Deadline: 18-Oct-2026
The English and School Education Grant supports a UK higher education institution (HEI) to deliver an online, part-time master’s programme in English language teaching for eight scholars from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The programme will focus on teacher development, inclusive education, multilingualism, and linguistic inclusion, with scholarships of up to £15,000 per scholar covering tuition, travel, and study visit costs.
About the English and School Education Grant
The English and School Education Grant provides funding to a UK higher education institution to deliver a specialised online master’s programme for international scholars working in English language teaching and education.
The initiative aims to strengthen English language teaching capacity by supporting educators from:
- Estonia
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Poland
The programme will provide advanced academic training while encouraging knowledge exchange between UK higher education institutions and education professionals from participating countries.
Purpose of the Programme
The grant supports the development of educators through a master’s-level programme focused on improving English language teaching practices.
The programme should help scholars:
- Develop advanced knowledge of English language teaching
- Strengthen teacher education and professional development skills
- Improve inclusive teaching approaches
- Understand multilingual education environments
- Promote linguistic inclusion in schools and educational settings
Funding Details
The grant supports:
- Number of scholars: 8
- Maximum scholarship value: £15,000 per scholar
- Study duration: 24 to 30 months
- Programme start: September or October 2027
- Delivery mode: Online, part-time master’s programme
The scholarship funding will support all approved costs related to participation in the programme.
Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship funding covers:
- Tuition fees
- Associated academic fees
- English language test fees
- Return economy-class travel from the scholar’s home country to the UK
- Accommodation during the UK study visit
- Visa costs
- Insurance costs or NHS surcharge expenses
- Two-week living stipend based on the UKRI rate
The host HEI will directly manage and administer these costs.
Programme Requirements
The master’s programme should include specialisations and learning areas related to:
Teacher Development and Teacher Education
The course should support scholars in:
- Improving teaching practices
- Developing teacher training skills
- Understanding professional learning approaches
- Supporting education system development
Inclusive Education Practices
The programme should address:
- Inclusive classroom approaches
- Supporting diverse learners
- Removing barriers to language learning
- Creating equitable educational environments
Multilingualism and Linguistic Inclusion
The programme should explore:
- Multilingual learning environments
- Language diversity in education
- Inclusive language policies
- Supporting learners from different linguistic backgrounds
English Language Teaching Contexts
Modules should help scholars understand:
- Global English teaching approaches
- Local educational contexts
- Classroom-based challenges
- Effective teaching methodologies
Study Format
The programme will be delivered through:
- Online part-time learning
- A customised two-week study visit to the host UK HEI
The study visit will provide scholars with opportunities for:
- Academic engagement
- Networking
- Professional development
- Interaction with UK education experts
Responsibilities of the Host Higher Education Institution
The selected UK HEI must provide strong academic and welfare support throughout the programme.
Responsibilities include:
Before Arrival
The institution should provide:
- Pre-arrival communication
- Guidance on visa applications
- Support with UK travel arrangements
- Information about study requirements
During Online Study
The HEI should provide:
- Academic support
- Mentoring
- Student welfare assistance
- International student guidance
- A dedicated contact person for support
During UK Study Visit
The institution should arrange:
- Accommodation support
- Academic activities
- Face-to-face learning opportunities
- Visitor support services
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants must be:
- UK higher education institutions (HEIs)
- Institutions authorised to deliver higher education programmes
The applicant institution must:
- Be listed on the UK Home Office Register of Student Route Sponsors
- Be an approved education provider
- Hold approval from the relevant higher education authority
Eligible approval bodies include:
- Office for Students (England)
- Scottish Funding Council (Scotland)
- Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (Wales)
Eligibility will be verified during the online application process.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit supporting documents, including:
Institutional Support Letter
A signed letter from the:
- Head of Department, or
- Equivalent senior institutional representative
The letter must confirm:
- Institutional commitment to deliver the programme
- Agreement to receive funding
- Willingness to sign the standard British Council grant agreement without negotiation
Staff CVs
Applicants must provide brief CVs for:
- Two main staff members leading or teaching the programme
Requirements:
- Maximum length: 2 pages per person
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Institutional Eligibility
The HEI should verify that it:
- Meets UK education provider requirements
- Holds required sponsorship approval
- Can deliver an online master’s programme
Step 2: Design the Programme Structure
The proposed programme should include:
- English language teaching modules
- Teacher development content
- Inclusive education approaches
- Multilingualism and linguistic inclusion topics
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Institutional support letter
- Staff CVs
- Programme details
- Delivery approach
- Student support plan
Step 4: Submit Application
Applications must be submitted through the official application process with all required documents included.
Why This Programme Matters
English language teachers play an important role in improving education quality and supporting international communication.
This programme helps strengthen teaching capacity by:
- Building advanced professional skills
- Supporting inclusive education systems
- Encouraging international collaboration
- Sharing UK expertise in language education
The initiative also strengthens connections between UK higher education institutions and European education professionals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without required HEI approval status
- Submitting incomplete documentation
- Failing to provide staff CVs
- Designing a programme without required specialisations
- Not explaining student support arrangements
- Ignoring international student welfare requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this grant?
UK higher education institutions that meet approved provider and sponsorship requirements can apply.
2. How many scholars will receive scholarships?
The programme will support eight scholars from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.
3. What is the maximum scholarship amount?
Each scholar can receive funding of up to £15,000.
4. How long will the master’s programme last?
The programme duration will be between 24 and 30 months.
5. Will scholars study in the UK full-time?
No. The programme is an online, part-time master’s course with a two-week study visit to the UK.
6. What subjects must the programme cover?
The programme should include English language teaching, teacher development, inclusive practices, multilingualism, and linguistic inclusion.
7. What costs are covered by the scholarship?
Funding covers tuition, fees, travel, accommodation during the UK visit, visa-related costs, insurance or NHS surcharge costs, and a living stipend during the study visit.
Conclusion
The English and School Education Grant provides UK higher education institutions with an opportunity to strengthen global English language teaching capacity through a specialised online master’s programme. By supporting educators from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, the initiative promotes inclusive education, multilingual learning, and international collaboration in teacher development.
For more information, visit British Council.