Teacher Training Scholarships 2026 by Royal Society of Chemistry

This training scholarships are available for teachers who have a passion for chemistry and want to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineFebruary 28, 2026
• Study LevelTraining
• SponsorRoyal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
• Eligible CountryUnited Kingdom

Benefits

As an RSC scholar, you’ll receive both financial and practical support to help you make the most of your studies and thrive in your career.

Benefits include:

• £31,000 tax-free funding from the Department for Education
• free classroom materials including books, posters and a lab coat
• mentoring by an expert chemistry teacher
• programme of Professional Development events (covering hands-on practical training)
• free online courses on key concepts in teaching chemistry
• networking opportunities with the scholar community
• opportunities to engage with the Royal Society of Chemistry beyond the scholarship year

RSC scholars also get free membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry for two years. This includes:

• Education in Chemistry termly magazine, with news, reviews and opinions written by teachers for teachers
• access to national and regional networks for chemistry teachers and trainee teachers
• up to a third off books from top scientific publishers
• assistance if you need it from our Chemists' Community Fund

Requirements

Applicants must:

• meet the bursary eligibility criteria as set out in the Department for Education’s Teaching and Leadership’s bursary guidance
• intend to take up a training place on a fee-based (non-salaried) secondary teaching course that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) (pre-16), to receive scholarship funding and you are not eligible for funding if you plan to take up a place on a QTLS course. Find a Chemistry ITT course in England for the 2026-27 academic year
• hold chemistry or related degree with a proven or predicted grade of 2:1 or above, in exceptional circumstances, we may consider graduates with a 2:2 and significant relevant experience
• be classified as a 'home fee' student. The Royal Society of Chemistry teacher training scholarship scheme is a government-funded financial incentive to train to teach in England. Students with an 'overseas fee' status are not eligible to apply
• be a student eligible to receive grants and loans towards tuition fees or living costs as set out in the Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011
• not have previously applied for a scholarship in the same academic year

Selection Process

RSC welcome applications from those exploring a career change, as RSC believe your experiences since graduating could be valuable to becoming a teacher.

Throughout the application process, we look for the following in candidates:

• an excellent understanding of chemistry
• an appreciation of the importance of chemistry education for learners and society
• a realistic understanding of teaching as a career
• a willingness to engage in reflective professional development
• a committed intention to teach in state-funded schools in England, once qualified
• effective interpersonal skills (including communication and skills for productive working relationships)
• the empathy, respect and humility needed to relate well to pupils, colleagues and parents/guardians
• an ability to explain complex chemistry ideas effectively for secondary school pupils
• an ability to inspire secondary school pupils to take an interest in chemistry

Application Documents

Applicants will need to complete the online application, which requires:

• personal details, including academic background and qualification, and contact details for someone who has agreed to provide a reference for you
• Written answers to three questions which will assess your suitability for the scholarship. Please give specific examples, and refer to what we look for in the candidates' section

Applicants with an international degree will also need to upload documentary evidence from UK ENIC confirming the degree is comparable to a UK Bachelor's degree. Guidance is available from the DfE’s helpline on 0800 389 2500.

Application Deadline

February 28, 2026

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) on www.smartsurvey.co.uk to apply

For more details, kindly visit RSC scholarship webpage.