Funding for UK Teaching Trainees: Postgraduate Options

The UK Department for Education oversees the management of grant funding related to Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and monitors the public costs associated with student loans for trainees. Completing ITT is essential for becoming a qualified teacher in maintained schools throughout the UK. Upon finishing this course, you’ll obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England and Wales, or a Teaching Qualification (TQ) in Scotland.

Postgraduate Bursaries and Scholarships
For trainees enrolled in tuition fee-based teacher training programs in England that lead to QTS, there are various bursaries and scholarships available. These financial aids can significantly enhance your chances of teaching in schools across England.

To qualify for a bursary or scholarship for postgraduate teaching studies, you must meet specific criteria, including:

Holding the highest relevant academic qualification
Specializing in a subject related to ITT
According to the UK government, teaching trainees are eligible for bursaries or scholarships only if they meet the criteria for student finance support.

International trainees who possess a degree from outside the UK are encouraged to reach out to Get into Teaching or their chosen training provider for further guidance.

For the 2022 to 2023 academic year, the UK government is offering the following postgraduate bursaries:

£24,000 for chemistry, computing, mathematics, and physics
£15,000 for design and technology, geography, and languages (including ancient languages)
£10,000 for biology
Additionally, there are scholarships of £26,000 available in chemistry, computing, mathematics, and physics, which come with extra benefits from the relevant professional body.

Please note that teaching trainees cannot receive both a scholarship and a bursary simultaneously. Both funding options are available to applicants with a 1st, 2:1, Master’s, or PhD. In exceptional cases, graduates with a 2:2 and considerable relevant experience may also qualify.

What Has Led to Global Teacher Shortages?
Recent reports highlight a global shortage of teachers attributed to factors such as insufficient financial incentives, unfavorable working conditions, high teacher workloads, and inadequate training. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified this issue, necessitating immediate actions to elevate the social standing of the teaching profession, establish and enforce effective teacher policies, and improve working conditions for educators.