Languages Teacher Training Scholarships in England (2026–27)

The Languages Teacher Training Scholarships provide financial support and professional development for talented graduates who wish to train as Modern Foreign Languages teachers in England.

The programme is funded by the British Council and is designed to encourage high-quality candidates with strong subject knowledge in French, German or Spanish to enter the teaching profession.

This opportunity is open to both UK (home) and international candidates who meet the academic and training requirements.

What the Scholarship Includes

Successful applicants for the 2026–27 academic year will receive:

• £22,000 financial award

• Access to structured continuing professional development (CPD)

• Engagement with a national network of language teaching professionals

• Ongoing support linked to subject knowledge enhancement and classroom practice

The funding is intended to support trainees completing a non-salaried Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme in England that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The scholarship is awarded in recognition of strong academic achievement and commitment to teaching languages.

Eligible Subjects

The scholarship supports trainees specialising in:

• French

• German

• Spanish

Applicants must demonstrate strong linguistic competence and subject knowledge in one of these languages. Providers may assess language proficiency as part of the admissions process.

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for the 2026–27 scholarship, applicants must meet one of the following:

• Hold, or be predicted to achieve, a 2:1 Bachelor of Honours degree (or equivalent qualification)

• Or hold a relevant Master’s degree or PhD (or recognised equivalent)

Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in another subject at 2:1 or 2:2 (or predicted 2:2) may still be considered if they can demonstrate substantial knowledge in French, German or Spanish.

In addition to academic qualifications, candidates must satisfy:

• ITT provider entry requirements

• English language requirements (if applicable)

• Any safeguarding or background checks required for teacher training in England

Teacher Training Requirements

The scholarship is linked to specific types of training routes:

• The course must be based in England

• It must lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• It must be a non-salaried training route

Important: The British Council does not provide teacher training courses. Applicants must apply separately to an approved ITT provider.

Receiving the scholarship does not guarantee admission to a training programme. Equally, securing a training place does not automatically guarantee the scholarship.

Applicants must have secured a confirmed place on an eligible non-salaried languages teacher training course by September 2026 in order to take up the scholarship.

You are permitted to apply for the scholarship before receiving a conditional or confirmed offer from an ITT provider. However, you must secure the training place in time.

International Candidates – Important Financial Update

The UK Department for Education has revised the International Relocation Payments (IRP) scheme. Trainees starting in the 2026–27 academic year will no longer be eligible for IRP support.

This change does not affect eligibility for the Languages Teacher Training Scholarship itself. International applicants should contact their chosen ITT provider to confirm visa requirements and any other financial support available to them.

Information Sessions

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend online information sessions delivered by the British Council team. These sessions provide:

• Detailed explanation of the scholarship criteria

• Guidance on the application process

• Information about teaching in English secondary schools

• Advice from a Get Into Teaching Adviser

• An opportunity to ask questions

There are separate sessions for home and international candidates. International-specific eligibility information is covered during the designated international session.

Why Train as a Language Teacher in England?

Modern Foreign Languages teachers are in demand across England. Training in England provides:

• A recognised professional qualification (QTS)

• Practical classroom experience in secondary schools

• Opportunities for career progression in education

• Long-term employment prospects in the UK and internationally

Teaching languages allows you to promote intercultural understanding, communication skills and global awareness among young people.

Application Timeline

Applications for the 2026–27 Languages Teacher Training Scholarship open in early January.

Applicants are advised to:

• Prepare academic transcripts and certificates

• Research eligible non-salaried ITT programmes in England

• Begin contacting training providers early

• Monitor official announcements regarding application deadlines

This scholarship represents a structured pathway into a respected teaching profession, supported by national-level funding and professional recognition.

For motivated graduates with strong language skills and a commitment to education, the Languages Teacher Training Scholarship offers a clear route to becoming a qualified Modern Foreign Languages teacher in England.