Student teachers at St Mary's University College in Belfast are expressing disappointment over their exclusion from a new bursary scheme that offers up to £20,000 to future educators in high-demand subjects. The scheme, aimed at addressing teacher shortages, only applies to those starting their training in September 2026, leaving around 120 current students without support.
In response, these students have proposed an alternative funding plan to the Department of Education, which would provide financial assistance for those graduating in the next few years. However, the department has stated that current funding constraints prevent extending the scheme to existing students.