Train as a language teacher in England – with funding from the British Council and Department for Education
Are you passionate about languages and ready to start a rewarding international career? The British Council, in partnership with the UK Department for Education, is offering 175 scholarships to support talented individuals training to become modern foreign language teachers in secondary schools in England.
Each scholarship is worth £28,000 (approx. €33,000) and includes:
- A tax-free grant to support your teacher training year
- Ongoing professional development and mentoring
- Access to an international network of teaching professionals
Who can apply?
We are looking for proficient speakers of German, French or Spanish with a strong academic background and a genuine interest in teaching. To be eligible, you must:
- Have a 2:1 or predicted 2:1 in a Bachelor of Honours degree (or equivalent), or a relevant Master’s or PhD
- Secure a place on a non-salaried language teacher training course in England (leading to Qualified Teacher Status, QTS) for the 2025/26 academic year by September 2025
- Demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to undertake training in England
Previous teaching experience is welcome but not essential. Applicants will go through a document check and virtual interview, including a short presentation in English and their target teaching language.
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 are open until 16 June 2025. You can apply before or after securing your place on a teacher training course, but please note:
- The British Council is not a training provider—you are responsible for applying to and securing a place on an eligible course
- Only non-salaried secondary teacher training courses in England leading to QTS are eligible
You can search available training courses via the Department for Education’s teacher training database.
For more information, FAQS, and to apply, visit our global website.
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 2025/26.