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The benefits of a scholarship

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 ¾ÅÖÝÓ°Ôº beyond the scholarship year

Our scholars also get free membership of the ¾ÅÖÝÓ°Ôº for two years. This includes:

• 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

"The scholarship offers you 1-2-1 support from the dedicated expert and subject specialist within your field. This is something you don't get on training programmes elsewhere."

Marcus

"It’s really improved the future of my career, helping me to understand exactly what I need to be doing as a teacher and supporting me in my development."

Eboni

You can find out more about the scholarship scheme and hear from current scholars in our short online video. Hear what mentors have to say and find out what support they provide.

Eligibility

Our teacher training scholarship scheme is a government-funded in England. Applicants must:

• meet the bursary eligibility criteria as set out in the
• 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. for the 2025/26 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 ¾ÅÖÝÓ°Ôº teacher training scholarship scheme is a government-funded 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
• not have previously applied for a scholarship in the same academic year

Please also visit for more information and read .

What we look for in a candidate

We welcome applications from those exploring a career change, as we 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

How to apply

Applicants will need to complete our 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
• a personal statement that demonstrates why you think you should be awarded a ¾ÅÖÝÓ°Ôº Teacher Training Scholarship (1000 words max). Please give specific examples, and refer back to what we look for in the candidates' section. You will need to cover:
  • why you want to be a chemistry teacher
  • what skills and experience you have that would make you an exceptional chemistry teacher
  • what experience you have with school-age people this could be through employment, voluntary work or hobbies
  • how you think the ¾ÅÖÝÓ°Ôº scholarship will benefit you
• a chemistry subject knowledge check with fifteen multiple-choice questions

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

Apply now

Applying for our scholarship is straightforward, and we offer lots of help and advice along the way. You can apply before or after you have secured your teacher training place but we strongly recommend you submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note that if you’re unsuccessful at any stage, you cannot reapply in the current application year.

What happens next?

Online applications will be shortlisted and invited to complete an in-depth online subject knowledge test. Questions are written in the exam format and cover topics generally taught at GCSE and A-level in England.

Successful candidates will then be invited to an online interview.