Student finance

Doing a teacher training course is a big investment. Do you know how much it is going to cost you and what help is available? The links below will help you find the information you need.

The cost of training in the UK

As a trainee teacher, you will usually have to pay for two things: tuition fees for your course and living costs, such as rent, food, books, transport and entertainment. Fees charged vary between courses, as well as between training providers, so check these with providers before you apply.

If you take a teacher training course in Scotland and you already live there, you will not normally be required to pay tuition fees. Check the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) website for further information.

International and EU students

If you are planning to take a teacher training course in the United Kingdom, your fee status (whether you pay full-cost fees or a subsidised fee rate) will be determined by the UK training provider you plan to attend. See the fees page in the non-UK students' section for more information.

Student loans

The purpose of student loans from the government are to help cover the costs of your tuition fees, and basic living costs (rent, bills, food etc). Two types are available: tuition fee loans, and maintenance loans. Many other kinds of loan are available to trainee teachers and the interest rate can vary considerably. However, the interest rate on a government student loan only takes inflation into account, so the overall amount will, in real terms, be the same as the amount borrowed.

Both types of student loan are available to all trainee teachers who meet the basic eligibility requirements. Find out more information from the relevant site below.

England: Student Finance England

Wales: Student Finance Wales

Scotland: Student Awards Agency for Scotland

Northern Ireland: Student Finance Northern Ireland

Student finance calculator

The Student Loans Company has created a new student finance calculator that lets you work out how much financial support you could receive. You can create and compare estimates for up to five different training providers and courses. Click on the relevant link below to start

Finance calculator - England

Finance calculator - Northern Ireland

Finance calculator - Wales

Other financial support

As well as student loans, training bursaries and grants are also available. This financial support varies depending on the subject and age range you want to teach, whether you are training in England, Wales or Scotland and your personal circumstances. For more information about the different kinds of financial support, click on the names of the organisations listed below to visit their websites.

For courses in England - Student Finance England and the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA).

For courses in Wales - Student Finance Wales and the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA).

For courses in Scotland - Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).

The training provider where you want to train will also be able to give you advice about financial support.

There is help for trainee teachers with disabilities known as the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) - see the trainee teachers with disabilities page on this site.

Managing your money

Learning to manage your money whilst doing your teacher training requires planning. You'll need to budget and live within your means - this way you'll find it much easier to support yourself without leaving with a huge debt. Read through our Managing money section for tips and advice, and use our budget calculator to help you plan your finances.