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UK Teacher Training Scholarships 2027: Eligibility and Funding

Find UK teacher training scholarships and bursaries for 2027. Explore eligible subjects, international applicant rules, funding amounts, courses and official application links.

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UK Teacher Training Scholarships 2027: Bursaries, Eligibility and Courses for International Applicants

Introduction

UK teacher training scholarships for 2027 are an important opportunity for graduates, aspiring teachers and career changers who want to enter the teaching profession and gain recognised teaching qualifications. For eligible applicants, financial support can reduce the cost of professional training and help make a teaching career more accessible.

The United Kingdom offers several routes into teaching, including postgraduate teacher training, university-based programmes, school-centred training and salaried training routes. However, the funding available depends on the course, the subject a trainee intends to teach, their academic qualifications and, importantly, their immigration and student-finance status.

For international applicants from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, India, South Africa and other countries, understanding these requirements is especially important. A scholarship advertised for teacher training in England may be restricted to applicants who qualify for UK student finance. It may not be available to someone applying directly from overseas on a student visa.

This guide explains the difference between UK government teacher-training bursaries, subject-specific scholarships and international scholarships. It also covers eligibility requirements, funding amounts, training courses, application procedures and official websites to help applicants make informed decisions.

Important: The funding figures below relate to the published 2026/27 academic year, which is the latest detailed official teacher-training funding information available as of October 2026. The government has said that funding details for courses starting in 2027/28 will be released later. Do not assume that the 2026/27 rates will remain unchanged for 2027.

1. What Are UK Teacher Training Scholarships and Bursaries?

Teacher training scholarships and bursaries are financial incentives designed to encourage qualified graduates to train as teachers in selected subjects.

In England, the Department for Education provides funding for eligible trainees undertaking approved initial teacher training courses leading to Qualified Teacher Status, commonly known as QTS.

Although people sometimes use the words scholarship and bursary interchangeably, they refer to different arrangements.

Teacher training bursaries

A bursary is a tax-free payment available to eligible trainees in certain subjects. Under the published scheme, trainees who qualify are normally assessed through their teacher-training provider rather than making a separate bursary application.

Bursaries do not need to be repaid, provided the trainee complies with the applicable conditions.

Teacher training scholarships

Scholarships are competitive awards offered through designated professional organisations in certain subjects. They may provide a higher financial incentive than the equivalent bursary, alongside benefits such as mentoring, professional membership, specialist workshops and career-development opportunities.

Applicants normally apply directly to the relevant scholarship organisation.

You cannot receive both a government teacher-training bursary and the corresponding scholarship for the same training programme.

International scholarships

International scholarships are different. They may be offered by universities, governments or independent organisations to support eligible overseas students studying in the UK.

Some provide tuition-fee reductions, while others may cover full tuition and living expenses. However, they are not automatically linked to the government’s teacher-training bursary scheme.

International applicants should therefore check two separate questions: whether they qualify for admission to a teacher-training course and whether they qualify for funding.

Official funding guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/funding-initial-teacher-training-itt/funding-initial-teacher-training-itt-academic-year-2026-to-2027

2. UK Teacher Training Bursary Amounts: What Could Eligible Trainees Receive?

The published Department for Education funding rates for the 2026/27 academic year include the following bursaries and scholarships.

<text color=”secondary” size=”sm”>Source: Department for Education, 2026/27 initial teacher training funding guidance. These are published 2026/27 figures, not confirmed 2027/28 rates. Eligibility conditions apply.</text>

The amount awarded depends on the subject a trainee intends to teach and their relevant academic qualifications. It does not simply depend on the title of their degree.

For example, a graduate with a biology degree who trains to teach physics may be assessed under the physics funding rules, provided they meet the course, subject-knowledge and other eligibility requirements.

Applicants should also understand that not every subject attracts a bursary or scholarship. English, history and some other subjects may have no equivalent award under the scheme, although alternative funding options may be available.

The official government guidance should be checked before choosing a course based on its funding.

Official source: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-and-support/bursaries

3. Can International Applicants Get UK Teacher Training Bursaries?

This is one of the most important questions for overseas graduates who want to become teachers in the UK.

The short answer is that some non-UK citizens can qualify, but most international applicants will not automatically be eligible.

The standard bursary and scholarship schemes in England are linked to student-finance eligibility. Applicants must satisfy the relevant residence, immigration and funding rules.

A person living outside the UK who plans to travel to England on a Student visa should not assume that they will qualify for the government bursary simply because they hold a degree and have been accepted onto a teacher-training course.

Who may qualify?

Depending on their circumstances, eligibility may extend to some non-UK citizens who have:

• Settled status or indefinite leave to remain.
• Qualifying residence and student-finance rights.
• Certain eligible immigration statuses.
• Irish citizenship, subject to the applicable rules.
• Refugee status or another qualifying status.

The rules are detailed, and a person’s nationality alone does not determine eligibility. Residence history, immigration status and other circumstances may affect the decision.

Some special transitional arrangements have applied to language and physics trainees offered places before a specified date in 2026. Applicants should not assume these exceptions apply to new applications for 2027/28.

What if you are applying from Kenya, Nigeria or another country?

If you are currently living outside the UK and do not have a qualifying immigration status, you should investigate international student funding separately.

Your options may include university scholarships, international postgraduate awards, government-funded scholarships and other legitimate funding programmes.

You should also ask your chosen training provider whether it accepts international applicants for the particular teacher-training course and whether the course can support the immigration route you intend to use.

Official guidance for non-UK trainees: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/non-uk-teachers/fees-and-funding-for-non-uk-trainees

4. International Scholarships That May Help Aspiring Teachers Study in the UK

International applicants should look beyond domestic teacher-training bursaries when searching for financial support.

The following programmes are useful starting points, but their eligibility requirements and funding coverage differ.

A. Chevening Scholarships

Chevening provides funding for eligible applicants from participating countries to undertake a one-year master’s degree at a UK university.

It may suit graduates interested in education policy, educational leadership, curriculum development or other eligible master’s programmes. However, it is not a general scholarship for every initial teacher-training course.

Funding generally includes approved tuition fees, travel, a living allowance and specified additional benefits.

Official website: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/

Applicants should confirm the application status for their country and whether their intended course meets the programme requirements.

B. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Eligible applicants from participating Commonwealth countries may be able to pursue approved master’s degrees in the UK through Commonwealth Scholarships.

Teachers interested in education policy, educational development, leadership or related fields can investigate suitable courses, provided their proposed studies meet the relevant development priorities and award conditions.

These awards are separate from the domestic teacher-training bursary scheme.

Official website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/

Check the relevant scholarship cycle carefully, because application and nomination deadlines may be different.

C. GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarships programme is a partnership involving the British Council, the UK government campaign and participating UK higher education institutions.

Selected universities offer scholarships to eligible international students from specified countries for particular postgraduate courses. Some awards provide at least £10,000 towards tuition fees, although amounts, countries and eligible courses vary.

A GREAT Scholarship is not necessarily a fully funded award, and it should not be assumed to cover an initial teacher-training qualification.

For the 2027/28 academic year, applicants should check the official country and university listings for newly announced opportunities.

Official website: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding/great-scholarships

D. University-specific international scholarships

Universities may offer international postgraduate scholarships, subject-specific awards or fee discounts.

If you want to study education, teacher development or an eligible postgraduate programme, check the university’s international funding pages and the relevant education department.

Ask the university whether the award applies to the specific course, whether it covers full or partial tuition and whether it can be combined with other funding.

A university scholarship for a general master’s degree does not necessarily fund a postgraduate teacher-training course leading to QTS.

5. Which UK Teacher Training Courses Should You Consider?

Choosing the correct training route is essential because the qualification, funding eligibility and career outcomes may differ.

Postgraduate teacher training leading to QTS

This route is designed for graduates who want to become qualified teachers in England. Courses may be delivered by universities, school-centred providers or partnerships between schools and higher education institutions.

Depending on the programme, applicants may gain QTS alongside a postgraduate qualification or complete a training course leading primarily to QTS.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education

A PGCE is a recognised postgraduate teaching qualification offered by many institutions. Some programmes include QTS, while others do not.

Always check whether the course explicitly leads to QTS if your goal is to qualify as a schoolteacher in England.

School-centred initial teacher training

School-centred routes provide practical classroom experience alongside structured professional training. They can be suitable for applicants who want to learn within a school environment.

Availability for international applicants and the funding arrangements depend on the provider and course.

Salaried teacher training

Some training routes allow trainees to earn a salary while completing their training. These positions are competitive and may have specific employment and immigration requirements.

Salaried training is not the same as a scholarship or bursary. Trainees on salaried courses are generally not eligible for the standard government bursary, and student-finance arrangements differ.

Teacher training outside England

The funding described in this guide primarily concerns England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate teacher-education systems and funding arrangements.

Applicants should check the relevant national education authority if they intend to train outside England.

6. Academic Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements

Although the precise requirements depend on the course, many postgraduate teacher-training programmes expect applicants to meet several conditions.

A recognised degree: You will usually need a bachelor’s degree or an accepted equivalent qualification.

Subject knowledge: Secondary teacher-training courses generally require sufficient knowledge of the subject you intend to teach. Some providers may require additional subject-knowledge enhancement training.

English and mathematics qualifications: Many initial teacher-training routes require the equivalent of GCSE grade 4/C or above in English and mathematics. Primary teacher-training routes may also require science. International qualifications are assessed according to the provider’s rules.

English-language proficiency: International applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency using an accepted qualification or test.

Background and suitability checks: Applicants must meet the relevant safeguarding and suitability requirements for working with children.

Immigration and course eligibility: International candidates need to confirm that the provider accepts their circumstances and that their intended course and visa arrangements are compatible.

A university may accept your academic qualifications for admission even if you do not qualify for government funding. Admission and funding are separate decisions.

7. How to Apply for UK Teacher Training Scholarships in 2027

Follow these steps to make the application process more manageable.

Step 1: Decide what you want to teach

Choose a subject or age group that fits your qualifications and career goals. If funding is important, investigate the bursary rules before selecting a subject.

Step 2: Check the funding eligibility rules

Use the official government guidance to determine whether your nationality, residence and immigration status may qualify you for student finance and a bursary.

Do not rely on social media posts or third-party claims that a particular nationality automatically qualifies.

Step 3: Find an approved training provider

Search for courses leading to the qualification you need. Compare university-based programmes, school-centred training and other approved routes.

Official course search: https://find-teacher-training-courses.service.gov.uk/

Step 4: Check the 2027/28 funding announcements

The published bursary amounts in this article apply to 2026/27. Check the official government page for the new funding arrangements before applying for a course beginning in 2027.

Step 5: Prepare your documents

You may need your degree certificate, academic transcripts, passport, CV, references, evidence of English-language proficiency and proof of any required school-level qualifications.

International applicants should also ask whether their overseas qualifications require a formal comparability assessment.

Step 6: Apply for the training course

Follow the provider’s instructions and complete any required interviews, subject assessments or safeguarding checks.

For eligible bursaries, the training provider normally confirms the award after checking the trainee’s eligibility. Subject-specific scholarships require a separate application to the relevant professional body.

Step 7: Arrange your finances and immigration documents

If you are an international student, calculate tuition fees, accommodation, living costs, insurance and travel expenses.

Confirm the appropriate visa route and the evidence of funds you must provide. Do not assume that a possible bursary will cover every expense or arrive before your initial costs are due.

8. Documents International Applicants Should Prepare

Preparing documents early can help avoid delays and strengthen your application.

• Valid passport and relevant immigration documents.
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts.
• Evidence of English-language proficiency, where required.
• CV describing academic qualifications and work experience.
• Personal statement explaining your motivation to teach.
• References from academic or professional referees.
• Evidence of English, mathematics and science qualifications, where applicable.
• Qualification-comparability information if requested by the provider.
• Proof of financial support and other documents required for a visa application.

Requirements vary by provider and course. Only submit the documents requested through the official application process.

9. What Should International Applicants Budget For?

If you are not eligible for a government bursary or scholarship, you should establish the total cost of studying in the UK before accepting an offer.

The official Get Into Teaching guidance states that teacher-training fees for non-UK citizens vary by provider. It gives an average of approximately £15,000 and a maximum of about £36,000, depending on the course and provider.

These figures are guidance rather than a guaranteed quote for a 2027 course. Always confirm the exact fee with your chosen institution.

Other possible expenses include:

• Accommodation and household bills.
• Food and local transport.
• Visa application costs and the immigration health surcharge, where applicable.
• Travel to and from the UK.
• Books, study materials and professional expenses.
• Any dependants’ living and immigration costs.

A partial tuition scholarship can still be valuable, but it does not eliminate the need to budget for uncovered expenses.

Official source: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/non-uk-teachers/fees-and-funding-for-non-uk-trainees

10. Avoid Teacher Training Scholarship Scams

Applicants should be cautious about individuals or agencies promising guaranteed UK teacher-training bursaries.

The UK government warns that applicants do not need to pay a third party to access an official bursary.

Use official government, university and scholarship websites. Verify any offer directly with the training provider and be suspicious of requests for unofficial processing fees, passwords or banking PINs.

Never make travel or financial commitments based solely on an unverified message claiming that you have received a scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are UK teacher training bursaries available to international students?

Some non-UK citizens may qualify if they meet the applicable immigration, residence and student-finance rules. Most applicants arriving directly from overseas will not automatically qualify for government teacher-training bursaries.

How much is the UK teacher training bursary for 2027?

The final funding rates for courses starting in the 2027/28 academic year have not yet been confirmed in the published guidance available as of October 2026. The figures in this guide relate to 2026/27.

Can Kenyan graduates apply for UK teaching scholarships?

Yes. Kenyan graduates can investigate eligible international scholarships, university awards and approved teacher-training courses. However, they should check course admission, immigration and funding eligibility separately.

Can I get a scholarship to study for a PGCE in the UK?

Possibly, depending on the institution, the course and the scholarship’s conditions. Not all international scholarships fund PGCE programmes, and not all PGCE courses lead to QTS.

Is a teacher-training bursary a loan?

No. An eligible bursary is normally a tax-free payment that does not have to be repaid, provided the trainee complies with the scheme’s conditions. It is different from a student loan.

Can I work while training to become a teacher in the UK?

That depends on your immigration status, course conditions and applicable work restrictions. International applicants should check the official visa guidance and the training provider’s advice before relying on employment income.

Which UK nation should I apply to?

If you want to train in England, use the English teacher-training and funding guidance. If you intend to train in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, check that nation’s separate qualification and funding system.

Conclusion: Finding the Right UK Teacher Training Funding for 2027

UK teacher training scholarships and bursaries can help eligible graduates and career changers enter the teaching profession. However, the most important distinction is between government-funded teacher-training incentives for eligible trainees in England and international scholarships that may support overseas applicants.

The 2026/27 scheme includes bursaries of up to £29,000 and specialist scholarships of up to £31,000 in selected subjects, but these are not universal awards and should not be presented as confirmed 2027/28 rates.

International applicants should first confirm whether they can enrol on their preferred course, whether their qualifications meet entry requirements and whether their immigration status allows them to access the funding advertised. They should then investigate university scholarships, Chevening, Commonwealth opportunities and other suitable international awards.

For the most accurate information, consult the official government pages, compare approved training providers and verify the next academic year’s funding announcement before applying.

Bookmark this guide and check it again when the 2027/28 teacher-training funding rates are published.

Also Read: Master’s Scholarships for Teachers 2027: Fully Funded Education Degrees and Application Guide