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Posted March 21, 2018
How Much Does A PGCE Cost?
A PGCE is a worthwhile investment as it leads directly to a career in teaching, which is both fulfilling as well as being a very secure profession. In this article we’re going to look at how much a PGCE costs.
PGCE costs
To study a PGCE in the UK as a home student, the tuition fees will cost £9,250 for a one-year full-time course. Tuition fees for EU and international students start at £12,500 but can be more, depending on the institution.
Other costs associated with studying a PGCE include living costs, travel costs and additional supplies (eg books and other teaching materials). It is important to consider these additional costs when budgeting for a PGCE.
PGCEs are typically funded by a combination of tuition loans, maintenance loans, bursaries and scholarships. This means that there are usually a variety of way to cover PGCE costs, each of which are discussed in more detail later in this article.
Different ways to fund your PGCE
There is plenty of funding available for PGCE students who wish to train to become teachers including a good selection of teaching bursaries. These options mainly include:
- Tuition fee loans
- Maintenance loans
- Bursaries and scholarships
- University bursaries
- Salaried training
- Disabled student financial support
Tuition fee loans – you can apply for tuition fee loan of up to £9,250 to cover your teacher training, so you do not need to pay course fees upfront.
Maintenance loans – you can apply for a maintenance loan of up to £12,667 to help with PGCE living costs. The amount of maintenance loan you can apply for will depend on your household income and whether you are living/studying in London.
Bursaries & scholarships – if you have an undergraduate degree of a 2:2 or above and want to teach, you may qualify for a bursary of up to £26,000. For those who wish to teach subjects that are in demand, like mathematics, then you could qualify for a grant of up to £30,000, which is given as a £20,000 bursary during your course and then a further £10,000 once you start teaching.
Postgraduate teaching bursaries and scholarships are only available for the subjects listed below. You cannot receive both a teaching bursary and a scholarship.
|
Subject |
Bursary |
Scholarship |
|
Biology |
£10,000 |
|
|
Chemistry |
£24,000 |
£26,000 |
|
Computing |
£24,000 |
£26,000 |
|
Design and technology |
£15,000 |
|
|
Geography |
£15,000 |
|
|
Languages (including ancient languages) |
£15,000 |
|
|
Maths |
£24,000 |
£26,000 |
|
Physics |
£24,000 |
£26,000 |
University bursaries – sometimes your chosen university will offer additional help in funding your PGCE. For example, the University of Portsmouth offers £1,000 bursaries to all students on their Primary PGCE.
Salaried training – the School Direct route to teacher training is a salaried way to earn a teaching qualification while working at a school. The School Direct route provides the teacher trainee with an unqualified teacher's salary from the school, and the cost of their training is also covered. Most School Direct training courses include a PGCE qualification, however not all of them do so check with the training provider before applying.
Disabled student financial support – Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) covers study-related costs incurred as a result of mental health problems, long-term illness or any other disability. DSA can be paid on its own or in addition to other student finance that the student is eligible for, and the amount of financial support received depends on the student’s individual needs. Postgraduate students can get up to £25,575 a year. Students do not need to pay back DSA.
How much are PGCE tuition fees?
Most institutions in England and Wales charge around £9,250 for the PGCE year for UK students. For EU and international students, the tuition fees can be anything from £12,500 up to over £30,000 for the PGCE year, for example, the University of Cambridge charges overseas students £31,602 for their PGCE tuition fees.
Part-time PGCE tuition fees for UK students are £6,935 per year.
In Scotland the fees for the PGCE (known in Scotland as a PGDE – Postgraduate Diploma in Education) are charged at the undergraduate rate of £1,820 for Scottish, £9,250 for students from the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and £21,200 for EU and international students.
Online PGCE tuition fees vary according to the institution and the duration of the course.
PGCE course costs
Attending your PGCE course will have additional costs, as will attending your teaching placements. You should budget for around £100 each semester for additional expenses like books and other materials for your course but this amount will depend on you and on your institution.
Many institutions arrange travel to and from your placements but do ask about this so you can budget for it if you need to. Other costs might include supplies that you wish to use, but the school you are working in should be able to help with these. Further costs to budget for could include lunches away from home.
Online PGCE course costs will depend on where you study the on-campus sessions.
How much are PGCE living costs?
PGCE living costs depend on whether you choose to stay at home or move to your university town.
If you are attending a course away from home, then you are going to have a few extra settling in costs. Rent in the UK can vary depending on what you want to rent, and where you want to rent it. If you don't mind sharing with others, costs can be from between around £300 to £800 per month for standard student accommodation.
Don't forget about the costs of daily commuting to and from your course as well as that all-important socialising and relaxing outside of your course. The costs of feeding yourself can vary from a cheap £30 per week upwards, this really depends on your lifestyle and diet.
If you are leaving a career to retrain as a teacher, then you need to think about how your lifestyle might need to change over the hectic PGCE year to keep living costs down.
PGCE costs for EU and international students
Since 2021, the PGCE costs for EU students in the UK is for the most part the same as that of international students at the individual universities. However, the costs do differ between universities for EU and international students, for example at Leeds Trinity University, EU and International students are all charged £12,500 for their PGCE tuition fees, whereas at the University of Cambridge the PGCE tuition fees are £31,602.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals that have lived in the UK since before 31st December 2020 can take advantage of the EU Withdrawal Agreement and, if they have achieved settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, can continue to have access to UK university home fees and UK Government funding.
If you are a European national currently residing in the UK and considering postgraduate study, it is worth finding out if you are eligible to register under the EU Settlement Scheme, as a successful application for settled status would make you eligible to pay home fees.
Additional costs for EU and international students include relocation costs of moving to the UK from their home countries. Students will need to budget for return trips home, as well as the costs of rent, bills, travel to their university and placements schools, food, books and general living costs.
EU and international students can look to various places for their funding. Some universities will offer bursaries and scholarships to students based on need, proven academic skills and/or nationality. Students could also try and find PGCE funding from their own country – it is always worth checking with your home government and related education bodies to see what PGCE funding is available.
Considerations before choosing your PGCE
When choosing your PGCE program there are various things you should bear in mind.
How much does the PGCE cost? As we have seen, although most UK universities have the same tuition fees for PGCEs, there are some differences. Check the PGCE cost of the university that you want to study at to make sure you can cover tour costs.
Does it include QTS? Again, although most PGCEs include QTS, it is worth checking that your preferred course includes this if you want to be qualified to teach once you complete your PGCE.
Amount of teaching experience. Universities require PGCE students to have a certain amount of teaching experience to make them eligible to study on their PGCE, and this may differ between institutions. Make sure you have the right amount of teaching experience to apply to your preferred PGCE.
Expected study commitment. As well as spending time getting teaching experience in the classroom, PGCE students will also need to attend lectures, tutorials and workshops tutorials. Make sure you have time to meet the expected study commitment time.
Available funding. Check the amount of PGCE funding you are eligible for and make sure you apply for it in good time. If you are worried about funding your PGCE it’s worth considering a university that will offer you an additional bursary towards your studies.
Bnstitution’s employment success post-graduation. Universities should publish their employment figures post-graduation. If gainful employment is your next step, it’s important to consider this. Also, some universities will have better and stronger links with schools, if you think you might need help making contacts in the education industry, this could be ab important factor.
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47 comments
Charlotte King Nov. 29, 2018, 9:23 a.m.
In the UK tax free funding of up to £28,000 is available for PGCE students - you can find out more here > https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-my-teacher-training
MZe Bem Patrick Dec. 7, 2018, 10:18 a.m.
With pass/ ordinary degree can I go for pgce or PGD in this university?
Charlotte King Dec. 7, 2018, 10:21 a.m.
What university are you interested in? You should be able to study a PGCE at a UK university with a pass at BA level.
Randall April 14, 2019, 4:23 p.m.
I am a South African with a B-Tech degree. I have 10 years of ESL teaching experience and would like to be funded for a PGCE in the UK. Who can I email for more help? Thanks.
Charlotte King April 16, 2019, 3:53 p.m.
Hi Randall,
Check with the UK Government's funding website in case you are eligible for any funding >
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-my-teacher-training
Also, once you have been offered a place on a PGCE you will be eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions study Bursaries worth £500 >
https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/
Good luck finding funding.
Peter May 4, 2019, 2:30 p.m.
Hi Charlotte,
I have a PhD in Intellectual History, I have been published in the top academic journals and I’m now working on a monograph. I’ve also taught on numerous undergraduate modules at university. However I’m considering teaching at college (16-18) level given the difficulty of a career in academia nowadays. Do you have any advice, either in regards a PGCE or any other routes in view of my qualifications? Many thanks.
Peter
Charlotte King May 7, 2019, 8:37 p.m.
Hi Peter,
With your qualifications I think you should be eligible to apply to study a PGCE . This will take you one year to complete and there is plenty of funding available >
https://www.postgrad.com/subjects/teaching_education/pgce_funding/
Once you have been eligible to study a a PGCE you will be able to apply for one of our £500 Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries >
https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/
Good luck,
Charlotte
Martin Gattuso June 21, 2019, 2:27 p.m.
Hi Charlotte,
I'm interested in teaching primary education and especially drama and movement. I have a diploma in dance and a degree in Japanese.i currently work as an ESL teacher in Asia. What's my best route in? Where to start?
Thanks,
M.
Charlotte King June 25, 2019, 8:20 a.m.
Hi Martin,
To study a PGCE you'll need to demonstrate GCSE grade C / 4 (or standard equivalent) in maths and English – and a science subject for primary trainees. If you don’t meet this entry criteria, your training provider may ask you to sit a GCSE, equivalency test, or offer other evidence to demonstrate your ability. You'll also need a degree or degree equivalent.
Here is a link to the UK Government information on eligibility requirements for studying a PGCE in the UK >
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/eligibility-for-teacher-training
I hope this helps.
Charlotte
dr. punit goyal June 29, 2019, 9:39 a.m.
thanks for sharing this such an informative post
Nancy Sept. 12, 2019, 6:03 p.m.
Hi,
I have no BA, Just high school graduate
Can I apply for PGCE?!
Charlotte King Sept. 15, 2019, 9:49 a.m.
Hi Nancy,
According the official UK Government Teaching page you need to have a degree or be working towards a degree (or relevant overseas qualification to be eligible to study a PGCE >
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/eligibility-for-teacher-training
Charlotte
Ruqayya Siddiqi Oct. 2, 2019, 1:15 p.m.
I would like to enrol my self for PGCE Program. Please do guide me
Charlotte King Oct. 3, 2019, 1:22 p.m.
Our section on Teaching & Education provides plenty of information about studying a PGCE and what it involves >
https://www.postgrad.com/subjects/teaching_education/
And once you’re sure that it’s the right academic and career path for you our Getting Into Teaching Blog offers advice on how to get enrolled on a course >
https://www.postgrad.com/blog/Getting-Into-Teaching/
Good luck!
Charlotte
Neelam Muhammad Oct. 18, 2019, 7:15 a.m.
Hi I want to know that I had done masters in environmental science from my country if I want to apply for this course can I apply and how much will be the fees Thanks
Charlotte King Oct. 18, 2019, 8:09 a.m.
As long as you have GCSE equivalent in Maths and English and an undergraduate degree you should be eligible to apply for a PGCE in the UK. Course fees for students from outside of the EU range from £16,500 up to £25,200 for the year. Fo those students within the EU they are currently just over £9,000.
The UK Government's Getting Into Teaching page has lots of advice on the application process > https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/
Good luck!
Maha Nov. 24, 2019, 4:46 a.m.
I need advice , I'm currently working in Qatar as a music/violin teacher and would like to have a certificate in education. so I have 2 questions :
1- should I take PGCE in Music or in Education in general (all curricula)
2- Should I quit my job and move to the UK for a year to take the PGCE with QTS or PGCEi is enough since I don't think I plan to teach in the UK ?
Thanks
Dorothy Shaw Nov. 26, 2019, 7:33 p.m.
I have an enquiry for a Libyan friend. He was teaching Chemistry in university in Libya, has a PhD in chemistry and hopes to teach here in England...he has a family and is currently unemployed, is there any funding for him?(
Charlotte King Dec. 1, 2019, 6:27 p.m.
Hi Maha,
If you are interested in being a music teacher at secondary school then studying a PHCE in Music like this one at UCL is probably your best option >
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/courses/teacher-training/music-pgce
If you can take the time to study the course in the UK it will also give you more flexibility to teach in the UK should you change your mind.
Good luck.
Charlotte King Dec. 1, 2019, 6:29 p.m.
Hi Dorothy. If your friend is planning to come to the UK to study a postgraduate program he can apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500. Here are the details > https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/
Gemma Jan. 30, 2020, 7:11 a.m.
Hi,
I have a degree in International Hospitality Management . I was wondering if is possible to do a PGCE in primary?
Charlotte King Feb. 2, 2020, 11:38 a.m.
Hi Gemma – to study a PGCE you'll need to demonstrate GCSE grade C / 4 (or standard equivalent) in Maths and English – and a science subject for primary trainees. If you don’t meet this entry criteria, your training provider may ask you to sit a GCSE, equivalency test, or offer other evidence to demonstrate your ability.
You'll also need a degree or degree equivalent.
Here is a link to the UK Government information on eligibility requirements for studying a PGCE in the UK >
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/eligibility-for-teacher-training
Good luck!
Rams Feb. 20, 2020, 9:50 a.m.
I am a Citizen of the republic of Botswana,Southern Africa.I would like to be sponsored for a Post Graduate Diploma in Education.I hold Diploma in Pastoral Theology ,BA in Humanities,double Majors in History and Theology and Religious Studies.I therefore need funding.help please.
Steve Mandell Feb. 22, 2020, 4:30 a.m.
If I choose to do a PGCE, but have lived abroad for a number of years, do I have to pay international fees?
I do have a British passport.
Shah Feb. 26, 2020, 12:47 a.m.
Hi,
I am an internatioanal candidate and I have a PhD in Chemistry. I am planning to be enrolled in a PGCE course in the UK. Can I find a secondary school Chemistry teacher job in the UK after my PGCE?
Anna March 2, 2020, 10:17 p.m.
Hi,
I am extremely keen to do my PGCE in UK and will be an international student if I get accepted to the program. I have a couple of questions:
1) On completion of the PGCE, is there a possibility of being hired as a teacher in London when I have only a foreign passport and no work permit?
2) I am over 60 years of age. Though I am still in active employment (not as teacher) in my home country, are there any chances that UK schools will be willing to hire an older new teacher and give a work permit once I finish my PGCE ?
Thank you for your time!
Charlotte King March 3, 2020, 8:17 a.m.
Hi Rams _ you are eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 > https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/
Good luck!
Charlotte King March 3, 2020, 8:20 a.m.
Hi Steve – if you hold a British passport and are still a British resident I think you will be eligible for home tuition fees and also to the Government funding opportunities. There is more information on funding here > https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-my-teacher-training
Charlotte King March 3, 2020, 8:21 a.m.
Hi Shah – if you have the relevant visa and work permits I would imagine you will be in high demand as a secondary school Chemistry teacher as these are in high demand in the UK! Good luck
Charlotte King March 3, 2020, 8:23 a.m.
Hi Anna - UK schools will be happy to employ an older teacher – however to gain employment you will need the relevant work permits and visas to live and study in the UK.
William Kinsey Aug. 19, 2020, 11:12 p.m.
Dear Charlotte
I would like to take PGCE in the UK.
I have a BSc from a Canadian University (U of Calgary) with 3.0/4.0 GPA Plus 10+ years of ESL teaching Abroad/Overseas experience. Additionally, I have a TEFL Teaching Certificate Diploma.
Moreover I have a UK passport- I am a full British Citizen, but have not lived in the UK since 2001.
Would that satisfy the pre-requisites and would I qualify for funding, loans or bursaries? How much would these be ?
Thank You in Advance Charlotte
Regards
William
Paul Aug. 25, 2020, 6:33 p.m.
If I am accepted on a course PGCE subject to health screening, and pay the fees upfront, will I be refunded my fees if I fail the screening and as a result am unable to start course?
Reham Aug. 27, 2020, 11:56 p.m.
Hello,
I have a question, I’m social studies teacher and I’m social studies teacher and I want to take PGCE in social studies. How much does it cost this online course, and can I pay them in different installments, and about how much is each installment please. Thanks in advance
Charlotte King Sept. 1, 2020, 5:21 p.m.
Hi William,
If you are a UK citizen you should be eligible for UK Government funding – there is a good selection of bursaries and scholarships available and this URL will provide you with more information >
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-my-teacher-training/bursaries-and-scholarships-for-teacher-training
Once you have been offered a place on a PGCE course at any UK university you will also be eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 each >
https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/
Good luck!
Charlotte
Charlotte King Sept. 1, 2020, 5:23 p.m.
Hi Paul – I advise you to discuss this issue with the admissions team at your university to ensure that your tuition fees are fully refundable on the off chance that you fail to meet the health screen requirements. I'm sure they'll be happy to help. Good luck!
Charlotte King Sept. 1, 2020, 5:30 p.m.
Hi Reham,
The cost of a PGCE in Social Studies will depend on whether you are a Home/EU student or an International student, it will also depend on what institution you choose to study at. Approximate tuition fees are around £9,000 for UK/Home students and £17,000 for International students. Some universities will offer the option to pay in instalments so check with the admissions office to see if this is an option.
Good luck!
Kevin Sept. 29, 2020, 2:44 p.m.
Hi,
I am Kevin from Kenya, I have a bachelor's degree in education science ( biology/Agriculture) I would like to be employed as unqualified teacher in primary as I persue PGCE what's the route to follow. Thanks
Charlotte King Oct. 13, 2020, 8:32 a.m.
Hi Kevin. Independent (private) schools in the UK are able to employ unqualified teachers, whereas state school require the teachers to have qualified status. If you want to go down the state route you may be able to get some unpaid work experience in a school whilst you are studying a PGCE. Good luck!
Tasneem Madre June 21, 2021, 3 p.m.
Hello, I have a masters in Physics and 14 years of teaching experience in India. I have recently shift to UK and I m interested in teaching here. I am here on dependant visa .can you guide me as to how I can complete my QTS and what will be it’s cost
Charlotte King July 1, 2021, 4:54 p.m.
The UK government website on PGCE and teacher training contains plenty of useful information > https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/
And if you check their funding section you can put in your details and find out if you are eligible for any of the funding opportunities >
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-your-training#tuition-fee-and-maintenance-loans
K.R.Lailambika Nov. 21, 2021, 3:07 p.m.
I am aKendriyaVidyalaya teacher with2 national awards &37 years teaching experience (PGTCHEMISTRY. )CanI get a teachers post in London,&completePGCE with some financial assistance. I am with PG in Chemistry &English &BEd.Aged 61,can I dream for it?
Charlotte King Nov. 22, 2021, 8:43 a.m.
The UK Government website has plenty of useful information about training as a teacher in the UK > https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/
And if you get offered a place on a PGCE program you will be eligible to apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500 > https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
Good luck following your dreams.
Ogunjobi Comfort Jan. 3, 2022, 5:10 a.m.
I have B. Ed in primary education from a Nigeria teacher's training university. I will like to have a pgce in my line of work.
I presently teaches in a government school.
However I want to step up my relevancy.
Kindly help provide information on how I can obtain a relevant pgce in Primary education minding a relatively affordable program.
Charlotte King Jan. 5, 2022, 2:07 p.m.
Hi Comfort – the most affordable option is probably studying an online PGCE. This URL has a details of all the online PGCEs currently available to study in England >
https://www.postgrad.com/search/postgraduate-programs/all/online-distance-learning/pgce/
Mushtaq Ahmed Malik Feb. 24, 2022, 5:46 p.m.
Good Evening,
A state school teacher from Kashmir, India-I've been in the service for 20 years now, teaching English and science to classes 3-6.I 've got a terrific flair for teaching in Britain. What's the best mode to land in and where to start from?
Charlotte King March 8, 2022, 9:58 a.m.
Hi Malik. If you want to teach in a state school in the UK you should first complete a PGCE – here are the details of eligibility, costs, etc from the UK government >
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/
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Kefilwe Dire Nov. 28, 2018, 12:33 a.m.
I want to study pgce i have my bachelor degree , im not woking i need to be funded