Looking to get TEFL certified but don’t want to break the bank? This list shares the best cheap TEFL courses online that’ll help you nab a job teaching English abroad or online!
Whether you’re looking to teach English online or abroad, one of the most important requirements is a TEFL certificate, which can cost upwards of $1,000-$2,000 or more!
If you don’t have that kind of cash, don’t fret. There are plenty of cheap TEFL courses online that start as low as $150 dollars, and still have that oh so important seal of accreditation.
But while on your hunt for affordable TEFL courses, be cautious of those that are too cheap, not accredited, or possibly scammy.
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Is a Cheap TEFL Course Online Worth It?
It absolutely can be – if a few things are kept in mind! Even if the price tag is low, don’t book that cheap TEFL course unless it first meets these requirements:
- Has a minimum of 120 hours. A 120 hour TEFL certificate is the industry standard so I don’t recommend bothering with anything less.
- Check if you need a TEFL Practicum (in-class teaching hours). Some schools want teachers that have some sort of in-class practicum – usually about 20 hours.
- Make sure the TEFL provider is accredited.
- Read the reviews to make sure it’s reputable.
As tempting as a super cheap price tag or a free TEFL course can be, you have to make sure you look into both the company that’s offering the course, and the country/job requirements you wish to make sure it’ll work for your application.
»Read More: Companies That’ll Hire You To Teach English Online Without a Degree
What is TEFL Accreditation and Why Does it Matter?
TEFL accreditation is important because it means that a TEFL provider adheres to a set of standards determined by a third party to deliver a high-quality learning experience with legitimate material.
It’s essentially a stamp of approval that the course is authentic.
However, there is no official governing body that regulates these accreditation companies – a common known tidbit in the TEFL community. So even companies with accreditation, may be accredited by third parties that aren’t regulated by anyone with authority.
So while accreditation is important, be sure to read reviews online to make sure that the TEFL provider you choose, has had graduates actually get jobs with their certificates.
How Much Does A Cheap TEFL Certification Cost?
A TEFL course can cost anywhere from $100 – $2,000+ depending on numerous factors. The more expensive courses tend to come from more reputable brands who’ve been in business longer and are usually for in-person TEFL courses.
The CELTA is probably the most expensive TEFL course you’ll find because it’s an official certification for teachers seeking to make teaching English a career. And providers like the International TEFL Academy and CIEE (where I got my TEFL certificate!) are on the pricier side because of their reputation and value of services.
Cheap is a bit of a subjective term, but in the world of TEFL, cheap online TEFL courses are anything below $500, and you can still find great value in a course that’s even $200-$300.
Anything less than $150 I would avoid, assuming the course has is too few hours (we want that 120-hours baby!) or not a reputable brand.
Very Cheap TEFL Courses Can Be Scams
I’m talking about those very cheap Groupon TEFL courses. Some people have taken them and had success in the past, but they’re not reliable, and it might not cut the mustard on a job application, especially in today’s market.
If you’re thinking of going abroad to teach English or hoping to use this as a stepping stone into a teaching career, it might be in your best interest to spring for something slightly more official.
And there are actually a few legit ways to score a free TEFL course or scholarship that you can consider too!
The Best Cheap TEFL Certifications Online
1. International TEFL and TESOL Training (iTTT )
GoAbroad Rating: 9/10
ITTT TEFL is an accredited TEFL provider that’s been around since the 90s. They offer online TEFL courses, in-class options, and combined certifications for TEFL/TESOL.
iTTT probably the most options from this list when it comes to the type and focus of cheap TEFL certifications online. With iTTT, you can choose to take the courses solo or with a professional tutor and you’ll gain access to their job boards once you graduate.
They also offer countless valuable resources to help prospective teachers find a good job in a suitable place. They’re truly one of the most reasonably priced providers with the greatest value.
* And to make things even cheaper, I have the pleasure of offering a 20% discount off of any TEFL course at iTTT via my unique link – which makes iTTT one of the cheapest 120-hour TEFL course online! Discount applied directly at check out.
Learn more about how to get TEFL certified with iTTT and peep my iTTT review.
2. Premier TEFL
GoAbroad Rating: 9/10
Premier TEFL is another well-respected company that offers accredited online and in-class TEFL courses too. They’ve been training TEFL teachers for years and offer lots of course options from 120, 168, 230 hours, or more.
PremierTEFL also has a reasonably priced 120-hour course that’s regularly on sale for up to 25%+ off, with a 14-week money-back guarantee.
They also offer a wide variety of course options that start at 120 hours and go up to as intense as 300 hours for those looking for a deeper dive into teaching English as a foreign language.
Learn more about what Premier TEFL offers here.
3. MyTEFL
GoAbroad Rating: 9.5/10
MyTEFL has been around for over 35 years and is accredited by Ottsa. They have cheap TEFLs online that range from 40-hour certifications to their standard 120-hour training.
MyTEFL offers job search assistance to their graduates and their courses can be taken on any device as long as it has WiFi! And better yet, with every TEFL course purchase, MyTEFL donates to a worthy cause in your name which is pretty neat if you ask me.
See more of what MyTEFL has to offer.
4. i to i TEFL
GoAbroad Rating: 8.75/10
i to i TEFL offers online or combined courses under $500, but they more often than not have some sort of deal on offer to bring the price down as low as 60% – a common tactic from TEFL providers!
They also offer price matching if you’re looking to purchase a course while it’s not on sale.
i to i has been certifying TEFL teachers since 1994 and has helped over 200,000 aspiring EFL teachers get certified and follow their dreams. They not only offer certifications that boast double- accreditation but also help and guide applicants every step of the way on their TEFL journey.
See for yourself the TEFL programs i-to-i offers!
Getting TEFL certified online lets you learn at your own pace
5. The TEFL Org
GoAbroad Rating: 9.25/10
The TEFL Org is a provider based in the U.K. backed by professional and governmental bodies of accreditation since 2008. It’s a name that’s recognized internationally meaning you don’t have to worry if your TEFL certification will be accepted by your employer.
Their 120-hour course can often be found for 50% off for those looking for a deal.
As with most online courses, you have the freedom to take this course at your own pace and have six months to complete everything, although it’s possible to finish as soon as 10-12 weeks.
Peep The TEFL Org’s options here.
6. The TEFL Academy
GoAbroad Rating: 9.25/10
The TEFL Academy offers a 120-hour course and a comprehensive accredited 168 level 5 certificate that you can take all online or a combined experience of online and in-class in most major cities around the U.S.
The in-person component is 20-hours of hands-on experience in an actual classroom. They offer their students job support and accredited internships in numerous countries around the world.
Their 120 hour course comes in under $500 full price, but these courses are often on sale so try to buy when 50% off.
Check out The TEFL Academy’s courses for yourself and learn more via this TEFL Academy Review by AllESL!
7. OnTESOL 120-Hour Advanced TESOL Certificate
GoAbroad Rating: 9.3/10
OnTESOL is a Canadian company that offers an accredited online 120-hour advanced TEFL course equivalent to CELTA and the Trinity CertTESOL. This specific course is completely online so you can complete it when and where is convenient for you.
With your course, you can enjoy an optional 20-hour practicum as well as job search assistance to help you find your dream teaching job immediately after getting certified.
OnTESOL also offers add on TEFL packages so you can specialize in specific roles like young learners, business English, and more. This course is issued by Coventry House International, a reputable teacher training school that’s been open since 1988.
Learn more about OnTESOL’s 120-hour TEFL course here!
A Shoutout to the Best TEFL Providers in the Industry
Cheap TEFL courses are super enticing because they can offer fantastic savings.
But sometimes if teaching English abroad is something you’re hoping to do long term or turn into a career, it’s worth the investment into something a bit more substantial.
CIEE TEFL
GoAbroad Rating: 9.26/10
While CIEE’s TEFL course isn’t what you’d call cheap, they’re a fantastic TEFL provider that offers great perks. CIEE is a reputable company that has been helping young people study and work abroad for decades, which means they’re a well-respected name in the industry that many employers know and trust.
With CIEE’s TEFL, you get help with a personal tutor, helpful job resources, and assistance completing a 20-hour in class practicum that’ll give you a leg up on your application.
I got my TEFL certificate with CIEE as part of their Teach Abroad Program in Korea that ultimately helped me get a job with Korea’s EPIK Program.
*And you can save $200 off your course with my unique link!
The International TEFL Academy
GoAbroad Rating: 9.6/10
The International TEFL Academy is one of the world’s largest TEFL certification schools to become professionally trained as an English teacher. ITA trains more than 6,000 English teachers annually and offers internationally accredited TEFL-TESOL certification courses online and in 25 locations around the world.
All students and graduates receive lifetime job search guidance and graduates are currently employed as teachers online and in more than 80 nations in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
Learn more and get your ITA brochure here.
There you have it, the very best cheap online TEFL courses for under $500! Happy learning 🙂
Thanks for sharing!!!
Hi Brit, thanks for the great article. I tried to use your link to get 20% discount, but it did not work:(
Hi there! I’m sorry to hear that!! I just tried clicking on the link and it appears to be working on my end. The iTTT discount only appears at checkout, not when looking at the course listings page, if that helps!! It’ll display in green and yellow lettering saying 20% off. If you’re still having difficulty, please send me an email and I can help you from there ☺️
Hi Brit, thanks for the great and informative article. A must read blog for those who are looking to pursue career in teaching and want to do it in an affordable manner.