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TEFL & Languages

Internationally accredited TEFL certificates and modern language courses. Teach English abroad or build practical fluency for travel, business, and migration.

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At a glance

  • Hours120 to 300-hour TEFL
  • AccreditationInternationally recognised
  • Duration6 weeks – 6 months
  • Study mode100% online
  • Job board accessIncluded with TEFL
120 hr
Industry-Standard TEFL
£18/hr
Avg Online TEFL Rate
40+
Countries Hiring
24/7
Tutor Support
Trinity & Gatehouse accreditedOfqual-regulated Level 5100% online studyRecognised in 60+ countries

How many TEFL hours do I need?

A 120-hour TEFL is the international employer standard

The 120-hour TEFL certificate is the global minimum standard for paid English-teaching roles abroad and online. Shorter courses (40-hour, 60-hour) exist as introductions but do not meet most employer requirements. The 180-hour and 300-hour TEFL options add specialisations (Young Learners, Business English, Online Teaching) that improve your application and rate. All learndirect TEFL certificates are internationally recognised and include job board access.

Your route into TEFL teaching

Three steps from enrolment to your first paid teaching role.

1

Complete a 120-hour TEFL

The 120-hour course covers grammar, lesson planning, classroom management, and TEFL methodology. Most learners complete in 6 to 12 weeks of part-time study. This is the certificate employers want to see.

2

Specialise (optional)

Add Young Learners (for ages 4 to 12), Business English (for corporate clients), or Teaching Online modules. These add 60 to 180 hours and improve your hourly rate and employability.

3

Apply through the job board

Use the included TEFL job board to apply for roles. Online platforms (English Online, Cambly, Preply) hire immediately. Country-specific roles (Vietnam, South Korea, Spain) typically pay £1,000 to £2,200 per month with accommodation.

Free Download

The 2026 TEFL Teach-Abroad Guide

A 30-page guide to choosing a TEFL course, picking a country, and earning your first £2,000 per month teaching English.

  • Country-by-country comparison: pay, visa, lifestyle
  • 120 vs 180 vs 300-hour TEFL decision matrix
  • Top 10 online platforms ranked by pay and reliability
  • Sample TEFL CV that got hired in Vietnam

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Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about studying TEFL & Languages with learndirect.

Is a 120-hour TEFL enough?
Yes for most employers. The 120-hour TEFL is the international employer standard for paid English-teaching roles in schools, language academies, and online platforms. Some high-paying markets (Middle East, top-tier South Korean schools) prefer 150+ hours and a Bachelor's degree.
Do I need a degree to teach abroad?
Not always. Some countries (most of South-East Asia, parts of Latin America, parts of Europe) hire TEFL-certified teachers without a degree. Other regions (East Asia, Middle East) require a Bachelor's degree for work visas. Online teaching platforms have varying degree requirements.
Are learndirect TEFL certificates internationally recognised?
Yes. Our TEFL certificates are internationally accredited and accepted by language schools, online platforms, and visa-issuing employers worldwide. The certificate states the course hours, accreditation, and a unique verification reference.
Can I teach online with a TEFL certificate?
Yes. Platforms like Cambly, Preply, italki, and English Online all accept 120-hour TEFL certificates. Some platforms (VIPKid for Chinese learners) require additional credentials or a Bachelor's degree. Online teaching pays £8 to £25 per hour depending on platform and your profile.
How long does the 120-hour course take?
Most learners complete in 6 to 12 weeks on a part-time basis. Intensive learners can complete in 3 weeks. The course is 100% online and self-paced, with no fixed end date.
Is there practical teaching included?
Our standard 120-hour course is theory and methodology only. We offer an Observed Teaching Practice add-on (in-person or via video submission) for learners who want to add practical experience to their CV. This is recommended for higher-tier employers.
Can I switch to teaching language other than English?
Our TEFL qualifications are specifically for teaching English as a foreign language. For teaching other languages (Spanish, French, etc.) you would typically need native or near-native fluency, plus teaching methodology training specific to that language.

Get TEFL-certified and teach English worldwide

Speak to an adviser about which TEFL hours fit your goal: teach online, teach abroad, or both.

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