation, stipend, visa fees, and one English test fee.
Applications close on 30 April 2026; start by applying to the university program and then the scholarship after receiving an offer.

Overview of the British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme

The British Council funds this scheme with the University of Portsmouth and University of Stirling. The goal is to improve English language teaching in government school systems. It supports active English language teachers or teacher educators.

Eligible countries split by program:

Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye join the University of Portsmouth’s MA TESOL (Distance Learning).
Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka join the University of Stirling’s MSc TESOL (Online).

Key facts include:

40 scholarships available.
Studies start in September 2026.
Part-time format lasts up to 30 months.
Delivery is fully online.
Includes a two-week study visit to the UK for collaboration, networking, and culture.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet these criteria:

Hold passports and permanent residency in eligible countries: 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 academic entry criteria for the chosen master’s program.
Show strong commitment to improving national English Language Teaching (ELT) systems.
Agree to join British Council monitoring and alumni activities.

Program assignments depend on country. Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye applicants target Portsmouth. Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka applicants target Stirling. Check university sites for detailed academic rules, such as degree requirements or English proficiency scores.

Program Details and Delivery

Two programs fit the British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026/2027. The University of Portsmouth offers MA TESOL (Distance Learning) for up to 26 months. It suits applicants from Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye. The University of Stirling provides MSc TESOL (Online) for up to 30 months. It fits those from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. Both run part-time so scholars can keep working.

Online delivery works this way. Weekly materials release online. Study happens asynchronously with some live sessions. Tutors offer one-to-one support. Dissertation guidance comes online too.

The UK visit adds value. It covers academic work, professional links, and cultural events. Stirling’s visit is typically in June 2027. Portsmouth’s is in summer 2027.

University	Program Name	Duration	UK Visit Timing	Delivery Mode
University of Portsmouth	MA TESOL (Distance Learning)	Up to 26 months	Summer 2027	Fully online, part-time
University of Stirling	MSc TESOL (Online)	Up to 30 months	June 2027	Fully online, part-time

Benefits of the Scholarships

40 fully funded scholarships

These awards cover key costs. Scholars study online while working at home. Benefits include:

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 needs on the visit.
Reimbursement for visa application fees.
Coverage for one English language test fee.

Application Timeline

Milestone	Date
Scholarship applications close	30 April 2026
Online study begins	September 2026

UK visits follow later. Stirling’s is around June 2027. Portsmouth’s comes in summer 2027. Dates align with each group.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps in order:

Apply for a place on the right TESOL master’s program. For Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye, use the Portsmouth TESOL scholarships page. Watch the Portsmouth information webinar. For Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka, use the Stirling TESOL scholarships page. Watch the Stirling information webinar.
Wait for your university offer.
Submit the scholarship application only after you get the offer. No obligation to enroll if you do not win the scholarship.

See the official British Council page for full details.

Additional Resources and Tips

Watch the webinars linked above. They explain programs and answer questions. Visit the official British Council page for the latest updates.

Selection favors those committed to ELT improvements. Check university sites for exact academic entry rules, like prior degrees or test scores.

Tips to prepare:

Take an English test early, such as IELTS.
Gather proof of your teaching role and government ties.
Highlight your ELT goals in applications.

The British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme offers a great chance for teachers to earn a master’s degree while improving English teaching in their countries. With full funding, online study, and a UK visit, it’s designed for committed educators from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. Check your eligibility and apply by 30 April 2026 to take this step forward in your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for these scholarships?

Citizens with permanent residency in Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, or Sri Lanka who work as active English teachers or educators in government schools.

What programs are offered?

Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye applicants join Portsmouth’s MA TESOL (Distance Learning); Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka join Stirling’s MSc TESOL (Online), both fully online and part-time.

What costs does the scholarship cover?

It pays full tuition, return flights to the UK, accommodation and stipend during the visit, visa fees, and one English test fee.

When is the application deadline?

Scholarship applications close on 30 April 2026, after you receive a university offer; studies start in September 2026.