Apply for UK scholarships & bursaries for teacher training worth £5,000–£31,000 in 2025–26. Available for international PGCE students.
Are you looking for a tuition-free way to study in the UK? The UK government has just released updated figures for fully funded teacher training programs for the 2025–2026 academic year. If you have a degree and are willing to train to teach in secondary schools, you could receive up to £31,000 in tax-free funding.
These bursaries and scholarships for PGCE courses in the UK are available to both UK residents and international students, especially in high-demand subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Computing, and Languages.
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With full tuition coverage and monthly stipends, this is one of the best high-value international education opportunities in 2025.
Why the UK Is Offering Teacher Training Bursaries and Scholarships
There is a persistent shortage of teachers in critical subjects across the UK. To fill these gaps, the Department for Education (DfE) is offering generous financial incentives to students who enroll in teacher training programs – even if they don’t have a background in education.
This initiative also welcomes international applicants, allowing you to study, gain professional qualifications, and begin a teaching career in the UK – fully funded.
2025–26 Bursary Funding Breakdown for UK PGCE Students
The UK Government offers non-repayable bursaries to eligible PGCE students. These are automatically awarded when you meet the criteria and are accepted into a qualifying program.
3.1 Bursary Amounts by Subject
| Subject | Bursary Amount |
| Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Physics | £29,000 |
| Biology, Design & Technology, Geography, Languages (including Ancient Languages) | £26,000 |
| Art and Design, Music, Religious Education | £10,000 |
| English | £5,000 |
3.2 Bursary Eligibility Requirements
You may be eligible if you hold any of the following degrees:
- First-class (1st)
- Upper second-class (2:1)
- Lower second-class (2:2)
- Master’s degree
- PhD
There is no separate application for bursaries — you receive the award through your course provider once enrolled in a qualifying program.
2025–26 Scholarships for Teacher Training in the UK
Scholarships are offered to top-performing candidates and are funded by subject-specific professional bodies in partnership with the UK Government.
4.1 Scholarship Amounts by Subject
| Subject | Scholarship Amount | Provider |
| Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Physics | £31,000 | Subject-specific bodies (e.g., Royal Society of Chemistry, BCS, IOP) |
| French, German, Spanish | £28,000 | British Council |
4.2 Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you should have:
- A First (1st), Upper Second (2:1), Master’s, or PhD
- In exceptional cases, a 2:2 with significant relevant experience
Unlike bursaries, scholarships require a formal application, and selection is competitive.
What Is the PGCE and Why Should You Apply?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is the UK’s standard teacher training qualification. It usually takes one year to complete and leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), allowing you to teach in secondary schools in England and Wales.
5.1 Benefits of a PGCE in the UK
- Tuition covered by bursaries or scholarships
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- A direct path to UK employment
- A globally recognized qualification
- Potential eligibility for the Skilled Worker Visa
Who Can Apply for UK PGCE Funding as an International Student?
If you’re outside the UK, you can still apply, provided you meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree
- Pass English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5+)
- Apply to a DfE-approved course
- Be eligible for a Student Visa or Skilled Worker Visa
Universities often help international students with visa guidance, including issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
How to Apply: Step-by-Step for Bursaries and Scholarships
Step 1: Choose a Subject with Funding
Focus on subjects with the highest financial awards:
- Physics
- Maths
- Computing
- Chemistry
- French, German, Spanish
Step 2: Use the Course Finder
Search for PGCE programs via the official platform.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
You’ll need:
- Degree certificate and transcript
- Personal statement tailored to teaching
- Two academic or professional references
- English proficiency test results
Step 4: Apply to the Course
Apply via:
- UCAS Teacher Training or
- Directly through the university’s application portal
Step 5: Apply Separately for Scholarships
If applying for a scholarship, visit the provider’s website (e.g., Institute of Physics, British Council) and follow the individual application process.
Where to Study: Top UK Universities Offering PGCE with Funding
8.1 University of Reading
- PGCE Secondary Science – Engineers Teach Physics
- PGCE Modern Languages
- Excellent support for international applicants
8.2 University of Manchester
- Engineers Teach Physics
- Known for STEM teaching innovation
8.3 University of York
- PGCE Secondary Science (Physics, Chemistry)
- Offers bursary-linked programs with school placements
8.4 King’s College London
- PGCE in French, Spanish, German
- Located in the heart of London with strong employment outcomes
What Happens After You Graduate? (Visa and Employment Pathways)
Once you complete your PGCE, you may be eligible for:
9.1 Skilled Worker Visa
This lets you:
- Live and work in the UK long-term
- Be sponsored by a school
- Teach in a subject on the Shortage Occupation List
9.2 Graduate Route Visa
- Stay in the UK for up to 2 years
- Search for a teaching job
- Convert to a Skilled Worker Visa upon employment
Benefits of UK Teacher Training for International Applicants
- No tuition fees
- Up to £31,000 in financial support
- Gain UK work experience
- Start a teaching career abroad
- Earn a recognized postgraduate qualification
- Enjoy world-class academic training
- Access long-term migration options through teaching
Common FAQs About UK PGCE Scholarships & Bursaries
Q1. Is this open to non-UK citizens?
Yes. International students can apply, provided they meet visa and academic requirements.
Q2. Do I need prior teaching experience?
No. Many PGCE applicants come directly from undergraduate or master’s programs.
Q3. Will I need to pay back the bursary or scholarship?
No. These are non-repayable awards.
Q4. Can I teach anywhere with a UK PGCE?
Yes, the PGCE is widely recognized, particularly in Commonwealth countries and international schools.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Funded Journey Today
The 2025–2026 teacher training funding cycle is an incredible opportunity for ambitious, qualified individuals, both in the UK and overseas, to begin a fully funded career in education.
If you’ve been searching for a way to study in the UK for free, gain a postgraduate qualification, and launch a career with high earning potential, this is your chance. With up to £31,000 in tax-free financial support, you can fund your future without debt.
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