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Applicants will only be eligible for an ITT bursary or scholarship if they’re entitled to ‘home fee’ status and financial support under the student finance criteria.

EU nationals resident in the UK before the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, and who qualify for pre-settled status or settled status under the , will continue to be eligible for home fee status, student financial support and ITT bursaries/scholarships. This will be on a similar basis to domestic students, subject to meeting the usual residence requirements. You can contact Student Finance England to check your eligibility.

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What qualifications do I need?
You need to have achieved, or be predicted to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree. If your degree classification is lower but you hold a PhD or Masters qualification or confirmed equivalent you will also be eligible as they equate to a First and a 2:1 respectively.
 
Do I need a chemistry degree to apply for a Scholarship?
No, however, you will either need a degree with a substantial chemistry content, or have extensive chemistry professional experience, or you have undertaken (or are undertaking) a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course in chemistry. This will be discussed with you on an individual basis regarding your degree's match and suitability.
 
Can I apply if I have a 2:2 degree classification?
Yes, you are welcome to apply but you need to demonstrate significant relevant experience.
 
I have a 2:2 degree classification and the application criteria say that I 'may also be eligible if you bring significant relevant experience'.  What does 'significant relevant experience' mean?
We will consider applications from those that have a 2:2 degree classification where there is strong evidence of subject knowledge together with either more advanced study or some relevant experience, such as chemistry professional or teaching experience and/or experience of working with young people. What is deemed 'relevant' will be at the discretion of the RSC Scholarships Team.
 
What types of 'advanced study' are you looking for?
If you have a 2:2 degree classification, then we are looking for evidence that you have achieved the minimum level of education (2:1) that we require successful Scholars to have. Examples of advanced study include a relevant Masters degree or PhD.
 
My overseas degree is comparable to a ‘Bachelor degree’. Is this eligible?
We only accept degrees that are equivalent to a UK degree with honours.
 
Can I apply if I live overseas?
To be eligible for the scholarship you must; be eligible for student finance and meet the bursary eligibility criteria set out in the Department for Education (DfE) bursary guidance.
 
If you are classed as an international student, then you are not eligible to apply.
 
Part of the eligibility criteria is that you must be eligible for student finance. What does this mean?
To be eligible for a chemistry scholarship, you must be entitled to student support under the Student Finance England criteria. Residents of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will need to be entitled for support as set out by your country’s student finance body (Student Finance Wales, Student Awards Agency Scotland or Student Finance NI).
 
To check your eligibility, please contact . There’s a different process for checking your eligibility if you’re a student from , , or . Contact the education authority if you live in the Channel Islands (and ) or .
 
I’m an Irish national.  Am I eligible to apply?
Irish nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland will continue to be eligible providing they meet the eligibility criteria for Student Finance England, as your right to study and access benefits and services under the will continue on a reciprocal basis. To check your eligibility, please contact .
 
I'm am an EU national.  Am I eligible to apply?
EU nationals resident in the UK before the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, and who qualify for pre-settled status or settled status under the , will continue to be eligible for home fee status, student financial support and ITT bursaries/scholarships on a similar basis to domestic students, subject to meeting the usual residence requirements. You can contact Student Finance England to check if you are an your eligible to receive grants and loans towards tuition fees or living costs according to  criteria.
 
I'm already doing my teacher training, can I apply?
Chemistry scholarships are only available for those who commence their teacher training in the academic year 2026/27. If you have already started your teaching training in the current academic year then you are not eligible to apply.

Do I need to already have an offer of a PGCE place?
You do not need to already have your teacher training place organised to apply for the chemistry scholarship, but by September 2026 you must have secured your training place on an eligible secondary chemistry PGCE or unsalaried School Direct course in England for the 2026/27 academic year which leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The decision for entry onto a PGCE course will be made by the teacher training provider. If you are offered a chemistry scholarship but unsuccessful in securing a place on an eligible PGCE or School Direct course by September 2026 the Scholarship offer will be withdrawn.
 
Can I apply if I apply for the School Direct Training Programme (salaried) course?
A School Direct salaried student would not be entitled to a Scholarship, as they are employed rather than in training.
 
I am planning on applying to Teach First to teach chemistry, does this qualify me for the Scholarship?
Those undertaking the salaried route with Teach First are not eligible to apply for a scholarship.
 
Does the RSC chemistry scholarship team arrange my teacher training course?
No, you must arrange your secondary chemistry teacher training place yourself by applying through the DfE's  and receive an offer before starting in September 2026. You can apply for a chemistry scholarship at any time in this process.
 
Can I do my teacher training part time and still receive the scholarship?
You are still eligible for the same scholarship, but the payments will be spread out throughout your training period. Please note that, if awarded a chemistry scholarship and you are undertaking a part-time ITT course, invitations to CPD events will only be made during your first year of your ITT course.
 
What PGCEs are eligible?
Eligible PGCEs are those that contain at least 50% chemistry, are a DfE funded ITT place, are in England, and lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
 
My course leads to Qualified Teacher of Learning and Skills (QTLS), is this an eligible course for a Scholarship?
Courses which lead to Qualified Teacher of Learning and Skills (QTLS) are not eligible for a chemistry scholarship as QTLS is a Further Education qualification. The bursaries from the DfE and the scholarships are for secondary phase training only, i.e. ITT courses that lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
 
I want to do my initial teacher training outside England, can I still apply?
The chemistry scholarships are run in partnership with the DfE, which has responsibility for teacher training in England only. Therefore, the chemistry scholarships are only available for eligible initial teacher training programmes in England. If you are considering a teacher training course in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, this responsibility has been devolved to the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Governments respectively. For information about teacher training in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, please see: , or  (Northern Ireland).
 
I'm a non-UK citizen and would like to train to teach in England. What do I need to know?
Find out what you’ll need to train to teach in England, including information about qualifications, visas and immigration, and financial support in the DfE's Train to teach in England if you’re a non-UK citizen guidance.

How much is the Scholarship worth?
The Scholarship will provide a £31K tax-free bursary in your training year.  There is also considerable value in the additional benefits that you will receive.
 
How will I be paid my Scholarship?
All DfE scholarship payments are made to you via your Training Provider, rather than the RSC. More information about how the Scholarship is paid can be found on the Get into Teaching website. If you have any further questions relating to payments, please speak to your ITT provider. The RSC Scholarships Team only administers the non-financial benefits that are offered as part of the chemistry scholarship.
 
Will I also receive the government bursary?
If you are awarded a chemistry scholarship it will be instead of the government's training bursary, you will not be eligible for both.
 
Can I use the Chemistry Scholarship to cover my tuition fees?
Scholarship payments are paid in exactly the same way as a non-Scholar receives their bursary payments, in ten instalments and starting in October. If you do not have the funds to cover your tuition fees in full then you may want to consider applying for a student loan.
 
Does the RSC pay my tuition fees directly to my ITT provider?
No. The Chemistry Scholar is responsible for paying their tuition fees.

If I meet the eligibility criteria, like the government's bursary, is a Chemistry Scholarship automatically awarded to me?
No. The Chemistry Scholarships has its own application process and you must submit a separate application to us.
 
How do I apply?
Applications are made via an online system, by clicking through the 'Apply now’ button on this page. Please ensure that you have read the information provided about the application process before completing your application.
 
When do I need to apply by?
We have rolling monthly deadlines until July, places fill up fast and we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Is the subject knowledge test in-person or online? 
The subject knowledge test is held online and lasts one hour.

Is the interview in-person or online?
Our interviews are held online using video conferencing software.
 
I’m currently on a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course as part of a conditional PGCE offer, should I apply now or wait until I’ve completed it?
You can apply to the Chemistry Scholarship before you have completed your SKE course.  As with all applicants, we recommend applying sooner rather than later.
 
How do I submit a successful application?
As with all job applications, give your application to the Chemistry Scholarship the time and care it deserves. For some of you, this will be one of the first steps towards your future career and first impressions count for a lot! Please take the time to read our advice on this page.
 
How do I prepare for an interview?
If invited to an interview you will be provided with details on how to prepare. 
 
Is it possible to defer the Scholarship offer?
We understand circumstances can change which may prevent you from starting your teacher training. In this case we can offer you the option to defer the Scholarship offer. We can only defer the offer for a maximum of one year and is subject to the scheme continuing for the next academic year.
 
If we are running for another year, the benefits of the Chemistry Scholarship, including the bursary, offered to you will be the same as what is offered to those starting their initial teacher training in the academic year that you start your initial teacher training.

What are the rules on using AI for my application?

We live in a rapidly evolving world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are becoming more common in everyday tasks. The Scholarships Team does not currently prohibit the use of AI tools when preparing your application. However, we strongly encourage applicants to use them thoughtfully and responsibly.

Our Guidance

Write your application yourself first. Your unique voice and perspective are what make your application stand out. Over-reliance on AI often results in generic responses that lack authenticity.

If you choose to use AI, edit and refine the output. Treat AI as a supportive tool, not a substitute for your own ideas. Ensure the final application reflects your experiences and personality.

Stick to the facts. Do not include inaccurate or fabricated information, even if suggested by AI. Integrity is essential.

Why Authenticity Matters

Scholarship applications are designed to showcase you - your achievements, aspirations, and individuality. Generic, AI-generated content will not help you stand out. During interviews, we look for consistency between your application and your real experiences. If your application does not reflect who you truly are, this will become clear.

Final Thoughts

The goal of using AI should be to enhance your application, not to create a version of yourself that isn’t real. We value honesty, originality, and personal insight. Let your voice shine through - this is what makes an application memorable.