Welcome to the University of Reading and the Initial Teacher Education Programme. We are very excited that you have chosen to join us in Reading and hope that the information on this page will help you as you make arrangements to relocate to the area.
We strongly recommend that you arrive a few days before enrolment on Monday 7 September.
Please be aware all the information and pre-programme tasks set out on the main PGCE Secondary offer holder page – still apply.
Please note, additional resources will be added to this page over the next two months - please be sure to check and revisit the page.
Before you start the course, you will be contacted by Caroline Foulkes, who will provide you with the joining details and log-in instructions for a 4-week online induction course. The course is called Teaching in Schools for the Centre of Excellence Overseas Teachers (CEOT) with the University of Reading. You will be expected to complete this course as part of the PGCE programme. More information will follow.
We’re pleased to be running our successful buddy scheme again this year to support your transition. Please follow the link below for more information and to sign up to be matched with a buddy—either a former international PGCE student or an overseas colleague working in one of our partner schools.
Buddy Request Form - Application for a CEOT International Buddy 2026 – Fill out form
We were delighted to work with our international students in the last academic year and students on the PGCE Science programme can be seen in these clips sharing their experiences and advice on the following aspects about relocating and settling in.
Students share their experience applying for visas and country specific information about meeting the offer conditions.
Our students share their tips about what to expect on arrival and the need to have an address to open a bank account.
Student suggestions for navigating the Reading public transport system.
We recommend visiting the Visit Reading and Wokingham Public Transport websites for more information.
Students share some of the cultural differences they noticed when studying the UK.
Some advice on things to be aware of in relation to England's academic system.
We recommend visiting the University’s Essentials website. There is a specifically designed section to support international students offering lots of advice and information on things like accommodation, opening up a bank account, health care, visas and even things like culture shock.
You can also contact the International Student Advisory team for support on visas and immigration advice.