Train as a language teacher in England – with funding from the British Council and the Department for Education
Are you ready to inspire future generations of linguists with your passion for languages? And to begin a rewarding career as a modern foreign languages teacher in England? The British Council is awarding 175 scholarships, providing continuing professional development support, and offering £22,000 (approx. €25,000) in funding to help talented individuals pursue their teaching careers.
Why should I apply?
- Receive a stable income while completing your training.
- Start a rewarding career as a language teacher.
- Be a part of a prestigious scholarship scheme sponsored by the English Department for Education
Who can apply?
- Proficient speakers of German, French or Spanish who are interested in training to become a language teacher in a secondary school in England and possess sufficient English skills to qualify for a teacher training course in England.
To be eligible to apply, you must have:
- a 2:1, or predicted 2:1 in a Bachelor of Honours degree (or equivalent) or a relevant PhD or master's degree, or recognised equivalent.
You must also have secured a place on an eligible non-salaried language teacher training scheme in England for the 2026/27 academic year by September 2026
Why teach in England?
There is a high demand for qualified language teachers in England, particularly in German, French and Spanish. This scholarship offers a unique opportunity to:
- Earn a stable income during your training year
- Begin a respected career in the UK education system
- Benefit from long-term career opportunities in England and beyond
According to the British Council’s Language Trends England 2024 report, six out of ten secondary schools in England face challenges recruiting language teachers – this scholarship aims to help address that gap by welcoming skilled international applicants.
How to apply
Applications for the Languages Teacher Training Scholarship are now open. If you have any questions, please check the FAQs here. The deadline is 5 March. We strongly recommend that you submit your application as soon as applications open.
Please note that the British Council is not an ITT provider, and receiving the British Council scholarship does not secure you a place with a teacher training provider. It is your responsibility to secure a training place on an eligible course. You can search all available courses in England using the teacher training database, but note that only non-salaried courses leading to QTS are compatible with the British Council scholarship.
The number of training places available each year is limited, and available places are expected to fill up well in advance of courses starting for the academic year 2026/27. Please note that you can apply for the programme before having received a conditional offer from an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Provider.
The Department of Education has made changes to the eligibility requirements for the International Relocation Payments (IRP). The eligibility requirements for the scholarship remain unchanged, but international trainees due to start their training courses in the 2026/27 academic year will no longer be eligible for the IRP. Please contact your ITT provider for further details on the financial support you are eligible to receive.