Internationally recognised, reputable and highly Accredited TEFL Course Provider

Are you looking for an internationally recognised, one of the most highly accredited TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course providers in South Africa, accredited by top educational agencies like Highfield Qualifications, OFQUAL, and DEAC?

The TEFL Institute provides the most accredited TEFL certification in South Africa that enables you to teach English as a foreign language to non-native speakers abroad or online.

Our government-approved, reputable and accredited TEFL courses offer flexible online and in-person training, free live virtual learning sessions, job coaching seminars, and continuous student assistance. With one of the greatest graduation success percentages in gaining global TEFL job placements, our courses are excellent for both new and experienced teachers. Gain everything you need to be a successful certified TEFL teacher.

Our globally approved TEFL certification will open the door to a world of fascinating teaching opportunities. Whether you’re just starting to teach or looking to improve your qualifications, our Accredited TEFL courses offer excellent training, lifelong tailored support, and dedicated job placement aid through our global network of partner businesses. Join a global community of confident, certified ESL teachers making a difference throughout the world. With our advice and assistance, you’ll develop the skills and information you need to succeed in the classroom, no matter where you are on the globe.

Take the first step towards a wonderful teaching experience and a job that will transform your life. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Fast Track Accredited 120-Hour Advanced TEFL Course - The Program Employers Trust

Original price was: R7,385.00.Current price is: R2,255.00. 69% off

Fast Track

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
  • 24/7 study access
  • Internationally recognised certificate
  • Provides the fundamental knowledge and confidence to become a great teacher
  • Lifetime TEFL job hunting advice

180-Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma Accredited & Government Regulated

Original price was: R11,965.00.Current price is: R4,385.00. 63% off

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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.
  • 24/7 study access
  • Internationally recognised and government regulated certificate
  • Provides the higher employment opportunities for online and abroad jobs
  • Lifetime TEFL job hunting advice
20% off This Month: Use "JUNE20"

300-Hour Advanced Level 5 TEFL Diploma – Accredited & Government Regulated

Original price was: R17,745.00.Current price is: R7,985.00. 55% off

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Split the cost of your purchase into 2 interest-free payments.
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.
  • 24/7 study access
  • Internationally recognised and government regulated certificate
  • Provides the higher employment opportunities and includes practical experience course
  • Lifetime job hunting advice

Teach English Online

Training to teach English as a foreign language in South Africa or online is a popular career right now. There’s an ever-growing need for teachers to get online and build a reputation. You can live anywhere in the world and work online, so it’s a flexible career path.
Teach English Online
Teach English Online

Teach English Abroad

If teaching in South Africa is your goal, then feel free to take a look at the options we have on offer. The TEFL Institute works tirelessly to ensure that we can offer internship packages that take care of your travel needs so you can enjoy the experience of living and working in another country.
Teach English Abroad
Teach English Abroad

Innovative English Teaching, Global Opportunities
Experience exceptional TEFL training, lifetime support, and one-on-one mentoring. Our programs connect you to job placements with 200+ top educational partners worldwide. We use AI in TEFL, leveraging Generative AI and ChatGPT, for a more interactive, efficient, and personalised learning journey.

We focus on your success Your
aspirations, are our commitment

Government-Regulated & Fully Accredited  TEFL Courses

Our team of experts have more than 30 years of combined experience working in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) industry. Our goal is to help you pick the right TEFL qualification for your chosen career. We aim to give you the skills you’ll need to teach English abroad – whether this is working in South African schools or teaching online. The qualifications we offer are recognised and accredited around the world, so you can use them in any way you see fit to enjoy your new career path.

We offer Level 5 TEFL Diploma courses which are both government and Ofqual-regulated, helping to ensure the training you get from us is going to meet international expectations. Our teachers qualify and then become hotly demanded by educators all over the world. We have experience, a strong global reputation and a curriculum trusted by employers everywhere.

You can access our online TEFL and TESOL courses from any internet-capable device. If you’ve got a phone or tablet, you can access our new TEFL app, which is designed to allow you to study 24/7.

Learn more

Accreditation assures quality
Employers recognise the value

Highfield Qualifications 
The TEFL Institute’s Level 5 qualification accrediting body is Highfield Qualifications. This qualification provides learners with an internationally recognized certificate/diploma, which can be used to secure visas, teaching positions, and other employment, related to English language teaching worldwide.
[Approved Centre Number: 21335]

Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation)
Ofqual formally recognises Awarding Organisations and regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments. Ofqual has approved Highfield, the Awarding Organisation (AO), to provide regulated qualifications in multiple sectors, including Education and Training.

AQC (Approved Quality Curriculum)
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), a respected accrediting body in the United States, awards its Approved Quality Curriculum (AQC) status to programmes that meet its exacting standards for distance learning. Earning AQC approval is a mark of excellence, reflecting a programme’s commitment to quality education and rigorous assessment.
At The TEFL Institute, we are delighted to share that our Level 5 TEFL Courses have received AQC recognition from DEAC. This achievement confirms that our curriculum, assessments, and teaching practices are in line with the high expectations set by US educational authorities. The collaboration with DEAC and the AQC endorsement assures our students that their TEFL qualification is held to both national and international standards of quality, giving them confidence in the value and recognition of their training.

CPD (Continuous Professional Development)
CPD accreditation offers numerous benefits for professionals, enhancing their career prospects, skills, and overall job satisfaction. Here are the key advantages:

Benefits of CPD Accreditation for Professionals
1. Skill and Knowledge Enhancement:
• CPD ensures professionals keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date with industry developments, preventing them from falling behind in fast-changing fields.
• It bridges gaps in expertise, equipping individuals to meet the demands of their roles effectively.
2. Career Advancement:
• Evidence of CPD can improve career prospects by showcasing commitment to professional growth, making professionals more competitive for promotions or specialised roles.
• Accredited qualifications are recognized internationally, adding credibility to resumes and aiding in career progression

ODLQC (Open and Distance Learning Quality Council)
The Open and Distance Learning Quality Council are an independent guardian of quality in open and distance learning. To achieve accreditation, a provider must submit to regular assessments by ODLQC and show that the education or training offered meets those standards. This accreditation proves quality, which is reflected in our graduates.

Awards and Accreditations

Who can take the TEFL course?

Ideal for anybody between the ages of 17-70
Non-native speakers and native speakers
Degree and non-degree holders

Join Our Complimentary Webinars

If you’re interested in becoming a TEFL teacher, then we encourage you to come and take a look at the free webinar which we offer all prospective students. You’ll learn all about our TEFL qualification, and see what the future of the TEFL industry looks like, as well as how to start a brand new career.

Teaching English in Europe: What You Need to Know

Location

ZOOM (UK TIME)

Date

01.07.2025

Time

1:00 PM
register now

Plan Your TEFL Career for 2026

Location

ZOOM (UK TIME)

Date

06.11.2025

Time

2:00 PM
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Hear from our Graduates

See how our expert training and supportive community have helped TEFL Institute graduates launch rewarding English teaching careers worldwide. Read their stories and discover the difference our programs make.

Verified Student Reviews

Testimonials from students who have taken courses through The Institute and found success teaching English online or abroad.
(4.96) Out of 2897 global reviews
5 Star
97%
4 Star
2%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
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Read all reviews
5.0
Based on 2237 reviews
Found the course to be excellent, with staff who were terrific, especially Michelle and Walter. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to teach TEFL. One minor gripe: the platform was slow around 6-7 pm for some reason.
Julie Z.
16:12 28 Jun 25
I recently completed the Level 5 180 Hour Diploma with the TEFL Institute of Ireland, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience.The course itself was well-structured, comprehensive, and challenging in the right ways. It covers everything from grammar and lesson planning to teaching methodologies and classroom management. I particularly appreciated the real-world examples and the practical focus, which helped me feel more confident about stepping into a classroom — whether in person or online.One thing I really appreciated was the integration of self-assessment activities and multiple-choice questions throughout each module. These were a great way to check my understanding as I went along and made the learning process more interactive and engaging.Another standout aspect of the course was the support from tutors and staff. Whenever I had questions or needed clarification, I received prompt and helpful responses. The feedback on assignments was constructive and encouraging, and the platform was easy to navigate.In short, I highly recommend the TEFL Institute of Ireland to anyone looking to get TEFL certified. Whether you're aiming to travel, teach online, or start a new career path, this course is a fantastic first step.
Leah F.
10:45 13 Jun 25
I have taken two courses with TEFL Institute, the TEFL Certificate and the IELTS Preparation course and both were incredibly interesting and very well done. The courses have been extremely useful in my experience as a ESL teacher and would highly recommend the Institute to anyone looking to complete a teaching certification, as they allow the course taker to work at the pace they prefer and in the time that is best suited for them.
Francesca P.
16:01 10 Jun 25
Michelle Benson was so good! Very warm and engaging. I learned so much from the course and the content was broken down into simple, easy to understand instructions. It gave me a great insight into practical teaching online.
Sinead R.
19:14 08 Jun 25
I had an excellent chat with Elaine Lenane who explained the course details for me and answered any questions that I had with no complaints. She eased my nerves about starting the course and I'm really grateful to her for her kindness and patience.
Rafah
21:03 03 Jun 25
I spoke to Elaine at the TEFL institute, and I found her really helpful. She walked me through the process of getting a course funded through social welfare, and made the whole process very easy.
cian R.
10:58 03 Jun 25
Customer Care was fantastic, the horrors of attempting to navigate through all the different TEFL courses on Google was anxiety inducing and nauseating, however stumbling across the TEFL Institute of Ireland and having a chat with staff definitely calmed my nerves a bit. Staff were extremely helpful and were quick to answer my endless amount of questions and in detail. I am hoping to take that leap of faith and use my new diploma abroad and help all learners learn English!
Ryan B.
08:05 29 May 25
I recently completed the 180-hour TEFL course, delivered entirely online. The course provided a comprehensive and well-structured curriculum covering essential teaching methodologies, lesson planning, and classroom management. The balance between theory and practical assignments helped prepare me for real teaching environments.The online format was user-friendly, with clear explanations, videos, and quizzes that reinforced learning. Instructor support was responsive and helpful throughout. Upon completion, I feel confident and well-equipped to teach English as a foreign language internationally.Overall, this online TEFL course is a valuable and effective program for anyone seeking to start a career in English language teaching.
carla F.
11:07 28 May 25
I had an excellent experience great service from Elaine Lenane. Thanks
Khan
09:06 28 May 25
Elaine Lenane did a great job and provided me with answers to the questions I had.
Metu A.
13:28 27 May 25
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How do I find a job after getting TEFL certified?

At The TEFL Institute, we offer ongoing career guidance, personalised mentoring, and exclusive access to global TEFL job opportunities. Our AI-powered Jobs Explorer and Digital Teaching with AI Essentials module help you stay ahead in your teaching career, supported by a community of over 148,000 learners worldwide.

Comparative employment guide for TEFL teachers

Download your copy TEFL job market explorer
Teach English In Thailand Job
Thailand
Posted: 16 hours ago Salary Up To: 34,000 THB
Spain
Teach English in Spain Job
Posted: 4 hours ago Salary Up To: €1,400
Vietnam
Vietnam
Posted: 16 hours ago Salary Up To: €1,200
Italy
Teach English In Italy Job
Posted: 10 hours ago Volunteer

Question? get in touch

    faqs

    TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, refers to teaching English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language. It is a popular career choice for those who want to travel while earning an income or work remotely as an online English teacher. While some countries require a degree to teach English, many places and online platforms accept a TEFL certification alone, making it accessible to a wide range of people. A standard TEFL course typically consists of 120+ hours of training, which can be completed in 4 to 12 weeks, depending on whether it is an online, in-person, or hybrid course.

    You do not need a degree to teach English online. We don’t require a degree in any subject or even English to complete the courses that 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. If you do online work, you may find that remote positions still need a degree – check out Latin Hire and Cambly for options which don’t need one.

    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.

    The TEFL Institute is considered one of the best TEFL course providers in South Africa because it offers globally recognised and accredited TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) courses that are trusted by employers around the world. Our accredited courses are easy to follow, flexible to suit different schedules, and come with helpful support from experienced tutors.

    We have excellent reviews from students who have had positive experiences and found jobs quickly after completing their course. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for anyone looking to start a career teaching English abroad or online from South Africa.

     All of the TEFL courses we offer are going to give you the tools and experience necessary to teach English online or abroad in South Africa. However, we recommend that you look at the 180-hour course in most cases as it is feasible for someone with few qualifications, but it will give you access to as many opportunities as possible. 

    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. 

    We have a range of TEFL courses which are all approved under the DEAC AQC Curriculum Approval Scheme. These include our 180-hour, 4 x 60-hour and 300-hour courses.

    These are all courses which have met DEAC approval, which means that they are entitled to AQC status. They’ve been judged on numerous occasions to retain their status, and are held to the same standards which are used by the US Department of Education. That is your indicator that the course is going to help give you a proper education because not only are we currently enjoying our AQC status, but we will be subject to ongoing retesting to maintain the quality needed.

    When you look for a TEFL course, you need to make sure that the course you do take has an Ofqual-regulated TEFL certification, much like our Level 5 course. This is a guarantee that the course you are trying to take has been carefully approved and considered which helps you to make the right decisions involving your training. You also need to ensure you have at least 120 hours of training to help secure a certification recognised globally.

    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.

    You don’t need a specific TEFL diploma to teach English abroad in South Africa. What you’ll find in most cases is that the 120 hours of TEFL training will serve as a good benchmark for employers. It is worth noting that a more advanced qualification like a diploma will help you to apply for more jobs and get better employment options, but you can get started with less.

    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.

    You can take a lot of different qualifications and courses with us. If you want to pick the right one for your needs, you’ll need to know what the available options are. If you meet the specific criteria that we’re about to list, then we think you’d be best suited to the 120-hour course instead of the Level 5 qualification:

    • You are at least trained to a degree level in a subject.
    • You have a passport from an English-speaking country like Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, the US or UK, Ireland and Australia.
    • You want to work in a country where there is a higher demand for good TEFL teachers.

    On the other hand, if you meet these criteria instead, we’d recommend you go in for the Level 5 course:

    • You don’t have a degree or any previous teaching experience.
    • You’re not a native English speaker, and you have not got a passport from one of the countries we mentioned. 
    • You want to build a career in a country where the industry is pretty competitive, but you don’t feel confident about your teaching skills.

    Your TEFL qualifications will last for a lifetime

    You don’t need to speak another language to teach English abroad in South Africa or other countries. It might be required for a handful of jobs, but most positions won’t ask for it.

    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.

    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.

    Show More Faqs

    How do I find a job after getting TEFL certified?

    At The TEFL Institute, we offer ongoing career guidance, personalised mentoring, and exclusive access to global TEFL job opportunities. Our AI-powered Jobs Explorer and Digital Teaching with AI Essentials module help you stay ahead in your teaching career, supported by a community of over 148,000 learners worldwide.

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