How Long Does It Take to Get TEFL Certified in South Africa? A Realistic Timeline
If you’re thinking about teaching English abroad or online, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: how long does it take to get TEFL certified in South Africa? The answer depends on the type of course you choose, your schedule, and your personal goals.
Whether you’re a recent school leaver, a working professional looking for a career change, or searching for the best online TEFL course for South Africans with no degree, understanding the realistic timeline can help you plan your next move with confidence.
This guide breaks down the different TEFL course options available in South Africa, how long each one takes, and what you can expect from start to finish.
What Is TEFL Certification?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. A TEFL certificate qualifies you to teach English to non-native speakers in countries around the world or online.
In South Africa, TEFL has become increasingly popular because it offers flexible career opportunities, remote work options, and the chance to travel internationally. Many South Africans use TEFL as a stepping stone to work in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, or to teach students online from home.
The time it takes to get certified depends largely on the type of course you choose.
Types of TEFL Courses Available in South Africa
Before discussing timelines, it’s important to understand the main types of TEFL courses available.
Online TEFL Courses
Online TEFL courses are the most popular option for South Africans. They are flexible, self-paced, and generally more affordable than in-person courses. You can study from anywhere with internet access.
These courses typically range from 120 hours to 300 hours in length.
In-Class TEFL Courses
In-class TEFL courses take place at physical training centres in major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. These are usually full-time, intensive programs.
They often include practical teaching experience with real students.
Blended TEFL Courses
Blended courses combine online learning with in-person teaching practice. You complete the theory modules online and then attend a short in-person practicum session.
Each format affects how long it will take you to complete your certification.
How Long Does an Online TEFL Course Take?
For most South Africans, an online TEFL course is the fastest and most convenient route.
120-Hour TEFL Course
A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the industry standard. Most employers abroad and online require at least 120 hours of training.
If you study full-time (around 6–8 hours per day), you can complete a 120-hour course in about 3 to 4 weeks.
If you study part-time while working or studying, it may take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.
The biggest advantage of online courses is flexibility. If you’re highly motivated, you could finish in as little as two weeks. However, most people realistically complete it within one to two months.
For those searching for the best online TEFL course for South Africans with no degree, online programs are especially attractive because many do not require prior teaching experience or a university qualification.
200–300 Hour TEFL Courses
Advanced TEFL courses (200–300 hours) provide deeper training and may include specialised modules like Business English or Teaching Young Learners.
Full-time completion time: 4 to 8 weeks
Part-time completion time: 2 to 4 months
These longer programs can make your CV more competitive, especially if you plan to work in countries with stricter requirements.
How Long Does an In-Class TEFL Course Take?
In-class TEFL courses in South Africa are usually intensive.
Most full-time, in-person TEFL courses last:
4 weeks (approximately 120–140 hours)
These programs typically run Monday to Friday and include teaching practice sessions. Because they are intensive, you must commit full-time for the duration of the course.
While the actual training may only take one month, you may need extra time beforehand to arrange accommodation and finances, especially if you’re traveling from another city.
In total, from application to certification, the process could take 4 to 6 weeks.
How Long Does a Blended TEFL Course Take?
Blended courses offer flexibility with practical experience.
The online portion usually takes 4 to 8 weeks (part-time), followed by a 1 to 2-week in-person teaching practicum.
Overall, you can expect the entire process to take 6 to 10 weeks.
This option is ideal if you want hands-on experience but cannot commit to a full-time, four-week in-class program.
Factors That Affect Your TEFL Timeline
Even within the same course format, completion times can vary.
Your Study Schedule
If you’re working full-time, studying evenings and weekends will extend your timeline. On average, part-time students complete their certification in 8 to 12 weeks.
Full-time students can finish in under a month.
Course Requirements
Some TEFL providers include assignments, lesson planning tasks, and final assessments. Others may have stricter grading systems. The more comprehensive the course, the longer it may take to complete.
Personal Motivation
Self-paced online courses require discipline. If you stay consistent and complete modules daily, you’ll finish much faster.
Can You Get TEFL Certified Without a Degree in South Africa?
Yes, absolutely.
Many South Africans worry that they need a university degree to get TEFL certified. In reality, most TEFL courses only require that you:
Be at least 18 years old
Have strong English proficiency
Have access to a computer and internet
This is why many people specifically look for the best online TEFL course for South Africans with no degree. These courses are designed to provide complete teaching training from scratch, making them accessible to school leavers, gap year students, and career changers.
While some countries require a degree for visa purposes, many online teaching platforms and certain countries do not.
How Long Until You Can Start Teaching?
Getting certified is one step. Finding a job is another.
After completing your TEFL course, job searching can take:
2 to 6 weeks for online teaching roles
1 to 3 months for overseas positions (depending on visa processing)
If you start applying while finishing your course, you can significantly shorten this timeline.
In a realistic scenario:
Online TEFL course (part-time): 6–8 weeks
Job search: 2–4 weeks
Total timeline: Around 2 to 3 months
For full-time students who move quickly, it’s possible to go from zero certification to your first teaching job in under 8 weeks.
A Realistic Timeline for Different Scenarios
Let’s break it down into common situations.
Scenario 1: Full-Time Student
Completes 120-hour online TEFL in 3–4 weeks
Starts applying immediately
Gets hired within 2–4 weeks
Total time: About 6–8 weeks
Scenario 2: Working Professional (Part-Time Study)
Completes 120-hour course in 8–10 weeks
Applies during final weeks
Secures job within 4 weeks
Total time: Around 3 months
Scenario 3: Advanced 200–300 Hour Course
Completes course in 3–4 months (part-time)
Job search 1 month
Total time: 4–5 months
Your timeline ultimately depends on your availability and how quickly you take action.
Is It Worth Taking Longer to Complete Your TEFL?
Some people rush through their course in two weeks. While this is possible, it’s not always ideal.
Taking 6–8 weeks allows you to:
Fully understand teaching methodology
Practice lesson planning properly
Build confidence before applying for jobs
If you’re choosing the best online TEFL course for South Africans with no degree, quality matters more than speed. A well-structured course with tutor support and practical assignments will better prepare you for real classroom situations.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to get TEFL certified in South Africa?
For most people, the realistic timeframe is between 1 and 3 months, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. Intensive in-class courses can be completed in four weeks, while flexible online courses may take up to three months.
The good news is that TEFL remains one of the fastest and most accessible ways to start an international or remote career. You don’t need a degree to begin, and with the right training, you can transition into teaching in just a few months.
