UK removes Nigeria and Ghana from teacher qualification route

Teachers trained in Nigeria and Ghana can no longer use England’s direct overseas route to apply for Qualified Teacher Status, after the United Kingdom changed its eligibility rules.

The change took effect on September 9, 2026. India was also removed from the list of countries whose teachers can use the “Apply for QTS in England” service.

Qualified Teacher Status is the professional status needed to teach in many schools in England. Under the revised guidance, teachers trained in the affected countries must now qualify through other approved routes instead of the direct overseas application service.

The UK Department for Education said the update followed new eligibility requirements linked to verification of professional standing, qualifications and employment history. Punch and Daily Trust both reported that the department removed Nigeria, Ghana and India under the revised criteria.

The change does not mean Nigerian-trained teachers are barred from teaching in England altogether. It removes the direct QTS application route for that group, meaning affected teachers will need to check alternative pathways, school sponsorship options or further training routes before applying.

Sources: Punch, Daily Trust