Most people are wondering if they qualify to directly apply for Qualified Teacher Status with their STEM degree from Africa. Getting a QTS is the first step if you’re interested in going to the UK as a qualified teacher. 

The UK government has made it easier for people with STEM and Modern Languages teaching degrees to apply for QTS directly. The application is simple. It will take you less than 20 minutes, and I have covered how to do this in a previous article.

In this article, I will focus on unpacking which degrees are eligible for directly applying for QTS. My focus will be on STEM teaching qualifications. 

How to become a qualified teacher in Africa

The minimum requirements for becoming a qualified teacher vary between Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

In Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, you can become a teacher after attending a 2- or 3- year teachers college. These teachers colleges will offer you a national certificate or national diploma in education. 

In Zimbabwe, completing that qualification makes you a qualified teacher. But in Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa you’ll need a teaching license. Teaching licenses are obtained from Ghana’s National Teaching Council, Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria, and South African Council for Educators, respectively. 

Unfortunately, if you hold these qualifications alone, you’re not eligible for direct QTS application. 

“We cannot accept a National Diploma in Education, Certificate in Education or Diploma in Education from Zimbabwe as these do not meet the required level.” UK Department of Education

Which qualifications are eligible for direct QTS application?

According to the UK Department of Education, there are two routes to direct QTS application:

  • UK level 6 teaching qualification listing subject – BEd or BScEd in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Science or PGDE in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Science only. You only one level 6 qualification for this route. 
  • UK level 6 teaching qualification without listing subject plus STEM degree – BEd, BScEd, PGCE, and PGDE plus BSc in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Science. You need two level 6 qualifications for this route. 

QTS case Scenario 1

Here is an example to illustrate this.

Takudzwa has a Bachelor of Science Education degree in Chemistry obtained from Bindura University of Science Education. She has worked as a chemistry teacher at a secondary school in Karoi. Does Takudzwa qualify for direct QTS?

Yes, she does through route one. Takudzwa has a level 6 qualification that lists the subject she is qualified to teach. What if she hasn’t been teaching since she graduated or she was teaching physics instead? Unfortunately, that means Takudzwa isn’t qualified because she doesn’t have the relevant nine months experience.

case Scenario 2

Here’s another example.

Temba has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Business. He went on to get a Postgraduate Certificate in Education before getting his teaching license. Temba has been teaching Chemistry for nine months now. Does Temba qualify for direct QTS application?

Yes, he does through route two on one condition. Temba’s BSc in Chemistry and Business should show that at least 50% of the content was in chemistry. This might be easier if the second subject listed on his degree was another STEM subject or if it was just BSc in Chemistry.

case Scenario 3

Here’s another example.

Monalisa has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Since Economics has substantial Maths content, Monalisa has been teaching Maths for the past two years. Can Monalisa apply directly for QTS?

Unfortunately, no. Having a related qualification doesn’t make you eligible. Sadly, this means chemical engineering degrees don’t make you eligible for getting a QTS to teach chemistry. Your degree should be in the listed subjects only. 

If you don’t qualify for direct QTS application, does that mean you can’t get a STEM teaching job in the UK?

Good news, not qualifying for QTS doesn’t mean you can’t get a teaching job. It only means it will be difficult for you to get the QTS. You can apply directly to schools or, if you’re brave enough, international recruitment agencies (I don’t recommend them for obvious reasons).

You can find open vacancies here:

Postscript 

Finally, here’s a list of qualifications that make you eligible for route one. If there’s a qualification offered in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa that is missing, please add it the Google Sheet.