TEFL course in Saudi Arabia
Yes. You can take a TEFL course online anywhere in Saudi Arabia with London College of Teachers. The 120-hour TEFL Certificate costs US$185 and meets the standard requirement of language schools and online platforms. Saudi Arabia hires English teachers for universities' preparatory-year programmes, international schools, private language institutes and corporate training.
TEFL in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia hires English teachers for universities' preparatory-year programmes, international schools, private language institutes and corporate training.
Requirements and recognition
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree (often in English, TESOL or linguistics), a recognised TEFL/TESOL or CELTA certificate and some experience; university roles often want more. Requirements are set by the employer and the work-visa process.
Requirements change. Treat this as general guidance (October 2026) and confirm with your employer or the relevant authority.
The Saudi English-teaching market
English is a priority in Saudi Arabia's education and workforce plans. Universities run large preparatory-year English programmes, international schools serve expatriate and Saudi families, and language institutes and corporate training departments teach English for work.
What Saudi employers look for
- A bachelor's degree, often in English, TESOL, linguistics or education
- A TEFL/TESOL certificate; some employers ask specifically for CELTA
- Two or more years of experience for many roles
- For university roles, often a master's degree
Which course suits Saudi Arabia?
The 120-hour TEFL Certificate meets the TEFL/TESOL requirement for many institutes. Graduates targeting universities or senior roles often choose the PG Diploma or Master in TEFL for a postgraduate-level TEFL, and Business English suits corporate training. Where CELTA is mandatory, an online TEFL will not replace it.
Studying online from Saudi Arabia
You can study entirely online and pay in US dollars or pounds. Support is available by WhatsApp, phone and email; the time difference with India and the UK is small, so replies are quick during working hours.
Riyadh and Jeddah
Riyadh has the most university and corporate roles; Jeddah has international schools, language institutes and business English demand. See the city guides below.
Salary and benefits
Published ranges suggest around US$3,000 to US$4,000 a month for qualified English teachers, often with housing and flights. Packages vary by employer and experience.
Fees for learners in Saudi Arabia
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour TEFL Certificate is US$185, and your bank converts from your local currency.
| Course | Hours | Study time | USD | GBP | INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEFL Certificate | 120 | up to 4 months | US$185 | £160 | ₹14,750 incl. GST |
| TEFL Diploma | 150 | up to 5 months | US$275 | £230 | ₹18,880 incl. GST |
| TEFL PG Diploma | 350 | up to 14 months | US$510 | £420 | ₹35,400 incl. GST |
| Young Learners Teacher Training | 60 | up to 4 months | US$130 | £110 | ₹9,000 + GST |
| Business English Teacher Training | 120 | up to 6 months | US$130 | £110 | ₹9,000 + GST |
City guides in Saudi Arabia
Studying online from Saudi Arabia
You study at your own pace, complete module quizzes and assignments online, and contact tutors and admissions by email, phone or WhatsApp. Local time: AST (UTC+3).
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a TEFL course online in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. London College of Teachers' TEFL courses are fully online, so you can study anywhere in Saudi Arabia and start any day. You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour TEFL Certificate is US$185, and your bank converts from your local currency.
Is a TEFL certificate useful in Saudi Arabia?
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree (often in English, TESOL or linguistics), a recognised TEFL/TESOL or CELTA certificate and some experience; university roles often want more. Requirements are set by the employer and the work-visa process.
Which TEFL course should I take in Saudi Arabia?
Most people start with the 120-hour TEFL Certificate, which meets the standard requirement for language schools and online platforms. Add Young Learners or Business English to specialise, or choose the PG Diploma if you have a degree and want senior roles.
Can I teach English in Saudi Arabia with a 120-hour TEFL?
Many institutes accept it with a relevant degree and experience; some employers require CELTA.
Do Saudi universities hire TEFL teachers?
Preparatory-year programmes hire English teachers, usually with a degree, TEFL/CELTA and experience; some want a master's.