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International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS)

Start date

September / January

Distance learning available

Yes

Student visa accepted?

No

Duration

1 year (full-time)

iQTS

Visit: iPGCE with iQTS

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.

If you are interested in completing an iPGCE with iQTS, please go to the dedicated course page.

Expert teaching and support

You will work closely with your lecturers, who have experience working as and alongside international educators across the world. As well as your academic tutors, you will receive a personal tutor who is there for you throughout the year to answer any questions you may have and provide support. You will also receive mentoring within your school setting.

We are:

  • Ofsted outstanding (2024)
  • Top 10 for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).
"The course is put together in a way that makes students feel well-supported and part of a community. It was well laid out, thoughtfully put together, and included lots of relevant research, debate and insight." - Scott Cuppelditch, iQTS student

School experience

You will complete 120 days in school and 20 days of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP). You will receive support from an in-school mentor who will complete a certified curriculum and mentor skills training. We will also organise a St Mary's University 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 support St Mary's to ensure the course is meaningful and reflects the knowledge and understanding necessary for teaching internationally and in England. 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
  • St Andrews International School, Bangkok
  • Barlavento International Primary School, Portugal
  • Kang Chiao International School, Linkou, New Taipei, Taiwan
  • London Private Academy, Morocco
  • KIS International School, Reignwood Park, Thailand
"I only have great things to say about the programme as a mentor. I’d highly recommend this route to qualified teacher status for those teaching in the international sector." - David Mitchell-Su, iQTS mentor in Taiwan

 

Upcoming webinars and events

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Postgraduate events

Join us at a postgraduate event

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:

teaching

Course content

Modules

Our iQTS allows you to choose from the following phases:

  • Primary (5 to 11 years old)
  • Secondary (11 to 16 years old.

For Secondary routes, you can teach any subject as long as the age phase you work in matches your route.

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 and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) and is underpinned by research-informed practice.

The modules are illustrative of what may be offered on your iQTS programme in September 2025 and January 2026.

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

Fees & funding

September 2026

International

£8,580

Funding Information

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.

Funding

Except for any iQTS courses, 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 for non-iQTS courses 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 and fundamental skills. 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 university work.

Other assessments are used to ensure students understand and can apply their 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.

Who teaches this course?

Please note: some lectures may be taught by other members of staff from within the School of Education.

Apply now

September 2026

Primary iQTS

International iQTS Primary

Secondary iQTS

The deadline for applications for September 2026 is 28 June 2026.

January 2027

Primary iQTS

International iQTS Primary

Secondary iQTS

The deadline for applications for January 2027 is 29 November 2027

Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.

More from St Mary's

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We have a range of webinars and events to help you decide whether St Mary's is the place for you.

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Discover what life is like on our London campus.

Useful links

Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation and Student Wellbeing.