Q1. When did applications to the STEM Bursary scheme open for the 2022/23 academic year?
Applications for the 2022/23 academic year opened on the 28th March 2022.
Q2. For PGDE courses starting in August 2022, when did Bursary applications close?
The closing date for the 2022/23 intake of STEM Bursary Applications is 4th September 2022 at 11:59pm.
All potential applicants must have applied before then.
Q3. Is the STEM Bursary available for primary teacher training?
No, the STEM Bursary is only available for secondary teacher teacher training.
Q4. Is the STEM Bursary available for all secondary PGDE teaching subjects?
The STEM Bursary is ONLY available in the following secondary PGDE teaching subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Computing Science, Technological Education and Home Economics.
Q5. Does gaining a place on a PGDE course mean I am eligible for a STEM Bursary?
The eligibility criteria for the STEM Bursary differs from the entry requirements for your chosen PGDE course.
As such, not everyone who has been successful in gaining a place on a PGDE ITE course will be eligible for the STEM Bursary.
We advise interested individuals to review the eligibility criteria of the STEM Bursary available on this website before submitting an application.
Applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria in full will not be eligible for the bursary and will have their application rejected.
We have provided a flow chart on this website to demonstrate the eligibility criteria.
Full details are in the Terms and Conditions on this website.
Q6. I do not meet the eligibility criteria but would like my circumstances to be taken into consideration. Is this possible?
No, all eligibility criteria must be met in full before an award of a STEM Bursary can be made.
Q7. I have an ordinary degree and don’t have any other university level qualifications. Am I eligible for the STEM Bursary?
No, you would not be eligible to apply to the STEM Bursary.
Q8. My undergraduate degree is an Ordinary and I don’t have a Masters Degree (SCQF Level 11) but I do have a Post Graduate Diploma. Am I eligible for the STEM Bursary?
No, you would not be eligible to apply to the STEM Bursary. We cannot accept a Post Graduate Diploma in lieu of a Masters Degree at SCQF Level 11.
If you do not hold a 1st-class or 2:1 Honours Degree, you must meet the minimum entry requirements of your chosen PGDE course and in addition hold a Masters Degree which is at SCQF Level 11.
Q9. I have a conditional offer from a University. Can I apply for the STEM Bursary?
Yes, we welcome applications from individuals who meet the STEM Bursary eligibility criteria and who hold a conditional offer of a place on the PGDE course.
Successful Bursary applicants who hold only a conditional place will be issued a conditional STEM Bursary award.
A conditional Bursary award will be converted to a full (unconditional) STEM Bursary award ONLY if the applicant meets the conditions of their University PGDE offer on or before the 31st December 2022.
Q10. What if the payslips I provide as part of the employment evidence are not in my current name?
SDS can use your national insurance number to match your payslips to your application, so in such cases the submission of payslips in a different name should not cause an issue. However, if you have any concerns about this please contact the Skills Development Scotland helpline on 0800 917 8000.
Q11. I work part time/ casual hours... Does this mean that I am not eligible for the STEM Bursary?
The STEM Bursary is available for career changers looking to retrain as secondary school teachers in the hardest-to-fill STEM teaching subjects.
The eligibility criteria require applicants to provide evidence that they have been in employment for a total of 36 months in the last 84 months (from date of application to the STEM Bursary).
This is irrespective as to whether an applicant has worked full time/ part time or casual hours.
Q12. I am unsure how to provide evidence of employment to satisfy the 36 month requirement. What should I do?
An employment evidence guidelines document is provided on the website which gives details of the evidence we require applicants to provide.
We recognise that applicants have a variety of different employment backgrounds. We have also provided a number of examples to support applicants within these guidelines.
Q13. I have been on furlough. Does this count towards employment evidence?
Yes, we can accept evidence of furlough towards employment evidence.
Q14. I am self-employed. Am I able to apply to the STEM Bursary?
The STEM Bursary is for career changers, and those who are self employed are also able to apply.
We can accept periods of self-employment towards the employment criteria, provided that you have been registered as self-employed with HMRC for the periods in question.
In addition, self-employed applicants must provide evidence of work undertaken (e.g. contracts, invoices) to demonstrate they have been in paid employment for 36 months in the last 84.
Q15. How and when are Bursary payments made?
Payments are made directly from the university, starting at the end of September 2022.
If your application is successful, university staff will contact you to make payment arrangements.
Q16. Bu toigh leam cur a-steach airson a’ bhursaraidh, ach tha mi ag iarraidh teagasg tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig... Am faod mi cur a-steach fhathast?
Tha sinn a’ cur fàilte air iarrtasan fo luchd-tagraidh a tha airson foghlam-teagaisg anns na cuspairean STEM as dorra a lìonadh, ma tha sin tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig no Beurla. Thoir an aire gu bheil am pròiseas iarrtais ga dhèanamh sa Bheurla.
Q17. I would like to apply for the Bursary, but I want to teach through the medium of Gaelic... Am I eligible?
We welcome applications from applicants aspiring to teacher-train in the hardest-to-fill STEM subjects, whether you want to teach in Gaelic or English medium. Please note that the application process is in English.
Q18. Where can I find out more about how to train as a teacher in Scotland?
More information on a teaching career in Scotland can be found at:
- Our careers webservice with general information about becoming a teacher.
- Contact details of your local careers centre should you wish to make an appointment with a careers adviser to discuss your career ideas.
- Advisers won’t be in a position to answer specific entry qualification questions but can offer careers guidance and advice.
- Useful website with information about becoming a teacher in Scotland.
- The website of the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
Q19. Where can I find out more about support available from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS)?
For more information on tuition fees or to make an application for fee payment, visit www.saas.gov.uk.
Q20. I graduated from a full time 4 year undergraduate course in 2020... Am I eligible?
No, applicants' full time education must have completed no later than 30/9/19, other than exceptions detailed in 1.1.4 of the Terms and Conditions.
Q21. I graduated in 2015 and recently completed a one year full time Masters Degree from 2020-21... Am I eligible?
Yes, as you have only briefly returned to full time education and this course does not exceed 12 months as detailed in 1.1.4 of the Terms and Conditions, but please note that you must also meet the other eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions.
Q22. I graduated in July 2019 and then went on to complete a one year full time Post Graduate Diploma from September 2019-September 2020... Am I eligible?
No, as you completed a full time education course in 2019 and then started a further full time course within 12 months of your 2019 course. This would be deemed a continuation of full time education and therefore means you are ineligible.
Q23. I graduated in 2019 and the completed a 4-month full time top up course to allow me entry to the PGDE... Am I eligible?
Yes, we would not consider a course of 7 months or less as full time education, but please note that you must also meet the other eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions.
Q24. I have worked abroad... Can I use this towards my required 36 months employment evidence?
Yes, provided it clearly demonstrates your paid employment.
