TEACH ENGLISH IN QATAR

Everything you need to know to get a job teaching English in Qatar

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About Teaching English in Qatar

To teach English in Qatar, you will need a TEFL certificate and a 4-year college degree (although a Master's degree is preferred). You must be a native English speaker as well. The average salary for an English teacher in Qatar is about $1,600 USD – $4,000 USD per month.

Modern and prosperous, the state of Qatar is an oil- and gas-rich nation, with the third-largest gas reserves and one of the highest GDP per capita in the world. Qatar's wealth and commercial prominence enabled this tiny nation to make history by becoming the first Arab country to be named host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup for soccer.

English teaching jobs in Qatar

 

Teach English in Doha Qatar

 

Because Qatar is considerably smaller than Saudi Arabia and a coveted destination for foreign teachers offering lucrative contracts, the job market is extremely competitive.

While it's certainly not impossible for first-time teachers to get hired, beginning TEFL teachers may find it difficult to be hired here, as most jobs will go to experienced native-English speaking teachers with advanced credentials.

Most teachers are hired in advance from their own country and have their visa processed prior to their departure for their teaching destination. To receive their visa, teachers should expect to pass a physical and an HIV test, and in many cases, academic transcripts and a criminal background check may also be necessary. Expect the process of interviewing and procuring a visa to take at least 1-3 months.

English teaching jobs in Qatar are concentrated in and around the capital city of Doha.

Teaching English in Qatar Requirements

TEFL Certification for Qatar

A TEFL certification is typically required to teach English in Qatar, and it's common for schools to prefer applicants with advanced credentials or extensive teaching experience.

Interviews are typically conducted in advance from your home country. Because of this, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

Schools in Qatar prefer to hire native English speakers (citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa), however, there are some exceptions so be sure to get in touch with your ITA Admissions Advisor to discuss this in further detail.

Degree Requirements for Qatar

Teaching English in Qatar without a Degree: Can You Do It?

At a minimum, English teachers will need to possess a bachelor’s degree in addition to their TEFL certification. With that said, many schools in Qatar will require teachers to possess a degree specifically in education or a Master’s degree (often in any field). Many will strongly prefer candidates to have previous teaching experience and/or a teaching license from a country like the U.S or the U.K.

Background Check

You will require a clean FBI background check in order to process your work visa.

How to Find TEFL Jobs in Qatar

English Teacher Jobs in Qatar

The most common teaching jobs in Qatar consist of:

  • Teaching adults, business professionals, or children in private language schools, international schools, and occasionally in vocational colleges or universities.
  • Private tutoring both children and adults.
  • Teaching English Online.

English Teaching Jobs in Qatar: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Qatar can expect to find jobs year-round. Interviews are typically conducted via video chat in advance from your home country. Many schools recruit in the spring for positions that begin with the new academic year in August/September.

In addition, it is standard practice for English teachers in Qatar to receive a sponsored work visa via their employer.

Teaching in Qatar: Hours

English language schools in Qatar typically offer 20-25 hours per week of work, leaving you plenty of opportunities to travel and explore.

Teaching Qatari Students

There are a variety of teaching opportunities in Qatar with all different demographics. It is most common that your students will be adults and business professionals, but it's also possible to teach elementary and high school-aged children.

TEFL Qatar Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,500 USD - $2,500 USD (5,500 - 9,100 QAR). These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Qatar until you receive your first paycheck, things like meals and transportation. This doesn't include costs for housing because it's typically provided by your employer. 

English Teacher Salary in Qatar

How much can I earn teaching English in Qatar?

A solid hourly wage enables English teachers in Qatar the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle and save each month after expenses. Teachers can expect to earn $1,600 USD – $4,000 USD (5,800 - 14,600 QAR) per month.

On top of generous pay, it's common for employers to pay for teachers' housing and sometimes even provide reimbursement for flight costs. 

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $800 - $2,000 (2,900 - 7,300 QAR) per month giving teachers in Saudi Arabia the opportunity to save between $800 - $2,000 USD per month after expenses.

Read More:

What Does Teaching in Qatar Look Like?

Check out our blog to read stories from our alumni teaching English all over the Middle East.

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

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Teaching English in Qatar FAQs

What qualifications do I need to teach in Qatar?

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

Required:

  • Four-year degree
  • A TEFL certification
  • Citizenship from a native English -speaking country (typically)
  • Understanding of the types of English teaching jobs that are available
  • Savings for start-up costs

How much do English teachers make in Qatar?

English teachers in Qatar can expect to make $1,600 USD – $4,000 USD (5,800 - 14,600 QAR) per month. Even first-time English teachers can earn a good salary and receive benefits like airfare, housing, health insurance, and paid vacation. You can save $500-$1000 a month or even more after expenses too.

Read More: What are Salaries for Teaching English in the Middle East?

Are English teachers in demand in Qatar?

English teachers in Qatar are in high demand. However, the job market is competitive and most TEFL jobs are offered to experienced native English-speaking teachers with advanced credentials. You can find teaching jobs in Qatar in the following areas:

  • Teaching adults or children in private language schools, international schools, vocational colleges, and universities (usually for more qualified and experienced teachers).
  • Private tutoring both children and adults.
  • Teaching Business English to adults.
  • Teaching English Online.

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

To receive their visa, teachers should expect to pass a physical and an HIV test, and in many cases, academic transcripts and a criminal background check may also be necessary. Expect the interview and visa processes to take 1-3 months.

Is Qatar a good place to teach?

Qatar is an attractive place to teach English abroad. English teachers here can realistically expect to make $1,600 - $4,000 tax-free a month with benefits including airfare to and from the assignment, health insurance, and even furnished housing.

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Reviews From ITA Students Who Now Experience TEFL in the Middle East

Adam Lucente

Teaches English in Lebanon

Adam Lucente

I wanted to teach in the Middle East and came to the conclusion that a certificate from a reputable company like ITA would make me more competitive in the job market.

Latisha Springer

Teaches English in Morocco

Latisha Springer

I thoroughly enjoyed the online course. I worked a full-time job, so the flexibility of the course allowed me to achieve my goal of getting TEFL certified while maintaining employment to financially prepare for my departure. The instructor was available when necessary, but gave you room to just do the work at your pace. The tasks were surprisingly challenging but do-able. I really liked that ITA required a practicum. Not only did it allow me to practice what I'd been learning in theory, but it also gave me an edge in the job market.

Edward Young

Teaches English in Oman

Edward Young

I am highly into health and fitness, so being in an area of the Gulf with mountains and varied terrain is wonderful. There's plenty of hiking and camping to be done and a wealth of cities to travel to within the country of Oman. Traveling throughout the region is also cheap and easy to do and the bustling city of Dubai is just a stone's throw away by car or plane!