British Council English and School Education Scholarships 2026/2027: Apply Now

Applications are now open for the British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026/2027. This program offers 40 fully funded scholarships to experienced teachers and teacher educators from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. The key deadline is 30 April 2026, with studies starting in September 2026. Scholars will join part-time online master’s programs in TESOL, plus a two-week study visit to the UK. The British Council partners with the University of Portsmouth and the University of Stirling. This article covers eligibility, programs, benefits, timeline, and how to apply.

The British Council works with the University of Portsmouth and the University of Stirling to build stronger English language teaching in government school systems. These flexible part-time programs last up to 30 months, with Portsmouth up to 26 months. All learning happens online, and each scholar gets a two-week trip to the UK for face-to-face work, networking, and cultural activities. You can learn more on the official British Council webpage.

Key Takeaways

• The scheme provides 40 fully funded scholarships for experienced English teachers and educators from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka.
• Scholars join part-time online master’s programs in TESOL at the University of Portsmouth or University of Stirling, lasting up to 30 months, with a two-week UK study visit included.
• Eligibility requires working in government education systems, meeting academic rules, and committing to improve national English teaching.
• Apply by first securing a university offer, then submitting the scholarship application before the 30 April 2026 deadline.

To qualify, applicants must meet these requirements:

• Hold a passport and be a permanent resident of 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 the academic entry rules for the chosen master’s program.
• Show a strong commitment to improving national English language teaching systems.
• Agree to take part in British Council monitoring and alumni events.

Programs differ by country group. Those from Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye join the University of Portsmouth MA TESOL (Distance Learning). People from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka take the University of Stirling MSc TESOL (Online). This table compares the options:

Country Group	University/Program	Duration	UK Visit Timing
Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye	Portsmouth MA TESOL (DL)	Up to 26 months	Summer 2027
Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka	Stirling MSc TESOL (Online)	Up to 30 months	Typically June 2027

The table makes it easy to see the choices at a glance. For more details, watch the Portsmouth webinar or watch the Stirling webinar.

Learning takes place fully online. Weekly materials come out on schedule. You study at your own pace with asynchronous content. Occasional live or virtual sessions add interaction. One-to-one tutor support helps along the way. Online supervision guides your dissertation. The part-time setup lets you keep working.

The UK study visit lasts two weeks. It focuses on in-person academic work, professional networking, and cultural exchange. The scholarship covers return flights, campus accommodation, breakfast, and a daily living stipend. You also get visa application fees back, plus reimbursement for one English language test fee.

Key UK visit benefits:

• Return flights to the UK
• On-campus accommodation
• Breakfast and living stipend
• Visa fee reimbursement
• One English test fee reimbursement

Overall benefits include:

• 40 fully funded scholarships for experienced teachers and teacher educators.
• Full tuition fees for the online master’s program.
• Return flights, accommodation, and stipend for the two-week UK visit.
• Visa application fee reimbursement.
• Reimbursement of one English language test fee.

The timeline is straightforward. Scholarship applications close on 30 April 2026. Online studies begin in September 2026.

Here is how to apply, step by step:

1. Apply for a place on the right TESOL master’s program. For Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye, use the University of Portsmouth page to apply or enquire. For Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka, use the University of Stirling page.
2. Wait for your university offer.
3. Submit the scholarship application only after you get the offer. Note that if you get into the master’s but not the scholarship, you do not have to enroll.

The British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026/2027 offers a great chance for experienced teachers from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka to earn a master’s in TESOL online while enjoying a UK study visit. With full funding, flexible part-time study, and a deadline of 30 April 2026, now is the time to check your eligibility and start the application process. Visit the official links to apply today and advance your career in English language teaching.

Frequently Asked Questions