Department of Education - Training bursaries

PGCE training bursary at UWE Bristol

You will receive a tax-free grant of up to about EUR 33,350 (£29,000) to train as a teacher in a subject where there is a shortage of teachers, as part of a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) programme, which is the standard route into the teaching profession in England. The amount will be paid out from October in 10 monthly instalments and does not need to be repaid. It comes from the UK Department for Education, and UWE Bristol will pass it on to you as your training provider. The exact amount depends on your subject and your final degree average. The highest grants are awarded for chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics, whilst lower amounts are paid for subjects such as design and technology, and languages.

Who can apply

• Course: You are undertaking a fee-funded PGCE teacher training course at UWE Bristol. Fee-paying teacher training programmes and iPGCE courses are not permitted.
• Subject: Your subject is one of those receiving government funding this year, such as chemistry, computing, mathematics, physics, technology and design, or foreign languages. Not every subject receives funding.
• Degree: You must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree with a grade of 2:2 (lower second class) or a Master’s or PhD degree.
• Residence: You are based in the UK and are eligible for student finance. Students from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland must meet the eligibility criteria set by their respective national student finance organisations.
• Employment: You are currently undergoing teacher training and are not yet employed as a teacher on a permanent contract.

How to apply

You do not need to send a separate application to UWE. Your eligibility will be checked when you enrol, and you will receive the link to the scholarship application in the summer, along with the instructions for starting your studies, via the Welcome Portal.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a state entitlement, not a selection process. If you are enrolled on an eligible PGCE course in a funded subject and meet the residency and qualification requirements, you will receive the grant. The amount you receive – or whether you receive anything at all – depends on your subject, as the funded subjects and the amounts change every year.