How to become a TESOL teacher
Become a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages teacher and help students from different backgrounds develop important new communication skills.
Begin your TESOL career
Earn a bachelor degree in education and teaching, or another relevant area, like arts and humanities.
Acquire a postgraduate TESOL certification, like a Graduate Certificate in TESOL or a Master of TESOL. You can study these qualifications online.
Consider whether you’d like to provide specialist language skills, like business English, to your clients or potential employers. If so, ensure you choose a course that covers business English.
If you want to work outside of Australia, inform yourself of any additional requirements within the country you wish to work in.
What is a TESOL teacher?
TESOL teachers help students from non-English speaking backgrounds learn how to write, read and speak English. These students can be international students, migrants, refugees, children, young adults or adult learners.
What does a TESOL teacher do?
TESOL teachers help students improve their English language abilities both in the classroom and online. They also guide learners on Australian culture and norms so they can confidently settle into their local community.
TESOL teachers are typically employed by schools, universities, TAFEs and private English language colleges.
Duties and tasks
Planning an English language curriculum
Implementing an English language curriculum
Teaching correct English pronunciation
Teaching correct English vocabulary and grammar
Introducing students to Australian culture and customs
Liaising between English learners and the broader community
TESOL teacher skills
To secure a role as a TESOL teacher, you’ll need the following skills and knowledge:
Native English-speaking skills or proficiency to teach the English language
An ability to work well with small groups
Time management
Cultural sensitivity
Public speaking skills
TESOL teacher salary
According to SEEK, as of 2022 the average TESOL teacher salary in Australia falls between $60,000 and $80,000 per year, or $40 per hour.
Industry bodies
Explore online TESOL degrees
Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
PostgraduateCUR-TES-GCE
Specialist English language TESOL teachers are in demand worldwide
Add TESOL to your resume to find career opportunities in specialist language centres in Australia and overseas. Gain an appreciation of the value of cultural and linguistic diversity and its place in teaching.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages
PostgraduateGRF-TES-GCE
Share your language with the world
Whether you’re planning to teach English in Australia or overseas, this qualification will give you a head start. You’ll work through the elements of teaching, including linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and second language learning.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Leadership
PostgraduateGRF-ESL-MAS
Build specialised knowledge and skills in TESOL for leaders
Become a TESOL professional and step up to higher roles in advisory and leadership. You’ll deep dive into critical issues in TESOL research, methodology and assessment. Direct and teach ESL programs in Australia or overseas. Take a focus on Asia-Pacific.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Education
PostgraduateTAS-EDN-GCE
Deepen your knowledge and expertise in education
Upgrade your education knowledge and skills to the next level. You’ll explore current theories and innovations in education. Choose a specialisation to focus your studies and build career options. Pursue excellence in the education sector.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Available majors
- Applied Learning,
- TESOL,
- Leadership,
- Non-Specialisation stream
Explore online TESOL subjects
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Methodologies
PostgraduateCUR-TESOL502
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
Languages Teaching Methodologies
PostgraduateTAS-EMT517
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 6 Jul 2026
PostgraduateCUR-TESOL503
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 1 Dec 2025, 1 Jun 2026, 30 Nov 2026
Enrolments open until 4 Dec
Materials Design and Assessment
PostgraduateCUR-TESOL501
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026, 31 Aug 2026
Need help making study choices for your career?
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Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
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What is TESOL?
Want more than a traditional teaching career? Life as a TESOL teacher could be the ideal path for you. Let's explore what this teaching specialty is, and why it can lead to opportunities all over the world.