Stranmillis University College Launches TransformED Bursary to Address Teacher Shortages

In a decisive move to combat the pressing teacher shortages in Northern Ireland, particularly in STEM disciplines, Education Minister Paul Givan has unveiled the TransformED bursary scheme at Stranmillis University College.

 

Commencing in September 2026, this £8.2 million initiative is designed to entice high-caliber graduates and undergraduates into the teaching profession by offering substantial financial incentives.

 

Under the scheme, students pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Computing, Technology and Design, and Irish-Medium Education will receive a combined bursary of £17,000 per annum.

 

This package includes full coverage of tuition fees and an additional £1,000 monthly stipend to assist with living expenses.

 

Similarly, Bachelor of Education (BEd) undergraduate students will benefit from a tuition fee bursary that covers the full cost of fees for each of their four years of study.

 

Minister Givan emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, stating, "By supporting teacher recruitment in these vital subjects, we are safeguarding the future in STEM education and ensuring our young people have access to the full breadth of learning opportunities, regardless of the school they attend."

 

This initiative is a cornerstone of his TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan, which envisions a modern, forward-looking education system.

 

The bursary scheme is not only aimed at attracting new talent but also at removing financial barriers for those returning to study, such as mature students and individuals with caring responsibilities.

 

By investing in our teachers, we are investing in the future of our children and young people.

 

The Department of Education will collaborate closely with local Higher Education Institutions and the Department for the Economy to develop the scheme, which is backed by a projected investment of £8.2 million over five financial years.

 

The scheme will be independently evaluated to assess its effectiveness.

 

Further details about the 2026 bursary scheme, including application procedures, will be published on the Department's website in the coming months.

 

In related developments, Queen's University Belfast and Stranmillis University College have renewed their century-long partnership to enhance education in Northern Ireland.

 

This collaboration aims to strengthen the education ecosystem by fostering increased cooperation in both academic and extracurricular activities, thereby enhancing the region's educational environment.

 

However, challenges persist in the education sector.

 

In December 2024, a local principal expressed concerns over the future of local education, highlighting that an estimated 80% of graduates from St Mary's Teacher Training College and Stranmillis College have left Ireland in search of employment.

 

This underscores the urgency of initiatives like TransformED to retain teaching talent within Northern Ireland.

 

Additionally, in July 2023, the Department of Education announced a reduction in university places for student teachers, citing budgetary constraints.

 

This decision has raised concerns about the potential impact on the availability of qualified teachers in the future.

 

As Northern Ireland grapples with these challenges, the introduction of the TransformED bursary scheme represents a proactive step towards ensuring that students have access to quality education delivered by well-qualified teachers in critical subject areas.

 

By investing in our educators, the region is laying the foundation for a robust and resilient education system that can meet the demands of the future.