Givan announces bursaries to tackle teacher shortages at post-primary
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan has today announced a new Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Bursary Scheme, aimed at tackling teacher shortages in critical post-primary subjects across Northern Ireland.
Starting from September 2026, the pilot bursary programme will incentivise high-calibre graduates and undergraduates to pursue teaching careers in subjects where recruitment challenges are most acute.
These are Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Computing, Technology and Design and Irish-Medium Education.
Speaking at the programme announcement in Stranmillis University College, Paul Givan said:
“This bursary scheme represents a strategic investment in our education system and our economy. By supporting teacher recruitment in these vital subjects, we are safeguarding the future in STEM education and ensuring our young people have access to the full breadth of learning opportunities, regardless of the school they attend.
“This is a key commitment of my TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan, which sets out my vision for a modern, forward-looking education system.
“The additional support for initial teacher education is another step in the right direction and one that I hope will bring about positive, impactful change for schools. By investing in our teachers, we are investing in the future of our children and young people.”
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:
“These bursaries will not only attract talented individuals into teaching but can also help remove financial barriers for those returning to study, such as mature students and those with caring responsibilities. It will contribute towards building a more diverse and resilient teaching workforce.”
Welcoming the announcement, representatives of Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland said: “This innovative scheme will help promote these critically important subjects to students considering a career in teaching, making these subjects a very attractive option and ensuring that our children and young people continue to have the widest range of options available to them in their studies.”
The Department of Education will work closely with the 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.
Notes to editors:
1. The bursary scheme is a key action under the TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for excellence in teaching and learning from Initial Teacher Education through to school leadership.
2. Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland include Stranmillis University College, St Mary’s University College, Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.
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