iQTS (International QTS)
A UK government-backed qualification for teachers working outside England. iQTS is assessed against the Teachers' Standards (International) and automatically converts to full QTS — no relocation required.
Duration
36 weeks (online)
Cost
£4,950 – £8,000
Accreditation
iQTS (auto-converts to QTS)
Start Dates
January, September
Accredited iQTS Providers
What is iQTS?
The International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) is a UK government-backed qualification for teachers working outside England. Introduced in 2021 and regulated by the DfE, it is assessed against the Teachers' Standards (International). Successful candidates receive iQTS plus a permanent Teacher Reference Number (TRN) — and the DfE automatically awards full QTS. UWE Bristol's iQTS requires 2+ years teaching experience; Derby's iQTS is for trainee primary teachers.
iQTS is a training route — unlike Assessment Only QTS, it includes structured training and development. You must have an active teaching post and an in-school mentor. If you're already an experienced teacher who meets all Teachers' Standards without training, consider Assessment Only QTS instead.
Entry Requirements
- Undergraduate degree (2:2 or above)
- GCSE grade 4 in English and Maths (and Science for Primary)
- Active teaching post in a school outside England
- At least 15 hours direct pupil contact per week
- Named in-school mentor (qualified, 2+ years' experience)
- UWE Bristol: minimum 2 years' teaching experience
- Minimum 140 days teaching practice across the programme
- IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
- Background checks / ICPC if previously in the UK
These are typical requirements. We can do a full eligibility check and support you with your application — free of charge.
Our Partner Providers
iQTS is available through our DfE-accredited partner universities
UWE Bristol
Most affordable iQTS — 5% Teacher Pathways discount · requires 2+ years teaching experience
University of Derby
Standalone iQTS for trainee primary teachers — no minimum experience required
This route is for you if…
- Teachers working outside England with an active teaching post
- Teachers with at least 15 hours/week direct pupil contact
- Teachers who have a named in-school mentor (qualified, 2+ years experience)
- UWE Bristol applicants: 2+ years teaching experience (5% Teacher Pathways discount available)
- Teachers who want UK QTS without relocating to the UK
- Teachers in IB, Cambridge, US, or national curriculum schools
Don't match? We can help.
Reach out if you need advice on how to overcome the following if you feel you don't match:
- Teachers currently working in England (not eligible for iQTS)
- Teachers with less than 15 hours/week pupil contact
- Those without a school placement or teaching post
- Teachers who want a PGCE academic award alongside QTS (consider PGCE with iQTS instead)
Check Your Eligibility
Answer a few questions to see if you qualify for iQTS at UWE Bristol and University of Derby — and identify any focus areas to work on.
Your Assessment
1 of 10 questions
Do you hold a university degree?
Most routes require at least an undergraduate degree (2:2 or above).
These results are a guide based on standard entry requirements. Final eligibility is confirmed by the university during your application.
Register with Teacher Pathways for free to get personalised advisor support and application links.
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