North Carolina Teaching Fellows
Be part of a brighter future
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2026-27
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
Empowering North Carolina’s future teachers
The North Carolina Teaching Fellows program provides up to $10,000 a year in forgivable loans for students who commit to teaching elementary education, special education, or a STEM field in a North Carolina public school after graduation.
Apply
Submit your application online by January 31, 2026.
Earn Your Degree
Receive up to $5,000 per semester in forgivable loans while completing your education degree.
Teach in NC
Serve as a teacher in a North Carolina public school in a qualifying subject area.
Lead for Life
Join a statewide network of Fellows making an impact across generations.
What is a forgivable loan?
Teaching Fellows receive up to $5,000 per semester to cover tuition, books, and fees at your chosen institution. In return, Fellows commit to teaching in a North Carolina public school — one year for each year the award was received. Once that service requirement is met, the loan is fully forgiven, and no repayment is required.
Why become a North Carolina Teaching Fellow?
Teaching Fellows receive more than just financial support. Through mentorship, leadership development, and classroom experience, Teaching Fellows are equipped to transform learning for students across our state.
- Study at one of ten leading NC universities
- Receive up to $5,000 per semester in forgivable loans
- Gain leadership and classroom experience while you earn your degree
- Join a statewide network of educators
- Get continued support and mentorship after graduation
Important Application Dates
- Early Action Window: Apply by November 1, 2025, to receive an application update by November 21, 2025.
- Regular Decision Window: Apply after November 2, 2025, to receive an application update by February 21, 2026.
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 (application closes at midnight)
Note: The NCTF Application is separate from applications at all partner institutions. One does not affect the other. If selected as an NC Teaching Fellow, you must be admitted to a partner institution to accept funding.
Need More Information?
Note: You must register at least 24 hours in advance to receive the Zoom link via email.
Virtual Information Sessions
Join NC Teaching Fellows Statewide Assistant Director Crystal Espey to learn more about the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program, including:
- Program Eligibility
- Pathways to becoming a Teaching Fellow
- Partner Institutions
- Application Process
- General Q&A Session
Information sessions dates coming soon!
NCTF Drop-In Sessions
Schedule a time to chat one-on-one with NC Teaching Fellows Statewide Assistant Director Crystal Espey about the NCTF Program, application details, and partner institutions.
No presentation – just conversation! Bring your questions.
Email Crystal at cnespey@northcarolina.edu to set up a virtual meeting with her. Please provide several dates/times that work best for you.