Eligibility and admission: questions and answers
Who can take TEFL, the English level you need, whether you need a degree, and how to enrol. Below are 10 questions people ask Google and AI assistants, each answered directly in a few sentences.
Who can do a TEFL course?
Anyone with good English communication can take a TEFL course. London College of Teachers' Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma have no degree requirement; the PG Diploma and Master in TEFL need a university degree in any subject.
Do I need a degree for TEFL?
Not for the course itself: the Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma are open without a degree. However, many countries' work visas and many employers ask for a bachelor's degree, so check the requirements of the country where you want to teach.
Can I do TEFL after 12th?
Yes. You can enrol in the TEFL Certificate after Class 12 if your English is good. It is useful for tutoring and online teaching, but teaching jobs abroad usually also need a bachelor's degree, and the PG Diploma requires one.
Can non-native English speakers take TEFL?
Yes. Non-native speakers with strong English take TEFL courses and teach successfully, online and in many countries. Some countries and employers prefer or require native-speaker nationality, so fluent non-native teachers do best where hiring is based on skill and a recognised certificate.
What level of English do I need for TEFL?
You need to read the course material, write assignments and explain English clearly, which in practice means an upper-intermediate to advanced level (around CEFR B2 to C1 or above). Employers abroad may ask for IELTS or similar proof if you are not a native speaker.
Is there an age limit for TEFL?
There is no upper age limit for the course. Some countries' work visas have age limits, typically somewhere between 55 and 65, so check the country you are aiming for.
How do I enrol in a TEFL course?
Fill in the online application form, and an admissions adviser will contact you to explain the course and confirm your level. After payment you receive a username and password and can start straight away.
When can I start the course?
You can start at any time. The courses are self-paced online, so there are no fixed intakes; you begin once your enrolment is confirmed and your login is issued.
Can I take a TEFL course while working full time?
Yes. The courses are self-paced, so you can study in the evenings and at weekends. The published durations (for example up to 4 months for the 120-hour Certificate) allow for part-time study.
Do teachers with a B.Ed need TEFL?
A B.Ed qualifies you to teach in schools, but it does not focus on teaching English to non-native speakers. A TEFL adds communicative language-teaching methods, and many international schools, language institutes and online platforms ask for it specifically.
More TEFL questions
- TEFL basics
- Choosing a TEFL course and level
- TEFL course fees and payment
- Studying online and assessment
- Certificate and recognition
- TEFL jobs and salary
- Teaching English online
- Teaching English abroad
- TEFL in India
- Choosing a TEFL provider
- What a TEFL course should cover
- Teaching practice and classroom readiness
- Teaching English in Asia
- Teaching English in the Middle East and Africa
- Teaching English in Europe and the Americas
- TEFL career growth
- TEFL specialisms
- Contracts, visas and moving abroad
- Studying online successfully
