24/09/2025
Education Minister Announces £8.2m Bursary To Tackle Teacher Shortages
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a new Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Bursary Scheme, a pilot programme aimed at tackling teacher shortages in critical post-primary subjects across Northern Ireland.
The scheme, which will launch in September 2026, is a key commitment of his TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan.
The bursary will incentivise high-calibre graduates and undergraduates to pursue teaching careers in subjects where recruitment challenges are most acute. These include: Mathematics; Chemistry; Physics; Computing; Technology and Design; Irish-Medium Education.
Speaking at the announcement at Stranmillis University College, Mr Givan described the bursary as a "strategic investment in our education system and our economy." He said that by supporting teacher recruitment in these vital subjects, the Department is safeguarding the future in STEM education and ensuring young people have access to the full range of learning opportunities.
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 that these bursaries will not only attract talented individuals but also help to remove financial barriers for those returning to study, such as mature students and those with caring responsibilities. He said it would contribute towards building a more diverse and resilient teaching workforce.
Representatives from Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland welcomed the announcement, stating that the scheme will help promote these "critically important subjects to students considering a career in teaching."
The Department of Education will work closely with 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.
The scheme, which will launch in September 2026, is a key commitment of his TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan.
The bursary will incentivise high-calibre graduates and undergraduates to pursue teaching careers in subjects where recruitment challenges are most acute. These include: Mathematics; Chemistry; Physics; Computing; Technology and Design; Irish-Medium Education.
Speaking at the announcement at Stranmillis University College, Mr Givan described the bursary as a "strategic investment in our education system and our economy." He said that by supporting teacher recruitment in these vital subjects, the Department is safeguarding the future in STEM education and ensuring young people have access to the full range of learning opportunities.
The Minister added that these bursaries will not only attract talented individuals but also help to remove financial barriers for those returning to study, such as mature students and those with caring responsibilities. He said it would contribute towards building a more diverse and resilient teaching workforce.
Representatives from Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland welcomed the announcement, stating that the scheme will help promote these "critically important subjects to students considering a career in teaching."
The Department of Education will work closely with 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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.