Frequently asked questions

Develop the next generation of physicists and engineers.

I come from a country outside of the UK. Can I apply?

The criteria for funding of scholarships matches the criteria set by the Department for Education (DfE) for all training bursary funding. You will need to be qualified as a home student for the purpose of paying tuition fees by your training provider.

For information on eligibility for funding please visit the UK government Student Finance website. You will be asked to confirm your eligibility for student finance on the scholarship application form.

Non-UK trainees should read train to teach in England: non-UK applicants.

Teacher training providers and the Get into Teaching service can both help and advise on matters of funding eligibility.

I have an overseas degree. Am I able to apply?

Yes, providing your degree is equivalent to the UK degree requirements stated above. You should obtain a Statement of Comparability from UK ENIC prior to applying. The Get into Teaching service can help with this and may cover the cost of the statement, depending on your circumstances.

Do I need a physics degree?

No, however, you are very unlikely to be given a place on a course unless your degree contains sufficient physics content (examples include engineering, sports science or astronomy).

I graduated some time ago. Does this matter?

Not at all, your experiences since graduating could be very valuable to becoming a teacher. Make sure you highlight your relevant transferable skills on your application. Think about how your life experiences and your career history to date can benefit students’ perception of how physics makes the world around them work. What could you bring into a classroom to help them make that ‘light bulb’ connection moment?

I'm not due to graduate until later in the year. Can I still apply?

Yes you can, providing your predicted grade is a 2.1 or above.

Will I also get the government's training bursary?

No. If you are awarded a scholarship it will be instead of the government training bursary, it’s only one or the other.

Can I apply if I want to do a part-time training course?

Yes. The scholarship support you receive will be the same, but your payments will be pro-rated over the duration of your course.

Can I apply if I want to do a salaried training course?

No. You are only eligible for a scholarship if you are intending to enrol on an unsalaried training course.

I am going to be training to teach in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Can I apply?

No. IOP Scholarships can only be awarded to those training to teach in England. Please follow the links for more information if you will be training to teach in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

I don’t want to start training until later. Can I defer my application?

No. We cannot defer applications.

I am taking a teacher training course that leads to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS), not QTS. Can I apply?

No. You must secure a place on a secondary teacher training course that leads to QTS.

Once I submit my application, how long typically will it take until I hear back from the IOP?

We aim to respond to all applicants via email within four weeks after the deadline has closed for the scholarship round in which you applied.

Who funds the scholarship?

We recommend candidates to the Department for Education (DfE), which is responsible for funding the award

How will the scholarship be paid?

If you’re enrolled on a non-salaried postgraduate course and meet the eligibility criteria, you will begin receiving payments automatically from your chosen teacher training provider when you begin your course. Get into Teaching has further details on how you will be paid.

If I am unsuccessful, can I reapply?

No, you cannot reapply in the current application year.