Choosing the right TEFL course can be a headache.
There are hundreds of TEFL providers claiming to be the best. In fact, it would take days of research and review-reading to decipher the good from the bad.
So we've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best - and most affordable - TEFL certifications online. This means every course we've listed is accredited and internationally recognized, so you can get hired as an ESL teacher anywhere.
Most of the TEFL providers we list also have job placement services for their students, which can help you land your first ESL job after you complete your course.
Why being TEFL certified matters
ESL teaching has become increasingly competitive. The freedom to work from home or travel is alluring to most people and ESL provides that freedom. However, most English teaching companies require teachers to hold a TEFL certificate as a standard qualification, while degree requirements tend to vary between companies.
In my experience, holding a TEFL certification and a little experience is enough to land almost any ESL job - even if you don't have a degree. For those looking for higher pay or advanced teaching positions, specialty ESL courses are a great route to go. For example, being armed with both a TEFL and IELTS certificate can really show your employer your dedication, experience, and commitment to teaching.
Read our post on how to stand out to ESL employers for more tips on getting hired.
Best Online TEFL Courses in 2023
Quick links to online TEFL course providers:
1. Premier TEFL
Premier TEFL is a trusted leader when it comes to accredited TEFL courses. Their courses range from entry-level to advanced teaching certificates. You can complete all of Premier TEFL's wide range of courses online, which makes going from an amateur to a pro easy!
TEFL Courses on offer:
Specialty ESL courses:
2. The TEFL Academy
TEFL Academy offers a wide range of accredited courses online and in-person. Students are not limited to TEFL and can add on specialties like Business English and 1-on-1 tutoring. Their services include international internships for those wishing to teach overseas too.
TEFL Courses on offer:
Specialist ESL Courses
3. myTEFL
myTEFL has a TEFL course to match any need. Their various TEFL course choices are made even sweeter by their student job placement service and their policy to donate to a charity in your name upon a course purchase.
TEFL courses on offer:
Basic:
Intermediate:
Advanced:
Professional (recommended):
4. i-to-i
i-to-i is a well-established TEFL course provider that has something for everyone. Whether you want a basic entry-level teaching certificate or an advanced 300-hour TEFL Diploma, i-to-i has you covered.
Level 5 Online TEFL Courses:
Level 3 Online TEFL Courses:
Learn more about i-to-i's TEFL courses and view prices and discounts here.
5. ICAL TEFL
ICAL has more than 20,000 TEFL graduates which show their commitment to qualifying ESL teachers all around the world. Their 120-hour TEFL course is completely online and includes a personal tutor to ensure students have all the support they need.
Online TEFL Courses:
6. TEFL Pros
The TEFL Pros don't offer a lot of online TEFL courses, instead, they specialize in one high-quality accredited course which covers everything you need to become a confident and qualified ESL teacher.
TEFL course on offer:
Learn more about TEFL Pros and view current prices and discounts here.
7. Let's TEFL
Let's TEFL specialize in one all-encompassing TEFL course completely online. The company assists its students in finding ESL jobs overseas, including a lifetime job placement service.
TEFL course on offer:
- Ultimate 120-Hour TEFL Course
*Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this never costs you more, in fact, sometimes our links provide you discounts.
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Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!