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• 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 ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿.
• 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.

The scholarships are intended for experienced teachers or teacher educators (trainers) of English who are working in the government education sector in Ghana, Kenya, or Türkiye.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Actively working in or directly with the government education sector, with a focus on English language teaching.
• Applicants must have experience of teaching English.
• Applicants must meet the academic requirements to gain entry onto the MA TESOL (DL) course (a bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
• Applicants must demonstrate plans to contribute to the development of English language teaching in their country after graduation.

Other eligibility considerations:

• Applicants working only in private schools or private universities are not eligible (including Foundation Universities and K12 private school teachers in Türkiye).
• Applicants must currently be active in English language teaching. Temporary leave (e.g., parental leave) is acceptable if the applicant will return to their role. Teachers and teacher educators not working in the English language teaching sector are not eligible.
• Applicants may apply if they already hold a master’s degree, but preference will be given to those who do not already have a master’s in English language teaching or a closely related field.
• Applicants who are currently undertaking an MPhil or another master’s degree may still apply. However, the feasibility of managing the additional workload will need to be considered, and preference will be given to applicants who do not already hold a master’s qualification in English language teaching (ELT).
• Applicants who have completed all bachelor’s degree course requirements but have not yet formally graduated may receive a conditional offer from the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿, subject to providing evidence of the final award once it is confirmed. However, they will need to be experienced English language teachers in order to apply for the scholarship.
• Applicants with degrees in other subjects may apply if they are experienced English teachers or teacher educators (trainers) in the government sector.
• Citizens of Ghana, Kenya or Türkiye who are residing outside of Ghana, Kenya or Türkiye are not eligible, as the aim is to apply the learning within their home country’s government education system.
• Naturalised citizens may apply provided they meet the eligibility criteria, including being permanent residents of Ghana, Kenya or Türkiye and able to obtain a passport in time for the UK study visit in the summer of 2027.
• There are no age restrictions for applying for the scholarship or the MA TESOL (DL) programme.

• Applicants must be permanent residents of Ghana, Kenya or Türkiye and able to obtain a passport in time for the UK study visit in the summer of 2027.
• Applicants do not need to possess a passport at the time of application.

The application process consists of two main steps:

1. Apply for the course Applicants must first apply for the MA TESOL (Distance Learning), two-year part-time programme starting September 2026. /study/courses/postgraduate-taught/ma-tesol?studyMode=2-years-part-time-by-distance-learning&startDate=september-2026#apply

2. Apply for the scholarship Only applicants who have secured an offer for the MA TESOL (DL) course can submit a scholarship application. /study/international-students/ma-tesol-dl-scholarships-2026/apply

• Receiving an offer for the MA TESOL (DL) programme does not guarantee a scholarship, as the scholarship selection process is separate and competitive.
• If an applicant receives an offer for the course but is not selected for a scholarship, they are not obliged to take the course.

Important deadlines and timeline:

• Scholarship application deadline: 30 April 2026.
• Applicants are advised to submit the course application by around 10 April to allow time to receive an offer before applying for the scholarship.
• Selection outcomes are expected by the end of June 2026.
• The course begins in September 2026 and will take up to 26 months.

For the course application, applicants typically need to submit:

• Degree certificates and transcripts
• CV outlining professional and educational experience
• Personal statement
• References
• English language proficiency score (only if the applicant has already taken an English language test. If not, see section 5 below).

Additional considerations:

• Applicants should provide bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts (and master’s if applicable).
• Scans or pictures of documents are acceptable at the application stage, but original documents may later be required during registration.
• Two references are generally required, but applicants can initially apply with one reference and provide another later if requested.
• References do not have to come from bachelor’s professors; a professional reference may also be acceptable.

Applicants must meet the English language requirements specified by the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿.

• Applicants do not need to provide an English language test certificate at the time of making the scholarship application. If they are successful in being selected for a scholarship, the scholarship will cover the cost of taking one English test.
• A letter from a university confirming English proficiency is not sufficient as proof.
• CELTA is not accepted as proof of English proficiency because it is a teaching qualification rather than a language test.
• Applicants must normally provide a recognised English language test score, unless their country is exempt.
• Accepted tests are listed on the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ English language requirements webpage.
• The final English test result should be submitted as soon as possible.  Course registration cannot be completed until all conditions are met.

The MA TESOL (DL) programme offered through the scholarship is:

• A part-time distance learning programme lasting up to 26 months.
• Students will continue working in their home countries while studying online.
• The scholarship includes full tuition fees and a two-week academic study visit to the UK during the programme, expected to take place in the summer of 2027. Travel, on-campus accommodation, and a limited stipend during the visit are covered.
• If a scholar is unable to travel to the UK due to unforeseen circumstances, this will not affect their ability to complete the programme, as the course is delivered online and alternative virtual participation will be made available.

Additional course related details:

• Weekly online learning materials and activities.
• Two teaching terms per year.
• Tutor support and online sessions are available throughout the programme.
• Students may choose to complete a dissertation or another major project module.
• Students are expected to complete the full course (180 credits) rather than transferring credits.

Scholarship programme objectives:

• The scholarships aim to strengthen English language teaching in government education systems in Ghana, Kenya and Türkiye.
• Scholars are expected to apply their learning to support teacher development and make a significant contribution to the development of English language teaching in their home countries after completing the programme.
• Scholar responsibilities and engagement:
• Scholars are expected to engage with activities organised by the British Council during and after their studies.
• Scholars are expected to participate in the British Council’s global alumni network and the English Language Teaching Scholars’ alumni community.
• Scholars may also be asked to participate in communications or promotional activities related to the scholarship programme.

Please contact fhss-global@port.ac.uk