4 Ways to Get UK QTS from Nigeria without Travelling (and Fast)

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Last updated on August 6th, 2026

Direct TRCN conversion, iQTS, Assessment-Only and iPGCE are how to get UK QTS from Nigeria with no travels at all.

A teacher in a Nigerian classroom on the right and UK big ben with QTS approval stamp on the left, showing it is possible to get UK QTS from Nigeria

Yes, you can get UK QTS from Nigeria (at home) without leaving your current job or wasting money on travelling to England.

This guide helps you know which route fits your qualification on your Way to the UK as a Nigerian teacher.

Quick highlights

Direct TRCN conversion route is free, but only in 13 subjects covering ages 11 to 16.
NCE holders are not eligible for direct TRCN conversion.
iQTS fees vary from £4,950 to £9,950 or more, with no UK government loans or bursaries.
The Assessment-Only route is best for teachers with 2+ years of experience.
Most PGCE UK award automatic QTS but require travelling.
iPGCE is online but its QTS application from Nigeria is done separately.

In this post

TRCN (left) and QTS (right) certificate with a green tick between

Route 1: TRCN to QTS conversion

This route is the fastest for getting QTS from Nigeria because it involves no extra classroom training or exams.

UK Department for Education only assesses your Nigerian credentials and teaching experience.

This service charges no application or assessment fee, making it the most cost effective way to get UK QTS from Nigeria for those whose subject and qualification fit the criteria.

And clearing this stage sets you well for your Relocation to the UK as a Nigerian Teacher, as you’d arrive holding a recognised professional license rather than sorting this after landing.

To qualify, you need a TRCN license and Bachelor’s degree covering pupils aged 11 to 16 in one of these subjects:

Mathematics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Latin
Mandarin
Russian
Spanish

Use this free option to Convert your TRCN to QTS from Nigeria now because it gets you full UK Qualified Teacher Status with zero travel required.

A Nigerian teacher in a Nigerian classroom setting being observed by UK university

Route 2: International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS)

If your subject or qualification doesn’t match the above list for direct conversion, iQTS is your next best means to get UK QTS from Nigeria.

The International Qualified Teacher Status is a distance-learning program done online by DfE approved UK universities including:

University of Warwick
University of Derby
University of Buckingham
St Mary’s University
UWE Bristol

The list has grown beyond this original small group of accredited UK iQTS providers.

It’s a 1-year program with fees from £4,950 to £9,950.

Training and placements are done inside your current school in Nigeria under the guidance of the UK accredited university.

Note that iQTS applicants are ineligible for UK government loans, bursaries or any other financial support, so budget the full cost yourself from the start.

Complete this Remote University Program to get full Qualified Teacher Status upon graduation, without ever needing to set foot in England.

Route 3: Assessment-Only QTS from Nigeria

This route fits experienced teachers who can show they already meet UK teaching standards without further training.

It’s more of a portfolio evaluation than a full training program.

You’re assessed at your current school in Nigeria via video observations and digital portfolio submissions reviewed by the approved UK provider with no need to visit England.

You need at least 2 years of teaching experience across two different schools, to be considered.

Assessment-Only QTS fees for international applicants start around £3,500 to often over £4,000 including extra quality assurance verification.

While the cost is huge, Gaining QTS from Nigeria this Way makes you more attractive to UK schools willing to sponsor your Skilled Worker visa.

Route 4: International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE)

iPGCE alone doesn’t get you UK Qualified Teacher Status.

The iPGCE is a postgraduate qualification done online where you complete masters level coursework while you keep working at your job in Nigeria the whole time.

It’s best for teachers just seek a international credential.

But if your goal is UK QTS from Nigeria with no travel, you need the “iPGCE with iQTS” version.

Though, few accredited universities offer it for now:

University of Buckingham
Coventry’s National Institute of Teaching and Education

Finish this program and earn both the International Qualified Teacher Status and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

While DfE converts your iQTS into full UK QTS automatically.

All these without ever travelling to England.

So, take the standalone iPGCE if a globally respected teaching credential is your goal. But go for the combined iPGCE with iQTS if UK QTS is what you’re after.

What you need before applying for QTS from Nigeria

A Nigerian passport and degree certificate

No matter the path you select to get QTS from Nigeria, your papers must be complete and accurate before application.

An active TRCN certification for your Letter of Professional Standing sent by TRCN itself.

A degree certificate and transcripts for your intended teaching age range and subject, verified by UK ENIC.

A proof of English proficiency, either IELTS for UKVI or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter confirming your degree was taught in English.

Also keep digital copies of everything in one place.

Reference letters from your current or former school(s) to confirm your teaching hours should be ready too.

Submitting unverified or incomplete documents can delay or even cancel your QTS application from Nigeria.

Does QTS get you UK teaching job or visa?

UK certificate of sponsorship and a Nigerian passport

Holding a QTS certificate is just a licence to practise, not an immigration visa or a job offer.

They can help each other, but are still very different processes.

Once you get QTS from Nigeria, see it as the end of that particular process.

You still need a separate Job Application to UK Schools, especially those able and willing to sponsor your visa.

Yes, you become more attractive to employers after getting your QTS from Nigeria, but you still need a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer to process your visa.

FAQs on Getting UK QTS From Nigeria

1. Is iQTS the same as QTS?

Not really. iQTS is the international training. Completing it converts to full QTS – Qualified Teacher Status.

So the end result is the same, but iQTS describes the training format, not the final credential.

2. How much does the no-travel route cost compared to travelling?

The direct conversion costs nothing beyond your document verification, TRCN LoPS and any English test.

iQTS is from £4,950 to £9,950 similar to iPGCE and Assessment-Only route.

All cheaper than a full PGCE or undergraduate degree done in England, which can reach tens of thousands of pounds once travel, visa fees and a full year cost of living in the UK are added on top of tuition itself.

3. Can I get QTS from Nigeria without a subject match in Maths, Science or Languages?

Yes. The direct conversion route is only for the 13 eligible subjects, but iQTS, iPGCE and the Assessment-Only route remain available, no matter your specific subject.

Official government portal sample on a laptop

Conclusion

First, check your eligibility for the direct TRCN conversion.

If unqualified, then review DfE approved iQTS providers list to compare tuition fees and course structures across universities, because pricing varies between providers.

Ensure to use official TRCN portal for anything related to your Nigerian registration and Letter of Professional Standing.

Avoid third-party platforms promising guaranteed salaries or visas in exchange for a fee.

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Michael Willie

Michael Willie is co-founder of Relofession. He covers pre-relocation planning and visas with guides from official sources and verified firsthand accounts.

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