Overseas Qualified Candidates

A New, Free QTS Route for Overseas Teachers

Some overseas teachers now have a different path to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

On 7 August , 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) introduced a new, free service for teachers from certain countries, including Ghana, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Singapore, and South Africa. This is an alternative to our paid Assessment Only route.

While our programme is a quick three-month process, the DfE's free path can take up to twelve months, and candidates must manage the application themselves. The DfE has specific requirements, such as having a university degree, a teaching qualification from one of the eligible countries, and a completed induction period.

We encourage potential candidates to check the official government guidance to see if they qualify for this alternative route before making any application to Astra for Assessment Only: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-trained-teachers-apply-for-qualified-teacher-status-in-england/overseas-trained-teachers-apply-for-qualified-teacher-status-in-england