Park Building on the University of Portsmouth campus

University of Portsmouth - British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme - MA TESOL (DL) 2026 - Ghana, Kenya and Türkiye.

Funded by the British Council, the University of Portsmouth is offering 20 scholarships to educators from Ghana, Kenya and Türkiye to complete the MA TESOL (DL). This is for September 2026 entry and the 2 year part-time mode by distance learning.

The British Council English and School Education Scholarships Scheme is open to experienced teachers and teacher educators working in or directly with the government sector in their country, with a focus on English language teaching, to undertake a part-time, online master's qualification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) while continuing to work in their home countries. A key desired outcome of the scholarships is that the scholars will make a significant contribution to the development of English language teaching in their home countries. 

Each scholarship covers full tuition, along with return travel and living expenses for a bespoke two-week academic study visit to the UK. 

Steps for Application

  1. Apply for a place on the 2 year part-time MA TESOL (Distance Learning) course starting in September 2026. Apply here.
  2. If accepted onto the MA TESOL (Distance Learning) course starting in September 2026, apply for a scholarship via the 'Apply Now' button below. Note: applications for scholarships can only be submitted after a place has been secured on the course.
  3. If selected for a scholarship, take the relevant English language test as required by the university (unless you already hold the relevant English language qualification).

Note: If accepted onto the MA TESOL (Distance Learning) course but not selected for a scholarship, there is no obligation to take the course.

Apply Now (scholarship form will be live shortly).

  • Information webinar: 05 March 2026 at 14:00 (GMT) - please book here.
  • Application deadline: 30 April 2026
  • Application results: by 26 June 2026

Terms and conditions

  • Hold an offer for the MA TESOL (DL) on the two year part-time distance learning mode.
  • Be passport holders and permanent residents of the countries to which the scholarships are being offered.
  • Meet the academic requirements that will enable them to gain entry onto the MA TESOL (distance learning) master's course.
  • Demonstrate the case for financial support/socio-economic need.
  • Not be in receipt of financial support or funding towards their MA TESOL (distance learning) from any other source.
  • Have not previously studied at a degree level or higher in the UK or lived recently (in the last five years) in the UK.
  • Meet the English language requirement as stipulated by the University of Portsmouth.
  • Be motivated and academically able to follow and benefit from a UK postgraduate course.
  • Be working in or directly with the government education sector in their country, with a focus on English language teaching.
  • Be active in the field with a proven interest in the proposed subject area of English language teaching - teacher development.
  • Be able to demonstrate plans for contributing to the field of English language teaching and teacher development in their country through the benefits achieved after graduating from UK higher education.
  • Demonstrate a plan and a passion to engage with the wider community working in English language teaching from their home country. 
  • Agree to participate fully in British Council, act as an ambassador for the UK, be a part of the British Council's global alumni network, and engage with activities as part of an English Language Teaching Scholars' alumni group during and after their studies.
  • Agree to their personal data being shared with the British Council as a condition of applying for the scholarship.

  • Hold dual British citizenship
  • Are an employee, a former employee, or relative (*) of an employee of His Majesty's Government (including but not limited to British Embassies/High Commissions; the Department for Business and Trade; the Ministry of Defence; and the Home Office).
  • Are an employee (**), a former employee (**), or relative (*) of an employee of the British Council.

(*): Relatives are defined as parents or stepparents, siblings or stepsiblings, children or stepchildren, spouse, civil partner or unmarried parrtner (where the couple have been in a relationship akin to a marriage or civil partnership for at least two years).

(**): Employees and former employees include non-staff members contracted by the British Council as freelancers/trainers.

  • Are currently in receipt of financial support or funding towards any study programme in the UK from any other source.
  • Have previously studied in the UK with funding from a UK Government-funded scholarship or a UK institutional scholarship/financial bursary.