Teach English in Saudi Arabia

You can teach English in Saudi Arabia at university preparatory year programmes, international and private schools, language institutes and in corporate training, mainly in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province. A bachelor’s degree is required for the work visa and must be attested, and most employers want a recognised TEFL qualification of at least 120 hours. Pay is in Saudi riyals and tax free: roughly SAR 8,000 to 12,000 a month at language institutes and SAR 10,000 to 20,000 or more at universities and international schools, usually with housing, flights and medical cover.

Teaching English in Saudi Arabia at a glance

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in Saudi Arabia?

University preparatory year programmes. The best known TEFL route. Universities run intensive English foundation years for new students, often through contracted providers, and many campuses are separate for men and women, so both male and female teachers are recruited.

International and private schools. Follow British, American, IB and other curricula, and want qualified teachers with a teaching licence and experience.

Language institutes. Teach adults, students and professionals, usually in the afternoon and evening. They are the most common entry point for newer TEFL teachers.

Corporate and technical training. Business and technical English for companies in energy, banking and government, often well paid for experienced trainers.

How much do English teachers earn in Saudi Arabia?

Language institutes commonly pay about SAR 8,000 to 12,000 a month. University preparatory year roles typically pay SAR 10,000 to 18,000, and international schools SAR 12,000 to 20,000 or more for licensed teachers. Salaries are tax free, and most packages add housing or a housing allowance, flights, medical insurance and an end of service payment, which together are worth a great deal. The riyal is pegged to the US dollar, so the value of your salary is stable. Compare packages on what is included, not the headline figure alone, and compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index. Our research guide to teaching English in Saudi Arabia breaks pay down by sector.

What do you need to teach English in Saudi Arabia?

A bachelor’s degree is the legal gate, because it is required for the work visa, and it must be attested in the country that issued it and then through Saudi channels. Most employers add a recognised TEFL qualification of at least 120 hours, and universities usually prefer a Level 5 TEFL or CELTA plus some experience. Schools want a teaching licence or a qualification such as a PGCE. Employers also ask for a police certificate, and you take a medical. Many employers recruit only passport holders from the main English speaking countries. The Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Which visa and iqama do you need?

Your employer obtains your work visa, so you need a job offer first. You then apply for the visa with your attested documents, enter Saudi Arabia, complete a medical and fingerprinting, and your employer applies for your iqama, the residence permit you need for banking, housing and travel. You cannot arrive on a visit visa and look for work. Start attesting your degree and police certificate early, because it is the slowest step. Check current rules with the Saudi embassy and our Visa Desk before you accept an offer.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia?

Riyadh, the capital, has the most universities, schools and institutes and the highest rents. Jeddah, on the Red Sea, is cosmopolitan and has a large private sector. Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran in the Eastern Province have strong corporate and university demand linked to the energy industry and lower living costs. Smaller cities such as Abha, Taif and Qassim offer university posts with a quieter pace.

What is it like teaching in Saudi Arabia?

The working week runs from Sunday to Thursday. Saudi Arabia has changed fast in recent years, with women able to drive, cinemas and concerts open and tourism growing, but it remains conservative. Dress modestly, alcohol is illegal, and same sex relationships are illegal. Students are generally respectful, and many classes are separated by gender. Read current travel advice from your government before you go, and check housing, contract length and end of service pay in writing before you sign.

Last updated: 2 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate typical ranges, not quotes. Visa, attestation and residence rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Saudi embassy and your employer before you accept an offer.