Have you dreamed of becoming a teacher? The process can take time, and it will not be cheap, but then again, education never is. To help you fulfil your goals of becoming a teacher, here is everything you need to know about teacher training bursaries and how they could help you begin a career in teaching.

What is a Teacher Training Bursary?

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A bursary is an untaxed grant of money awarded to someone to help them pay for their education, usually at a college or university. As this money is a grant and not a loan, it does not need to be paid back unless you decide not to finish your course, in which you will not receive the rest of the bursary and will need to reimburse them for what they have already given you. The purpose of the Teacher Training Bursary is to encourage graduates with high degree classifications to join the teaching profession and help shape the next generation’s lives.

Who can apply?

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You can apply for a Teacher Training Bursary if you study an undergraduate initial teaching training course including early years or a school-centred initial teacher training course, better known in the industry as an ITT or SCITT. If you are a postgraduate student, you could still receive additional funding if you study an initial teacher training course not including early years, a postgraduate certificate of education, or a school-centred initial teacher training course. This is because these courses are the ones that will lead to you having a qualified teacher status. However, you can not apply for a teaching bursary if you study a postgraduate early years initial teacher training with early years. Still, if you are studying this course, you may be eligible for an early years bursary.

How much could I receive?

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The amount of money you could receive depends on a few factors, including whether you are studying full-time or part-time, where you are studying, and the exact course that you are on. The bursary amount you are set is fixed for the duration of your course. Suppose you are studying to teach Chemistry, Computing, Secondary Maths, Physics, or a Language. In that case, you could receive up to £28,000 across the duration of your course or up to £26,000 for Biology or Classics. If you want to teach Geography, this bursary could be up to £17,000, for Design and Technology up to £15,000, and for English up to £12,000. Other subjects, including History, Religious Education, Music, Art and Design, and Business Studies, could mean a bursary of up to £9,000.

How do I apply?

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You can apply for an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Teacher Training Bursary from the Department of Education. There is more specific information on the Government website, which will then send you to their application page where you can then register your interest in teaching and the bursary available to you. If your application is accepted, you will receive your bursary in instalments throughout the academic year.
Connor Steele
Connor Steele – University of Sussex
Topic expertise: Religious Finance, Halal Loans, Student Funding, UK Higher Education

FAQs on Halal (Sharia-Compliant) Student Loans in the UK (2025)

A halal student loan is a government-proposed alternative finance product designed to meet the requirements of Sharia law, which prohibits paying or receiving interest. The loan uses a structure where students only need to repay what they borrow, plus a service fee instead of interest.

As of 2025, the halal student loans scheme is still under development, with the government working to implement an Alternative Student Finance (ASF) system. Prospective and current students are advised to check for updates on official channels.

The proposed ASF scheme is expected to be open to all eligible UK students, especially targeting those unable to access traditional loans due to religious reasons. Eligibility criteria will likely parallel the regular student finance requirements.

Repayments will be designed to be fair and equivalent to standard student loans, minus the interest. Instead, a service fee covers the administration, ensuring compliance with Sharia principles.

Students concerned about taking interest-bearing loans for religious reasons should monitor Student Finance and Department for Education announcements and seek guidance from their university, relevant student services, or faith advice groups for the latest support options.

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  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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