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Changes to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Eligibility for Overseas-Trained Teachers in England

From 9 September 2026, Ghana, India and Nigeria are no longer included among the countries whose teachers can use the direct Apply for QTS in England service. The Department for Education continues to allow teachers trained in a number of other countries and regions to apply, subject to the applicable requirements. These include Australia, Canada, the European Economic Area, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Switzerland, Ukraine and the USA. Teachers trained in Jamaica, Singapore and South Africa may also apply in specified circumstances, including where they are working in a valid teaching role in England. The change does not state that teachers from Ghana, India or Nigeria are prohibited from teaching in England. The Department for Education directs teachers who are no longer eligible for the service to explore alternative routes into teaching.

Jurisdiction

United Kingdom

Category

Work & skilled workers

Recorded versions

1

Official source

gov.uk