TEFL Jobs in France
Make a positive impact and see the world with our exciting TEFL jobs.
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Teaching English in France offers a unique opportunity to blend cultural immersion with professional development. You'll not only impart valuable language skills but also gain insights into French culture and society. Imagine strolling along the Seine after a day of teaching, savoring a croissant in a quaint café, or exploring medieval villages nestled in the countryside. Teaching English in France opens doors to endless possibilities for exploration and growth. Whether you aspire to teach in bustling cities like Paris or tranquil towns in the French countryside, there's a teaching opportunity tailored to your preferences. Take a look at our exciting teaching jobs in France today!
Teaching English in France: jobs, salaries and how to get hired
France hires thousands of English teachers every year across public schools, private language academies, universities and business training centres. Here is what the market looks like, what it pays, and which TEFL qualification gives you the best chance of landing a role.
Where the English teaching jobs in France are
The largest employers are private language schools in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lille, Nantes and Strasbourg. They teach adults and business professionals in the evenings and at company offices during the day, and they recruit in two clear windows: August–September for the autumn term and January for the spring.
Language assistant schemes place native speakers in state primary and secondary schools for the school year (October to April). UK and Irish citizens apply through the British Council, US citizens through TAPIF, and other nationalities through their own national partner. Hours are light (around 12 per week), which leaves time for private tutoring.
Business English and corporate training is a strong niche. French companies fund staff language training through the national training system, so trainers with a Business English specialism are in steady demand in Paris and the regional business hubs.
Private tutoring and online teaching is how most teachers in France top up their income. Parents pay well for exam preparation (Bac, Cambridge, IELTS) and many teachers build a full timetable from a mix of school hours, corporate contracts and one-to-one lessons.
English teacher salary in France (2026)
| Role | Typical pay | Hours | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private language school | €1,200–€2,000 net per month | 20–25 contact hrs/week | Certified teachers with a Level 5 or 150hr+ TEFL; EU passport or valid work permit |
| Language assistant (British Council / TAPIF) | Approx. €810 net per month stipend | 12 hrs/week, Oct–Apr | Graduates or current students aged 35 and under with B1 French |
| Business English trainer (freelance) | €25–€45 per hour | Flexible, daytime | Teachers with a Business English specialism and some experience |
| Private tutoring | €20–€40 per hour | Evenings and weekends | Anyone building a portfolio income |
Figures are typical market ranges for mainland France and vary by city, employer and experience. Paris pays more but rent is roughly double that of Montpellier, Toulouse or Rennes, so many teachers find provincial cities leave more in their pocket at the end of the month. See our guide to how much you can earn as a TEFL teacher.
Do you need a TEFL certificate to teach English in France?
Yes, in practice. France is a competitive European market and schools receive far more applications than they have positions. A recognised TEFL qualification of at least 120 hours is the minimum most language academies will consider, and the better-paid roles in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux increasingly ask for a regulated Level 5 certificate or a 150-hour-plus course that covers exam classes and business learners. Language assistant schemes do not require a TEFL, but assistants who hold one find it far easier to move into a paid school role when their placement ends.
A degree is expected by the assistant schemes and preferred by most private schools, though it is not a legal requirement for TEFL work in France.
The best TEFL courses for teaching jobs in France
Two TEFL UK qualifications are the ones French employers see most often on successful applications. Both are fully online, self-paced and issued with a QR-verifiable certificate that can be legalised by the FCDO if an employer or prefecture asks for it.
168hr Level 5 TEFL Course
The UK's regulated TEFL standard, sitting at the same level on the framework as a foundation degree or CELTA. If you want a permanent language school contract in France, or a Business English role with a corporate training provider, this is the qualification that gets your CV to the top of the pile.
- Ofqual-regulated, recognised by employers across the EU
- Tutor-assessed assignments, not just multiple choice
- Covers teaching adults, exam preparation and lesson observation
- Lifetime access, free lesson plan bundle, job placement support
Best for: teachers targeting Paris, Lyon or Bordeaux language schools, corporate trainers, and anyone who wants a career-length qualification.
View the Level 5 TEFL course150hr Advanced TEFL Course
Our most popular course and the fastest route to a France-ready CV. It goes beyond the 120-hour basics with dedicated modules on exam classes, large groups, testing and assessment – exactly what French language academies and tutoring families ask about at interview.
- Internationally accredited, FCDO-legalisable certificate
- Modules on IELTS and exam preparation, teaching children and adults
- Bonus shareable video introduction unit for job applications
- Lifetime access, free lesson plan bundle, job placement support
Best for: language assistants who want a paid role after their placement, tutors, and first-time teachers applying for the September or January hiring windows.
View the 150hr Advanced TEFL courseNot sure which is right for you? Compare all TEFL course packages or add the 70hr Business English course to either qualification to open up corporate training work.
Visas and the right to work in France
EU and EEA citizens can live and work in France without a visa and are the easiest hires for French schools. UK citizens need a visa since Brexit: the main routes are the British Council language assistant scheme, a student visa (which allows part-time work), or a long-stay work visa sponsored by an employer, which is more common for experienced teachers and corporate trainers. Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders aged 18–35 can use a Working Holiday Visa, which is the most flexible route into language school and tutoring work. US citizens usually enter through TAPIF or a student visa. Whatever your nationality, a regulated TEFL qualification strengthens any visa application that requires proof of professional competence.
How to get a teaching job in France
- Get qualified firstComplete your Level 5 or 150hr Advanced TEFL before the hiring window opens. Schools shortlist certified applicants first, and the assistant schemes close applications in the spring for an October start.
- Build a France-focused TEFL CVLead with your qualification, any exam-prep or business experience, and your French level. Our TEFL CV guide shows the format French academies expect.
- Apply in June–July or November–DecemberThese are the months schools recruit for their September and January intakes. Apply directly to language academies and through the TEFL UK jobs board.
- Sort your paperwork earlyCheck your visa route, and if a school asks for a legalised certificate, our FCDO legalisation service handles it for you.
- Learn some FrenchB1 is required for the assistant schemes and makes daily life, admin and classroom management far easier. Our partner Preply offers 50% off your first lesson.
Teaching in France: frequently asked questions
Can I teach English in France without speaking French?
Yes. Language schools teach in English and most do not require French, though B1 level is needed for the British Council and TAPIF assistant schemes. Everyday French makes finding accommodation, opening a bank account and dealing with the prefecture much easier.
How much do English teachers earn in France?
Private language school teachers typically earn €1,200–€2,000 net per month, language assistants receive a stipend of around €810 net, and freelance business trainers charge €25–€45 per hour. Most teachers combine a main contract with private tutoring.
Is a Level 5 TEFL recognised in France?
Yes. The 168hr Level 5 TEFL is regulated by Ofqual and certified by TQUK, which places it on the UK's national qualifications framework. French employers recognise it as a higher qualification than a standard 120-hour certificate, and it can be legalised by the FCDO for visa or employer verification.
When is the best time to apply for TEFL jobs in France?
Language schools recruit in August–September and again in January, so apply in early summer or late autumn. Language assistant applications open in the autumn and close between January and March for a placement the following October.
Do I need a degree to teach English in France?
A degree is required for the language assistant schemes and preferred by most private schools, but it is not a legal requirement for TEFL work. A regulated TEFL qualification and relevant experience can compensate for the absence of a degree with many language academies and tutoring agencies.
Can UK citizens still teach in France after Brexit?
Yes, but a visa is now required. The British Council language assistant scheme, a student visa with part-time work rights, or an employer-sponsored long-stay work visa are the main options. A Level 5 TEFL and some experience make sponsorship considerably more likely.
Ready to teach in France?
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