Understanding Teacher Training Bursaries

Bursaries are an essential lifeline for many budding teachers who can’t afford to pursue their dreams without some form of financial support. Introduced by the UK government, they are a great way to get new talent into schools from a variety of backgrounds.  

In this guide, we’ll break down what a bursary is, the eligibility criteria and what the bursary amounts are for September 2026 starters. 

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What is a bursary? 

A bursary is a financial grant that is given to students to help cover the cost of education, including tuition fees, living expenses and educational resources that they might not otherwise be able to afford. 

Unlike a student finance loan, bursary payments do not need to be repaid. 

What is the eligibility for a bursary? 

Since you don’t need to apply for a bursary, you'll automatically receive it if you’re eligible. Unfortunately, bursaries are only available for Secondary subjects, and those applying for a PGCE in Primary education will not be eligible. 

To receive a bursary, you must be eligible for student finance. You will also need at least: 

• A bachelor’s degree class 2:2 (honours) or higher 
• A master’s degree 
• A PhD focusing on specific high-priority subjects 

You also need to be on a fee-based postgraduate course and must not already hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). 

How are bursaries paid? 

If you’re eligible for a bursary, it will be paid by your teacher training provider over a minimum of 10 months across the duration of the course. This will happen automatically, and you do not need to claim or request payments.  

You do not need to pay tax or National Insurance on your bursary payments. 

Do I need to apply for a bursary? 

No, you do not need to apply for a bursary.  

When you apply to be a trainee teacher, your training provider will confirm if you are eligible for a bursary. If you are, the provider will confirm this in writing before you start the course.  

Can I get student finance and a bursary?  

Yes, you can still apply for student finance even if you are eligible for a bursary.  

How likely you are to receive student finance can vary on several factors, including: 

• Your annual household income  
• If you are an at-home or EU student  
• If you have a disability or long-term health condition and you are not eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) 
• You come from a care background 
• You are caring for an adult or children  

Before you apply to train to teach, you can use the Government’s free student finance eligibility calculator to get a general idea of how much student finance you could receive.  

Trainee teacher bursaries 2026/27 

For those starting a teacher training course in England from September 2026, you could receive a standard bursary of up to £29,000.  

Key PGCE bursaries for 2026:  

• £29,000: Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics and Physics  
• £20,000: French, German and Spanish  
• £5,000: Biology and Geography 

Unlike the 2025/26 academic year, English trainees are no longer eligible for a bursary.