Paid UK Teacher Training Programme 2026–27 | Fully Sponsored Routes with QTS
Are you passionate about teaching and looking for a fully sponsored route to become a qualified teacher in the United Kingdom? The Paid UK Teacher Training Programme 2026–27 offers a golden opportunity for aspiring educators to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while earning a salary.
Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year officially open on October 7, 2025. This government-backed initiative allows you to train as a Primary or Secondary School Teacher through structured apprenticeship pathways — all while receiving a salary and real classroom experience.
The UK Teacher Apprenticeship Programme provides two main routes for teacher training — the Undergraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (TDA) and the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA). Each route caters to different academic backgrounds and career goals, but both lead to QTS, which is essential for teaching in most schools in England.
Whether you’re a school leaver, a teaching assistant, or a graduate seeking a career change, these apprenticeship options offer flexible, hands-on pathways to becoming a qualified teacher — without accumulating student debt. You can also check AFAPA Masters Scholarships in Europe.
1. Undergraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (TDA)
The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) is a unique training route for individuals who do not yet have a degree. It allows you to earn a salary, gain work experience, and obtain a bachelor’s degree with QTS — all at the same time.
This is a four-year, full-time programme delivered in partnership between accredited teacher training providers and universities. During the apprenticeship, trainees spend about 40% of their time (around two days per week) studying for their degree, while the remaining days are dedicated to practical classroom experience.
Some providers may require you to secure a school placement before starting your apprenticeship, so it’s advisable to check with your chosen training provider for specific requirements.
Eligibility for the TDA
The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is open to a wide range of applicants, including:
• Teaching assistants who wish to advance their careers
• School leavers looking to enter the education sector
• Career changers with a passion for teaching
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
• Have been a resident in England for at least three years prior to application
• Be at least 16 years old
• Hold GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths (and Science if applying to teach Primary)
• Possess the required A Levels or equivalent qualifications, as specified by the partnering university
Salary and Benefits for TDA Trainees
One of the biggest advantages of the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is that you earn while you learn. Trainees are paid according to the unqualified teacher pay scale, which varies depending on the type of school and location.
• Maintained schools (funded by local authorities) pay according to the national unqualified teacher pay range.
• Non-maintained schools (such as academies or private schools) set their own pay rates, but often follow similar guidelines.
TDA trainees do not pay tuition fees, meaning your education is fully funded. However, you will not be eligible for student finance since you are already earning a salary.
2. Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA)
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree (or are in your final year of study), the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) offers a fast-tracked, paid route to becoming a qualified teacher. This programme leads directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) — a mandatory qualification for teaching in most primary, secondary, and special schools across England.
PGTAs combine on-the-job training with structured academic instruction. Typically, you’ll spend four days per week teaching in a school, and one day attending training sessions with your Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provider.
The apprenticeship lasts for a minimum of nine months, but may extend depending on your progress and school schedule.
Eligibility Criteria for PGTA
To qualify for the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship, applicants must have:
• A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2.2 GPA (or equivalent)
• A background in relevant fields such as Education, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Science, Biology, Physics, French, Special Needs, or other approved subjects
Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English, as IELTS is required for both admission and visa purposes for international candidates.
PGTAs are highly competitive since they are salaried routes. Some providers may prefer applicants who already have classroom experience — such as unqualified teachers or teaching assistants.
Salaries and Benefits for PGTA
Postgraduate Teaching Apprentices are paid according to the unqualified teacher salary scale, which varies depending on location and school type. While you won’t receive bursaries or scholarships during your apprenticeship, all training fees are fully covered under the apprenticeship framework.
However, if you’re considering other teacher training routes, it’s worth exploring available bursaries and scholarships — which can be worth up to £31,000, depending on the subject area. Keep in mind that bursaries and scholarships are tax-free, whereas your apprenticeship salary will be taxable income.
Visa Sponsorship and Settlement Opportunities
One of the major benefits of the UK Teacher Training Programme is that it offers visa sponsorship for eligible international applicants. This means you can train, work, and remain in the UK during and after your apprenticeship.
Upon completion, successful candidates who achieve QTS and secure a full-time teaching position may become eligible for permanent residency (settlement), depending on visa category and UK immigration policies at the time.
Teaching Placement and Professional Experience
Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be assigned a teaching placement in a primary or secondary school, where you’ll receive hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced mentors.
You’ll develop essential skills such as:
• Lesson planning and classroom management
• Student engagement and assessment
• Subject-specific instructional techniques
• Leadership and pastoral care
This blend of theory and real-world practice ensures you graduate fully prepared to excel in a professional teaching career.
Why Choose the UK Teacher Apprenticeship Route?
Choosing the Teacher Apprenticeship Programme offers a range of long-term advantages:
• Earn a salary while training – no tuition fees, no student loans.
• Gain internationally recognized QTS certification.
• Get professional mentoring and in-school experience.
• Open pathways to permanent teaching roles in the UK.
• Visa sponsorship available for international applicants.
• Pathway to settlement for eligible candidates after completion.
Application for Fully Funded World Fellowship 2026 at Yale University is already ongoing.
This programme provides an inclusive, flexible, and financially supported pathway into one of the UK’s most rewarding careers.
The Paid UK Teacher Training Programme 2026–27 is more than just an academic opportunity — it’s a professional journey that empowers aspiring educators to make a lasting difference in students’ lives.
Whether you’re starting fresh through the Undergraduate TDA or advancing with the Postgraduate PGTA, this government-funded apprenticeship gives you the perfect balance of learning, earning, and teaching. With full sponsorship, hands-on experience, and potential settlement pathways, this is your chance to launch a fulfilling teaching career in the United Kingdom.
You can also apply for Paid Internship in USA.
How to Apply
Applications for the Paid UK Teacher Training Programme 2026–27 open on October 7, 2025.
Interested candidates can begin by visiting the official UK government teacher training portal to explore available apprenticeship providers, eligibility criteria, and subject specializations.
Apply via the official website