Overseas teachers have two main routes to QTS: international QTS (iQTS) — a QTS-equivalent gained while training in their own country (minimum ~24 weeks practical experience) — or the DfE’s “Apply for QTS in England” professional-recognition service, for qualified teachers from eligible countries and subjects. An overseas-qualified teacher can work in England for up to four years without QTS, after which QTS is needed for many schools.
Sources & verification
- Overseas trained teachers do not need QTS to teach in most roles that otherwise require QTS in England for the first 4 years, source, Last verified 2026-10-16
- International qualified teacher status (iQTS) is a teaching qualification that’s the equivalent of English qualified teacher status (QTS), source, Last verified 2026-10-16
- Tuition fees for iQTS: Fees range from £7,950 to £9,950 for a 9-month, full-time iQTS course, source, Last verified 2026-10-16 🔶
Verified reference information, not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.