British Council 2026 Scholarships: Fully Funded TESOL for Teachers from 6 Countries
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 from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. It partners with the University of Portsmouth and the University of Stirling. Teachers can advance their careers in English language teaching while staying in their jobs. This article covers the program details, benefits, who can apply, and how to submit an application.
The British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme 2026 supports teachers and teacher educators in government school systems. They can earn a part-time online master’s degree in TESOL, which stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Teachers from Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye will join the MA TESOL (Distance Learning) at the University of Portsmouth. Those from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka will take the MSc TESOL (Online) at the University of Stirling. All scholars get a two-week study visit to the UK. Here are the key features of the program:
- Part-time online master’s degrees while working at home
- Two-week academic visit to a UK university campus
- Focus on strengthening English teaching in government schools
- Available in six countries: Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka
Each scholarship pays for everything needed to complete the program. Scholars do not worry about costs. The funding makes it easy for dedicated educators to join. Here is what the scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees for the online master’s degree
- Return flights to the UK
- On-campus accommodation during the two-week visit
- Breakfast and a daily living stipend during the visit
- Visa application fee reimbursement
- Reimbursement for one English language test fee
To qualify, applicants must meet clear requirements. They need to show they work in education and care about better English teaching. The rules help select the best candidates. Here are the eligibility criteria:
- Passport holders and permanent residents of Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, or Sri Lanka
- Work in or directly with the government education system
- Active English language teacher or teacher educator
- Meet the academic entry requirements for the master’s program
- Strong commitment to improving national English language teaching systems
- Willing to join British Council monitoring and alumni activities
The application process has simple steps. Start by applying to the right university program. Then use the offer to apply for the scholarship. Clear scans of documents work for the first review. Here are the steps:
- Apply for a place on the relevant TESOL master’s program.
- For Ghana, Kenya, and Türkiye: Watch the Portsmouth webinar and apply to Portsmouth MA TESOL.
- For Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka: Watch the Stirling webinar and apply to Stirling MSc TESOL.
Required documents: degree certificates and transcripts, CV, personal statement, references (one academic and/or professional), English test score (if available).
- Receive an offer from the university.
- Submit the scholarship application.
If you secure a place on the master’s course but do not get the scholarship, you do not have to enroll. For full details, visit the English and School Education Scholarships Scheme page. Eligible teachers should act soon to build stronger English programs in their countries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the British Council 2026 scholarships?
Passport holders from Ghana, Kenya, Türkiye, Bangladesh, India, or Sri Lanka who work as active English teachers or educators in government schools and meet the university’s academic requirements.
What does the scholarship cover?
It pays full tuition, return flights to the UK, on-campus accommodation, meals, a daily stipend, visa fees, and one English test fee.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
First apply to the relevant university TESOL program with your documents, get an offer, then submit the scholarship application via the British Council page.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on April 30, 2026, so start the university application soon to meet the timeline.