Become a teacher in Northern Ireland: training routes, qualifications and funding

There are two university-based routes into Initial Teacher Education (ITE) if you want to become a teacher in Northern Ireland:

a full-time, four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Education degree (BEd)
a one-year postgraduate qualification such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This is the most common route.

Courses are delivered through a combination of school-based placements and university tuition.

Depending on the course you choose, you can train to teach in early years, primary or post-primary education and specialise in subjects such as:

arts
mathematics
science
technology.

Are teachers in demand in Northern Ireland?

Demand for teachers can vary by subject and region. In Northern Ireland, recruitment challenges have been reported in recent years in subjects including:

information technology (IT)
mathematics
science
technology and design.

Prospective teachers should check the Northern Ireland Department of Education’s workforce statistics for the latest data and vacancy trends before applying.

From September 2026 the Department of Education has introduced and ITE Bursary Scheme to address recruitment challenges in post-primary schools. It offers financial support to eligible trainees in the subjects mentioned above and Irish-medium education.

What qualifications do I need to become a teacher in Northern Ireland?

You'll normally need GCSE English and maths at grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent qualification. Primary school teachers must also have a GCSE grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in a science subject.

If you're applying for postgraduate teacher training, you'll need to hold a relevant undergraduate degree, assessed by the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI), before you can register.

Some providers may expect applicants to demonstrate an understanding of school life through relevant experience with children and young people, such as:

classroom observation
paid work
volunteering.

Find out more about work experience in schools.

You'll also need to complete an AccessNI criminal record check before taking up a teaching position.

Many Catholic schools in Northern Ireland require teachers to hold a Certificate in Religious Education (CRE). Requirements vary by role and employer, so applicants should check the latest guidance from the employing authority and training provider.

Which institutions offer teaching qualifications?

You can train to become a teacher at one of four institutions in Northern Ireland. These are:

Queen's University Belfast
St Mary's University College
Stranmillis University College
Ulster University, School of Education.

While PGCE courses are offered by all of these institutions, you'll find BEd programmes at St Mary's University College and Stranmillis University College.

How do I apply to teach in Northern Ireland?

Applications for BEd programmes are usually made through UCAS, although application arrangements vary by institution. For PGCE programmes, applicants normally apply directly to the university.

Your application should include:

a CV
a teaching personal statement
copies of your qualification certificates or your academic transcripts.

All applicants accepted onto teacher education courses must also undergo an AccessNI criminal record check. Check your chosen institution's website for specific application requirements and deadlines.

When do I apply?

Application deadlines vary depending on the route and institution you choose.

For BEd programmes, applications follow the standard UCAS undergraduate admissions cycle. Applications typically open in September, with the main deadline falling in January for courses starting the following autumn.

For PGCE programmes, you'll usually apply directly to the university. Application generally opens between October and November and may remain open until January, February or later, depending on the provider and subject.

For example, at St Mary's University College, applications typically open in October each year. From there:

BEd applications usually close in mid-January
PGCE applications often remain open until late January or February.

Applicants should check the university website for the latest deadlines.

Apply around nine to 12 months before your course starts to give yourself the best chance of securing a place, as popular courses may fill quickly and some providers may prioritise early applications.

Some institutions may accept late applications if places are available, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the provider.

How much will it cost?

In 2026/27, full-time undergraduate students from Northern Ireland can be charged up to £4,985 per year. Students from England, Scotland and Wales may be charged higher fees. International tuition fees vary by institution and course.

Postgraduate tuition fees also vary depending on the institution and programme, so check the fees for your chosen PGCE course before applying.

For example, Stranmillis University College charges £4,985 per year for its BEd and £7,700 for PGCE programmes for students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, compared with £9,535 for students from England, Scotland and Wales. International fees are £23,000 per year for BEd and PGCE courses.

Contact your chosen institution for more information about part-time tuition fees, as there are no legal requirements for the amount universities should charge for part-time courses.

Don't forget to factor cost of living into your budget. As well as tuition fees, you'll need to cover the costs of:

accommodation
course materials
food
transport.

Is funding available?

If you're eligible for Student Finance NI support, you may be able to apply for a tuition fee loan and other financial support. For the 2026/27 academic year, eligible students can borrow up to:

£4,985 to cover undergraduate tuition fees in Northern Ireland,
£10,000 as a postgraduate tuition fee loan.

Eligibility depends on factors including residency and immigration status, so check the latest guidance from Student Finance NI before applying.

To apply for a loan you'll need to create a Student Finance NI account and then complete the form providing all the required evidence. Once your application has been processed, you'll discover how much funding you're entitled to.

The deadline for submitting a funding application is nine months after the first day of the academic year.

Course start date	Application deadline
1 August-31 December	31 May
1 January-31 March	30 September
1 April-30 June	31 December
1 July-31 July	31 March

You'll need to apply again for every year of study. Previous qualifications can affect your eligibility, although exceptions may apply to professional courses such as teacher training. Contact your individual institution for guidance on any other funding you may be entitled to.

Find out more about postgraduate loans in Northern Ireland.

Where can I find teaching jobs in Northern Ireland?

You can find teaching jobs advertised on:

You can also check local and regional newspapers and individual school websites for vacancies.

You can also try searching local and national newspapers, or school websites to discover opportunities.

Alternatively, search teaching and education jobs in Northern Ireland.

Do I need to register to teach in Northern Ireland?

To teach in a grant-aided school in Northern Ireland, you'll need to register with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI). Registration confirms your professional status and acts as your licence to practise as a teacher.

If you complete an approved initial teacher education (ITE) programme in Northern Ireland, you can apply for registration before finishing your course. You'll need to be registered before taking up a teaching post.

Do I need to speak Irish?

You don't usually need to speak Irish to teach in Northern Ireland. However, proficiency in the language can open up opportunities to teach Irish as a subject or work in Irish-medium schools, where lessons are delivered through Irish.

If you're interested in this route, specific PGCE programmes are available. You should also check individual course entry requirements for the language skills needed.