Complete your iQTS with St Mary’s and receive an internationally recognised teaching qualification from wherever you are in the world.
The iQTS is an international route to teacher training allowing you to achieve the internationally recognised qualification of QTS. The course is delivered online, providing greater access to trainees around the world.
The iQTS course at St Mary’s has been designed to build your knowledge, understanding, and confidence of teaching. Trainees will develop pedagogic understanding alongside completing school-based placements, allowing you to apply theory to practice.
St Mary’s iQTS has been developed by international teachers who work in initial teacher training (ITT) so we understand the nuances of teaching internationally, whilst ensuring we meet the high standards of the DfE’s QTS criteria.
Expert teaching and support
You will work closely with your lecturers – experts in education systems across the globe. You’ll also access their one-to-one support alongside mentoring within your school setting.
We are:
- Ofsted outstanding (2024)
- Top 10 for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).
School Experience
You will complete 120 days in school and 20 days of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP). You willl receive support from an in-school mentor who will complete certified curriculum and mentor skills training. Not only that, we will organise an SMU Link Tutor to ensure a smooth connection between your school and the University.
International Partner Schools
We work closely with a number of International Partner Schools who are keen to support iQTS trainees who may not already be working in a school. The International Partner Schools are involved in the application and recruitment process. These schools include:
- KIS International School, Bangkok
- Hua Hin International School, Thailand
- St George’s College, Argentina
- British School of Madagascar.
Gemma Cass
Course Lead - iQTS
Upcoming Event
iQTS webinar - 20th November
Wednesday 20th November 2024, 05:00PM
Course content
Modules
Our iQTS allows you to choose from following phases:
- Primary (five to 11 years old)
- Secondary (11 to 16 years old.
Our iQTS course structure includes a combination of taught content, 120 days in school, and a further 20 days of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP).
School experience will be supported by university input, delivered online by subject specialists and experienced tutors helping you to make the connection between your learning and practice. This will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching.
Course content is carefully designed to meet the requirements of the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework (ITTCCF) and is underpinned by research-informed practice.
These modules are illustrative of what may be offered on your iQTS programme in September 2025.
Modules will run throughout the year and will be delivered in two blocks of 10 half-day sessions. There is a requirement to attend synchronous sessions alongside engagement with asynchronous content.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
Additional requirement information
We are committed to recruiting trainee teachers who have the 'ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people'. The interview process will cover the suitability of applicants to work with children and young people.
As part of our recruitment processes for the iQTS course, candidates will undergo a number of safeguarding checks. These will be sourced if you're successful at interview and may include:
- a DBS check
- an ICPC check
- local police checks specific to the country you are based in
- references and supporting statements from your school.
Both UK and non-UK citizens can apply for iQTS – however, you must be living outside the UK.
You will also need to have:
- a bachelor’s degree from a UK or non-UK university (or other institution)
- a maths qualification of the same standard as GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) grade C/4 or above
- for teaching children aged 3 to 11, a science qualification of the same standard as GCSE grade C/4 or above
- relevant subject knowledge expertise
- excellent written and verbal English language skills
- two references: one of which must be from the school in which you will be completing your iQTS.
You can see some of the qualifications we accept as being equivalent to GCSE.
To check that your qualifications meet the entry requirements listed above, we suggest you refer to UK ENIC, where you can apply for a statement of comparability.
School placements
You will need confirmation from your school that they are willing to support you during your iQTS year. This includes:
- ensuring you can complete 120 days on ‘placement’
- ensuring you can complete and are supported with your 20 ITAP days
- providing you with a mentor
- ensuring you can complete an alternative placement (which you will need to organise).
International Requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.
We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.
To show you meet the required standard in the English language, you’ll also need one of the following:
- the equivalent score in another English language testing system
- to have completed some of your education in the English language, for example, a degree studied in English.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.
Fees & funding
September 2025
International
£8,250
Funding Information
The fee for a one-year, full-time iQTS course at St Mary’s is £8,250.
Applicants for iQTS are not eligible for loans, bursaries, or any other type of financial support from the UK government to help cover the costs of studying iQTS.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Funding
You can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.
Home and international students may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.
How the degree is taught
Assessment methods
Trainees are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by successfully meeting the Teachers’ Standards (DfE). Continuous assessment throughout the programme will determine success.
Your assignments will complement your work in schools and assist in meeting the Teachers’ Standards. These assignments aim to encourage you to be thoughtful and reflective, but also reinforce the evidence-based nature of the course assessment.
Self-assessment is also recognised as a valuable perspective in the evaluation of both school and centre-based work.
Other assessments are used to ensure students understand and can apply the knowledge. This is achieved using a range of methods, which may include:
- self-assessment
- presentations
- lesson observations
- evidence against the Department for Education’s Teachers’ Standards.
Progress is monitored continuously throughout the course with a final assessment against the Teachers' Standards at the end of the programme. High standards of attendance, punctuality, and participation are requirements of all course elements.
Career opportunities
Our iQTS course will help you develop transferrable skills such as critical thinking, patience, and communication.
We offer lifetime career support. Contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on jobs, interview tips, professional development, and more.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) include:
Apply now
To apply, please see our iQTS applications page.
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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