The Institute of Mathematics and its Application (IMA) - Mathematics scholarship

What you get

For your one-year training programme to become a maths teacher, you will receive a tax-free grant of approximately 36,000 EUR (GBP 31,000). This will be paid out in ten monthly instalments from October onwards. If you are undertaking the training on a part-time basis, the same total amount will be spread over a longer period.

In addition to the funding, you will receive a two-year free membership of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) and the Mathematical Association, free access to online teaching resources, and invitations to professional development and networking events specifically for scholarship holders. The IMA runs the programme on behalf of the UK Department for Education to attract talented mathematics graduates to the teaching profession. Please note that the scholarship does not cover tuition fees and cannot be combined with the standard government training grant.

Who can apply

• What you train as: You will begin training as a maths teacher at state secondary schools in England in the academic year 2025/26. The course must lead to ‘Qualified Teacher Status’. Paid training programmes, ‘Teach First’ and training programmes outside England will not be considered.
• Your degree: You hold (or are expected to obtain) at least an upper second-class honours degree or a Master’s or PhD. A lower second-class degree (2:2) will only be considered if you can demonstrate relevant professional experience.
• Maths background: Your degree programme has a strong mathematical focus (e.g. mathematics, physics or engineering). Alternatively, you are supplementing a non-mathematical degree programme with a refresher course in mathematics, or you have a sound knowledge of mathematics gained through your professional experience.
• How you fund your studies: You are eligible for UK student finance. International students cannot apply; however, Irish nationals and some EU citizens with ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status may be eligible.
• Your motivation: You can demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for mathematics, the ability to teach it at school level, and a genuine commitment to teaching mathematics in English state schools.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the scholarship website. A compelling personal statement is crucial, as inadequate personal statements are the main reason for applications being rejected. If you pass this first stage, you will be invited to take part in an online assessment lasting approximately 45 minutes. You will answer questions on topics relating to the teaching of mathematics and your own motivation. The application deadline for the 2025/26 round has now passed; please check the website for details of the next round.

How realistic are your chances?

The selection criteria are very strict: you must be funded by UK grants, hold an excellent university degree with a strong background in mathematics, and be firmly committed to teaching mathematics in England. The pool of eligible applicants is therefore far smaller than for open scholarships. If you clearly meet these requirements and put a great deal of effort into your personal statement, your chances are good, as this is precisely where most applicants fall short.