Getting QTS without PGCE has now become one of the biggest opportunities for Nigerian teachers who want to relocate and teach in the United Kingdom. With the new 2026 UK teaching pathway, you no longer need a PGCE or additional UK-based teacher training to start your teaching career. Instead, teachers can apply directly for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) using their existing degree and teaching experience from Nigeria.
If you are a Nigerian teacher searching for a faster, cheaper, and easier pathway to teach in the UK, this guide explains how the QTS process works, documents required, eligibility criteria, and how to secure visa sponsorship from UK schools.
In this post, Pengman recommends and breaks it down clearly.
What is QTS?
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is the certification that proves a teacher is qualified to teach in state-funded schools in England. Once approved, you can apply for teaching roles, secure a work visa, and start earning as a certified teacher.
Can I Get QTS Without PGCE?
Yes — many Nigerian teachers now qualify for QTS without PGCE.
The UK introduced an international teacher recruitment pathway, allowing qualified teachers from certain countries (including Nigeria) to apply for QTS without additional UK-based training.
Also read: Teaching Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship 2026 (New Guide)
This means:
- No PGCE required
- No additional exams like IELTS (if you meet exemptions)
- No relocation required before applying
You can apply directly from Nigeria and receive your QTS confirmation by email.
Eligibility Requirements (2026 Update)
To qualify for QTS without PGCE, Nigerian teachers must have:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | Must be equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s (get ENIC evaluation) |
| Teaching qualification | NCE / B.Ed / PGDE accepted |
| Teaching experience | Minimum 1 year in a recognised school |
| English proficiency | WAEC/NECO may be used instead of IELTS |
| ENIC Statement | Required for degree recognition |
Pengman recommends using WAEC or NECO as proof of English if stated on your ENIC.
Required Documents
To apply for QTS without PGCE, prepare:
- International passport
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcript
- Teaching qualification (PGDE / NCE / B.Ed)
- ENIC Statement of Comparability
- Reference letter from employer
- TRCN certificate (recommended but not mandatory)
If you don’t know how to submit ENIC documents, Pengman has a full guide:
➡ UK ENIC Documents for Nigerians 2026 (Complete Checklist)
How to Apply for QTS Without PGCE (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Get Degree Evaluated on ENIC
Visit the official UK ENIC portal here:
➡ https://ecctis.com/
This proves your degree matches UK standards.
Step 2: Create an Account on DfE Teacher Portal
Sign up on the Apply for QTS via the Teaching Regulation Agency website.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
Upload your:
- ENIC certificate
- Degree certificate
- Teaching qualification
- Teaching experience reference
Step 4: Wait for QTS Approval (3–12 weeks)
Approval is emailed to you. No interview. No exam.
Teaching Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
Once approved, you become eligible to apply for visa sponsorship teaching jobs.
Some UK schools sponsor visas under the Skilled Worker Visa (Sponsorship Code 2314).
Also see: Top Teaching Opportunities in the UK for Nigerians
Pengman recommends searching here:
- Teaching Vacancies (UK government platform)
- TES Jobs
- Indeed UK (filter “Visa sponsorship”)
Use search queries like:
- “teacher visa sponsorship”
- “international trained teacher”
Pro Tip: Many schools prefer teachers who ALREADY have QTS — this increases your hiring chances by up to 70%.
Salary Expectations in the UK (2026)
| Region | Starting Salary (with QTS) |
|---|---|
| London | £34,500 – £47,000/year |
| Outside London | £30,000 – £39,000/year |
With experience + subject speciality (STEM), salary can reach up to £52,000/year.
Conclusion
Getting QTS without PGCE is the fastest and most cost-effective route for Nigerians to secure a teaching job and relocate to the United Kingdom. You can apply directly from Nigeria, without spending money on additional training programs.
With the right documents — especially ENIC — you can:
- Get evaluated
- Apply for QTS
- Secure visa sponsorship teaching jobs
Pengman recommends starting today by submitting your ENIC evaluation.
FAQ
1. Does QTS guarantee a visa?
No, but it gives you eligibility to apply for schools that sponsor work visas.
2. Can I apply without teaching experience?
No, minimum 1 year experience is required.
3. Do I need IELTS?
Not if your WAEC or NECO already shows English proficiency.