What is TEFL? An Informational Guide

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It’s a widely recognised certification that equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to those whose first language is not English, abroad or online. TEFL certification programs usually include hands-on teaching practice, lessons, and a recognised curriculum.

Can I teach English online without a degree in South Africa

You do not need a degree to teach English online. You won’t be needing any degree to complete the courses we offer, Once you have become qualified as a TEFL teacher, you’ve got two main routes you can explore. You can either be a remote teacher working in a school somewhere in South Africa, or you can be a freelance teacher who needs to find clients.

How much money can I make teaching English online?

As is the case with any job, the amount of money that you can make will vary depending on your experiences and ability as a teacher. If you’re a new teacher, you’ll be making the equivalent of around $10 – $12 per hour. As your reputation improves and you grow in experience, you may find that you can get a pay bonus and move up the ranks within the place you’re working at. Freelancing affords you more freedom to pick your own hours and decide how you want to work – which is good if you have a steady stream of people happy to pay the rates – and some freelancers earn up to $35 an hour.

Are TEFL Institute's courses approved and Accredited?

Yes, our qualifications are approved by regulatory bodies in the UK. They are also recognised globally as authentic qualifications for employers. In the UK, we work with Ofqaul and their partner Highfield, and in the US, the DEAC offers an AQC status for our courses.

Which TEFL course to start teaching English online from South Africa?

We always recommend for 120-hour online TEFL course , which is fast and best for beginners, as it meets the minimum requirement and the certificate you receive thereafter will help you kickstart your TEFL journey, also if want something in like advance course you can also try 180-hour TEFL course which is a bit more on advance level

What qualifications do I need to take a TEFL Course?

There are no entry requirements for people who want to take a TEFL course from South Africa. If you are over the age of 18 and have a C1 level of proficiency in English, you can complete the courses we offer.

Who can take a TEFL course?

Anybody who wants to take a TEFL course and become a teacher needs to be naturally confident and preferably outgoing. You will be working extensively with kids who need a good education. You’ll learn how to teach with confidence during the qualification, but obviously, we can’t teach you character traits. Our TEFL teachers need to be at least 16 to be able to work in their home country, and you will need to be at least C1 proficient in English. You’re welcome to take our free English test to assess your level of fluency.

Does a TEFL certification expire?

Your TEFL qualifications will last for a lifetime

Why do an online TEFL certification?

If you want to kick off a brand-new career teaching English abroad, or you just like travelling, then getting a TEFL certificate gives you the freedom to do this. You can study from anywhere and explore the world at your leisure. This gives you plenty of time to pick and choose what you want from life.

Can a non-native English speaker from South Africa teach English abroad

Yes, you can teach English abroad even if you’re not a native English speaker. You’ll need to take a quick look at the visa requirements for your destination, though. Most places give a visa to an English speaking country resident, but the rules are different for non-native speakers.

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Leading Provider of Accredited TEFL Courses in South Africa

A TEFL degree lets you teach English online or in another country, or from anyplace like a digital nomad. It also lets you work when you want to.

We are accredited, your certificate matches international teaching standards. This means you can apply for English-teaching jobs...

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You will a part of a global certified english teaching community and you’ll gain the confidence and practical skills needed to create engaging learning experiences for your students. Our experienced team is available to offer guidance throughout your studies and as you begin your teaching career.

With expert support at every stage, you can develop professionally and make a real impact in classrooms around the world.

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120-Hours Accredited
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Online (Advanced)

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Get access to entry-level jobs. Qualify to teach at home & abroad.

The government-regulated and most accredited 120-hour TEFL course has been made using some of the best schooling techniques in the world and is a globally recognised program. This is our fast-track qualification – it will get you qualified to teach in the shortest time

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180-Hours Ofqual Regulated
Level 5 TEFL Diploma

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Our highly accredited 180-hour TEFL course is a CELTA-equivalent certification. It has worldwide recognition and teaches you everything needed to be a TEFL teacher.

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🏆 The Professional's Choice | 8-10 Weeks

300-Hours Ofqual Regulated
Level 5 TEFL Diploma (Advanced)

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This is our master’s program, our best course, and the one which offers a top education. We offer an elite education, access to specialist courses which improve your salary, and the ability to practice teaching. We ensure you’re ready to teach in any setting.

6 Months Unlimited Course & App Access
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Advanced Level 5 TEFL Diploma Download Guide

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The TEFL Institute is proud of the positive feedback we receive, which continually strengthens confidence in our programmes. Our 14-day money-back guarantee ensures that students can enrol with complete peace of mind.

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I really enjoyed the TEFL course. The teachers explain everything clearly, and the lessons are engaging and well organized. I truly appreciate the effort the team puts into the course.The only issue I have is that I submitted my Assessment 3 on July 6, but I still haven't received the result. I would be very grateful if you could help resolve this issue.Thank you for your support!

Nasiba O.

13:46 24 Jul 26

A relaxed yet buzzed up, non intimidating environment that lent itself to learning easily. Host & tutor Michelle Benson was exceptionally welcoming, pleasant, encouraging & entertaining, smiling & supportive throughout, which is why I consider 4.7 an accurate star rating; I would just like to have engaged in more than a few minutes of teaching practise during the course. Sincere gratitude to Michelle and the TEFL team, Anthony.

Anthony Mc G.

16:33 22 Jul 26

I had an excellent experience with The TEFL Institute whilst completing my 180 Hour Diploma and learnt so much. There was a broad focus on both face-to-face and online teaching. This made the course useful for different settings. The in-depth study of the various lesson structures has equipped me to plan lessons accordingly. Plus, throughout the modules, the amount of additional websites offered really helped to point me in the right direction, most of which would use in the future.My tutor, Laura Graham, was easily available when I needed to communicate with her and she was extremely quick to assess my work. She gave clear positive feedback and provided ongoing support and encouragement. I felt very confident in Laura as a tutor. She was always more than happy to advise. Laura was so easy to converse and so friendly. There were occasions when Laura responded to my queries late at night when I did not think i would get a reply until the next day. She most definitely is not a 9-5 tutor. When I had been having difficulty with the platform, without hesitation, she added additional time. It was so clear that Laura is dedicated to her role and I really appreciated this.When I needed to freeze my course, the institute was so accommodating and did so without question and without charge. Also, whenever I needed to make contact, John was very helpful.I would most certainly recommend The Irish Institute.

Louise

19:49 21 Jul 26

Such a fantastic course that puts theory into practice in a way that is fun and meaningful. I was a bit unsure beforehand but Michelle Benson made me comfortable from the very beginning and helped me feel more comfortable with lesson plans. She helped give me more confidence in my teaching. She made the course engaging and interactive while also bringing humour into it. I would highly recommend this course to anyone and everyone!

Kirsty M.

23:04 17 Jul 26

Yesterday I finished my 10 hour Virtual TEFL course (with teaching practice) and, even though I was pretty anxious at first (what with it being online and with people I knew nothing about), it went amazing!Michelle Benson is a wonderful teacher and a wonderful human being, and you can actually feel how much she loves her job and her passion for it!So yeah, this was a 10/10 and I would 100% recommend this course to you if you want to get a taste of how teaching could feel like ^^PS: wish the course could've been longer, I'm already missing Michelle and all of my classmates, they were simply wonderful

Alba

14:41 17 Jul 26

As part of a hybrid 180 hour diploma, I did a 10 hour practicum course with TEFL institute. Not only was did the short two days of learning provide us with all the basics for effective teaching methodology, it was also just such a blast; a rewarding time all-around. The 10 hour practicum course is an incredibly fun and educational add-on to any certificate or TEFL journey in general, I think. Michelle Benson, our instructor for these classes, was very experienced, patient, and knowledgeable. She made the classes feel approachable and super entertaining. It’s apparent that the TEFL team is full of genuinely passionate professionals, and Michelle is no exception! You’d be surprised how quickly you feel like you start to get to know people in these short courses too! I feel so much more encouraged to keep learning so that I can apply more and more knowledge, using the skills I learned here, in teaching.

Vasili E.

00:11 17 Jul 26

I had a follow up call with Jessica after completing the 120 hour TEFL certificate and she helped me so much. She made me feel calm and excited to be an ESL teacher. I have had a ton of success as a result of our meeting so I am very grateful!

Mae

22:27 13 Jul 26

Mae

22:27 13 Jul 26

Good intro to teaching work abroad / foreign countries. John’s reassuring manner is encouraging!

Lorenza A.

13:00 09 Jul 26

Good intro to teaching work abroad / foreign countries. John’s reassuring manner is encouraging!

Lorenza A.

13:00 09 Jul 26

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More Than a Course
We offer a Full Support System

Our team has over 30 years of experience in teaching English as a foreign language. We want to help you choose the right TEFL course for your career. Our training gives you the skills to teach English in South Africa, online, or in other countries. Our certification is recognised worldwide, so you can use it anywhere to start your new teaching career.

Ofqual has authorised our Level 5 TEFL Diploma courses. This indicates that our training is up-to-date with what is expected around the world. Schools all over the world value our teachers after they finish their course. We have a lot of experience, a good name, and a program that employers all around the world trust.

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Regulation and accreditation assure
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Highfield Qualifications

Our Level 5 TEFL Course has been approved by Highfield Qualifications. This means that your certificate is legitimate, trusted, and known all around the world. This can help you feel sure when you apply for jobs and permits to teach English abroad.

[Approved Centre Number: 21335]

OFQUAL (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation)

Ofqual is a government organisation that checks and approves education providers like us. Highfield represents Ofqual, so anything approved by Highfield is also approved by Ofqual.

DEAC, (the Distance Education Accrediting Commission)

The DEAC is a U.S. organisation that checks and approves education providers. It gives an AQC award to schools that meet its rules.

The DEAC has given our Level 5 TEFL courses the AQC stamp of approval. The achievement tells people how dedicated we are as a course provider and what we can provide. The DEAC follows rules set by the US Department of Education. We are more than happy to follow these rules.

ODLQC: (Open and Distance Learning Quality Council)

The ODLQC makes sure that we offer high-quality education around the world. They are an independent group that has its own rules for how to judge things. To keep its accreditation, an institution must pass and submit regular testing.

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