Is an online TEFL course recognised?

January 30, 2026

If you are considering training to teach English as a foreign language, you are probably researching different types of TEFL courses. 

Many course providers offer in-person teaching, online, and distance learning, and it can be hard to know which TEFL certificate is best for you.

Read on to find more about the advantages of learning online and how to check that your chosen course is a widely recognised qualification.

What are online TEFL courses?

Online courses offer TEFL training via the internet, with course materials being supplied to students who work from home rather than in a traditional classroom learning environment.

Courses may be primarily online with some contact time or exclusively online.

The benefits of online courses

Studying TEFL online has a number of advantages for students.

Convenient

Online courses can be fitted in around work or other responsibilities. You can live anywhere in the UK or abroad and complete your TEFL certification.

Work at your own pace

Online TEFL courses allow you to work at your own pace without distractions.

Cost effective

Online learning can be a cost-effective way to complete a TEFL course, as you don’t need to pay commuting costs or rent if you need to move away from home to complete a classroom-based course.

Are online TEFL courses recognised by employers?

Thousands of students complete online TEFL courses every year and then start teaching abroad.

 As long as your online TEFL course provider is an internationally accredited TEFL company, your certificate should be recognised by employers around the world.

Checklist for online TEFL courses

Not all TEFL qualifications or course providers are created equal, so check the following before committing.

Course providers

A reputable TEFL course provider should provide evidence of external regulation to show that the quality of their teaching and their course materials have been independently assessed as fit for purpose.

FullCircleTEFL courses like our Level 5 TEFL Diploma.are regulated by OfQual, a UK government regulating body.

Internationally accredited

Accreditation is another mark of quality given to TEFL courses. An accredited course has been assessed and approved as being of high quality and meeting professional standards. Internationally recognised accreditation bodies, Gatehouse Awards and ACCREDITAT, have accredited FullCircle TEFL courses.

International reputation

Most employers recognise courses that have at least 120 hours of teaching time.

 In reality, if you want a well-paid TEFL job in Asia or the Middle East, you should aim for a higher-level course.

Our Level 5 TEFL Diploma provides 200 hours of teaching and is widely recognised by employers worldwide.

Other things to look for when researching online TEFL courses

High-quality online TEFL courses share some essential features, and reputable online providers should always offer the following:

A high level of support for students

Our students have excellent online support and feedback from highly qualified TEFL teachers.

Great teaching materials

All our course materials are designed by TEFL teachers with experience teaching abroad and training other teachers.

Support with finding a job

Securing your first role can be daunting, so the best online TEFL course providers help their students find employment overseas.

We have our own jobs board listing opportunities for teaching English abroad.

The best online TEFL course

The best online TEFL course prepares you to teach English as a foreign language to all types of students, either online or in-person teaching.

Your TEFL Certification will be internationally recognised and will be your introduction to the exciting world of teaching English abroad.

Our range of online TEFL courses fits the bill, so visit our website to find out more.

If you have any questions, you can chat with us or fill out an online form here.  We are available Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm GMT.

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Email

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