The information on this page is for:
- non-UK citizens living in the UK
- non-UK citizens living outside the UK
- Irish citizens
Most non-UK citizens will not be eligible for financial support from the UK government to help with teacher training.
Some support may be available if:
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you train to teach languages or physics
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you have some type of settled status in the UK – for example, through the EU Settlement Scheme(opens in new window) or indefinite leave to remain(opens in new window)
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you’re an Irish citizen
Teacher training fees
Teacher training fees for non-UK candidates vary between training providers.
Fees cost:
- an average of £14,765
- a maximum of about £36,000
Most non-UK candidates will not be eligible for financial support to help with fees.
You’ll also have to cover your living costs.
Financial support for Irish citizens or those with settled status
Irish citizens or non-UK citizens who have settled status may be eligible for:
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a reduction in fees to the ‘home fee rate’ paid by UK applicants (set at a maximum of £9,250) – if you’re eligible, this fee will be the same for all courses offered by training providers
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student loans to help with tuition fees and living costs
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bursaries and scholarships in the subjects offered to UK citizens
How to apply for student loans, bursaries and scholarships.
Salaried teacher training courses
Non-UK citizens can apply for a salaried teacher training course. On this type of course, you will not pay a fee, and you can earn money while you train in a school. However, these courses are limited in number and very competitive.
You will also need a visa or immigration status allowing you to work in the UK.
Find teacher training courses(opens in new window).
Bursaries and scholarships for non-UK trainee languages and physics teachers
There are 2 types of financial support you can get if you’re interested in training to teach languages or physics:
- bursaries worth up to £28,000 for languages and physics
- scholarships worth up to £30,000 for French, German, Spanish and physics
You cannot receive both a bursary and a scholarship.
Bursaries and scholarships are tax-free payments from the UK government that you do not have to pay back. They are paid to you by your teacher training provider.
If some, or all, of your training fees are due in advance, your training provider may let you use a bursary or scholarship to meet these costs. Contact them to check.
You should also be able to use eligibility for a bursary in your visa application as proof that you have enough money to support yourself.
You do not need to pay an agent or any other third party to access a bursary or scholarship. Any agency or person offering to help you access a bursary may be fraudulent. Avoid and report internet scams and phishing(opens in new window).
Learn more about bursaries and scholarships for physics and languages.
How to apply for student loans, bursaries and scholarships
To start your application for student loans, you need to have chosen your teacher training course, but you do not need a confirmed place.
Check your eligibility and apply to Student Finance England(opens in new window) for:
- tuition fee loans
- maintenance loans to help with living costs
- extra help if you have a disability, children or an adult dependant
If you’re eligible for student loans, you’ll also usually be eligible:
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for a home fee rate
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for bursaries in the subjects offered to UK citizens
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to apply for scholarships
Talk to your training provider about the home fee rate, bursaries and scholarships.
Get help
Student Finance England(opens in new window) has a dedicated service for EU students and for EEA citizens working in the UK.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs(opens in new window) offers advice to international students about what financial support may be available.
Contact us
If you have general questions about the information on this page, you can email us at teach.inengland@education.gov.uk.
You may be eligible for personalised support from a teacher training adviser. They can help with your application to a training provider or school.
To check if you’re eligible for an adviser, you can call us on +44 800 389 2500. Calls will be charged at your country’s standard rate. Or you can contact us using the live chat service at the bottom of this page.
We’re available Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5:30pm (UK local time) except on bank holidays(opens in new window) in England.