NI bursary scheme to tackle post-primary teacher gaps

Education minister Paul Givan has announced a bursary scheme to encourage more people to train as teachers in subjects facing acute shortages across Northern Ireland.

The pilot programme, due to begin in September 2026, will target mathematics, chemistry, physics, computing, technology and design, and Irish-medium education. It is expected to cost £8.2m over five years.

Under the scheme, post-graduate students studying for a Post-graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in these subjects will receive £17k a year. The package includes £1,000 a month for living costs as well as full coverage of tuition fees. Bachelor of Education (BEd) students will have their tuition fees paid for all four years of their course.

According to Givan, the bursaries would support recruitment into “vital subjects” and form part of his TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan. 

Givan added: “By investing in our teachers, we are investing in the future of our children and young people.”

He also said the financial support could benefit mature students and those with caring responsibilities, helping to “build a more diverse and resilient teaching workforce”.

Higher education institutions in Northern Ireland welcomed the move, saying the scheme would make teaching in shortage subjects “a very attractive option” for students.

The Department of Education will develop the programme in partnership with local universities and the Department for the Economy. It will also commission an independent evaluation to measure its impact.

Further details, including application guidance, are due to be published on the Department’s website in the coming months.