What are teaching bursaries or scholarships?

Teaching bursaries and scholarships are tax-free financial incentives offered by the Department for Education (DfE) to attract high-quality graduates into teaching, particularly in specific subjects like STEM and languages.

What is the difference between teaching bursaries and scholarships?

Teaching Bursaries

Teaching Bursaries are tax-free payments offered directly by the DfE for certain subjects, with the amount varying depending on the subject and degree classification.

Teaching Scholarships

Teaching Scholarships are payments offered by independent institutions through the government, often with additional benefits like subject-specific support, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

Important

• You cannot receive both a bursary and a scholarship.
• If you receive either a bursary or a scholarship, you do not need to pay it back.
• Bursaries and scholarships are not available for every subject
• Bursaries and scholarships are not available for salaried teacher training

Eligibility and Application for teaching bursaries and scholarships

Automatic Bursary

You do not need to apply for a bursary; you’ll automatically receive one if you’re eligible.

Scholarship Application

If eligible, you can apply directly to the scholarship provider.

Subject-specific bursaries and scholarships

Bursaries and scholarships are available for specific subjects, such as chemistry, computing, mathematics, physics, and languages.

Other Factors

• The amount of the bursary or scholarship may depend on the classification of your highest academic qualification.
• Eligibility may also depend on whether you are eligible for student finance (unless training to teach physics or languages).

Examples of Subjects with Bursaries and Scholarships

• STEM Subjects: Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, and Physics.
• Languages: French, German, Spanish, and other languages.
• Other Subjects: Biology, Design and Technology, Geography, Art and Design, Music, Religious Education, and English.

More information

The latest information and guidance can be found at Get into Teaching.