Where can I teach TEFL without a degree?
Michael Gray
Updated on March 18, 2026
Here are just a few amazing countries where you can teach English without a degree:
- Cambodia. Cambodia is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia thanks to its ancient temples, such as Angkor Wat, and its incredible beaches in the South.
- Mexico.
- Costa Rica.
- Nicaragua.
- Argentina.
- Russia.
- Spain.
- Romania.
Is TEFL equivalent to a degree?
CELTA qualifications and Level 5 TEFL certification are the equivalents of a diploma of higher education (DipHE), a foundation degree, or two years at university. Both qualifications sit between an A-Level qualification and a Bachelor’s degree on the qualifications framework.
What degree do I need to teach TEFL?
You’ll usually need a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, which you can do through professional development. After the Diploma, you can get qualified teacher learning and skills status (QTLS). To work in schools in the UK, you’ll usually need to be a qualified teacher.
How much do TEFL teachers get paid?
So, how much do English teachers abroad get paid? Overall, a TEFL teacher’s salary can vary anywhere from $600-$4,000 USD per month.
What is the most Recognised TEFL course?
Any course aimed at training you for teaching English as a foreign language can be referred to as a Tefl course. The two most internationally recognised qualifications are the Cambridge Celta and the Trinity CertTesol. These are the two courses most employers know and prefer.
Is TEFL Level 5 worth?
If your goal is to teach English in the UK then a Level 5 qualification may help to give you a slight edge over someone with a 120-hour qualification. But in terms of finding work abroad or online your employment prospects and earning potential will be the same with both.
How difficult is TEFL course?
A TEFL course is an intensive course of study. The shortest TEFL course we recommend you do is 168 hours long and a lot of that time will be spent reading books, digesting information, and trying to understand theories of learning and methods of teaching.
What is a Level 5 TEFL course?
A Level 5 TEFL course is one that is regulated by TQUK and has been assessed to be a Level 5 qualification according to Ofqual’s qualifications framework. There are 9 qualification levels according to the framework, with the higher the level the higher the difficulty.
How long is 120-hour TEFL course?
10 to 12 weeks
How long does it take most people to complete a TEFL course? On average, our students take 10 to 12 weeks to complete our most popular 120-hour online TEFL course. Depending on your other commitments it can take you more or less time.
Does TEFL really take 120 hours?
Most TEFL courses are named according to the number of hours they take to complete. A 120-hour TEFL course will take 120 hours to complete… but how many weeks or months of study does that actually involve?
Is it possible to TEFL without a degree?
Demand for English teachers has been steadily increasing in this part of the world, particularly in areas such as Business English. It’s possible to TEFL without a degree in the following countries in Central and South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru, Mexico, and Uruguay.
Can you teach English abroad without a college degree?
Yes, You Can Teach English Abroad Without a College Degree! One of the best things about the field of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is that it’s open to just about anyone. There are opportunities to teach English abroad for teachers young and old, with or without teaching experience, and who are native English speakers or not.
Do you need a TEFL certificate to teach English online?
You must hold a TEFL Certificate. Have three years of teaching experience (online or otherwise). Have a high-speed internet connection (classes are taught on Zoom). You’re expected to work a minimum of 5 hours per week. You must be a native speaker of the language you are teaching.
Where can I teach EFL without a degree?
Unfortunately, the opportunities to TEFL without a degree in Asia are minimal but there is one great option open to you – Cambodia! Considering the high demand for teachers, incredible culture, and the opportunities for travel across Southeast Asia, it’s not hard to see why Cambodia is an attractive option for EFL teachers.