Northern Ireland to fund tuition for student teachers in maths, science and Irish-medium subjects

Northern Ireland will cover tuition fees for student teachers pursuing maths, science and other critical subjects, and will also offer a living-cost bursary, under a new scheme announced by Education Minister Paul Givan. The plan is designed to address sustained shortages in maths, chemistry, physics, technology, computing and Irish-medium education, and is the first program of its kind in the region.

Under the scheme, students undertaking a four-year undergraduate education degree in maths and technology and design will have their tuition fees paid for the duration of the course, amounting to roughly £5,000 per year or about £20,000 in total. In addition, those who opt for a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Irish-medium education, maths, chemistry, physics, information technology or technology and design will have their fees paid and will receive a one-year living-cost bursary of £12,000. In total, that package represents funding of more than £17,000 for the year of study.

The payments are due to take effect in September 2026. All participants in the bursary program are expected to commit to teaching in Northern Ireland for at least two years after graduation, according to the Department of Education. The department notes that several Northern Ireland schools have reported difficulty recruiting teachers in maths, science or technology, and that the shortage in Irish-medium teachers at the secondary level has been a recurring concern even as the number of pupils in Irish-medium education grows.

Education Minister Givan described the bursaries as a strategic investment in the region’s education system and economy, intended to safeguard science, technology, engineering and maths subjects for the long term. The scheme is framed as a response to workforce pressures in critical subjects and as a means to strengthen the pipeline of qualified teachers in both STEM fields and Irish-medium education. By tying funding to a two-year service post-graduation requirement, officials aim to promote retention and stability in schools where vacancies have affected classroom delivery.

Officials emphasise that the programs will be targeted and time-bound, with eligibility restricted to those pursuing specific degrees and PGCE routes that prepare graduates to teach in math, science, IT, technology and design, and Irish-medium education. While details on selection criteria and application processes are to be released by the Department of Education, the department has stressed that participants must teach within Northern Ireland for the specified period after completing their training.

The move aligns with broader STEM-focused efforts to bolster the region’s economy by ensuring a steady supply of qualified teachers who can deliver high-quality instruction in maths, physics, chemistry, information technology and related subjects. It also reflects ongoing attention to the Irish-medium sector, which has seen rising enrolment and a growing need for qualified instructors who can teach in Irish at the secondary level.

Givan highlighted that the initiative would not only support individual students in pursuing teaching careers but also strengthen local schools and communities by maintaining robust pipelines for STEM education and Irish-medium instruction. Education officials indicated that the program will be evaluated over time to measure its impact on recruitment, retention and classroom outcomes, with the potential for adjustments based on demonstrated need and effectiveness. The department added that participant commitments to teach in Northern Ireland for at least two years after graduation are intended to ensure that the public investment translates into measurable improvements in school staffing and subject provision.

As Northern Ireland continues to navigate teacher shortages in science, mathematics and technology, the government says the bursaries will help attract high-caliber graduates into the teaching profession and support the continuity of quality education across schools, including those offering Irish-medium education. Stakeholders across education and industry have welcomed the plan as a step toward strengthening STEM education and building a stronger foundation for future students who will pursue careers in science, engineering and related fields.