Minister has today announced a new
Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Bursary Scheme, aimed at tackling
teacher shortages in critical post-primary subjects across
Northern Ireland.
pictured with Professor Hagan, St Mary's University
College, Professor Heggarty MBE, Stranmillis University College and
Professor Miller, Queen's University Belfast, at the announcement
of the new Initial Teacher Education Bursary Scheme at Stranmillis
University College." width="300" height="200" loading="eager">
Education Minister pictured with Professor Hagan, St Mary's University
College, Professor Heggarty MBE, Stranmillis University College and
Professor Miller, Queen's University Belfast, at the announcement
of the new Initial Teacher Ed
Starting from September 2026, the pilot bursary programme will
incentivise high-calibre graduates and undergraduates to pursue
teaching careers in subjects where recruitment challenges are
most acute.
These are Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Computing, Technology
and Design and Irish-Medium Education.
Speaking at the programme announcement in Stranmillis University
College, said:
“This bursary scheme represents a strategic investment in our
education system and our economy. By supporting teacher
recruitment in these vital subjects, we are safeguarding the
future in STEM education and ensuring our young people have
access to the full breadth of learning opportunities, regardless
of the school they attend.
“This is a key commitment of my TransformED Strategy and Delivery
Plan, which sets out my vision for a modern, forward-looking
education system.
“The additional support for initial teacher education is another
step in the right direction and one that I hope will bring about
positive, impactful change for schools. By investing in our
teachers, we are investing in the future of our children and
young people.”
Under the scheme, Post-graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
students in the selected subjects will receive a combined bursary
of £17,000 per annum, which includes £1,000 per month for living
costs and full coverage of tuition fees. Bachelor of Education
(BEd) undergraduate students will receive a tuition fee bursary
covering the full cost of fees for each of the four years of
study.
The Minister added:
“These bursaries will not only attract talented individuals into
teaching but can also help remove financial barriers for those
returning to study, such as mature students and those with caring
responsibilities. It will contribute towards building a more
diverse and resilient teaching workforce.”
Welcoming the announcement, representatives of Higher Education
Institutions in Northern Ireland said: “This innovative scheme
will help promote these critically important subjects to students
considering a career in teaching, making these subjects a very
attractive option and ensuring that our children and young people
continue to have the widest range of options available to them in
their studies.”
The Department of Education will work closely with the local
Higher Education Institutions and the Department for the Economy
to develop the scheme, which is backed by a projected investment
of £8.2 million over five financial years. The scheme will be
independently evaluated to assess its effectiveness.
Further details about the 2026 bursary scheme, including how to
apply, will be published on the Department's website in the
coming months.
Notes to editors:
1. The bursary scheme is a key action under the TransformED
Strategy and Delivery Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for
excellence in teaching and learning from Initial Teacher
Education through to school leadership.
2. Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland include
Stranmillis University College, St Mary's University College,
Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University.
