Considering iQTS abroad? Start with the school placement

Decide which teaching career you want

If your aim is school teaching, investigate the training and professional-status route that serves that aim. A language-assistant placement, an initial English-language teaching certificate and school-teacher training have different purposes. This explainer focuses on international qualified teacher status, or iQTS.

The Department for Education’s guidance says iQTS is available to UK and non-UK citizens living outside England. It combines online study with at least 24 weeks of school experience and in-person mentoring. Successful completion leads automatically to English QTS.

Check academic entry and placement feasibility

The guidance requires a bachelor’s degree, GCSE-equivalent maths and, for the relevant younger age group, science. English-language evidence is also required. Providers differ in placement arrangements: some can match applicants with schools, while others require applicants to arrange a suitable placement. Applicants are not eligible for Department for Education or Student Finance England financial support for iQTS.

Before comparing fees, ask a provider whether it operates in your location and accepts your proposed school. Then ask the school who would mentor you, what timetable would support training and how observations would fit around existing duties. A course that looks manageable online may still depend on arrangements that the school cannot offer.

Build a training plan, not just a payment plan

TeachAtlas recommends a written division of responsibilities among applicant, provider and placement school. Include time for study, classroom experience, mentoring and assessment. If you already work in a school, ask how the proposed training would interact with your contract rather than assuming all paid teaching hours count automatically.

Keep professional recognition and immigration permission as separate enquiries. Ask the destination regulator and employer what status the resulting qualification has for your intended post. Ask the relevant immigration authority about permission for your actual activities. English QTS should not be used as a shorthand answer to every country’s requirements.

Compare alternatives before committing

If you already have substantial teaching experience or an existing teaching qualification, ask whether a different route would better fit your background. Prepare a concise record of qualifications, age groups taught and responsibilities for that discussion. The useful outcome is a verified route to your intended work, with a feasible placement and transparent costs.

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