The UK is short of teachers – and a load other professions including healthcare professionals.
In a move to curb this issue, the Department for Education announced in June 2022 that teachers from overseas including Nigeria can apply for the UK’s teaching license – QTS – to be recognised and gain work as a teacher in the UK.
The Qualified Teachers Status (QTS) is a qualification that individuals in the UK gain through means of teacher’s training.
From 1st February 2023, 18 countries’ citizens will be eligible to apply for the new scheme, other countries will be added at a later date.
These 18 groups have been split into two. Teachers from the first group made up of ten countries and the EEA can apply for QTS as long as they meet the general criteria as detailed here.
READ MORE: How to apply for Teacher’s QTS from overseas
Teachers from the second group made up of seven countries can apply for QTS as long as a they too meet the general criteria AND have subject specialism in maths, science or language AND a teaching qualification to teach 11-16 years.
The first group are Australia, Canada, the EEA, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Ukraine and the USA.
The second are Nigeria, India, Jamaica, Ghana, Singapore, South Africa and Zimbabwe
Where QTS is not a viable option, there are at least three other ways to become a recognised teacher in the UK; via assessment only QTS, through teacher training or the iQTS.
If facing any issues, you can contact the Department of Education via email or on phone, 020 7593 5394.
