If teaching abroad is on your bucket list for next year, the best time to start your TEFL certification is sooner than you think.
From completing training and applying for jobs, to getting visas and booking flights, many new teachers underestimate how long the process can take.
By starting now, you’ll give yourself the best chance of stepping into your first classroom overseas right on schedule.
Why timing matters
Schools abroad don’t hire year-round at random. They follow academic calendars, which means there are clear hiring seasons. Most international schools and language centers look for teachers months in advance.
That means if you want to teach abroad in August or September next year, you’ll need your TEFL certification finished by spring.
Here’s the typical timeline:
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4–6 months before departure: Schools begin posting jobs and interviewing candidates.
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2–3 months before departure: You’ll need to secure your contract, start visa paperwork, and finalize travel arrangements.
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6–12 weeks before departure: Your TEFL course should be completed, so you’re qualified and ready to apply.
If you wait too long to get certified, you risk missing prime hiring seasons, or scrambling to finish your course while juggling applications.
How long does TEFL take?
A 120-hour online TEFL course, the standard requirement worldwide, typically takes 6–12 weeks to complete if you’re studying part-time. Some students finish faster if they dedicate more hours each week. But since life always gets in the way—work, school, or other responsibilities—it’s smart to allow extra time.
By starting your TEFL now, you’ll give yourself:
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Plenty of time to learn at your own pace
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Breathing room for job hunting without pressure
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A competitive edge: many schools hire early and lock in contracts months ahead
The best start date depends on your goal
Think of it like planting seeds. The sooner you plant, the stronger your options when it’s time to choose.
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Planning to teach in September next year?
Start your TEFL by January–March. You’ll finish by spring and be fully qualified to apply when schools begin hiring for fall. -
Interested in January start dates?
Many schools in Asia hire for winter. Starting your TEFL in the summer or early fall ensures you’re ready by application time. -
Flexible with timing?
Getting certified early puts you ahead of the crowd and lets you apply to last-minute opportunities without stress.
Why enrolling today makes sense
Procrastination is the biggest roadblock for future teachers. Waiting even a few months could mean missing an entire hiring cycle. By enrolling now, you’ll:
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Stay on track for teaching abroad in 2026
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Avoid rush and overwhelm during application season
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Unlock Teach Away’s job board and support as soon as you’re certified
Remember, schools choose candidates who are prepared. When you have your TEFL completed, you stand out as job-ready.
Get TEFL certified and prepare to get hired
Your journey abroad starts with one simple step: getting certified. Teach Away’s TEFL courses are designed to get you classroom-ready fast, with flexible study options that fit your schedule.
The best time to start? Now. That way, by the time schools open applications for next year, you’ll already be at the front of the line.
Enroll in your TEFL course today and make sure you’re ready to teach abroad next year.