:: Funding for TEFL courses

Our experience has been that it is quite tricky obtaining any sort of funding for TEFL Courses, due to the fact that the vast majority of them are offered by private language schools, who do not have recourse to public funds, or are not registered as course providers for a funding scheme.

There are some options available, however, depending on your circumstances. If you come across any other possibilities, please let us know and we'll add the information to this list. Thanks.

:: Job Centre Plus (UK) Funding of TEFL courses

We are aware of just one occasion where someone has received funding for a Cambridge CELTA course. This person qualified for an exceptional payment and was, at the time claiming Jobseekers' Allowance and Disability Allowance. If you fit these criteria, there is a chance you can approach your local job centre and since there is this precedence, there may be a possibility of it working for you.

:: Job Centre Plus (UK) Funding of TEFL courses (2)

The Trinity CertTESOL and Cambridge CELTA are classified by the QCA (Qualifications & Curriculum Authority) as being Level 4 qualifications (like the level 4 bit of a BTEC, for example). This means that in theory, this is one of the levels of qualification that can receive funding, though we're not aware of too many success stories.

:: Career Development Loans (CDL) to pay for TEFL

These aren't really a source of free courses by any means, but may be something to consider. Please see the CDL website for more information.

:: Course Provider Directory

The following course providers provide an element of funding to TEFL trainees:

Full-Time CELTA Courses:

London Hammersmith 4 week CELTA Course

Part-Time CELTA Courses:

London Hammersmith:
Mon & Wed eves + Sat, over 11 weeks
Tues & Thurs eves, over 6 months

Comenius and Grundtvig Funding

As part of the European Lifelong Learning programme Comenius and Grundtvig provide funding for teachers to take part in for inservice teacher training activities to enhance their professional development in any of the European participating countries.

The refresher courses in the UK on our site are all eligible for Comenius or Grundtvig funding.

The Suzanne Furstner Scholarship

This annual scholarship enables a deserving would-be TEFL teacher to travel abroad (the exact destination changes from year to year) and follow a four week TEFL courseand a two week language course and have their accommodation paid for.

For more details on how to apply for the Scholarship, please click here.