PGCE Bursaries: Funding Options for Postgraduate Teacher Training

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is one of the most sought-after qualifications for aspiring teachers, especially in countries like England where it leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). However, pursuing a PGCE can be financially demanding, which is why many prospective teachers look for bursaries and scholarships to help cover the costs. In this summary, we will explore the different types of bursaries and scholarships available for postgraduate teacher training and provide detailed guidance on eligibility, application processes, and available subjects.

pgce bursaries

What Are Bursaries and Scholarships?

Bursaries are tax-free payments provided to eligible individuals who are training to teach certain subjects. They are often automatically granted if you meet the necessary criteria and do not need to be repaid. Scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded by subject-specific organizations and include not only tax-free payments but also additional benefits such as mentorship, support, and professional development opportunities.

Both bursaries and scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden on teacher trainees, helping to encourage talented individuals to enter the teaching profession. However, you cannot receive both a bursary and a scholarship at the same time, and if you receive either, you will not need to repay it after completing your training.

It’s important to note that bursaries and scholarships are not available for every subject and do not apply to salaried teacher training positions. Furthermore, non-UK citizens need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for this funding.

What Funding Could I Get for Teacher Training?

If you are considering postgraduate teacher training in England, the amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on the subject you intend to teach. Different subjects have different levels of bursaries and scholarships available, with more funding typically available for subjects with higher demand for teachers, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects.

Eligibility for Bursaries

To be eligible for a bursary, you must meet several criteria. These include:

  • Eligibility for student finance (unless you are training to teach physics or languages, in which case student finance eligibility is not required).
  • A minimum academic qualification, such as a bachelor’s degree with a class of 2:2 or higher, a master’s degree, or a PhD.

Additionally, if your PGCE program combines two subjects (for example, English and history), at least 50% of your course content must be related to the bursary subject for you to be eligible for the bursary.

How Bursaries Are Paid

Bursaries are paid over a minimum period of 10 months by the teacher training provider. The payments are made in monthly installments throughout the duration of your course. The training provider will inform you of the payment schedule and confirm eligibility before the course begins. Additionally, bursary payments are tax-free, and you will not need to pay National Insurance on them.

How to Get a Bursary

The good news is that you do not need to apply separately for a bursary. When you apply for teacher training, your provider will assess your eligibility for a bursary. If you meet the necessary criteria, your provider will notify you in writing about your bursary award before the course starts.

Eligibility for Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded by independent organizations that have a passion for specific subject areas, such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, and languages. These scholarships typically come with additional benefits beyond financial support, such as subject-specific mentoring, networking events, and professional development opportunities.

Academic Requirements for Scholarships

To be eligible for a scholarship, you need to meet certain academic criteria, which typically include:

  • Eligibility for student finance (unless training to teach physics or languages).
  • A bachelor’s degree with a class of 2:1 or higher, a master’s degree, or a PhD.

In some cases, if you hold a 2:2 degree, you may still be eligible for a scholarship. However, you would need to demonstrate relevant experience and a strong level of subject knowledge.

Scholarships are awarded based on your passion for teaching a specific subject as well as your academic background. Each scholarship provider has its own assessment requirements, which may include interviews, subject knowledge tests, or other evaluations.

How Scholarships Are Paid

Like bursaries, scholarships are paid in monthly installments across a minimum period of 10 months by the teacher training provider. These payments are also tax-free, and you will not be required to pay National Insurance on them.

How to Apply for a Scholarship

Applying for a scholarship involves a direct application to the scholarship provider. Each organization has its own application deadlines and eligibility requirements, so it is important to research the details of each scholarship before applying. Below is a list of some of the main scholarship providers and the subjects they cover:

  • Royal Society of Chemistry (Chemistry)
  • BCS The Chartered Institute for IT (Computing)
  • British Council (Languages: French, German, and Spanish)
  • Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (Mathematics)
  • Institute of Physics (Physics)

These organizations also offer additional resources and support, such as classroom materials, subject-specific mentorship, and access to a professional community, making them an attractive option for prospective teacher trainees. Click here for details.

Compare Bursaries and Scholarships

The amount of funding you can receive through bursaries and scholarships varies by subject. Here’s a breakdown of some of the bursaries and scholarships available for the 2024-2025 academic year:

Subject Bursary Scholarship
Art and Design £10,000
Biology £25,000
Chemistry £28,000 £30,000
Computing £28,000 £30,000
Design and Technology £25,000
English £10,000
Geography £25,000
Languages (French, German, Spanish) £25,000 £27,000
Languages (other, including ancient) £25,000
Mathematics £28,000 £30,000
Music £10,000
Physics £28,000 £30,000
Religious Education £10,000

Scholarships generally offer a slightly higher level of funding, but they also come with extra benefits, such as networking opportunities, professional support, and additional classroom resources.

Other Funding Options for Teacher Training

If you are not eligible for a bursary or scholarship, there are still other funding options available. For example, you can apply for tuition fee loans and maintenance loans through the student finance system in England. These loans are designed to help cover the cost of your tuition fees and living expenses while you study.

You may also be eligible for additional financial support depending on your personal circumstances, such as:

  • Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) for students with disabilities.
  • Childcare grants for students with dependents.

If you are unsure about your funding options, it is always a good idea to speak to a teacher training adviser. They can help you work out what financial support you could be eligible for and guide you through the application process.

Conclusion

Undertaking a PGCE is a significant step toward becoming a qualified teacher, but it can also be financially challenging. Fortunately, bursaries and scholarships provide much-needed financial support to ease the burden of tuition fees and living expenses.

While bursaries are available for a wide range of subjects, scholarships offer additional benefits such as mentoring and professional development. Understanding the funding options available can make your journey to becoming a teacher more manageable and rewarding.

If you’re passionate about teaching and want to make a difference in the classroom, researching your options and applying for bursaries or scholarships could be the key to unlocking a successful and fulfilling teaching career.

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