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Looking to get TEFL certified without leaving your home? Online TEFL courses offer flexibility, affordability, and the same internationally recognized credentials as in-person programs. Whether you’re planning to teach in popular destinations like Vietnam—where a 120-hour TEFL certificate is the minimum requirement for most language centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi—or anywhere else in the world, choosing the right course can make all the difference in your teaching career.
TEFL courses are typically categorized using the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Level 3 courses (equivalent to A-levels) are entry-level certificates accepted by most employers worldwide, while Level 5 courses (equivalent to the second year of university and the same level as Cambridge CELTA) are professional-grade certifications that unlock higher-paying positions at more reputable schools. Level 7 courses (equivalent to a master’s degree) represent the highest tier and are designed for those pursuing academic management or university-level teaching positions. Understanding these levels helps you choose a course that matches your career goals and target destinations.
We’ve ranked the top 10 online TEFL providers based on three key factors: pricing (evaluating cost-to-value ratio and available discounts), accreditation and reputation (prioritizing recognized accreditation from bodies like DEAC, Ofqual, ACCET, and TESL Canada), and time to complete a basic 120-hour course (favoring programs that can be finished in 2-4 weeks while maintaining quality). This combination ensures you find the best balance of affordability, credibility, and speed to certification for your teaching journey.
10. TEFL Institute of Ireland
Course Duration: 2-12 weeks (varies by course)
Price:
- 120-Hour: $158 (originally $525)
- 180-Hour Level 5 Diploma: $238 (originally $725)
- 300-Hour Level 5 Advanced: $415 (originally $1,015)
Accreditation: Highfield Qualifications Level 5 (Ofqual-regulated, CELTA-equivalent, accepted in 57+ countries) [Centre #21335]; AQC status from DEAC (US Department of Education recognized); CPD accredited; ODLQC accredited
Refund Policy: 14-day money-back guarantee
Website: https://tefl.ie
The TEFL Institute of Ireland brings European standards to online TEFL training with government-regulated qualifications. As Ireland’s only Ofqual-regulated provider with multiple high-level accreditations, they offer comprehensive support including 29 hours of live tutor sessions, 6 complimentary TEFL guides (€250 value), and 6 months of course access.
9. World TESOL Academy
Course Duration: 2-3 weeks
Price:
- 120-Hour: $36 (originally $118)
- Level 5 Diploma (200 hours): $189
Accreditation: ACCREDITAT; CPD Certification Service; Highfield Qualifications (Ofqual-regulated) for Level 5 Diploma; UK Registered Learning Provider (UKPRN: 10087431)
Refund Policy: 14-day money-back guarantee
Website: https://www.worldtesolacademy.com
World TESOL Academy offers the most affordable TEFL training at just $36-$49. Despite the low price, they maintain dual accreditation and their Level 5 Diploma is Ofqual-regulated and CELTA-equivalent. Winner of Go Overseas Best TEFL Provider Award 2021-2023.
8. International TEFL Academy
Course Duration: 11 weeks (part-time) or 4 weeks (full-time)
Price: $1,299 (11-Week, originally $1,599)
Hours: 170 (150 theory + 20 practicum)
Accreditation: Ofqual Level 5 via TQUK (Training Qualifications UK – British Government authorized accreditor)
Refund Policy: 7-day money-back guarantee
Website: https://www.internationalteflacademy.com
ITA offers the ‘gold standard’ in online TEFL certification with comprehensive training including live lectures, webinars, and mandatory teaching practice. Named #1 U.S. & Online TEFL Course by GoOverseas and GoAbroad (2019-2024).
7. International TEFL TESOL (ITTT)
Course Duration: Flexible, typically 4-8 weeks
Price:
- 120-Hour: $249 (originally $420)
- 220-Hour Master Package: $349 (originally $699)
- 550-Hour Expert Diploma: $599 (originally $1,690)
Accreditation: Paris University of International Education (France – recognized as degree-granting by Paris Academy under Ministry of National Education); IATEFL institutional member #16020
Refund Policy: 7-day money-back guarantee
Website: https://www.teflcourse.net
With over 25 years in the industry, ITTT offers exceptional value and the widest variety of course options from 120 to 550 hours. Over 100,000 graduates worldwide.
6. Bridge TEFL
Course Duration: 8-12 weeks (self-paced)
Price:
- 120-Hour Master Certificate: $355 (originally $710)
- 150-Hour IDELTOnline™: $1,000-$1,500
Accreditation: ACCET (US Department of Education recognized); IDELTOnline™ is Level 7 Ofqual equivalent (higher than CELTA); ACE approved for up to 6 graduate credits
Refund Policy: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Website: https://bridge.edu/tefl
Bridge TEFL is the premium option with 35+ years of reputation. Their IDELTOnline™ is Level 7 Ofqual equivalent—higher than CELTA—and can earn you up to 6 graduate credits. Over 70,000 graduates in 140+ countries.
5. The TEFL Academy
Course Duration: 9 weeks (full-time) or flexible
Price:
- Level 3 (120-hour): $189 (originally $470)
- Level 5 (168-hour): $261 (originally $650)
Accreditation: DEAC (US Department of Education recognized); Ofqual Level 3 and Level 5 (UK government); awarded by Qualifi (UK government-recognized awarding body). First provider with dual US/UK government recognition.
Refund Policy: 14-day money-back guarantee
Website: https://www.theteflacademy.com
The TEFL Academy made history as the first provider to receive official government recognition in both the US and UK. Winner of GoOverseas and GoAbroad Top TEFL Awards six years running (2019-2024). Over 200,000 graduates.
4. OnTESOL
Course Duration: Flexible, most complete in 2-4 weeks
Price: CA$650 (approximately $480 USD) for 120-Hour Advanced TESOL
Accreditation: ACCET accredited (earn 12 CEUs in USA); TESL Canada Standard 1 (CELTA-equivalent); TESL Canada Professional Standard 2 for Diploma course
Website: https://ontesol.com
OnTESOL has been providing accredited TESOL certification for 20+ years. Their 120-hour course is both ACCET-accredited and recognized by TESL Canada as equivalent to CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL, making it ideal for teaching in Canada, USA, or internationally.
3. Premier TEFL
Course Duration: 3-6 weeks (fast-track available)
Price: Average order $150-$300 for 120-hour courses
Accreditation: DEAC (US Department of Education recognized); Highfield (UK government regulation); Ofqual Level 5 diplomas (UK)
Refund Policy: 14-day money-back guarantee
Website: https://premiertefl.com
Premier TEFL offers government-regulated credentials at surprisingly affordable prices. With DEAC approval in the US and Ofqual regulation in the UK, you’re getting dual-government recognition. 4.7-star rating from over 2,200 verified reviews.
2. ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training)
Course Duration: Flexible, typically 4-8 weeks
Price:
- 120-Hour: $249 (originally $420)
- 220-Hour Master Package: $349 (best value)
- 550-Hour Expert Diploma: $599
Accreditation: Paris University of International Education (France); IATEFL institutional member #16020
Refund Policy: 7-day money-back guarantee
Website: https://www.teflcourse.net
With over 25 years in the industry and 100,000+ graduates, ITTT offers exceptional value and variety. Winner of GoOverseas Best 2021 TEFL Provider. Payment plans available.
1. Let’s TEFL
Course Duration: 2-4 weeks (average)
Price: $199 for 120-hour course
Accreditation: WTEFLAC (World TEFL Accrediting Commission); verified 97% rating on Go Overseas
Job Placement: Assistance in 6 countries: China, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, and Spain
Website: https://www.letstefl.com
Let’s TEFL takes the top spot for its unbeatable combination of affordability, speed, and quality. At just $199, this is one of the most budget-friendly accredited TEFL courses available, and most students complete it in under a month. Rated 97% on GoOverseas.
How to Choose the Right Course
If you’re on a tight budget: World TESOL Academy ($36-$49), Let’s TEFL ($199), or ITTT ($249+)
If you want the fastest certification: Let’s TEFL (2-4 weeks), World TESOL Academy (2-3 weeks), Premier TEFL (3-6 weeks)
If accreditation is your top priority: The TEFL Academy (dual US/UK), Bridge TEFL (ACCET + Level 7), OnTESOL (ACCET + TESL Canada)
If you’re teaching in prestigious schools: Bridge TEFL’s university-affiliated programs or ITA’s comprehensive training
Frequently Asked Questions
Do online TEFL certificates work for in-person teaching jobs?
Yes. All courses listed provide internationally recognized certifications accepted by schools worldwide, whether teaching online or in physical classrooms.
What’s the difference between TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA?
TEFL and TESOL are essentially interchangeable—both refer to teaching English to non-native speakers. CELTA is a specific Cambridge certification that includes in-person teaching practice.
Will employers recognize these certifications?
Yes, provided the course meets two key criteria: (1) at least 120 hours of training, and (2) accreditation from a recognized body. All courses on this list meet both requirements.
No matter which provider you choose, make sure your course includes at least 120 hours of training—the international standard most employers require. All providers listed will give you a legitimate, internationally recognized TEFL certificate that opens doors to teaching opportunities worldwide.