TEFL Jobs in Maldives
Make a positive impact and see the world with our exciting TEFL jobs.
Teach English in Maldives and discover fluffy white beaches, swaying palm trees and mesmerizing coral islands. This truly is one of the most beautiful countries on earth and you can experience it for yourself when you teach in Maldives. Check out historic Male, the charming capital and see why Maldives is a paradise for water-sports enthusiasts. Take a look at our exciting teaching jobs in Maldives today!
Live where everyone else goes on holiday
The Maldives is a chain of coral islands spread across 26 atolls, and most people only ever see it from a resort. Teaching here means living in Malé, the lively capital, teaching young learners, and spending your days off on sandbanks, reefs and local islands. The salary is modest, but free housing and a flight home on completion make it one of the most memorable first contracts you can take.
- Malé
- Hulhumalé
- Villingili
- Maafushi
- North and South Malé Atolls
What you need to teach English in the Maldives
Schools in the Maldives hire foreign teachers under national regulations, so the requirements are clear-cut. Here's what our current role in Malé asks for.
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A TEFL certificate
A TEFL, TESOL or CELTA is required. A 120-hour TEFL is the standard, and you can complete it online in a few weeks, well before the autumn arrival dates.
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A bachelor's degree
A degree is required for the role. Teaching experience is preferred but not essential, as you'll get orientation and training when you arrive.
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Eligibility under Maldivian rules
The regulations also set English language requirements for foreign teachers. Our team will confirm your eligibility before you apply, and your employer handles the work permit and visa.
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Energy for young learners
You'll teach pre-primary and primary classes. The teachers who thrive here enjoy songs, games and busy classrooms, and communicate well with local colleagues.
Your employer may ask for authenticated copies of your degree and TEFL. See our guide on how to legalise your TEFL certificate, and talk to our team before you commit.
Which TEFL course should you take for the Maldives?
The Maldives role asks for a TEFL, and a 120-hour certificate is the recognised standard. So our pick is the course that gets you there fastest, for the lowest price.
120hr Professional TEFL
£99
The internationally recognised 120 hours that schools look for. Study online at your own pace and be certified in time for October and November arrivals.
- Meets the Maldives TEFL requirement
- Finish in 2–4 weeks
- Lifetime access to materials
150hr Advanced TEFL
£179
Our most popular course, adding modules on teaching children, classroom survival and assessment. A good choice if you're new to the classroom.
- Teaching children module
- Testing and assessment
- Free lesson plan bundle included
Teaching pre-primary? Add the Early Childhood Education course (£15) to your 120hr. Or compare every package side by side.
What to expect teaching English in the Maldives
Pay and package
The package covers the biggest costs of living on an island nation, so you can focus on teaching and exploring. See the full role.
- USD 700 a month (roughly £520)
- Free accommodation
- Flight to your home city on completion
- Local medical insurance
- 30 days of annual leave
- One-year contract
Your classroom
You'll teach young learners in Malé and help shape how English is taught alongside local colleagues.
- Pre-primary and primary learners
- Maximum 30 contact hours a week
- Assessing progress and preparing for tests
- Working with local teachers on the curriculum
- Orientation and training on arrival
Living in Malé
One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Malé packs markets, mosques and a busy harbour onto a single island.
- Airport pickup and help opening a bank account
- Friday and Saturday weekend
- Modest dress expected; alcohol only at resorts
- Snorkelling, diving and surfing within easy reach
- Warm all year, with a wetter monsoon season
| Place | Character | What it's like | From Malé |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malé | Capital, compact, busy | Colourful buildings, the fish market, the Old Friday Mosque and a lively harbourfront | Home base for our current role |
| Hulhumalé | Modern, beachside | A newer island with wide streets, cafés and a public beach | Across the bridge by bus or taxi |
| Villingili | Quiet and green | A relaxed residential island with a beach and a slower pace | A short ferry ride |
| Maafushi | Local island | Guesthouses, a bikini-friendly tourist beach, snorkelling trips and sandbank excursions | By speedboat or local ferry |
| Resort islands | Postcard Maldives | Overwater villas, house reefs and day passes for a treat after a long term | By speedboat or seaplane |
Teaching in the Maldives: your questions answered
How much do English teachers earn in the Maldives?
Our current Maldives teaching role pays USD 700 a month (roughly £520), with free accommodation, local medical insurance and a flight home when you complete your contract. With housing covered, your salary goes on food and everyday life rather than rent. For how the Maldives compares, see our guide to how much you can earn as a TEFL teacher.
What qualifications do I need to teach English in the Maldives?
Schools hire foreign teachers under Maldivian regulations. For our current role you'll need a bachelor's degree and a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate, and teaching experience is preferred. The regulations also set English language requirements, so our team will confirm your eligibility before you apply. If you don't have a TEFL yet, our 120hr Professional TEFL meets the requirement.
Which TEFL course do I need for the Maldives?
A 120-hour TEFL is the standard that schools and employers look for, and our 120hr Professional TEFL covers it for £99. Most people finish in 2 to 4 weeks, so you can be certified well before the October and November arrival dates. As you'll be teaching young children, the Early Childhood Education add-on is also worth considering.
Where in the Maldives will I teach?
Our current positions are in Malé, the capital. Most schools, services and transport links are here, and ferries and speedboats connect the city to local islands and resorts across the atolls.
What age groups will I teach, and what are the hours?
You'll teach pre-primary and primary learners, with a maximum of 30 contact hours a week. Alongside lessons, you'll assess progress, help students prepare for tests and work with local teachers on the English curriculum.
When can I start, and who arranges the visa?
The contract is for one year, with arrival in October or November. Your employer handles the work permit and visa process, and you're met at the airport and given orientation and training on arrival. You also get 30 days of annual leave.
What is daily life like in Malé?
Malé is a compact, busy city where almost everything is walkable. The Maldives is a Muslim country, so modest dress is expected in the capital and on local islands, and alcohol is generally only available at resorts. The weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. Many teachers spend their days off snorkelling, diving and exploring local islands by ferry.
Do I need to speak Dhivehi?
No. You're hired to teach in English, and English is widely used in education, business and tourism. Dhivehi is the national language, and learning a few phrases goes a long way with students, families and colleagues.
Not certified yet? Start there.
The Maldives role needs a TEFL before you can apply. Get your 120hr certificate in a few weeks, then our placement team will support you through your application, contract and arrival.
Teaching in Maldives?
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