What is QTS?
The Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the official certification required to teach in public schools in England. It confirms that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and classroom experience to work as a qualified teacher.
QTS is usually achieved through a professional Teacher Training program, which combines academic study in pedagogy with hands-on teaching experience in schools.
What is a PGCE?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a university qualification worth at least 60 Master’s-level credits, designed to prepare you for a teaching career. It is often completed alongside QTS training.
The PGCE provides internationally recognised academic credits and is a valuable addition if you wish to teach abroad or pursue further postgraduate studies.
So what?
Where it gets particularly interesting is that the UK government, in response to teacher shortages in certain subjects, offers substantial scholarships and additional funding opportunities.
International students are also eligible for these awards when applying for a PGCE with QTS in Modern Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, or German – £20,000 guaranteed) or Physics (£29,000 guaranteed). The good news is that you do not necessarily need a degree in these subjects to apply.
For Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), native speakers are not required to hold a degree in the taught language.
Similarly, few people are aware that for Physics, applicants who studied the subject at A-level — even if their university studies were in a different field — might still be eligible to apply for a PGCE with QTS in Physics.
Another important point that is often overlooked, even among QTS trainees, is that the QTS is not limited to the subject of your initial training. For instance, if your specialisation is History and Geography, you can still go on to teach those — and other related — subjects later. The QTS is a general professional status, officially recognising you as a qualified teacher in England.
In addition to the main scholarship, further financial support may be available, allowing you to receive up to £35,900 (over €41,000) in total funding.
This represents a significant opportunity, especially considering that many UK students themselves often need to take out interest-based loans to finance their studies.
Here are links to official institutional websites for more information:
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Bursaries and scholarships for postgraduate teacher training
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Guidance : Initial teacher training bursaries funding manual: 2026 to 2027 academic year
It’s truly a unique experience — one that can genuinely become a springboard to a new life.
With careful financial planning, strategic choices, strong determination, and expert, personalized guidance, you can successfully bring your relocation and teaching project to life.
That said, the application process itself is a project that requires time, preparation, and commitment. Applying for teacher training does not automatically guarantee admission, and the process can be lengthy and complex.
Planning both your enrolment and your relocation at the same time carries certain risks — it can lead to unnecessary expenses, frustration, and loss of motivation.
Relax — we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Admission criteria
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A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree
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An English level of at least B2 on the CEFR scale
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Proof of a minimum level in mathematics (equivalent to GCSE Grade 4)
You will also need a genuine willingness to continue or resume your studies, along with strong determination and commitment.
The Benefits of Enrolling in the Teacher Training leading to the QTS
A recognised certification to become a teacher
The QTS is essential for teaching in public schools in the United Kingdom. It is often offered alongside the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), which awards 60 Master’s-level credits.
This is a high-quality (though demanding) program that combines university coursework with practical placements in schools.
A Gateway to International Mobility
Once you are in the UK, it becomes easier to settle permanently, even post-Brexit.
The QTS is also a highly regarded international certification, allowing you to teach wherever you choose, with job opportunities around the world!
A generous funding
Significant funding is available, starting at a minimum of £20,000, and a maximum of £35900 which can cover all related expenses — tuition fees, accommodation, living costs, administrative and logistical fees, and even the cost of my services.
A Career in a High-Demand Sector with an Attractive Starting Salary
92% of trainee teachers secure a job within six months of qualification.
The starting salary in public teaching is set at a minimum of £32,916 in 2025, and £40,317 in London, based on full-time employment.
A year of immersion to boost your English
When looking for work abroad, English is nearly indispensable in almost any destination. The best way to master it is through immersion in an English-speaking environment.
But immersion alone isn’t enough — you need opportunities to practice. As a student, and through your classroom placements, you will have countless chances to use the language in a variety of contexts, both spoken and written.
An Open and Welcoming Social Environment
Come as you are! You are stepping into a new world where your freedom of belief, religious practices, and lifestyle choices are respected. Here, you can thrive and grow freely.