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Qatar is a small but mighty country that shows strong respect for traditions and cultural heritage while looking toward modern living. Qatar’s growing global role in business and education has made the country an increasingly popular TEFL destination. Visitors to Qatar can explore an eclectic mix of Neolithic rock carvings, modernist skyscrapers, desert landscapes, and extraordinary museums. Those who choose to teach English in Qatar can visit ancient sites and dwellings one day, and the crystal waters that surround the contemporary peninsula the next.
Qatar is home to a wide mix of ethnic groups and many different customs and traditions. Arabic serves as their official language, and people commonly speak English, Persian, and Urdu. English teaching jobs in Qatar often offer higher-than-average pay, but the cost of living can also be steep.
Regulations are not as strict as in some other Middle Eastern countries, but most positions still require a degree and teaching experience. Let’s take a closer look at the requirements and opportunities for teaching English in Qatar.
If you’re new to teaching, you will want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate. You can explore our online TEFL courses to get started!
Is there demand for English teachers in Qatar?
Recent reforms have made English the medium of instruction in state schools in Qatar, making it a sought-after TEFL location. Unlike other destinations, these reforms have turned state schools into excellent places for experienced TEFL teachers to work, making this market even more interesting than teaching at language centers.
If you choose to teach in Qatar, get ready to meet a broad mix of ethnic groups and many different customs and traditions. It creates a culturally rich environment that reflects influences from across the region and around the world, so you must adapt and personalize your English lessons to succeed, and also prepare to learn a lot from students in the classroom.
What qualifications and requirements do you need to teach English in Qatar?
TEFL certification
A 120-hour TEFL qualification will be required for most positions to teach English in Qatar. Most positions will also require teaching experience.
If you are not certified yet, you can choose an online TEFL certification option. The Bridge 120-hour Master TEFL Certificate meets certification requirements to teach English and includes a job-advising module, resources, and support. The course is self-paced, online, and covers EFL theory and applications.
For those pursuing a more comprehensive course, the Bridge 150-hour Bridge International Diploma in English Language Teaching (IDELTOnline™) offers more than the 120-hour TEFL qualification, while earning credit toward a pathway to an M.A. in TESOL degree.
You can also stand out among the competition with additional Specialized TEFL Certifications in subjects like Teaching Business English and Teaching English Online, and Micro-credentials in subjects like Teaching English Pronunciation and Teaching IELTS Exam Prep.
Degrees
Most positions will require a university degree. However, because regulations in Qatar are less strict than in other Middle Eastern countries, less experienced or qualified English teachers may have a better chance of finding a higher-paying job at an international school that would not be possible in other destinations.
Prior teaching experience
Most positions will require previous teaching experience. If you are new to TEFL, you can gain experience through volunteering or a teaching practicum. You can consider the 20-hour Guided Teaching Practicum or 60-hour Practicum in Teaching English Online TEFL/TESOL Specialized Certifications, or the 20-hour Teaching English as a Volunteer Micro-credential.
Visas
An employer-sponsored work permit is required to teach in Qatar, and authorities strictly enforce this regulation. Working without a work permit in Qatar puts you at risk of deportation or even jail time.
Qatar does not currently offer a Digital Nomad Visa, but officials are discussing the possibility for the near future. In the meantime, a tourist visa allows visits for up to three months with an advance application at a Qatari embassy.
Check these essential tips to become a digital nomad and get ready to know the world.
How much is the salary and cost of living for English teachers in Qatar?
The average monthly salary for full-time EFL teachers in Qatar is $7,000 QAR – $22,000 QAR ($2,000 – $6,000). Some teaching jobs may offer higher-than-average pay, but the cost of living can be high. You should carefully review the benefits package for each employment offer.
Some jobs include free, furnished accommodation, which greatly impacts living costs, as accommodation can range from $3,500 QAR to $7,500 QAR ($1,000 to $2,500) per month. Qatar has little public transportation, which forces many visitors to pay for taxis, so a role that includes a travel allowance provides another great benefit.
Qatar’s modern infrastructure makes it an ideal location for digital nomads who teach online, with fast internet and modern coworking spaces. The country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions provide many opportunities for travel and exploration, and it is a safe country for travelers, with a low crime rate and a stable political environment. Qatar is a conservative Muslim country, so visitors should still make sure that they respect local customs and traditions.
What types of English-teaching jobs are available in Qatar?
English teachers in Qatar can choose from a variety of job options. State schools offer a strong option because English is a mandatory part of the curriculum. International schools provide another great choice, and the types of English instruction vary depending on the school.
Some options for teaching include:
- Government-funded public schools
- Post-secondary education centers
- Business English programs
- Corporate training
- Private language schools
- International schools
- Independent tutoring
- Summer schools
School terms in Qatar run from September through June. Schools do not set age restrictions to teach in Qatar, and employers in and around major cities, such as Doha, are constantly in high demand for English teachers.
Some examples of institutions and programs that offer paid work in Qatar include:
- Newton International Schools in Doha is staffed by British and English-speaking teachers, and English teachers provide instruction to primary through secondary students, both local and expatriate. Candidates must possess a TEFL certificate, a college degree, and have native English proficiency.
- Park House English School, founded in Doha in 1994, provides British education to students ages 3-18. English teachers must have at least two years of teaching experience, a college degree, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
- Blyth Academy Qatar is a private JK-12 Canadian international school in Qatar. Teacher certification from the province of Alberta in Canada, or eligibility to become certified, is required.
- ACS Doha International School is a private school in Doha for students ages 3-18. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, a teaching certificate or equivalent, and two or more years of teaching experience.
How do I start teaching English in Qatar?
If Qatar sounds right for you, you can take your next steps by starting your job search and preparing your TEFL/TESOL resume. The employers listed above post job openings online, and the listings include required qualifications.
You should polish your TEFL resume by highlighting your certification, specializations, and relevant teaching experience. If you plan to teach online, you can download Bridge’s free Three Ways to Be an Independent Online English Teacher infographic, which is filled with information about paths to teaching online, qualifications, and steps to get started.
You should also begin researching the Qatar work visa (or travel visa if you plan to visit for a short time as a digital nomad). A work visa will require an employment contract, a valid passport, relevant educational certificates, a background check, and a medical certificate proving good health.
You can prepare for interviews online and get ready to start your adventure as an English teacher abroad in Qatar. Once you have your documents in order and a clear sense of the roles available, you can move confidently into the application stage. With preparation and the right qualifications, you will be ready to begin a rewarding teaching experience in Qatar.
