Find the right TEFL course for your goals

Frequently asked questions

Compare TEFL courses — your questions answered

• Which TEFL course should I do? +

  It depends on your destination and goals. If you want to start teaching quickly and affordably, the 120hr Professional TEFL at £99 is the fastest accredited route. If you're targeting competitive markets like Japan, South Korea, or Europe where employers screen for classroom hours, a Combined course with a Teaching Practicum — such as the 140hr Combined TEFL at £199 — gives you the edge. For the highest-ranked credential for international schools and universities, the 168hr Ofqual Level 5 TEFL is the gold standard.

• Is a 120 hour TEFL course enough to get a job? +

  Yes — a 120 hour TEFL course is the industry minimum and is accepted by the majority of schools, language academies, and online teaching platforms worldwide. Countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Colombia, Cambodia, and Spain regularly hire teachers with a 120hr qualification. However, for government programmes like EPIK in South Korea or the JET Programme in Japan, employers increasingly prefer candidates who also have verifiable teaching practice hours. In that case, upgrading to a Combined course adds 20 classroom hours to your certificate and makes you significantly more competitive.

• What is the difference between a Level 3 and Level 5 TEFL? +

  Level 3 and Level 5 refer to positions on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) — the UK government's official qualifications system. A Level 3 TEFL (typically 120 hours) is equivalent to an A-level and is accepted for most entry-level teaching roles. A Level 5 TEFL (168 hours) is equivalent to a foundation degree and is the highest level of TEFL qualification available. Level 5 is required or strongly preferred by international schools, universities, the UAE, and government-sponsored programmes that offer the best salary packages. TEFL UK's Level 5 is regulated by Ofqual, placing it on a par with the CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL for most employers.

• Is a TEFL UK qualification equivalent to CELTA? +

  TEFL UK's 168hr Level 5 TEFL sits at the same level (Level 5, RQF) as the CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL, and is accepted as equivalent by the vast majority of international schools, government programmes, and language academies worldwide. The key difference is that CELTA requires in-person attendance, typically costs £1,000–£1,500, and has fixed course dates. The TEFL UK Level 5 is fully online, self-paced, costs £269, and carries Ofqual regulation. The only roles that specifically require CELTA (not just Level 5) are British Council positions. For every other employer, both qualifications are accepted.

• Do I need a degree to do a TEFL course or get a teaching job? +

  No degree is required to enrol on any TEFL UK course. However, teaching abroad is a different question — it depends on the country. Japan, South Korea, China, and the UAE all require a bachelor's degree for a legal work visa, regardless of TEFL qualification. Countries including Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Colombia, and Spain do not require a degree, though having both a TEFL certificate and a degree opens the widest range of destinations and the most competitive salary packages. If you don't hold a degree, our team can advise you on which countries and programmes are accessible to you.

• How long does a TEFL course take to complete? +

  All TEFL UK courses are fully self-paced, so completion time depends on how much time you dedicate each day. The 120hr Professional TEFL can be completed in as little as 3 weeks studying full time, or 6–8 weeks part time. The 168hr Level 5 typically takes 6–10 weeks. Combined courses include a 20-hour Teaching Practicum which is arranged flexibly around your schedule. There are no deadlines, no fixed start dates, and no expiry on your access — you study when it suits you.

• What is the best TEFL course for teaching in Asia? +

  For most Asian countries, a 120hr accredited TEFL is the minimum requirement. For Japan and South Korea — particularly for the JET Programme or EPIK — employers and government programmes strongly prefer candidates with a TEFL certificate that includes verified teaching practice hours. The 140hr Combined TEFL is the most recommended option for Asia as it meets the 120hr minimum and adds 20 hours of real classroom practice. For the highest-paying roles in international schools or universities across China, Japan, or the UAE, the Level 5 TEFL is the right qualification.

• Are TEFL courses worth it in 2026? +

  Yes — the demand for qualified English teachers continues to grow. Over 1 billion people are currently learning English, and qualified teachers are needed across Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and online. Starting salaries for TEFL teachers abroad typically begin at £1,200+ per month, with many countries also providing free accommodation, flight reimbursement, and visa support. At £99 for an accredited 120hr qualification, the TEFL UK Professional course pays for itself well before your first month's salary arrives. With 60,000+ graduates now teaching in 60+ countries and a 93% recommendation rate, the investment is well established.

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