How to Choose the Right TEFL Course Length: 60, 120, 168, or 300 Hours? (2025 Guide)

Which TEFL certification do you really need — and which one is the best value for your goals?

Introduction: Choosing a TEFL Course Can Be Confusing

If you’re looking into a TEFL/TESOL certification, you’ve probably noticed there are dozens of course lengths:

40 hours
60 hours
120 hours
168 hours
300+ hours
Bundles
“Master” courses
“Top-Up” courses

Trying to choose the right one can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re new to teaching or unsure where you want to teach.

This guide will explain each TEFL course type, what it qualifies you for, who it’s right for, and how to choose the perfect option for your goals in 2025.

What Does the TEFL Course “Hours” Mean?

The number of hours (60, 120, 168, etc.) represents the estimated study time needed to complete the course.

It includes:

Online modules
Videos
Assignments
Quizzes
Teaching methodology
Lesson planning
Grammar
Young learner units (for advanced courses)

Employers use course length as a quick indicator of how prepared a teacher is.

Which TEFL Course Length Do Employers Require?

Here’s the simple truth:

✔ 120 hours is the industry minimum worldwide.

This is the standard required by:

Schools abroad
Recruiters
Government programs
Online teaching platforms
Visa departments

Anything below 120 hours is usually considered too basic for professional work.

Course Breakdown: 60 vs 120 vs 168 vs 300 Hours

Let’s go through each course type and who it’s best for.

1. 60-Hour TEFL Course

Best for:
✔ Volunteers
✔ Travelers wanting basic teaching skills
✔ Classroom assistants
✔ Gap year teachers

NOT recommended for:
❌ Full-time teaching jobs
❌ Online teaching platforms
❌ Higher salary positions

What it includes:

Basics of teaching English, classroom tips, and simple lesson planning.

Who it’s for:

People wanting a short introduction — not for those seeking proper jobs or long-term careers.

2. 120-Hour TEFL Course (Industry Standard)

Best for:
✔ Teaching abroad
✔ Teaching online
✔ Beginner teachers
✔ Travellers starting a teaching career
✔ People needing job flexibility

Accepted by:
✔ Most schools worldwide
✔ Recruiters
✔ Visa departments
✔ Online platforms like Preply, Cambly, Italki
✔ Public school programs (EPIK, JET, TAPIF with other requirements)

What it includes:

Grammar
Lesson planning
Classroom management
Teaching vocabulary, reading, writing, speaking
Teaching beginners
Basic young learner content
Pronunciation

Who it’s for:

Anyone planning to teach abroad or online professionally.

Why it’s the best value:

It’s affordable, widely accepted, and opens almost all entry-level TEFL opportunities.

3. 168-Hour Level 5 TEFL / TEYL Bundle

(Or similar extended professional courses)

Best for:
✔ People wanting higher pay
✔ Competitive countries like Japan, Korea, UAE
✔ Teachers wanting a stronger CV
✔ Those who want specialized skills
✔ Teachers wanting to stand out

What it includes:

Everything in the 120-hour course plus:

Advanced grammar
Teaching young learners (TEYL)
Teaching online specialisation
Lesson design for different ages
Psychology of learning
Observation tasks
More detailed methodology

Who it’s for:

People who want to be more competitive OR want more confidence before teaching.

4. 300-Hour TEFL “Master” Course

Best for:
✔ Career-focused teachers
✔ People planning long-term TEFL work
✔ Teachers aiming for higher salary jobs
✔ Those wanting to specialise in multiple areas

What it includes:

Full 120-hour core
Young learner modules
Business English
Online teaching
Grammar mastery
Optional practicum components
Advanced methodology

Who it’s for:

People treating TEFL as a real career, not just a one-year adventure.

Which Course Do Employers Prefer?

Entry-level TEFL jobs:

→ 120-hour TEFL

Higher-paying schools:

→ 168-hour or Level 5 TEFL

Premium/competitive markets:

→ Japan, Korea, Middle East = prefer higher-level TEFL or degree

Online teaching:

→ 120-hour minimum
→ 168-hour helps increase booking rates

Young Learner jobs:

→ TEYL-focused courses are extremely valuable

Choosing the Right Course Based on Your Goals

Here’s the fastest way to choose:

IF YOU WANT TO TEACH ABROAD LONG-TERM → Get a 120-hour or 168-hour course

This gives you salary, stability, and job flexibility.

IF YOU WANT TO TEACH ONLINE → 120-hour minimum

Some platforms require your TEFL number during sign-up.

IF YOU WANT HIGHER PAY → 168-hour or 300-hour

You’ll look more qualified and earn more.

IF YOU WANT TO TEACH KIDS → Add TEYL (Teaching Young Learners)

Most TEFL jobs involve kids aged 3–12.

IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE → 120-hour or 168-hour

Beginner-friendly and widely recognised.

IF YOU JUST WANT BASIC SKILLS OR VOLUNTEERING → 60-hour

Good for travellers, assistants, or non-professional roles.

Does More Hours Mean a Better Job?

Not always — but often yes.

120 hours = accepted everywhere

168+ hours = gives you an edge over other applicants

300+ hours = professional-level certification for long-term teachers

Employers rarely reject someone for having too much training — but they do reject applicants for having too little.

How Much Does Each Course Type Cost? (2025 Ranges)

60-hour: $50–$120
120-hour: $150–$350
168-hour: $250–$500
300-hour: $300–$800

More hours = more training, more opportunity, higher salary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is 120 hours enough to teach abroad?

Yes — it’s the global standard.

Is a Level 5 (168-hour) course better?

Better training + better jobs + better pay.

Do more hours mean more difficulty?

No — it’s just more content.

Do I need TEYL?

Highly recommended. Most TEFL jobs involve young learners.

Does TEFL expire?

No — valid for life.

Is online TEFL accepted by employers?

Yes, as long as it’s accredited.

Conclusion: Choose the TEFL Course That Matches Your Goals

Here’s the final breakdown:

Best all-round option:

👉 120-hour TEFL

Best for competitive salaries:

👉 168-hour TEFL / Level 5

Best for long-term career:

👉 300-hour Advanced TEFL

Best for travel/volunteering:

👉 60-hour TEFL

Your TEFL course is the foundation of your teaching journey — choose the one that fits your goals, lifestyle, and future plans.

Ready to get certified?

Choose from our internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL courses:

✔ 120-hour TEFL (industry standard)
✔ 168-hour Level 5 TEFL
✔ 60-hour TEYL top-up
✔ Advanced 300-hour professional bundle

👉 Enroll today and start teaching anywhere in the world.