Question 1

Is a bachelor's degree required to teach English in UAE schools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The UAE government portal sets a bachelor's or four year university degree in the field required as the minimum for public and private school teachers, with higher degrees also accepted, along with the Education Professional license. A TEFL course cannot stand in for either one. Degrees earned abroad also need attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and by your own country's embassy in the UAE.

Question 2

How do you earn the Education Professional license in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

By passing the tests for your teaching category in the online licensing system run by the Ministry of Education. A failed attempt leads to training pitched at your exam level, and you may attempt the tests three times. After a third failure, you must wait six months before testing again. The ministry also lists two related services: a transitional license and recognition of a teaching license earned abroad.

Question 3

Which authority signs off on teacher hiring in each part of the UAE?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the emirate where you will work. Dubai private schools send your documents to KHDA, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. In Abu Dhabi, schools registered with ADEK, the Department of Education and Knowledge, handle appointments through it. Sharjah uses its Private Education Authority, while final approval in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah rests with the Ministry of Education.

Question 4

How do the entry permit and residency steps work for UAE teachers?

Accepted Answer

Your employer acts as sponsor and requests an entry permit, which lasts two months from issue, and your passport should have at least six months left on it. Once you enter the UAE, you have one month to finish the residency procedures, medical tests included, which lead to a two year residence visa. Have your criminal clearance record and original educational certificates ready, since schools will ask for both.

Question 5

Which TEFL Institute course should I take before applying in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Begin with the 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course if you are new to teaching. It includes tutor support and lifetime job hunting advice. Choose the 180 hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma, Ofqual 610/1571/4, when you want a regulated qualification that a school in the UAE can look up. The 310 Hour Hybrid Level 5 Advanced TEFL Diploma, Ofqual 610/1573/8, is the larger option, with extra modules and 10 hours of live online teaching practice.

Online Level 5 TEFL Course for Teaching English in the UAE

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