The British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026/2027 for experienced teachers and teacher educators (Fully Funded academic study visit to the UK)

Introduction

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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Programme Details

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.

Programme Structure

• 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.
• Programme duration:
  • Stirling: Up to 30 months
  • Portsmouth: Up to 26 months
• Both programmes are part-time to allow scholars to continue working.

Learning and UK Visit

• The learning is fully online, with:
  • Asynchronous study
  • Occasional live/virtual sessions
  • One-to-one tutor support
  • Online dissertation supervision
• The UK visit will take place:
  • Stirling: Typically June 2027
  • Portsmouth: Summer 2027
  • Exact dates are coordinated with the scholarship cohort.

Benefits

The scheme will award 40 fully funded scholarships to experienced teachers and teacher educators, covering:

• Full tuition fees for the online master’s
• Return flights to the UK
• Accommodation on campus during the 2-week visit
• Breakfast and living stipend for daily expenses during the visit
• Visa application fee reimbursement
• Reimbursement of one English language test fee

Application Process

1. Apply for a place on the relevant TESOL master’s programme.
2. Once an offer is received from the university, submit a scholarship application.
3. Note that scholarship applications can only be submitted after securing a place on the master’s course.
4. If accepted onto a master’s course but not selected for a scholarship, there is no obligation to take the course.

Application Timeline

• Scholarship applications close: 30 April 2026
• Online study begins: September 2026

How to Apply

Applicants from:

• Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye: Apply for the University of Portsmouth MA TESOL (Distance Learning) programme.
• Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka: Apply for the University of Stirling MSc TESOL (Online) programme.