TEFL course in South Africa
Yes. You can take a TEFL course online anywhere in South Africa with London College of Teachers. The 120-hour TEFL Certificate costs US$185 and meets the standard requirement of language schools and online platforms. South African teachers are among the most active TEFL graduates worldwide, working in Asia, the Middle East and online.
TEFL in South Africa
South African teachers are among the most active TEFL graduates worldwide, working in Asia, the Middle East and online.
Requirements and recognition
School teaching in South Africa requires registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE). For jobs abroad, South Africa is on the native-English-speaker lists used by several countries, such as South Korea's E-2 visa, so a degree plus a 120-hour TEFL opens many doors.
Requirements change. Treat this as general guidance (October 2026) and confirm with your employer or the relevant authority.
Why South Africa is a TEFL powerhouse
South Africa is one of the countries whose citizens qualify as native English speakers for several visa systems, including South Korea's E-2. Together with strong English and a degree, a TEFL opens markets across Asia and the Middle East, and many South Africans teach online too.
Popular destinations for South African teachers
- South Korea: hagwons and public-school programmes (degree and E-2 nationality rules)
- Vietnam and Thailand: language centres and schools
- China: training centres and international kindergartens
- The UAE and Saudi Arabia: experienced teachers with degrees
- Online teaching from home
SACE and TEFL
Teaching in South African schools requires registration with the South African Council for Educators. TEFL is a separate professional qualification for teaching English to speakers of other languages, at home, online or abroad.
Which course suits South Africans?
The 120-hour TEFL Certificate (US$185) meets the standard requirement; add Young Learners if you are heading to Korea, China or Vietnam, where most learners are children.
Johannesburg and Cape Town
Johannesburg is a major source of teachers heading to Asia and the Gulf; Cape Town has language schools teaching international students. See the city guides below.
Document tips for South Africans
Start your police clearance and degree apostille early, especially for South Korea and China, where documents often take longest to prepare.
Fees for learners in South Africa
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 South Africa
Studying online from South Africa
You study at your own pace, complete module quizzes and assignments online, and contact tutors and admissions by email, phone or WhatsApp. Local time: SAST (UTC+2).
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a TEFL course online in South Africa?
Yes. London College of Teachers' TEFL courses are fully online, so you can study anywhere in South Africa 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 South Africa?
School teaching in South Africa requires registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE). For jobs abroad, South Africa is on the native-English-speaker lists used by several countries, such as South Korea's E-2 visa, so a degree plus a 120-hour TEFL opens many doors.
Which TEFL course should I take in South Africa?
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 South Africans teach in South Korea?
Yes. South Africa is on the E-2 visa list; you also need a degree and clean background check.
How much does TEFL cost for South Africans?
The 120-hour TEFL Certificate is US$185, paid by card or PayPal.