UK Teaching Jobs With Visa Sponsorship for Nigerians (£23,040 Per Year )

If you’ve been dreaming about moving abroad to teach, you’ve probably come across the phrase UK teaching jobs more than once.

The UK is one of the most popular destinations for teachers looking for better pay, global exposure, and a chance to build a long-term career. But the real challenge isn’t just finding a teaching job — it’s understanding the visa sponsorship process and knowing exactly what steps you need to take.

This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know. From the type of visas available, to whether you need QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), where to find sponsor schools, how much you can expect to earn, and even how to bring your family along — you’ll find it all here.

By the end, you’ll not only understand how to secure UK teaching jobs with visa sponsorship, but you’ll also have a step-by-step action plan that you can start working on right away.

Can You Get a Teaching Job in the UK from Nigeria?

The short answer is yes. Nigerian teachers are actively recruited in the UK — but it’s not as simple as sending a CV and booking a flight.

To work legally, you need a licensed sponsor school. These schools are approved by the UK Home Office to employ non-UK teachers. They issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which allows you to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

Without sponsorship, you cannot legally work as a teacher in the UK.

The good news? The UK is experiencing a teacher shortage, especially in:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Special Educational Needs (SEN)

That means UK schools are actively hiring teachers from Nigeria to fill these gaps.

Main Visa Route for Teachers: Skilled Worker Visa Explained

If you’re serious about moving from Nigeria to the UK for teaching, the Skilled Worker visa is the main route you’ll need to know about.

Almost every school that hires teachers from overseas uses this visa, because it allows them to sponsor you legally and gives you the right to live and work in the UK.

1. What the Skilled Worker Visa Means for You

This visa is tied to your employer. In this case, a school or academy that is registered as a licensed sponsor. They issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is an official document you’ll need before applying for your visa. Once you have it, you can submit your visa application online from Nigeria.

2. Who Qualifies?

To qualify, you’ll need:

• A confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor school in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
• An eligible teaching role: Subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and SEN are highly in demand, but other teaching roles are also eligible if the school is willing to sponsor.
• Salary requirements: Generally at least £23,040 per year, though some roles have lower thresholds for shortage subjects. London schools usually offer higher pay.
• English language proficiency: Proven through your qualifications or a recognized test.
• Criminal record check from Nigeria (and any country you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years).

3. Documents You’ll Need from Nigeria

To make your visa application smoother, prepare these in advance:

• A valid international passport
• Your job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
• Proof of English language ability (WAEC, degree taught in English, or IELTS if needed)
• Academic and professional qualifications (certificates, transcripts)
• TB test results from an approved UK clinic
• Criminal record certificate (police clearance)
• Proof of funds (unless exempt through sponsorship)

📌 Why this matters: Without the Skilled Worker visa, you cannot take up most teaching jobs in the UK. With it, you can stay up to 5 years, bring your family, and work towards permanent residency.

Do You Need QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)?

One of the most common questions is: “Do I need QTS before I can teach in the UK?”

1. What is QTS?

QTS stands for Qualified Teacher Status. It’s an official recognition that allows you to teach in most state schools in England and Wales. Think of it as a professional license that proves you meet UK teaching standards.

2. Do You Need It to Get a Job?

• State schools (public schools): Most require QTS, but some schools are allowed to hire teachers without it if they plan to support you in getting it later.
• Academies and free schools: These have more flexibility and can employ teachers without QTS.
• Independent/private schools: Many don’t require QTS at all, which makes them an easier entry point for overseas teachers.

3. How to Get QTS as a Nigerian Teacher

From February 2023, teachers trained in Nigeria are eligible to apply directly for QTS through the Overseas Teacher Recognition (OTR) route.

Requirements include:

• A degree-level teaching qualification
• At least 1 year of teaching experience
• Proof of English proficiency

The process is free and fully online.

Where to Find UK Teaching Jobs With Sponsorship

Now that you know about visas and QTS, the next big question is: where exactly can you find schools in the UK that will sponsor you from Nigeria?

1. UK Government Sponsor Register: Check the official Register of Licensed Sponsors. If a school is not listed, it cannot sponsor you.

2. Job Boards

• TES (Times Educational Supplement) (top platform for UK teaching jobs)
• Teaching Vacancies (free, official government board)
• eTeach (widely used by schools)
• Guardian Jobs (education section has many roles)

3. Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialize in overseas hires:

• Engage Education
• Hays Education
• Randstad Education
• Teaching Personnel

These agencies often guide you through CV prep, interviews, and relocation.

UK Teacher Salary Guide (2025/2026)

Teaching pay in the UK is structured by bands and location.

• England (outside London): £30,000 – £41,333

• London: £32,000 – £46,000 (higher due to living costs)

• SEN roles: + £2,000 – £5,000 allowance

• Unqualified teachers/assistants: Lower, but some sponsorship is possible.

👉 Key number: To qualify for a visa, you need at least £23,040/year (lower for shortage subjects).

What to Check in Contracts

• Salary (must meet visa threshold)

• Hours (standard = 32.5 per week)

• Benefits (housing, relocation allowance, flight reimbursement)

• Duration (typically 1–2 years, renewable)

Top Sponsor Schools and Trusts Actively Recruiting Nigerian Teachers in 2025

Here are some of the best options for Nigerian teachers:

Step-by-Step Application Process

You might feel like there are a lot of moving parts to securing a teaching job in the UK with visa sponsorship, especially from Nigeria. But if you follow this roadmap, you’ll see it break down into logical, manageable steps.

Let’s walk through the whole process — from preparing your CV to stepping into your new classroom.

Step 1: Prepare UK-Style CV & Cover Letter

• Use UK formatting (no photos, clear sections).
• Highlight subject specialism and teaching experience.
• Mention relocation readiness and visa sponsorship needs.

Step 2: Search & Apply

• Use TES, GOV.UK Teaching Vacancies, and licensed sponsor lists.
• Filter for “visa sponsorship available”.

Step 3: Interviews & Assessments

• Expect online panel interviews.
• Be ready for a mock lesson demonstration.
• Ask about relocation support, QTS, and training.

Step 4: Job Offer & CoS

• Employer issues your Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Verify salary, hours, and visa eligibility.

Step 5: Skilled Worker Visa Application

• Apply online at GOV.UK.
• Submit documents (passport, CoS, proof of English, TB test, police clearance).
• Pay visa fees + Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS).

Step 6: Biometrics & Processing

• Attend Visa Application Centre in Nigeria.
• Standard processing: ~3 weeks.

Step 7: Travel & Settle

• Collect Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arrival.
• Open UK bank account, get National Insurance number, and register with a GP

Bringing Family to the UK as a Teacher

One of the biggest concerns for Nigerian teachers planning to move abroad is: “Can I take my family with me?” The good news is yes — under the Skilled Worker visa, teachers can bring their dependents to the UK.

1. Who Counts as a Dependent?

• Your spouse or partner (married, civil partner, or unmarried partner if you’ve been living together for at least 2 years).
• Your children under 18 (including those born in the UK while you’re on your visa).
• Children over 18 if they’re already in the UK as your dependents.

Each dependent will need to apply for their own visa, pay the visa application fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

2. What Your Family Can Do in the UK

• Your spouse/partner can work in most jobs (except some restricted ones like professional sports).
• Your children can attend school in the UK for free if they are of school age.

This makes UK teaching jobs even more attractive for Nigerians who want to relocate with their family, not just alone.

3. Long-Term Route to Settlement

The Skilled Worker visa is usually granted for up to 5 years. If you continue teaching and meet the requirements, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — the UK equivalent of permanent residency — after 5 years.

Once you have ILR, you may later apply for British citizenship.

So, taking a teaching job in the UK isn’t just about a short-term contract. It can be the start of a long-term plan for you and your family to settle permanently in the UK.

Challenges Nigerian Teachers Face (and Solutions)

Moving from Nigeria to the UK for teaching is exciting, but it does come with challenges. The good news is that most hurdles are predictable, and with the right preparation, you can overcome them. Here are the most common ones:

1. Qualification Recognition

Not every Nigerian teaching certificate is automatically accepted. While many teachers qualify for the new Overseas Teacher Recognition route (for QTS), some may need to provide additional transcripts or proof of teaching practice.
Solution: Check if you meet QTS requirements early. Apply for QTS online before you start job hunting so employers see you as “ready to go.”

2. English Language Proof

Even though English is Nigeria’s official language, some visa officers may still ask for proof.
Solution: Use your WAEC certificate (with a C6 or above in English) or your degree taught in English. If that’s not accepted, take the IELTS UKVI test.

3. Criminal Record and TB Tests

Many Nigerian teachers delay because of long waits for police clearance or TB test results.
Solution: Apply for your police character certificate early and book your TB test at a UK-approved clinic in Lagos or Abuja before you start job applications.

4. Adapting to the UK Education System

Classroom culture, curriculum, and behaviour management expectations are different in the UK compared to Nigeria.
Solution: Take free online CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses, watch UK classroom lesson videos, and practice safeguarding knowledge (child protection is a major UK requirement).

5. Financial Pressure Before Relocation

Visa fees, the NHS surcharge, and relocation costs can add up. Many teachers underestimate this.
Solution: Create a savings plan in advance. Ask your employer if they can cover part of your relocation costs or allow you to repay a relocation loan once you start teach

Frequently Asked Questions About UK Teaching Jobs

1. Do I need QTS to teach in a UK state school?
Not always. Some schools can hire you first and support your QTS application later. But having QTS before applying makes it easier to secure UK teaching jobs and can increase your salary prospects.

2. What salary do I need to qualify for visa sponsorship?
Most teaching roles require at least £23,040 per year, though the threshold can be lower for shortage subjects like Maths, Physics, and Computer Science.

3. How long does the Skilled Worker visa take to process?
On average, 3 weeks from outside the UK, once you’ve submitted your biometrics. However, delays can happen, so apply early.

4. Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. Spouses, partners, and children under 18 can apply as your dependents. They will also need visas and pay the healthcare surcharge.

5. Do UK schools pay for relocation costs?
Some do, but it depends on the employer. Always ask during interviews if they cover visa fees, flights, or housing allowance.

6. Can I switch schools while on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, but you’ll need a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer, and you must update your visa before starting the new job.

7. Which subjects are most in demand in the UK?
STEM subjects (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science) and Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers are in very high demand.

8. What if I don’t have teaching experience yet?
Some independent schools and teaching assistant roles may sponsor you, but most UK teaching jobs require at least 1 year of teaching experience.

9. Is there an age limit for Nigerian teachers applying to the UK?
No official age limit, as long as you meet the qualification and visa requirements.

10. Can teaching in the UK lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the first step toward citizenship.

Conclusion

Securing UK teaching jobs with visa sponsorship from Nigeria may seem complex at first. But once you understand the visa system, prepare your documents, and target licensed sponsor schools, it becomes much more achievable.

The UK urgently needs teachers in shortage subjects. With the right preparation — QTS, proof of English, TB test, and savings for visa fees — you can stand out and move forward faster.

This could be your opportunity not just for a teaching job, but for a new life in the UK with long-term residency options.