Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified applicants for the British Council English and School Education Scholarship 2026. The British Council is funding a new international scholarship in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth and the University of Stirling to strengthen English language teaching in government school systems.
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.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): British Council
- Host Institution(s): University of Portsmouth, University of Stirling
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Number of Awards: 40
- Study Level: Masters
- Nationality: Ghana, Kenya, Turkiye, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka citizens
See Also: British Council Women in STEM Scholarships 2026 to Study in the UK (Fully Funded)
British Council English & School Education Scholarship | Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the British Council English Scholarship, Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- 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.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition cover
- Return travel and living expenses for a bespoke two-week academic study visit the the UK.
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Interested applicants for the British Council English and School Education Scholarship are to first apply to the master’s programme at Stirling or Portsmouth. If given an offer (conditional or unconditional), proceed to submit the scholarship application before the deadline.
- Applicants from Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye: University of Portsmouth MA TESOL (Distance Learning) programme. Watch the information webinar.
And apply or enquire. - Applicants from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka: University of Stirling MSc TESOL (Online) programme. Watch the information webinar.
And apply or enquire.
Document Requirements:
- Degree certificates & transcripts.
- 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
Application Deadline: 30th April, 2026