If you're teaching internationally and looking for a qualification that is formally recognised by the UK government, the International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) was created specifically for you.
Delivered online by the University of Buckingham — one of the UK’s leading providers of teacher training — the iQTS allows educators outside the UK to qualify as a teacher without leaving their current role. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is iQTS?
International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) is a professional teaching qualification created by the UK government for those living and working outside the UK. Trainees can study from anywhere in the world.
Those who achieve iQTS are automatically awarded a teaching licence by England’s Department for Education, qualifying them to teach in England. This licence is widely recognised internationally — making iQTS one of the most portable teaching qualifications available today.
Who Is It For?
iQTS is open to both UK and non-UK citizens. You do not need prior teaching experience to apply. The course is designed for those who want to:
- Teach primary (ages 5–11) or secondary (ages 11–18) pupils
- Gain an internationally recognised teaching qualification
- Qualify for an English Teaching Licence, accepted in many countries worldwide
- Study flexibly alongside an existing teaching role
- Deepen their understanding of education theory and classroom practice
Course Details
- Format: 100% online with live lectures
- Duration: 37 weeks
- Start date: September 2026
- Cost: £8,300 (iQTS with PGCE: £9,300)
Trainees can also choose to study iQTS alongside the PGCE — gaining both qualifications at a discounted combined rate.
What Will You Study?
The course trains teachers in the core skills and methodologies required to become an effective classroom practitioner:
- Setting high expectations
- Understanding how pupils learn
- Subject and curriculum knowledge
- Planning and teaching well-structured lessons
- Adapting to individual pupil needs
- Assessment and feedback
- Managing behaviour effectively
- Professional responsibilities
Why Study Online?
The University of Buckingham’s iQTS is designed to be studied alongside a teaching role — because that’s where real learning happens.
“We know that learning on-the-job is the most effective way of becoming a good teacher and being able to practise what we are telling you to do in the classroom week in, week out.”
— Prof. Barnaby Lenon CBE, Dean of Education, University of Buckingham
Throughout the course, you will:
- Attend live online lectures with fellow trainees
- Work with a school-based mentor who observes your lessons
- Receive guidance from a University of Buckingham tutor
- Access an online study platform with tasks and assignments
- Receive an in-person visit from a University-appointed tutor
Entry Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree
- A maths qualification equivalent to UK GCSE grade 4 or above
- A science qualification equivalent to UK GCSE grade 4 (for those teaching ages 3–11)
- Excellent written and verbal English language skills
- A school placement arranged for the duration of study
No prior teaching experience is required.
Why Study with Buckingham International School of Education?
All courses are delivered by the University of Buckingham, an elite private UK university with over 20 years’ experience in online teacher training. The iQTS programme has a 100% pass rate.
As the University’s sole international partner, Buckingham International School of Education (BISE) provides full application support and pre-screening at no additional cost to international applicants.
Ready to Apply?
Applications for September 2026 are now open. Visit our courses page for full details, or contact our admissions team at [email protected].
You can also join one of our live webinars to hear directly from the University of Buckingham team and ask your questions.