If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling the world while making a difference in people’s lives, a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course might just be your golden ticket. TEFL courses equip you with the skills to teach English to non-native speakers, opening doors to exciting opportunities across the globe.
It doesn’t matter if you want to teach abroad, online, or even here in South Africa, a TEFL certificate can open so many doors. In South Africa, TEFL training has become super popular, and it’s easy to see why. The courses here are affordable, practical, and set in a country full of culture and opportunities.
There are so many courses to choose from, and in this article, we will be talking about the best TEFL courses with certificates in South Africa.
Table of contents
- What are TEFL Courses?
- What is a TEFL qualification equivalent to in South Africa?
- How long does TEFL course take in South Africa?
- TEFL Courses with Certificates in South Africa
- 1. 120-Hour TEFL Certificate
- 2. 168-Hour Advanced TEFL Certificate
- 3. 200-Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma
- 4. Online Teaching Business English Course (30hrs)
- 5. Observed Teaching Practice Course, Level 5 Certificate (40hrs)
- 6. Combined Level 5 TEFL Course
- 7. Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- 8. Young Learners TEFL Certificate
- 9. Observed Teaching Practice TEFL Course
- TEFL Courses Requirements in South Africa
- How Much Does a TEFL Course Cost in South Africa?
- Can I Do a TEFL Course on my Phone in South Africa?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What are TEFL Courses?
TEFL courses in South Africa are all about helping you learn how to teach English to people who don’t speak it as their first language. TEFL stands for “Teaching English as a Foreign Language,” and these courses give you everything you need to lead a classroom with confidence, whether you’re teaching online or in person.
It’s not just for teachers, though. If you love language, meeting new people, or even dreaming of traveling and working abroad, a TEFL course could be perfect for you.
It’s a chance to do something meaningful, whether you’re looking for a new career, a way to earn online, or just an exciting adventure. A TEFL certificate can open up amazing opportunities.
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Difference Between TEFL and TESOL
No, they are not entirely the same.
So, TEFL and TESOL might sound similar, but there’s a small difference. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is for teaching English to people who live in non-English speaking countries. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is more general—it covers teaching both abroad and in English-speaking countries.
TEFL is a subset of TESOL. They’re both great qualifications, but it depends on where you want to teach!
Are TEFL Courses in Demand in South Africa?
Yes, TEFL courses are definitely in demand in South Africa. With its rich mix of cultures and a growing need for English language education, it’s a great place to start your TEFL journey.
It doesn’t matter if you dream of teaching in local language schools, offering private lessons, or even heading abroad, a TEFL certification opens doors. South Africa’s top-notch TEFL programs equip you to teach English both locally and internationally.
From bustling cities like Cape Town to global opportunities, the demand for English teachers means your skills will always be valuable. If you’re looking for a meaningful and flexible career, this is a great way to start!
What is a TEFL qualification equivalent to in South Africa?
In South Africa, a TEFL qualification, especially a “Level 5” TEFL certificate, is often seen as equal to a CELTA, which is one of the most respected teaching certifications worldwide. Both open doors to teaching English locally and abroad.
A Level 5 TEFL is highly regarded and sets a strong foundation for your teaching career. While they’re considered equivalent, some employers might have specific preferences, so it’s always good to double-check.
If you’re serious about teaching English, this qualification is your passport to exciting opportunities!
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How long does TEFL course take in South Africa?
A TEFL course in South Africa usually takes about 4 weeks to complete if you’re doing it full-time, as most are 120 hours long. If you go for an online option, it’s often more flexible, letting you set your own pace.
TEFL Courses with Certificates in South Africa
Here’s a list of the best TEFL courses in South Africa:
- 120-Hour TEFL Certificate
- 168-Hour Advanced TEFL Certificate
- 200-Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma
- Online Teaching Business English Course (30hrs)
- Observed Teaching Practice Course, Level 5 Certificate (40hrs)
- Combined Level 5 TEFL Course
- Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Young Learners TEFL Certificate
- Observed Teaching Practice TEFL Course
1. 120-Hour TEFL Certificate
If you’re looking for one of the best TEFL courses in South Africa, the 120-Hour Online TEFL Certificate from the Cape Town TEFL/TESOL Training Institute is a top choice.
It’s flexible, affordable, and packed with everything you need to start teaching English—whether locally, online, or abroad. You’ll learn how to teach different groups, from young learners to business professionals, all while studying at your own pace from home.
The course gives you three months to complete nine practical assessments, making it perfect for busy schedules. Plus, it’s designed to meet international standards, with a strong focus on real-world teaching skills.
Tesol SA offers this course at R5,500.
2. 168-Hour Advanced TEFL Certificate
If you’re serious about teaching English and want a course that sets you apart, the 168-hour Advanced TEFL Certificate is an absolute gem.
This course is designed to give you deeper, more advanced training, covering everything from lesson planning to classroom management, and teaching methods, and even preparing you for specialized areas like Business English or teaching online. It’s a solid choice if you’re aiming for top-tier job opportunities.
The course blends practical skills with a strong theoretical foundation, making sure you feel confident and prepared. It’s fully accredited, highly rated, and trusted by employers worldwide.
The TEFL Academy offers this course as one of the best online TEFL courses at R10,014.45.
3. 200-Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma
Lots of people looking to boost their teaching career choose the 200-Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma because it’s one of the most comprehensive courses out there. This diploma covers everything from advanced teaching techniques to real classroom practice.
You’ll get deep into areas like lesson planning, classroom management, and adapting to different student needs, all while gaining practical skills that can help you teach effectively anywhere in the world.
One great place to go for this course is at The TEFL.org. The course costs R7,256.48 and it is considered a higher level TEFL qualification compared to a standard 120-hour course, meaning more comprehensive training.
4. Online Teaching Business English Course (30hrs)
When it comes to teaching business English, the 30-hour Online Teaching Business English Course is a perfect choice!
This course is packed with everything you need to get started teaching English in a professional environment. It covers key topics like business communication, presenting, negotiating, and working with diverse teams.
You’ll get 6 weeks of access to online resources, and you can complete it as quickly as two weeks if you go full-time.
In South Africa, The TEFL Academy offers this course, and it costs around R3,500. With tutor support and job assistance, it’s an awesome way to kickstart your career teaching business English!
5. Observed Teaching Practice Course, Level 5 Certificate (40hrs)
If you’re looking to level up your TEFL game, the Level 5 Certificate in Observed Teaching Practice (40hrs) is a fantastic option. This course gives you the chance to complete 6 hours of observed teaching practice, just like the CELTA/Trinity CertTESOL, but without the hefty price tag.
You’ll get real feedback from experienced trainers and develop your teaching style. It’s perfect for those who’ve already completed a Level 5 TEFL course and want to gain hands-on teaching experience.
The TEFL Academy offers this course at R4,847. It’s a great way to enhance your CV and land better teaching roles worldwide!
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6. Combined Level 5 TEFL Course
The Combined Level 5 TEFL Certificate (168 hours) is one of the most recognized and respected courses you can take to start your teaching career.
It combines 158 hours of online study with 10 hours of classroom learning, giving you a balanced mix of practical and theoretical knowledge.
This course, regulated by UK and US bodies, prepares you to step confidently into the classroom and gives you a competitive edge in the job market.
This course is hosted by The TEFL Academy, and it costs around R16,000.
7. Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
If you’re looking to dive straight into teaching English, the Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a fantastic choice!
This four-week, full-time course covers 120 hours of in-class learning and 80 hours of assignments and self-study. You’ll get 6 hours of live teaching practice, giving you hands-on experience. The course is accredited at NQF level 5 by the University of Cape Town, making it highly respected.
In South Africa, you can take this course at The University of Cape Town for R17,900. Alternatively, Alison offers this course for free! Theirs is considered one of the best free TEFL courses.
8. Young Learners TEFL Certificate
Even if you’re just starting or looking to specialize, the Young Learners TEFL Certificate is a great way to get focused training for teaching kids!
This 30-hour online course will teach you everything you need to know about working with young learners—from understanding child development to planning fun, engaging lessons.
You’ll have 6 weeks of online access, but many complete it in just two weeks if studying full-time. Plus, there’s tutor support to guide you, and help finding teaching jobs abroad!
In South Africa, you can take this course for around R3,000 at places like The TEFL Academy in Cape Town
9. Observed Teaching Practice TEFL Course
If you’re looking to level up your teaching career, the Level 5 Certificate in Observed Teaching Practice is a great option. This course is ideal if you’ve already completed a Level 5 TEFL qualification and are ready to get real, hands-on teaching experience.
You’ll get 6 hours of observed teaching (just like CELTA or CertTESOL), which is a huge plus for your CV, especially for jobs in places like the Middle East or the UK.
The TEFL Academy offers this course at R4863.
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TEFL Courses Requirements in South Africa
To take a TEFL course in South Africa, here’s what you generally need:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- English Proficiency: You should have a high level of English, both written and spoken.
- No Formal Degree Required: Most TEFL providers don’t require a degree to enroll in the course.
- High School Diploma: Some providers may ask for proof of a high school education.
- Basic Computer Skills: Since many courses are online, you should be comfortable using a computer and the Internet.
- Degree for Some Jobs: While not necessary to take the course, some teaching jobs, especially abroad, may require a degree for work visa purposes.
- Motivation and Interest: A passion for teaching and working with people is important as well!
So, it’s a pretty open field, but some jobs might have extra requirements depending on where you want to teach.
What is the Age Limit for TEFL?
There is no strict age limit for TEFL courses. As long as you’re over 18 and meet the course requirements, you can pursue TEFL certification at any age.
How Much Does a TEFL Course Cost in South Africa?
The cost of a TEFL course in South Africa can range from around R3,500 to R17,900. The price depends on the course level, accreditation, and learning format (online or in-person).
So, the more comprehensive the course, the higher the cost. But no worries, you’ll get what you pay for in terms of quality and opportunities!
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Can I Do a TEFL Course on my Phone in South Africa?
Yes, you can do a TEFL course on your phone in South Africa, especially if the course is offered online. Many providers have mobile-friendly platforms, so you can study on the go!
FAQs
Yes, you can use your TEFL certificate in South Africa. While it’s primarily for teaching English abroad, many language schools and online platforms in South Africa also accept TEFL certifications for local teaching opportunities.
Yes, TEFL is worth it in South Africa, offering global job opportunities and flexible teaching roles.
Yes, the TEFL Academy is accredited by Qualifi and regulated by Ofqual in the UK.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, TEFL courses in South Africa are a great way to kickstart your teaching career. Whether you’re taking an online course or attending in-person classes, these courses give you the skills and certification you need to teach English, both locally and abroad.
If you’re looking for a flexible and rewarding path, enrolling in a TEFL course could be your next big step.
References
- wits.ac.za – Regulated and Accredited TEFL Courses: What does it all mean?
- theteflacademy.com – Online TEFL Courses
- tefl-southafrica.co.za – TEFL / TESOL courses
- eslbase.com – TEFL courses in South Africa
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