TEACH ENGLISH IN EGYPT

Everything you need to know to get a job teaching English in Egypt.

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About Teaching English in Egypt

To teach English in Egypt, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree isn't required but is strongly preferred. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Egypt is about $300 - $700 USD per month.

English was introduced on a large scale in Egypt in the 1880s when the nation effectively fell under British control, and since Egypt realized independence in 1952, the language has been taught in public schools and used in many fields of education and the economy. Today, with a population of 100+ million, a large middle class, and extensive interaction with the English-speaking world, Egypt maintains a strong need for English language instruction, though the market has shrunk to some degree as a result of the recent political and economic turbulence that the nation has experienced.

Jobs are concentrated in Cairo and Alexandria, two crowded, colorful centers of history and culture. Limited opportunities may be found in other cities, including Demanhur, Ismailiya, Mansoura, and Aswan; Egypt is home to more than 100 language institutes and international schools.

a group of English teachers in Egypt riding camels English teachers in Egypt exploring a souk market


Most first-time English teachers in Egypt will gain employment by interviewing in person once they arrive, and they will also be responsible for their airfare and housing.  Wages vary widely and are often modest, but the low cost of living typically enables English teachers to live comfortably.  Schools usually offer 20-25 hours per week of work, leaving you plenty of opportunities to travel and explore, and many teachers choose to take on private students to make extra money. It is common for teachers to share accommodations with other teachers or expatriates.

Some experienced teachers with advanced credentials, including a TEFL/TESOL certification, may be able to interview in advance and may receive benefits like health insurance and a housing allowance. The market for these types of jobs can be quite competitive.

How to Teach English in Egypt: Requirements

TEFL Certification for Egypt

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Egypt. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

Teachers typically interview in person in Egypt. Therefore, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Egypt. However, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is typically preferred but not always required.

Degree Requirements for Egypt

While a bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Egypt, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search and also look to pick up private students to tutor.

Teach English in Egypt: Jobs

TEFL Egypt Jobs

The most common teaching jobs in Egypt consist of:

  • Teaching adults or children in private language schools or international schools.
  • Private tutoring both children and adults.
  • Teaching Business English to adults.
  • Teaching English Online.

TEFL Jobs Egypt: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Egypt can expect to find jobs year-round. It is most common to interview on the ground, in person.

Some English teachers in Egypt work on a visa sponsored by their employer.  In other cases, teachers, especially first-time freelancers, work on a renewable 3-month tourist visa.  Egypt's visa laws have undergone frequent modifications in recent years, so please check with the nearest Egyptian consulate regarding procedures for obtaining and renewing a tourist visa before departing for Egypt.

TEFL Egypt: Hours

English language schools in Egypt offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Egyptian Students

It is most common that your students will be children, adults, and business professionals. 

TEFL Egypt Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $300 - $700 USD (4,500 - 11,000 EGP) - sometimes higher. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Egypt until you receive your first paycheck and may include items like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

English Teacher Salary in Egypt

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Egypt. Teachers can expect to make $300 - $700 USD (4,500 - 11,000 EGP) per month.  Teachers working at certain international schools or colleges, or that have higher income private students can make substantially more.

It is common for teachers in Egypt to also teach English online to supplement their income.

There are not typically flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. 

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $300 - $700 USD (4,500 - 11,000 EGP) per month. Learn to shop and travel like a local and you will find Egypt to be a relatively cheap place to live and explore.

Most first-time English teachers break even and live comfortably though not lavishly. Those teaching at "international" or private schools that cater to higher-income Egyptians can make more. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.

 

What Does Teaching in Egypt Look Like?

Check out our blog to read stories from our alumni teaching English in Egypt and the Middle East.

Want more? We've got you covered! Visit our Video Library to watch day-in-the-life videos and interviews from our alumni and get a glimpse into what your life as an English teacher in Egypt & the Middle East could look like!

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Teaching English in Egypt FAQs

Do I need a degree to teach English in Egypt?

To teach English in Egypt, make sure you understand what is and is not required:

Required:

  • A TEFL certification
  • Understanding of the types of English teaching jobs that are available
  • Savings for start-up costs

Not Required:

  • A four-year college degree is not required to secure a job in Egypt, however, it is still strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.
  • You do not need to be a native English speaker, but you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand is typically preferred but not always required.

How much does an English Teacher make in Egypt?

English teachers in Egypt can expect to make $300 - $700 USD (4,500 - 11,000 EGP) per month. Even though salaries are often modest, a low cost of living enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Egypt. Teachers working at certain international schools or colleges, or that have higher income private students can make substantially more.

Are English teachers in demand in Egypt?

There is a demand for English teachers in Egypt. You can expect to find jobs year-round with most English teachers interview on the ground and in-person. Many schools will recruit and hire during spring and summer for positions that begin at the beginning of the academic year in August/September.

What type of visa do I need to teach English in Egypt?

Some English teachers work on a visa sponsored by their employer.  In other cases, teachers, especially first-time free-lancers, work on a renewable 3-month tourist visa.  Egypt's visa laws have undergone frequent modifications in recent years, so please check with the nearest Egyptian consulate regarding procedures for obtaining and renewing a tourist visa before departing for Egypt.

The type of visa you'll need in Egypt (and how you get that visa) will depend on your nationality, teaching job, and perhaps other factors like whether you get your job in advance of your arrival, or if you get hired locally in Egypt. Be sure to speak to an International TEFL Academy Advisor by calling 773-634-9900 to discuss your specific questions and concerns about your visa for teaching English in Egypt.

Recommended TEFL Courses for
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Reviews From ITA Students Who Now Experience TEFL in Egypt

K Diefen

Teaches English in Egypt

K Diefen

My TEFL training was essential to my teaching position. My training taught me how to teach, and this, combined with my practicum experience, allowed me to identify and draw upon my students' strengths and passions to energize and ignite the classroom experience. In addition, I learned from a mentor in my practicum how to create a classroom community, and this is what made a very lasting and incredible impact on my position.

Eric Schenck

Teaches English in Egypt

Eric Schenck

Through a lot of research, I came to the conclusion that teaching was my best bet to land a job in the Middle East. Even though I’m a native English speaker, I didn’t want to take any risks and realized the benefits to being officially certified. I decided to go with International TEFL Academy because they were the most professional and forthcoming with information. I find that the business that is the quickest to respond to your inquiries is usually the best bet for your money. This was certainly true of International TEFL Academy.

Blake Edwards

Teaches English in Egypt

Blake Edwards

I would absolutely recommend teaching in Cairo. The Egyptians are as friendly and open a people as you will ever meet, and now is an especially historic moment in the Middle East. Every day is an adventure, and history is everywhere. But there's a more important reason to come to Cairo beside the myriad selfish ones I could list like a travel agent: the Egyptians need and want you here. Once I met people in the English teaching community and started teaching, I started having to turn down opportunities left and right.