Teaching in Scotland

The route into teaching in Scotland is different from the rest of the UK. Discover the qualifications you'll need to hold and the deadlines you'll need to meet to get the ball rolling

Is there a demand for teachers in Scotland?

There is demand from all local authorities for secondary subject teachers particularly in STEM subjects. Demand for primary school teachers is mostly in rural areas, and the Scottish Government has a drive to encourage more teachers to work in these locations.

What qualifications do I need to teach in Scotland?

To teach in Scotland you'll need a degree and a teaching qualification gained through Initial Teacher Education (ITE).

To gain a teaching qualification (primary education) you need one of the following:

a four-year combined undergraduate degree programme leading to a named award which includes a teaching qualification
a four-year concurrent undergraduate degree programme leading to a named award and a separate teaching qualification
a PGDE programme following an undergraduate degree
a postgraduate or integrated Masters programme including a teaching qualification.

A teaching qualification (secondary education) is awarded in a particular subject or subjects once you complete any of these:

a four-year combined undergraduate degree
a combined undergraduate degree or a concurrent undergraduate degree including studying a subject, studying education, and school experience
a PGDE programme following an undergraduate degree
a postgraduate or integrated Masters programme including a teaching qualification.

Requirements vary between courses and whether you want to teach primary or secondary education. You can take a look at The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTC Scotland) for specific entry criteria.

Before starting an ITE programme you must:

have appropriate levels of English (SCQF Level 6) and Mathematics (SCQF Level 5)
be competent in the use of digital technology appropriate to use in teaching and learning
demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills and attributes and dispositions which will allow you to engage young people, colleagues and partners in effective collaboration.

Prior classroom experience isn't compulsory, but being able to demonstrate your enthusiasm to teach, as well as talk about the skills you've picked up from doing so, will strengthen your application.

It is a legal requirement that you register with GTC Scotland before being employed as a teacher. You’ll also need to become a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. By signing up to PVG you'll help training providers identify candidates who are barred from working with disabled or young people.

Where can I get a teaching qualification in Scotland?

There are currently 11 higher education institutions offering ITE programmes:

Edinburgh Napier University
Queen Margaret University
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
University of Aberdeen
University of Dundee
University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
University of the Highlands and Islands
University of Stirling
University of Strathclyde
University of the West of Scotland

Each university has its own entry requirements in addition to the qualifications listed above, so check with them directly before applying.

What is the teaching probationary period?

Once you've completed your ITE, and before you've gained full registration status, you'll enter your probationary period. You can complete your probationary period in one of two ways:

The Teacher Induction Scheme ensures a one-year teaching post in a local Scottish authority for all students who have recently obtained their teaching qualifications from a Scottish university. You'll be allocated a post in one of five authorities of your choice. Throughout the year you'll have a maximum class commitment time of 82% to allow for your professional development, as well as access to a mentor teacher for support and guidance.
The Flexible Route is for candidates who can't commit to a full-time position, have dropped out or aren't eligible for the Teacher Induction Scheme, would like to become fully registered in a second subject or would like to complete their probation somewhere other than a Scottish school. The Flexible Route allows you up to three years to complete your probationary period. You'll document your professional development, which can take the form of supply teaching, teaching in the Scottish independent sector or teaching outside of Scotland.

How do I apply to become a teacher in Scotland?

You need to register and apply in your UCAS Hub where you’ll need to provide some personal details along with your finance options. You’ll be able to save your progress so you don’t need to complete it in one go. You can choose up to five courses and you’ll need to write a personal statement detailing your passion and commitment for teaching, as well as any relevant experience.

During your ITE programme you'll be invited to apply for Provisional Registration at GTC

Scotland. You'll be asked to disclose your five chosen locations for undertaking the Teacher Induction Scheme in preference order as part of your application. It pays to be open-minded - if you're willing to complete your probation anywhere in Scotland, you could receive a bursary of up to £8,000 and a subsidy on your tax and national insurance payments.

When do I apply?

As you submit your application for teacher training in Scotland through UCAS, the same application dates and deadlines apply as those set for institutions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is usually around September each year.

How much does teacher training in Scotland cost?

The 2025/26 tuition fees for both undergraduate and PGDE courses are £1,820 for students from Scotland.

Scottish residents can expect their course fees to be paid by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). You'll need to reapply to SAAS for each academic year you require funding.

However, if you're a resident of England, Wales or Northern Ireland and hoping to study in Scotland, you'll be required to pay a tuition fee set by the institution you're applying to. This fee can be covered by a student loan from your home funding body the same way it would if you were studying at home.

For more information, contact:

Is funding available?

If you're a Scottish resident, not only will your tuition fees be paid by SAAS, but you'll also receive a maintenance loan, as well as a non-repayable bursary in some cases.

How much additional funding you'll receive will be worked out based on your household income. The maximum yearly amount on offer is £8,100 (comprised of a £6,100 student loan and £2,000 bursary), which you'll qualify for if you're from a household with a combined income of less than £20,999 per annum.

You may still be eligible for funding if you've received funding for a previous degree.

There are also a number of living grants on offer for Scottish residents - SAAS has additional funding opportunities for students who are single parents or who have adult dependants. The Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is available to those who qualify - you may have to complete a needs assessment to prove your eligibility.

You'll be entitled to a maintenance loan if you're a student from England, Wales or Northern Ireland, which you'll receive from your home funding body. Contact your chosen institution for guidance on the additional funding you could receive, in the form of scholarships and bursaries.

The teaching bursary in Scotland provides £20,000 to incentivise career changers into teacher training in:

computing science
chemistry
Gaelic as a secondary subject
Gaelic medium across all secondary subjects and in primary
home economics
maths
physics
technical education.

See Study in Scotland - Funding and Fees for more information on funding opportunities.

Where do I find out about teaching jobs in Scotland?

Throughout your teacher training and probation year, you'll be open to teaching opportunities through the contacts you make. You can also search for jobs on the following websites:

Alternatively, search graduate teaching jobs in Scotland.

Find out more

Gain an insight into the teacher training and education sector.
For more information, visit Teach in Scotland.