Top 12 Teach English Online Jobs in South Africa: 2024 [Updated]

The world has seen a big shift in the past year. Covid-19 with its accompanying lockdowns has also opened up immense opportunities for educated people with work from home(WFH) jobs. One such rewarding career is to teach the English Language to non-native English-speaking students.

What are TEFL jobs?

As an English Language teacher, your students can be of two categories; native English-speaking students from countries such as the US, UK, Australia, or non-native English-speaking students from other regions such as the Middle East, Asia, and so on. TEFL or Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a career choice for imparting English Language lessons to students from countries where English is not the primary language. In recent years, there is a huge demand for  TEFL teachers in many countries such as China, Thailand, Japan, Korea, etc. Since South Africa is a native English-speaking country, qualified candidates from South Africa interested in pursuing teaching English as a profession are highly benefited from the surge of jobs related to TEFL ONLINE.

TEFL jobs are available both online and on-site (while having an amazing cultural experience) as well. Although joining a TEFL job in other countries can be very rewarding, not all of us are ready for this adventure. So instead, you can apply for online TEFL jobs in South Africa.

Few Advantages of Teaching English Online

There are many advantages to teach English online vs a regular onsite teaching job. 

• Provides flexibility of time
• Freedom to pursue other productive ventures like studying or regular jobs during the rest of the day
• Flexibility to apply for jobs in different parts of the world
• Achieving global experience
• Develops digital or internet skills vital in today’s world
• Access to extensive resources
• Teachers themselves learn from the experience of wider communities

What are the requirements of an online TEFL job?

Most of the organizations look for a native English Speaking candidate. So, if you have received your education in South Africa that is a definite plus point. In addition, most of the jobs require the best TEFL certification but some of them might provide you with the training as well. The online TEFL jobs are generally to teach students in their morning time and since a majority of the students are based in Asia, you have to be available in the afternoon or evening as per South African time.

All in all, the requirements for an online TEFL job are relatively basic:

• Access to a laptop or computer with a headset
• Reliable internet connection
• Basic computer skills
• Well-lit area for teaching
• Bachelor’s Degree
• TEFL certification
• Preferably a native English Speaker 
• Availability during the peak hours as per the time zone of the students

TEFL certification can be achieved after enrolling in TEFL courses from various organizations. But it is a good idea to do extensive research on the best TEFL online certification courses. It is preferable to go for a course from an accredited institute to ensure quality learning.

There are many educational platforms offering online TEFL jobs to teach from the comfort of your home. You can teach English online from South Africa as well. Most of the educational platforms will schedule a demo class to assess your teaching abilities as part of the hiring process. Some companies provide additional training to hone the tutoring skills and ensure a high-quality educational experience for the students.

#1 VIPKID and SayABC

Headquartered in Beijing, China, VIPKID and SayABC are sister companies and pioneers of the online learning platform. While SayABC conducts group classes  for children in the age group of 5-12 years, VIPKID provides one-to-one tutoring. The organisation has investors in China and the US. SayABC conducts one-to-many (small group) classes for children and their learning material includes content from National Geographic.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or above
• Computers with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed
• TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification preferred
• Minimum teaching experience of one year preferable
• Native English speaker

Position Details:

• Bonus for productivity for 40 min class
• Bonus $8 for each student conversion in the trial class
• Class times as per Beijing time is
  •  Mon-Fri 4:50 pm – 8:50 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday 9:50 am-11:20 am and 4:50 pm -8:50 pm
• Application process takes about 10-14 days
• Minimum 3-month contract which is renewable

2. DaDa

DaDa is one of the leading online educational portals in China. Established in 2013, DaDa has an impressive partnership with many prestigious publishers including Oxford University Press, McGraw-Hill Education, Pearson Education, and National Geographic Learning. 

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or above
• Computers with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed
• TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification 
• Minimum teaching experience of one year preferable with proof documents
• Non-criminal background with supporting documents
• Native English speaker

Position Details:

• A Suggested commitment of 6 months
• Average pay is $16-$25 per hour (2 classes)
• Conversion bonus in the trial class $7 per student 
• Class duration of 30 mins active learning
• Minimum working hours of 10 hrs per month

Overall rating :

3.7

Based on 196 reviews

Also Read: Top 15  Free TEFL Certification Courses in 2021

3. Magic Ears

Although Magic Ears is a relatively new company venturing into Online English Teaching media, it is proving its merit with high quality tutoring programs. Magic Ears provided tutoring to Chinese in the age group of 5-12 years. They also have a “MagicEars Applicant Fast Track” program for MAFT for quick hiring of experienced teachers. 

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or above
• Computers with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed
• TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification preferred
• Teaching experience required
• Native English speaker

Position Details:

• Average pay is $9-$13 per class (class duration of 30 mins) + various bonus
• 2 Levels of training
• Bonuses for performance and punctuality
• Minimum working hours of 10 hrs per month

Overall rating :

3.6

Based on 178 reviews

4. IQBAR

IQBar is a UK-based educational platform that provides various classes to different age groups of children, teens, and adults. In addition to 30-min English language classes, there are also other classes available such as Phonics and Exam Preparation. As an IQ teacher or “Buddy”, you have the option to choose to be either a “Flexi Buddy” with flexible times as per your availability or a “Contracted Buddy” with fixed days and fixed hours of teaching. Contracted Buddies are paid for the fixed classes even if there are no bookings.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or above
• Computers with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed
• Availability during the peak working hours
• 120 hr accredited TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification preferred
• Minimum teaching experience of one year 
• Fluent English speaking skill with clear accent

Position Details:

• The peak online teaching hours according to UK times are as follows-
  • Mar to Oct- 11 am to 3 pm
  • Oct to Mar- 10 am to 2 pm
• Weekly and monthly awards
• Teacher Development Courses by Cambridge
• Additional perks and bonuses
• The pay rates vary for Flexi and Contracted buddies and are given below:
  • Contracted Buddies pay rate – £10/hr on weekdays and £12/hr on weekends
  • Flexi Buddies pay rate:

New/Trial Buddy	Gold Buddy	Platinum Buddy	Diamond Buddy
£4.50	£4.75	£5.50	£6.25

Overall rating :

3.5

Based on 32 reviews

5. iTutorGroup

iTutorGroup, a pioneer company in online education providing personalized education not just to students but also business professionals. Established in 1998, iTutorGroup has a wide network of numerous centers in many cities. 

They conduct conversation-based training instead of lecture-based. It provides training through multiple platforms including TutorABC, TutorJr and vipJr for English language; TutorMing for Mandarin Chinese language and LiveH2H for experts on demand and Live interactions. iTutorGroup has also won many entrepreneurship awards over the years including the prestigious Red Herring Top 100 Global in 2012.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or above
• Computers/laptop with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed (mobile or tablet devices not allowed)
• Availability of at least 5 peak hours/week
• TEFL, TESOL, or TESL certification ( or equivalent)
• Minimum one year teaching experience

Position Details:

• One year contract agreement which can be renewed
• Dress code of red polo t-shirt while conducting the sessions
• Peak Hours-BJT
  • Mon-Fri  7:30 pm to 8:30pm
  • Sat and Sun- 8:30am to 10:30am; 1:30pm to 2:30pm and 7:30pm to 8:30pm
• Payment includes base pay and a performance bonus and is around $8 but it would have to be verified with the company.

Overall rating :

2.7

Based on 325 reviews

6. Acadsoc

Acadsoc is an online learning platform catering to over 40 million Chinese learners with more than 10,000 English teachers from all over the globe. Founded in 2011 and headquartered at Shenzhen, China, it is a fast-growing company and now has centers in Hong Kong, Philippines, New York, and London. Acadsoc conducts one-to-one online classes. In the event that candidates do not have a TEFL/TESOL certificate, Acadsoc also provides sponsored TESOL training and certification to its teachers which is accredited by UK’s official foreign teacher certification agency, ASCENTIS.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or above
• TEFL/TESOL Certification preferable
• Computers/laptop with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed 
• Excellent communications skills in the English language with a neutral accent
• Age 20 years or above
• Teaching Experience preferable

Position details:

• Fixed hourly rate with additional bonuses such as class competition bonus, enrollment bonus, online activities bonus
• Sponsored TESOL certification training
• Availability in Peak hours -UTC
  • Mon-Fri 6pm to 10pm 
  • Sat and Sun- 10 am to 10 pm 
• Flexibility in work hours

Overall rating :

4.3

Based on 211 reviews

7. The Really Great Teacher Company

More than an educational platform, The Really Great Teacher Company or TRGTC is a provider of Teacher Management Services. They pride themselves in ensuring high-quality training through “The Best Teachers, 24/7. Guaranteed” Although they are a Hong kong based company, they have extensive experience of managing educational operations in both Asia and South Africa. TRGTC has a strong presence in South Africa and are constantly hiring for online TEFL jobs in South Africa.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or above
• 120 hr TEFL/TESOL Certification
• Computers/laptop with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed 
• Good command over English language with neutral accent
• Good communication skills
• Computer literate
• Teaching Experience preferred
• Backup power system (UPS) is non-negotiable

Position details:

• Fixed-term contract/agreement
• Shifts are from 6 am-8 pm
  • Peak hours (South African time)-
    • Mon-Fri 8 pm 
• Sat and Sun- 6 am to 6 pm 
• $6/hr base pay + performance bonuses
• Guaranteed 10hrs-30hrs/week

Overall rating :

2.7

Based on 7 reviews

# 8 FirstFuture

A pioneer of B2B Online English training in China, First Future partners with various language academies and schools to provide global learning experience. There are different projects available with students of varied age from Young Learners to Adults. In addition, the class size and time can also differ. A classroom broadcast session with 20 students and small group sessions of 4-6 students are of 40 mins. While the one-on-one sessions are of 25 mins. In case, you are working on a scheduled project, you will get paid even if the class is not booked.

E-Plus is the highest paying project of FirstFuture. New applicants require prior teaching experience to qualify for this project. It ensures 10-12hrs/week guaranteed work pay even if classes are not booked.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or above
• TEFL Certification or equivalent qualification
• Computers/laptop with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed 
• Native English language speakers with neutral accent
• One year teaching experience 

Position details:

• Average hourly rate $17-$23 per hour with a base rate of $12-$18 per hour
• A weekend bonus of $1 per class
• Various teaching projects to choose from
• Availability in Peak hours -UTC
  • Mon-Fri 5 pm to 9 pm 
  • Sat and Sun- 10 am to 9 pm 
• Flexibility in work hours

Overall rating :

3.9

Based on 70 reviews

9. Cambly

Cambly is a learning platform that builds your conversational fluency at different skill levels from basic conversational capability to powerful business communication. Cambly Inc. is essentially an educational app based in California that helps users to learn verbal and non-verbal English by connecting one-to-one with their preferred tutor.

Cambly also provides tutoring for preparation of exams such as IELTS and TOEFL with mock tests.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree, TEFL Certification or equivalent qualification NOT required
• Computers/laptops with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed 
• Native English language speakers with neutral accent
• Teaching experience NOT required

Position Details:

• Average hourly rate $10.20 /hour with a base rate of $12/hour on Cambly Kids
• Weekly payment via Paypal
• Flexibility in work hours

Overall rating :

3.5

Based on 482 reviews

10. ABC360

Abc360 is a multimedia learning platform providing high quality online English tutors. The company provides training to its tutors to ensure that the best learning experience is provided to the students. Founded in 2011 and based in China, abc360 provides learning in various stages for a student. The company has also expanded its operations in the Philippines. Stage 1 is for Young Learners of 4-6 years; Stage 2 for 7-12 years old learners; Stage 3 for 13-16 years old children and Stage 4 for 16+ years old teens.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher required
• Computers/laptop with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed 
• Native English language speakers with a neutral accent (American and British accent preferred)
• Good communication skills required
• TEFL certificate or equivalent preferred
• Teaching experience preferred

Position details:

• Full time post with monthly remuneration of PHP12, 000
• Work in 8 hour shifts from 6am to 12 midnight
• Training provided to all tutors to ensure high quality learning standards
• For part-time work remuneration is around PHP 100 /hr
• Work hours 5pm-9pm
• Good healthcare plan for employees
• Option to select 5-day or 6-day per week schedule 

Overall rating :

2.7

Based on 152 reviews

11. PalFish

PalFish is an English Learning platform specifically for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It provides two Learning programs-the Official Kids Course and the FreeTalk program for adults. The Official Kids Course is for 3-12 years old students and is according to learning content provided by PalFish. The tutors can create their own non-official courses for tutoring under the FreeTalk program.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher required
• Mobile devices with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed 
• Native English language speakers for the Official Kids Course while non-native speakers can apply for the FreeTalk program
• Good communication skills required
• TEFL certificate or equivalent preferred for the Official Kids Course
• Teaching experience preferred

Position details:

For the FreeTalk program-

• You can set your own rate per min
• No minimum hours required
• No qualifications required

For the Official Kids Course-

• The average pay of $22 per hour
• Class duration of 25 mins

• The minimum weekly commitment of 4 hours
• Peak Work hours 5 pm-9 pm Beijing Time
• PalFish charges 20% commission for providing facilities to host the classes on the app

Overall rating :

3.3

Based on 121 reviews

12. Open English

One of the unique language schools, Open English offers English classes for kids as well as adults and corporate entities in Latin America. The online interactive education platform has programs for both group classes and personal tutoring. Students are also invited to get a free placement test to assess their skill sets before enrolling for a program.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher required
• Computers/laptop with reliable audio/ video capability and fast internet speed 
• Native English language speakers/ C2 level of CEFR 
• Bilingual with knowledge of Spanish
• Good communication skills required
• TEFL certificate or equivalent preferred
• 1-3 years teaching experience

Position details:

• Contract of 12 months
• Average pay of $13 per hour
• Availability of minimum 10 hrs per week
• Training provided to all tutors to ensure high-quality learning standards
• Work hours Mon to Sun – 9 am to 11 pm ET

Overall rating :

4.0

Based on 60 reviews

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