Become a teacher in Scotland: training routes, qualifications and funding

Is there a demand for teachers in Scotland?

Teacher demand varies by location and subject. In recent years, schools have experienced recruitment challenges in several secondary subjects, particularly science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while some rural and remote areas continue to face difficulties attracting primary teachers

What qualifications do I need to teach in Scotland?

To teach in Scotland, you'll need a degree and a teaching qualification gained through ITE.

To achieve a teaching qualification in primary education, you need one of the following:

a four-year combined undergraduate degree leading to a named award, which includes a teaching qualification
a four-year concurrent undergraduate degree leading to a named award and a separate teaching qualification
a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programme following an undergraduate degree
a postgraduate degree or an integrated Masters including a teaching qualification.

A teaching qualification in secondary education is awarded in a particular subject, or subjects, once you complete any of these:

a four-year combined undergraduate degree
a combined undergraduate degree or a concurrent undergraduate degree, including studying a subject, studying education, and school experience
a PGDE programme following an undergraduate degree
a postgraduate or integrated Masters including a teaching qualification.

Requirements vary between courses and whether you want to teach primary or secondary education. For specific entry criteria, take a look at The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTC Scotland).

Before starting an ITE programme, you must:

have appropriate levels of English (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) Level 6) and mathematics (SCQF Level 5)
be competent in the use of digital technology appropriate for teaching and learning
demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills, attributes and dispositions which will allow you to engage young people, colleagues and partners in effective collaboration.

Prior classroom experience isn't compulsory, but demonstrating your enthusiasm for teaching and discussing the skills you've picked up from doing so will strengthen your application.

Do I need to register as a teacher in Scotland?

It is a legal requirement that you register with GTC Scotland before being employed as a teacher. You'll also need to become a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. Membership of the PVG scheme helps ensure that people who are barred from working with children or protected adults cannot take up teaching roles.

Which universities offer teacher training in Scotland?

There are currently 11 higher education institutions offering ITE programmes:

Edinburgh Napier University
Queen Margaret University
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
University of Aberdeen
University of Dundee
University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
University of the Highlands and Islands
University of Stirling
University of Strathclyde Glasgow
University of the West of Scotland.

Each university has its own entry requirements in addition to the qualifications listed above, so check with them directly before applying.

What is the teaching induction period?

Once you've completed your ITE, and before you've gained full registration status, you'll enter your induction period. You can complete your induction period in one of two ways:

The Teacher Induction Scheme ensures a one-year teaching post in a local Scottish authority for all students who have recently obtained their teaching qualifications from a Scottish university. Throughout the year, you'll have a maximum class contact time of 80%, allowing dedicated time for professional learning and development.
The Flexible Route is for candidates who can't commit to a full-time position, have dropped out or aren't eligible for the Teacher Induction Scheme, would like to become fully registered in a second subject or would like to complete their induction somewhere other than a Scottish school. The Flexible Route allows you up to three years to complete your induction period. You'll document your professional development, which can take the form of supply teaching, teaching in the Scottish independent sector or teaching outside of Scotland.

How do I apply for teacher training in Scotland?

Applications are submitted through UCAS. You'll need to provide personal details, education history, a personal statement and a reference. You'll be able to save your progress, so you don’t need to complete it in one go. You can choose up to five courses and you'll need to write a personal statement detailing your passion and commitment to teaching, as well as any relevant experience.

During your ITE programme, you'll be invited to apply for Provisional Registration at GTC

Scotland. You'll be asked to disclose your five chosen locations for undertaking the Teacher Induction Scheme, in preference order, as part of your application. It pays to be open-minded. Additional incentives and bursaries may be available for teachers training in priority subjects or willing to work in certain locations. Check the latest Scottish Government guidance before applying.

When do I apply?

Applications for courses starting the following academic year typically open in September, with the main application deadline falling in January.

Deadlines for postgraduate teacher training course applications vary by university. Many institutions begin accepting applications in the autumn and continue reviewing them through the winter and spring.

As courses can fill quickly, it's a good idea to apply between nine months and a year before your intended start date.

How much does initial teacher education in Scotland cost?

The 2026/27 tuition fees for both undergraduate and PGDE courses are £1,820 for students from Scotland.

Scottish residents can expect their course fees to be paid by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). To receive funding, you'll need to apply directly to SAAS and submit a new application for each academic year of study. Once your application is approved, SAAS pays your tuition fees directly to your university. It's recommended that you apply as early as possible to ensure your funding is in place before your course begins.

However, if you're a resident of England, Wales or Northern Ireland and hoping to study in Scotland, you'll be required to pay a tuition fee set by the institution you're applying to. This fee can be covered by a student loan from your home funding body, just as it would if you were studying at home.

For more information, contact:

Is funding available?

If you're a Scottish resident, not only will your tuition fees be paid by SAAS, but you'll also receive a maintenance loan, as well as a non-repayable bursary in some cases.

How much additional funding you'll receive will be worked out based on your household income. The maximum yearly amount on offer is £11,400 (comprised of a £9,400 student loan and £2,000 bursary), which you'll qualify for if you're from a household with a combined income of less than £20,999 per annum. Students can generally receive a loan of up to £8,400 regardless of their household income.

You may still be eligible for funding if you've received funding for a previous degree.

SAAS has additional funding opportunities for students who are single parents.

The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is available to those who qualify - speak to a disability adviser at your college or university to apply.

Where do I find out about teaching jobs in Scotland?

Throughout your initial teacher education and induction year, you may hear about teaching opportunities through the contacts you make. You can also search for jobs on the following websites:

Alternatively, search graduate teaching jobs in Scotland.

Find out more

Gain an insight into the teacher training and education sector.
For more information, visit Teach in Scotland.