TEFL Jobs in Saudi Arabia
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Teach English in Saudi Arabia and explore a diverse culture that is moulded by its Islamic background, historical significance as an ancient commerce centre, and Bedouin traditions. Saudis have adapted their values and traditions – including their customs, hospitality, and even their clothes – to the modern world. Teaching in Saudi Arabia provides a gateway to beautiful oases, towering mountaintops, and sand dunes that seem to go on forever, as well as an enduring culture of hospitality. Take a look at our exciting teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia today.
Teaching English in Saudi Arabia: jobs, salaries and how to get hired
Saudi Arabia is one of the best-paid places in the world to teach English, with tax-free salaries, housing and annual flights. It's also one of the most demanding markets. Here's where the jobs are, what they pay, and the qualification that gets you shortlisted.
Where the English teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia are
University preparatory year programmes are the best-known employers. They teach first-year students intensive English before they start their degrees, in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Al Khobar. Most contracts start with the academic year in late August or September, with some January intakes.
Private language centres teach adults and teenagers, often in evening and weekend classes. They recruit year-round on one- or two-year renewable contracts.
Corporate and vocational training is a fast-growing area, as companies in energy, aviation, defence and healthcare train staff in English. These roles usually ask for experience teaching adults.
International and private schools hire English teachers for primary and secondary classes. Many schools teach boys and girls separately, so there's strong demand for female teachers and some roles are open to women only. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reforms are pushing English demand across all of these sectors.
English teacher salary in Saudi Arabia (2026)
| Employer | Typical monthly pay (tax-free) | Usual requirements | Common benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private language centre | About US$3,200–$3,500 (around SAR 12,000–13,000) | Degree, CELTA or Level 5, 1+ year experience | Flights, medical cover, end-of-service bonus |
| University preparatory year | From about SAR 15,000, up to SAR 20,000 with a master's | Degree, CELTA or Level 5, university-level experience | Housing or allowance, flights, generous leave |
| Corporate and vocational training | Up to SAR 15,000 including allowances | Degree, Level 5 or CELTA, 3 years teaching adults | Furnished housing, flights, medical cover |
| International or private school | Varies by school and curriculum | Degree, TEFL or teaching licence | Housing, flights, medical cover |
Figures are typical ranges from current adverts and vary by employer, city and experience. Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax, and most contracts include an end-of-service gratuity paid when you finish. See our guide to how much you can earn as a TEFL teacher.
Requirements to teach English in Saudi Arabia
Saudi employers set a higher bar than most TEFL markets. A typical advert asks for:
- A bachelor's degree, which you'll need to have apostilled or attested
- CELTA or an equivalent Level 5 TEFL
- One to three years of classroom experience, ideally with adults
- A passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa
- A clean police certificate and a medical check
A standard 120-hour certificate usually isn't enough for the well-paid roles. Our own Saudi listings ask for "CELTA / DELTA or Level 5 equivalent", which is why the Level 5 is the qualification to aim for.
The TEFL Saudi employers ask for
Get your Level 5 TEFL before you apply and save 10% with code SAUDI10.
168-Hour Level 5 TEFL
Ofqual-regulated and TQUK-certified, at the same level on the UK framework as CELTA. It meets the "CELTA or Level 5 equivalent" requirement in many Saudi adverts, online and for a fraction of the cost of an in-person course.
- Ofqual-regulated Level 5 qualification
- Tutor-assessed assignments, not just multiple choice
- Covers teaching adults and exam preparation
- Certificate can be apostilled for your visa
70-Hour Business English
Corporate and vocational training is one of Saudi Arabia's fastest-growing teaching markets. Add a Business English specialism to stand out for roles with energy, aviation and engineering employers.
- Teach professionals and company groups
- Needs analysis and course design
- Pairs with the Level 5 TEFL on your CV
- Fully online and self-paced
Not sure which course is right for you? Compare all TEFL courses
Visas and paperwork for Saudi Arabia
You can't look for teaching work in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa. Your employer sponsors your work visa and, once you arrive, your residence permit (iqama). Most contracts are for one year and are renewable.
Paperwork takes time, so start early. You'll usually need your degree and TEFL certificate apostilled or attested, a police certificate, a medical check and a passport with plenty of validity. Our FCDO legalisation service can prepare your TEFL UK certificate, and your employer will confirm exactly what they need.
How to get a teaching job in Saudi Arabia
Get your Level 5 TEFL
It's the qualification most Saudi adverts ask for.
Build your experience
Most roles want one to three years, so log every class you teach.
Prepare your documents
Start apostilling your degree and certificate while you apply.
Apply for live roles
Browse our Saudi jobs above and the jobs board, and use our TEFL CV guide.
Interview and sign
Interviews are usually online, then your employer starts the visa process.
Life as an English teacher in Saudi Arabia
With tax-free pay and housing usually covered, many teachers save more in Saudi Arabia than anywhere else they've taught. The working week runs Sunday to Thursday, and hours are shorter during Ramadan.
The country has opened up quickly in recent years, with new entertainment, dining and tourism, and weekends can take you to the AlUla canyons, the Red Sea coast or the Edge of the World cliffs near Riyadh.
It's a conservative country, so modest dress and respect for local customs and religious practices are expected, both in and out of the classroom. Teachers who come with an open mind tend to find a warm welcome and real hospitality.
Teaching English in Saudi Arabia: frequently asked questions
How much do English teachers earn in Saudi Arabia?
English teachers in Saudi Arabia typically earn around SAR 12,000 to SAR 20,000 a month tax-free, depending on the employer and your qualifications. Language centres often pay around US$3,200 to US$3,500 a month, while university preparatory year programmes usually start from about SAR 15,000. Most packages also include housing or a housing allowance, annual flights and medical insurance.
What qualifications do I need to teach English in Saudi Arabia?
Most employers ask for a bachelor's degree, a CELTA or equivalent TEFL qualification such as a Level 5 TEFL, and at least one to three years of teaching experience. Universities may also ask for a master's degree or DELTA for senior roles.
Is a Level 5 TEFL accepted in Saudi Arabia?
Many Saudi employers ask for "CELTA or equivalent", and an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL sits at the same level on the UK qualifications framework as CELTA. It is widely accepted as an equivalent, including on TEFL UK's own Saudi job listings, but always check the requirements in each advert.
Is a 120-hour TEFL enough for Saudi Arabia?
Usually not. Saudi Arabia is one of the more demanding TEFL markets, and most well-paid roles ask for CELTA or an equivalent Level 5 qualification rather than a standard 120-hour certificate.
Which nationalities can teach English in Saudi Arabia?
Because of visa rules, most English teaching roles are open to passport holders from the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Are English teaching salaries in Saudi Arabia tax-free?
Yes. Saudi Arabia does not charge personal income tax on salaries, which is one of the main reasons teachers can save a large share of their pay. Check your tax position in your home country too.
What documents do I need for a Saudi teaching visa?
Your employer sponsors your work visa and residence permit (iqama). You will usually need your degree and TEFL certificate apostilled or attested, a police certificate, a medical check and a valid passport. Your employer will confirm the exact documents.
Can women teach English in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. There is strong demand for female teachers, particularly in schools, women's university campuses and language centres, and some roles are open only to female teachers.
Ready to teach in Saudi Arabia?
Get the Level 5 TEFL Saudi employers ask for, then apply for our live roles in the Kingdom.
Save 10% on the Level 5 TEFL with code SAUDI10.
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