British Council English and School Education Scholarships 2026: Apply by April 30

Applications are now open for the British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026. The deadline is April 30, 2026. This program offers 40 fully funded scholarships to experienced teachers and teacher educators from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. It supports part-time online master’s degrees in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, or TESOL. The University of Portsmouth and the University of Stirling partner with the British Council on this effort.

The British Council works with the University of Portsmouth and the University of Stirling to improve English language teaching in government school systems. Teachers from Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye will join the MA TESOL (Distance Learning) at Portsmouth. Those from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka will take the MSc TESOL (Online) at Stirling. All scholars study part-time online while keeping their jobs at home. The program funds 40 spots in full. For full details, check the official British Council page.

Key Takeaways

• 40 fully funded scholarships are available for experienced teachers and educators from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka.
• Each scholarship covers tuition, return flights, UK accommodation, stipend, visa, and English test fees for a part-time online TESOL master’s.
• Applicants must work in government education, meet university entry rules, and commit to improving national English teaching.
• Apply first to the University of Portsmouth or Stirling, get an offer, then submit the scholarship application with documents like CV and references.

Each scholarship covers key costs to make study possible:

• Full tuition fees for the online master’s program
• Return flights to the UK
• On-campus accommodation during a two-week study visit
• Breakfast and a living stipend for daily expenses on the visit
• Reimbursement for the visa application fee
• Reimbursement for one English language test fee

The two-week UK visit offers hands-on academic work tailored to the scholars’ needs.

To qualify, applicants must meet these criteria:

• Hold a passport and live permanently in Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, or Sri Lanka
• Work in or with the government education system
• Serve as an active English language teacher or teacher educator
• Meet the academic entry rules for the master’s program (see University of Portsmouth details or University of Stirling details)
• Show a strong drive to better national English language teaching systems
• Agree to join British Council check-ins and alumni events

These rules ensure the scholarships reach dedicated educators ready to make a difference.

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Apply for a spot in the right TESOL master’s program. For Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye, use the University of Portsmouth program. Watch their information webinar first. For Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka, use the University of Stirling program. Watch their information webinar.
2. Get an offer letter from the university.
3. Submit your scholarship application.

You will need these documents:

• Degree certificates and transcripts
• CV
• Personal statement
• References (one academic and one professional work best)
• English test score, if you have it (not needed to start)

Clear scans or photos work for the first review. You only apply for the scholarship after the university accepts you. If you get into the master’s but miss the scholarship, you do not have to enroll.

This scheme strengthens English teaching in government schools. The online, part-time setup lets teachers stay in their classrooms. It builds skills in TESOL, MA TESOL Distance Learning, and MSc TESOL Online. Scholars return home better equipped to train others and boost school systems.

The British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026 offers a great chance for dedicated teachers to earn a master’s in TESOL while keeping their jobs. With full funding and support, you can improve English teaching in your country’s schools. Check the official links and apply before April 30, 2026, to take this step forward.

Frequently Asked Questions